Explore Australia

Fort Scratchley This fascinating fort was built in 1882 amid fears of Russian attack. Soldiers' barracks and officers' residences were built in 1886. It is one of the few gun installations to have fired on the Japanese in WW II and it remains in excellent condition. Explore networks of tunnels, gun emplacements and fascinating military and maritime museums, all perched high above Newcastle Harbour. Nobbys Rd; (02) 4929 3066; open Wed–Mon, 10am–4pm.

Queens Wharf: centre point of foreshore redevelopment with restaurants, boutique brewery and observation tower linked by a walkway to Hunter Street Mall. Newcastle Regional Art Gallery: broad collection of Australian art including works by Arthur Streeton, Brett Whiteley, William Dobell, Sidney Nolan and Russell Drysdale, as well as changing exhibitions; closed Mon; Laman St; (02) 4974 5100. Darby Street: Newcastle's bohemian enclave has vibrant restaurants and cafes, giftshops, galleries and young designer boutiques. King Edward Park: waterfront recreation reserve since 1863 featuring sunken gardens, ocean views, band rotunda (1898), Soldiers Baths (public pool) and Bogey Hole, a hole cut in rocks by convicts; Shortland Espl. Merewether Baths: largest ocean baths in the Southern Hemisphere; Scenic Dr. Blackbutt Reserve: 182 ha of bushland with duck ponds, native animal enclosures, walking trails, and picnic and barbecue facilities; New Lambton, off Carnley Ave; (02) 4904 3344. Hunter Wetlands Centre: 45 ha wetlands reserve 10 min from the city centre, with bike trails, playground, treasure hunt, guided eco-tours, canoe hire, picnic areas and cafe; Sandgate Rd, Shortland; (02) 4951 6466. Self-guide walks: include Town Walk and Shipwreck Walk; maps from visitor centre. Cruises: on the river and harbour; bookings at visitor centre.

Lake Macquarie The enormous saltwater lake provides a huge aquatic playground with secluded bays and coves, sandy beaches and well-maintained parks lining its foreshore. Lake cruises leave from Toronto Wharf and Belmont Public Wharf. Dobell House, on the shore at Wangi Wangi, was the home of artist Sir William Dobell and has a collection of his work and memorabilia. Open to the public Sat and Sun 1pm–4pm and public holidays; (02) 4975 4115. The Lake Macquarie Heritage Afloat Festival is held here every Apr. 20 km S.

Munmorah State Recreation Area: Munmorah State Conservation Area: coastal wilderness with great walking, picnicking, camping, swimming, surfing and fishing; 15 km W; (02) 4972 9000. Eraring Power Station: regular tours include access to cooling towers and a simulator used to train operators; bookings essential, phone (02) 4973 0700; 22 km S. Swansea: modern resort town enjoying both lake and ocean exposure. It is popular with anglers and has excellent surf beaches; 24 km S. Surf beaches: many with world-class breaks, including Newcastle, Merewether and Nobbys; details from visitor centre.

Port Stephens 39 km

 Port Stephens is about 220 km north of Sydney and offers a mixed bag of quality species. In the estuaries, bream, flathead, mulloway and whiting dominate the catch while beach anglers do well on tailor, whiting and... Find out more

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Hawkesbury-Nepean River 87 km

The Hawkesbury River is regarded as one of the most consistent waters for big mulloway, or jewfish as they are called. It was with mulloway in mind that I went to the river to fish with Colin Tannahill. The river flows... Find out more

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Botany Bay 130 km

Recently I fished a hot-water outlet alongside the Kurnell refinery pier in Botany Bay, a few hundred metres from a monument dedicated to Captain James Cook’s landing in Australia in April 1770. A year before,... Find out more

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Port Hacking 142 km

In my youth, bream was a species anglers sought to put food on the table. It was a ‘kill it and fillet’ favourite. Both yellowfin and black bream fought well, but the sedentary nature of bait fishing –... Find out more

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Lithgow to Mudgee 168 km

Early settlers following in the footsteps of Blaxland, Wentworth and Lawson took three weeks of hard trudging to cross the majestic Blue Mountains. These days the drive from the Penrith plains in western Sydney takes... Find out more

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Snorkelling and diving around Nelson Bay 41 km

Nelson Bay and surrounds offer some superb snorkelling and diving. Many locations are accessible by boat only, such as beautiful Broughton Island, but there are some exceptional shore dives and snorkelling – some... Find out more

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The Great North Walk 97 km

Although it links two of Australia’s most populated cities, Sydney and Newcastle, and passes through some beautiful bushland, the Great North Walk does not get the foot traffic you might expect. A 250-kilometre,... Find out more

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Bushwalking in and around Sydney 97 km

Surprisingly, Sydney does offer some superb bushwalking through secluded bushland. Aboriginal engraving and art sites are quite common, and many are not publicised, simply leaving you to discover them, appreciate them,... Find out more

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Barrington Tops National Park 100 km

Best known for its superb bushwalking among ancient Antarctic beech forest and rainforest that receives snow several times a year, this 83 403-hectare park is one of the highest spots on the Great Dividing Range and even... Find out more

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Kayaking, Newcastle to Port Macquarie 103 km

Barrington Outdoor Adventure Centre at Gloucester offers an exciting one-day tour down the Barrington River. Guides can tailor the trip for beginners or family groups, choosing a quieter part of the river where there are... Find out more

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Kayaking in Sydney 112 km

Surprisingly, this activity has only taken off in Sydney in the past few years. With a city centred on such great waterways, there is plenty to explore, whether just for an hour or two, or a whole week. Sydney Harbour... Find out more

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Taronga Zoo 113 km

One of the world’s best zoos, Taronga is involved in a wide variety of threatened species recovery operations, wildlife rehabilitation and animal research work. As well as having a great day by Sydney Harbour,... Find out more

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Picnicking in the Blue Mountains 144 km

Take a picnic up to the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden in Mount Tomah at any time of year and you will not be disappointed. At 1000 metres above sea level, it is usually cool in summer, brimming with flowers in spring,... Find out more

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Burning Mountain Nature Reserve 145 km

Forget global warming for a while and marvel at this coal seam, about 30 metres underground, that has been burning as hot as 1700°C for an estimated 5500 years. A 3.5-kilometre walk to the top of the mountain through... Find out more

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Ice-climbing 162 km

In winter, the frozen cliffs around Blue Lake provide one of the only places in Australia to learn and perfect the art of ice-climbing. Multi-day courses involve a hike in with heavy packs, and camping out in the... Find out more

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Newcastle Golf Club 7 km

Long before American Tom Doak became the revered course designer he is today, he travelled the world playing and studying more than 800 courses. He made notes on every one, before compiling them into what he called ... Find out more

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Pacific Dunes Golf Club 20 km

Advances in club and ball technology, aimed at helping players hit longer and straighter, have had a big effect on golf course architecture since the early 1990s. Many new developers have urged designers to stretch... Find out more

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The Vintage Golf Club 48 km

Hunter Valley semillon, with its zesty aromas and flavours, is sometimes described by wine experts as ‘Australia’s wine gift to the world’. Its appeal also lies in its capacity to age well. The same... Find out more

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Magenta Shores Golf & Country Club 49 km

There is something truly inspiring about a golf course – whatever the quality of its playing surfaces – that offers the smells and sounds of the ocean. This is perhaps what first persuaded the Scots to use... Find out more

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Kooindah Waters Golf & Spa Resort 52 km

Throughout his playing career, Craig Parry has won tournaments around the world thanks to a mix of sound strategy, good ball-striking and a first-class short game. He brought those same key elements – golfing... Find out more

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Monash Country Club 97 km

The first few years after World War II were boom years for golf course construction in Sydney, particularly north of the harbour. The founding members of Monash Country Club – which is today located high in the... Find out more

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Terrey Hills Golf & Country Club 99 km

A golf course, by its very nature, is a living and constantly changing thing. A fine example of the way a course can grow and the effect this can have on its original design lies at Terrey Hills, about 40 minutes... Find out more

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Long Reef Golf Club 100 km

Occupying the Long Reef headland on Sydney’s northern beaches – ‘one of the best sites of any golf course in Sydney’, according to five-time British Open champion Peter Thomson – this... Find out more

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Pymble Golf Club 107 km

Pymble Golf Club has a rich history of nurturing some of the finest ball-strikers Australia has seen. The great Kel Nagle was the club’s resident professional for five years, and it was on the Pymble practice... Find out more

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Avondale GOLF CLUB 110 km

When 19th-hole conversation turns to discussing the best places to play golf in Sydney, one course often slips under the radar. Avondale Golf Club quite rightly ranks among the harbour city’s finest courses. Yet... Find out more

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Bacchus

With its decor featuring velvet drapes and chaises longues, Bacchus offers elegant fine dining. Choose from the extensive à la carte menu in the formal dining room, complete with white linen and crystal glassware,... Find out more

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Queens Wharf Brewery

The smartly developed waterfront restaurant features harbourside dining, either alfresco or indoors, and serves hearty, family-friendly fare. Seafood is a specialty, from oysters and mussels to the fisherman’s... Find out more

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Restaurant Deux

Restaurant II is generally regarded as the best restaurant in Newcastle. Its seasonal menu makes use of the nearby Hunter Valley produce, and offers innovative dishes such as tea-smoked quail with spicy eggplant salad... Find out more

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Silo Restaurant & Lounge

Eclectic, electric, excellent – Silo Restaurant and Lounge is Newcastle’s new harbourside favourite and everyone flocks to its tables to eat and be seen. The decor is incredible and the ambience is groovy,... Find out more

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Billy Kwong 119 km

This up-market restaurant in Surry Hills claims to have been the first restaurant in New South Wales that chose to become carbon neutral. Owned and run by passionate advocate of sustainability and ethical eating Kylie... Find out more

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Green Gourmet 121 km

These totally vegan restaurants have fascinating dishes including mock fish, made from taro, mushroom steaks and desserts such as green tea moon cake.... Find out more

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Steel River Brewery 7 km

Every brewhouse has its own distinct personality – new ones are punched out in uniform fashion and pretty much look the same, but pre-loved ones tend to have a bit more character and, more often than not, a... Find out more

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Bluetongue Brewery 17 km

Set up in 2004 by a consortium of Hunter region identities, including wine man Bruce Tyrell and hotelier Ian Burford, Bluetongue Brewery soon established a significant regional market for its premium lager and alcoholic... Find out more

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Murray's Craft Brewing Company 25 km

But there’s a-nothing so lonesome, morbid or drear, Than to stand in the bar of a pub with no beer. So sang the late country singing legend Slim Dusty and, more importantly, the words of the famous song were penned... Find out more

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Hunter Beer Company 43 km

Potters Brewery, as this microbrewery is also known, might seem like a rather odd addition to this convention-based accommodation complex, which is named after the historic beehive-shaped pottery kilns scattered around... Find out more

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4 Pines Brewing Company 107 km

What do Margaret River and Manly have in common? Well, they both have popular surfing spots and craft breweries or, at least, they do now. The Mitchell family had seen the burgeoning Margaret River microbrewing scene... Find out more

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Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel 116 km

Sydney’s longest-running brew-pub is many things rolled into one fine watering hole – an institution for ale lovers, a tourist magnet and a haven for homesick Poms. The historic sandstone pub is as comfy as a... Find out more

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Redoak Brewery 118 km

Redoak burst onto the craft-beer scene by winning a swag of medals at the 2004 Australian International Beer Awards before they had sold even a single drop. And they have continued to collect an impressive array of... Find out more

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Schwartz Brewery 118 km

Tucked away in the basement of the heritage-listed Macquarie Hotel in Surry Hills, this 8-hectolitre microbrewery is the hub of a burgeoning craft-beer empire run by owner Dr Jerry Schwartz. Apart from supplying the pub,... Find out more

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The Watagan Track 21 km

This 61 km track from Flat Rock you through rural farmland and Awaba State Forest, past the Sugerloaf Range and on to the town of Teralba on Lake Macquarie. There are 3 camping areas on this stretch, and accommodation at... Find out more

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Frazer camping ground 32 km

The 6 sites here each fit 6 people, and you can stay here for a maximum of 2 weeks. The camping ground is nestled in the Frazer Valley, close to the beach (only patrolled during Christmas and Easter holidays) and Snapper... Find out more

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Bays Holiday Park 33 km

You can camp in style at this well-appointed park on the Tomaree Peninsula in classy Port Stephens. As well as caravan and tent sites, there are one- and two-bedroom cabins and bunkhouse rooms sleeping four in each room.... Find out more

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Gap Creek camping area 35 km

To get here, continue along Bangalow Rd for 1 km past Bangalow Road camping area. Bring your own firewood; gas/fuel stove preferred. Gap Creek is situated near 2 rainforest walks, one of which wends its way beneath red... Find out more

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Bangalow Road camping area 35 km

As its name suggests, you’ll find this on Bangalow Rd, 3.8 km from the Mt Faulk Rd intersection, amid majestic blue gum and blackbutt forest. There are wood barbecues, although you’ll need to bring your own... Find out more

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Watagan Headquarters camping area 35 km

Once a forest workers’ camp, this is now a quiet, grassy area ringed with protective native forest and blue-leaved stringybark. You’ll find it off Watagan Rd, 3 km north of Watagan Forest Rd. Firewood and... Find out more

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Freemans camping ground 35 km

Freemans has 8 caravan sites and 28 tent sites, a short walk to Birdie Beach. Note that the grounds close at 6pm in winter, 9pm in summer, and camping is limited to stays of 2 weeks. You can only use gas barbecues and... Find out more

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Wharf Reserve camping area 37 km

Ah, the serenity. Watch the sun set over beautiful, tree-lined Williams River in historic Clarence Town, an old shipbuilding township 200 km north of Sydney and 50 km north of Newcastle. Coming from the south, take... Find out more

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Williams River Holiday Park camping area 38 km

This extensive and well-equipped holiday park in Clarence Town provides a range of accommodation styles, from tent-based camping to air-conditioned cabins. Clarence Town was an important trading port in the 1800s; today,... Find out more

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Tattersalls Campground 42 km

Located on the Karuah River, access is via Hobart Rd from Limeburners Creek. The site is for self-sufficient campers only, as there are no facilities, and access is 4WD only. Bring water, firewood and preferably a... Find out more

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Newcastle’s Stockton Beach Tourist Park 2 km

This park is located on the beachfront, just north of the port of Newcastle. Stroll along the beach, join in with the fishing on the breakwater, or just watch the large ships come and go. The park has large grassy areas... Find out more

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Bellhaven Caravan Park 17 km

With good access to the Pacific Highway, this basic park has grassy drive-through sites ideal for an overnight stop. The town centre is only a short drive away. Bookings are recommended all year round.... Find out more

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Belmont Pines Lakeside Holiday Park 18 km

Not far south of the city of Newcastle, this park is in a superb position on the shores of Lake Macquarie, in a quiet, off-the-highway location. It faces north, with great views across the water. It is a good family park... Find out more

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Blacksmiths Beachside Holiday Park 21 km

A very appealing park with modern amenities, this place is just 100 metres from the surf club. The photos in reception are testament to its popularity with caravan clubs. We like it. Bookings are required in peak periods... Find out more

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Swansea Gardens Lakeside Holiday Park 21 km

This large, council-operated park is located in a quiet area on the shores of Lake Macquarie. Facilities are good and include tennis courts and a half court basketball area. There are a small number of absolute... Find out more

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Discovery Holiday Parks – Port Stephens 30 km

Located in a quiet area of the Port Stephens region, this is a quality waterfront park ideal for a family holiday or just a few days. Bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-length stay applies during all... Find out more

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Australian Motor Homes Tourist Park 31 km

This park is designed for big rigs. Located alongside the Pacific Highway, west of Karuah, it is a great place for an overnight stay and popular with groups on weekends. The owners also operate a commercial fish farm,... Find out more

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BIG4 Karuah Jetty Village 34 km

Located in a quiet position a short distance from the Pacific Highway, this park has very good amenities and looks across the northern arm of Port Stephens. There is a long jetty, good for fishing, and a limited number... Find out more

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Munmorah State Conservation Area 35 km

The National Parks and Wildlife Service manage this recreation area. There are two camping areas, Fraser and Freemans, with tent sites and a limited number of unpowered caravan sites. It is just a short walk through the... Find out more

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One Mile Beach Holiday Park 35 km

This quality, award-winning caravan park is located in the popular Port Stephens region, just a few kilometres south of Nelson Bay. Set alongside a popular surf beach, it has excellent amenities and great recreational... Find out more

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Ashiana

A nickname for Ashiana could be ‘Shhh!’, as anyone who stays here wants this little guesthouse to remain their secret. Hiding inside a delightful Federation-style home are two private guest rooms that could... Find out more

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Cooks Hill Cottage

Centrally located near Newcastle’s bustling CBD and perfectly positioned to explore the surrounding areas, Cooks Hill Cottage is a rare find in fully self-contained accommodation. Sleek, stylish and brimming with... Find out more

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Crowne Plaza Newcastle

Located amid the historic maritime buildings in the Honeysuckle area, the Crowne Plaza is the premier foreshore hotel in Newcastle. There is a huge variety of contemporary suites to choose from, all decorated in a chic,... Find out more

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Banjo’s Bushland Retreat, Vacy 49 km

With three self-contained lodges of various sizes and a recreation room that includes an environmental centre, this eco-accredited resort keeps nature as its focus. Even the nine-hole minigolf course weaves around the... Find out more

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Somewhere Unique, Wollombi 58 km

The two stand-alone, couples-only cottages here are stylish, contemporary and have passive solar design. They are eco-accredited, on an 8-hectare bushland reserve, and use only renewable energy and Greenfleet vehicles.... Find out more

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Australia Walkabout Park, Calga 76 km

You can camp out with the 180 species of wild animal in this 32-hectare feral-proofed wildlife park that has a solid history of conservation and caring for injured and orphaned wildlife. The overnight camping experience... Find out more

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Wollemi Wilderness Retreat, Bilpin 140 km

These unusual self-contained cabins of various sizes feature passive solar design and are mainly constructed from recycled and salvaged materials. Although not high-class, they all have a spa and are in isolated bush... Find out more

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Bunjaree Cottages, Wentworth Falls 157 km

Great for families, Bunjaree Cottages have been designed to make a small environmental footprint, with full solar power and earth-brick insulation. One is built with recycled car tyres and mud, providing even better... Find out more

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Dargan Springs Mountain Lodge, Clarence 157 km

At the soft end of ecotourism, this pleasant lodge and wellness retreat has advanced eco-certification. It is surrounded by a mountain ash forest dotted with waratahs, the habitat of wombats and wallabies. With a maximum... Find out more

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Jemby-Rinjah Eco Lodge, Blackheath 158 km

One of the first working examples of large-scale sustainable tourism to exist in Australia, Jemby-Rinjah has advanced eco-accreditation, and one of the most extensive systems of composting toilets in the country. Ten... Find out more

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Old Leura Dairy 161 km

This creative collection of six buildings, which can sleep up to 30 people in various combinations, has been renovated and fitted out with all manner of recycled bits and bobs. There are old oven doors, rusted corrugated... Find out more

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Kanimbla View, Blackheath 162 km

Solar-powered, the two- and three-bedroom cottages here are surprisingly large inside. They are partially constructed from recycled and salvaged timbers, have composting toilets and a great view of the Kanimbla Valley... Find out more

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Woolshed Cabins, near Blackheath 163 km

Eleven kilometres from Blackheath and surrounded by a glorious natural amphitheatre of towering sandstone walls, the Woolshed Cabins sit on 100 hectares of cleared farmland (a working cattle farm) in the Kanimbla Valley,... Find out more

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Medowie Road Rest Area 29 km

58 km S of Bulahdelah (L) southbound only Small area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S32 40.225 E151 50.113... Find out more

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Twelve Mile Hill Rest Area 30 km

15 km N of Raymond Terrace (L) northbound only Large area just off the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S32 39.744 E151 50.559... Find out more

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Station Creek Rest Area 46 km

42 km N of Raymond Terrace (L) northbound only Large area just off the highway. GPS: S32 36.535 E152 05.746  ... Find out more

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Service Centre 51 km

93 km N of Sydney (L) or 74 km S of Raymond Terrace (R) Highway Service Centre just off the highway. GPS: S33 15.322 E151 24.172... Find out more

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Browns Flat Rest Area 54 km

20 km S of Bulahdelah (L) southbound only Large area just off the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S32 33.335 E152 08.982  ... Find out more

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Nerong Waterholes Rest Area 54 km

54 km N of Raymond Terrace (L) northbound only Large area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S32 32.904 E152 09.206  ... Find out more

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Pothana Lane Rest Area 55 km

30 km NW of Maitland (L) or 17 km SE of Singleton (R) Small area just off the highway via the old road. Limited shade. GPS: S32 39.433 E151 17.667  ... Find out more

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Ourimbah Exit Rest Area 60 km

82 km N of Sydney (L) or 85 km S of Raymond Terrace (R) Large area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S33 20.594 E151 22.046  ... Find out more

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Golden Highway Junction Rest Area 61 km

36 km NW of Maitland (L) or 11 km SE of Singleton (R) Small area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S32 38.553 E151 14.005  ... Find out more

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Singleton Park Area 69 km

South side of town Small parking area just off the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S32 34.321 E151 10.852... Find out more

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Bulahdelah Rest Area 72 km

2 km N of Bulahdelah (R) or 70 km S of Taree (L) Small area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S32 23.506 E152 13.310   ... Find out more

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Singleton North Rest Area 76 km

6 km NW of Singleton (R) or 43 km SE of Muswellbrook (L) Small area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S32 31.437 E151 07.945 ... Find out more

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Newmans Road Rest Areas 81 km

13 km N of Bulahdelah (L) or 59 km S of Taree (L) Small areas just off the highway (both sides). Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S32 21.059 E152 18.905 (NORTHBOUND) &        ... Find out more

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Hawkesbury River Rest Area 87 km

49 km N of Sydney (L) northbound only Large area just off the highway on the banks of the river. GPS: S33 32.029 E151 11.845... Find out more

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Wang Wauk Rest Area 99 km

36 km N of Bulahdelah (L) or 36 km S of Taree (R) Large area just off the highway. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S32 09.295 E152 19.352 ... Find out more

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Muswellbrook North Park Area 112 km

2 km N of Muswellbrook (R) or 23 km S of Scone (L) Small area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S32 14.858 E150 53.764... Find out more

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Talawahl Creek Rest Area 116 km

18 km S of Taree (L) southbound only Large area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S32 02.987 E152 26.816 ... Find out more

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Aberdeen Park Area 120 km

North side of town Small parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S32 09.641 E150 53.343... Find out more

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Four Mile Hill Rest Area 125 km

65 km N of Bulahdelah (L) northbound only Large area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S31 57.781 E152 27.925 ... Find out more

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Scone Park Area 129 km

At the information centre Parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S32 03.401 E150 52.174... Find out more

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Burning Mountain Rest Area 145 km

24 km N of Scone (R) or 108 km S of Tamworth (L) Large grassed area well off the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S31 51.383 E150 54.016... Find out more

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Coopernook Forest Camp Area 148 km

T/O 30 km N of Taree or 90 km S of Kempsey via Moorland Large grassed campground surrounded by forest located 5 kilometres west of the highway via Forest Road. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S31 47.330... Find out more

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