Inverell

Pioneer Village This collection of homes and buildings dating from 1840 was moved from its original site to form a 'village of yesteryear'. Attractions include Grove homestead, Paddy's Pub and Mt Drummond Woolshed. Gooda Cottage has an impressive collection of gems and minerals. Tea and damper are served by prior arrangement. Tingha Rd; (02) 6722 1717.

Visitor Centre and Mining Museum: local and imported gems, a static display on the local mining industry, photographs and a video of local mines, and a working scale model of a sapphire plant; Water Towers Complex, Campbell St. Inverell Art Centre: paintings, pottery and craft; Evans St. Gem Centre: visitors can see local stones being processed; Byron St. Transport Museum: over 200 vehicles on display with an impressive collection of rarities; Taylor Ave. Town Stroll: includes sites such as the National Trust–classified courthouse and the CBC Bank building with stables at the rear; brochure from visitor centre. Arts, crafts and wood-turning: work by local artists; brochure from visitor centre.

Kwiambal National Park The Macintyre River flows through gorges and plunge pools to Macintyre Falls and then leads into the Severn River. The park is rich with protected woodlands of white cypress pine, box and ironbark. Bat nurseries can be viewed with a torch in the remarkable Ashford Caves, which until the 1960s were mined for guano (bat droppings) to be used as fertiliser on local farms. The park makes a serene site for swimming, bushwalking and camping. Encounters with kangaroos, emus and koalas are common. 90 km N.

McIlveen Lookout: excellent views of town and surrounding pastures and nature reserve; 2 km W. Lake Inverell Reserve: 100 ha of unique aquatic sanctuary for birds and wildlife. Also an excellent site for picnics, bushwalking, birdwatching and fishing; 3 km E. Draught Horse Centre: 6 breeds of horse and displays of harnesses and memorabilia, horses are paraded twice daily; Fishers Rd; 4 km E. Goonoowigall Bushland Reserve: rough granite country rich with birdlife and marsupials, it offers superb birdwatching, remains of a Chinese settlement, bushwalking trails and picnic areas; 5 km S. Morris' Honey Farm: visitors can see working bees, taste honey and learn how it is produced. Ride the miniature train and explore the animal park and bottle museum; inquiries (02) 6723 6281; 8 km SW. Copeton Dam State Recreation Area: perfect for boating, waterskiing, swimming, fishing, bushwalking and rock climbing. It also has adventure playgrounds, water slides, and picnic and barbecue facilities. Kangaroos graze on the golf course at dusk; inquiries (02) 6723 6269; 17 km S. DeJon Sapphire Centre: working sapphire mine with sales; Glen Innes Rd; (02) 6723 2222; 19 km E. Gwydir Ranch 4WD Park: rugged and colourful gorge country ideal for canoeing, camping, fishing, bushwalking and swimming. Also popular with photographers and artists; 28 km W. Green Valley Farm: working sheep property with zoo, accommodation, extensive gardens, playground and picnic and barbecue facilities. The highlight is Smith's Mining and Natural History Museum, with a rare collection of gems and minerals, local Aboriginal artefacts, antiques and period clothing; inquiries (02) 6723 3370; 36 km SE. Pindari Dam: fishing, swimming, camping and picnic and barbecue facilities; 58 km N. Gwydir River: one of the best whitewater rafting locations in the country during the summer months; brochure from visitor centre. Warm-weather wineries: cellar-door tastings; brochure from visitor centre. Fossicking sites: great spots for searching for tin, sapphires, quartz or even diamonds; maps at visitor centre.

Lake Copeton 19 km

Lake Copeton has an excellent catchment area, fed by the Gwydir River and runoff from the New England Tablelands. The lake is about 46 km west of Inverell on the Gwydir Highway. Its dam wall was constructed primarily to... Find out more

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Coffs Harbour - Fishing Sub-region 205 km

My introduction to fishing north of Sydney was at Coffs Harbour, an area with a diverse range of options. The first time I fished here I was into land-based game and spent most of my time on the ledges of Mutton Bird... Find out more

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South-West Rocks 220 km

When it comes to popularity, there are two types of fishing destinations: those that are hot all the time and those that wax and wane depending on the season. South West Rocks is in the first category. For as long as I... Find out more

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Birdwatching - Port Macquarie to Lismore 73 km

There are a couple of top birdwatching spots in the New England area. One of the most spectacular is an all-weather bird hide among masses of waterbirds at Quipolly Dam, about 18 kilometres north-east of Quirindi. Mother... Find out more

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Armidale Bicentennial Arboretum 98 km

Armidale Bicentennial Arboretum, a dozen blocks from the centre of town, has thousands of native plants, walking tracks, picnic shelters and aquatic gardens with a waterfall.... Find out more

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Picnicking around Coffs Harbour 202 km

This is such an attractive area that you will find no shortage of places to throw the rug down – whether on a beach, a headland, or a patch of quiet forest floor. One spot worth checking out is the beautiful North... Find out more

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Bush-tucker tasting - Macksville 203 km

Sample some Australian bushfoods at Valley of the Mist near Macksville, a farm dedicated to sustainable methods. You will taste bush fruits, nuts, herbs and condiments and have a tour of the farm. You can also take a... Find out more

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Houseboating on the Macleay River 220 km

Although large chugging houseboats can be an environmental no-no, Macleay River Houseboats at Kempsey are small – designed for just two people – use relatively clean four-stroke petrol motors, have... Find out more

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Burning Mountain Nature Reserve 232 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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Koala-spotting - Coonabarabran 242 km

Coonabarabran is home to one of the healthiest koala colonies in the state, and the solitary mammals are often seen in and around the town. Try the Porcupine Reserve and while there check out the view over the Liverpool... Find out more

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Bonville Golf Resort 197 km

Bonville is Australia’s most beautiful inland course. Carved from 250 hectares of flooded gums and blackbutt forest, with small pockets of subtropical rainforest, Bonville is often described as Australia’s... Find out more

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The Royal Club Hotel Motel

The relaxing, down-to-earth bistro at this local hotel-motel is in a separate dining area, away from the front bar. Tuck into steaks, schnitzels or a mixed grill while the kids play in the adjacent children’s room.... Find out more

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Northern Foreshore Reserve camping area 17 km

On the northern shores of Copeton Dam, across the water from Copeton Waters State Park, this is a wonderful spot for fishing, waterskiing, fossicking, boating and birdwatching. There are powered and unpowered sites... Find out more

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Copeton Waters State Park camping area 22 km

What can’t you do here? Canoeing, sailing, golf, fishing, walking and cricket are just a few of the activities on offer for daytrippers or multi-day visitors alike. There’s even a water slide. There are... Find out more

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Ironbark camping area 34 km

A small natural clearing amid woodland beside Kings Plains Creek, the Ironbark camping area is about 800 m along the road from Kings Plains Creek camping area. It’s got vehicle-based camping (2WD in dry weather... Find out more

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Kings Plains Creek camping area 34 km

A broad, sweeping grassed area ringed with ironbark woodlands, this camping area can be reached via Jindalee Rd from Kings Plains Rd west of Wellingrove. Turn west about 2.5 km from Jindalee. There’s a short walk... Find out more

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Pindari Dam camping area 45 km

Pindari Dam is 25 km east of Ashford on the Severn River, accessed via Pindari Dam Rd. The small camping area is perched just above the dam with lovely water views. It offers easy access to waterborne activities such as... Find out more

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Gwydir River camping areas 47 km

Bingara is a quaint and friendly town, 38 km east of Narrabri on the Gwydir River. There’s a 10 km area eastward from the town on Keera Rd where casual riverside bush camping is available. You can swim, fish and... Find out more

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Cranky Rock Recreation Reserve 50 km

Located 8 km east of Warialda on the Gwydir Hwy, Cranky Rock Recreation Reserve is characterised by a visually arresting assembly of granite boulders, picnic facilities, a kiosk and bush shower. Visitors can follow a... Find out more

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Lemon Tree Flat camping area 71 km

To reach the camping area, follow Wallangra Rd north from Ashford and turn onto Limestone Rd. Parts of the road are unsealed, so if it’s been raining check with the parks office for road conditions. You can set up... Find out more

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Blatherarm Creek camping area 81 km

From Deepwater, north of Glen Innes on the New England Hwy, turn west onto the Stannum Rd and follow the signs to the conservation area. The campground is via Blatherarm Rd off Silent Grove Rd. It’s not far from... Find out more

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Glen Rest Tourist Park 60 km

Located 3.5 km south of Glen Innes, in a pleasant rural setting, this park is an ideal stopover for travellers passing through the region. Bookings are required during peak periods and festivals and a minimum-length stay... Find out more

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Craigieburn Cottages 60 km

On the southern outskirts of town, this park is in a picturesque setting with green lawns, shady trees and enormous granite boulders.... Find out more

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Fossicker Caravan Park 61 km

Only 200 metres from the centre of town, this park is within easy walking distance of most town services. It is one of the best parks in Glen Innes. A minimum-length stay applies at Easter, long weekends and special... Find out more

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Pembroke Tourist and Leisure Park 99 km

A lovely spot with shady trees and wide expanses of lawn, this park is only 3 km from the town centre. There are two kennel areas where guests can leave their dogs while enjoying the local attractions or catching up on... Find out more

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Uralla Caravan Park 103 km

Located one block from the New England Highway and within easy walking distance of the town, this is a clean and tidy park suitable for short or longer visits.... Find out more

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Country Road Caravan Park 104 km

A popular stopover on the New England Highway, this park has good facilities and is an ideal base for exploring the area. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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Gwydir Carapark 126 km

This park is located on the southern approach to Moree, about 3 km from the town centre. It has good amenities but its most attractive feature is the hot mineral spa and pool. A relaxing dip in a thermal pool is very... Find out more

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Girraween National Park 132 km

Girraween National Park has camping areas that provide space for caravans and motorhomes. The camping area is 10 km from the New England Highway along a sealed road. There is a minimal amount of unsealed road within the... Find out more

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Country Style Tourist Accommodation Park 139 km

Adjacent to the highway, this park is 9 km south of Stanthorpe. The spacious, wellcared- for establishment is an ideal base from which to explore the region’s vineyards and national parks. Bookings are recommended... Find out more

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Kootingal Kourt Caravan Park 140 km

Conveniently located alongside the New England Highway, this tidy park is ideal for an overnight stop. It is also a good base for those attending the Tamworth Country Music Festival during January, when a booking is... Find out more

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Blair Athol Estate

Blair Athol Estate, a 1904 manor set in gardens dating back to the 1870s, is surrounded by 20 hectares of farmland and boasts 2 hectares of formal gardens, containing many plant species grown from seeds acquired from Kew... Find out more

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Fossickers Rest Tourist Park

This is a privately owned four-star caravan park set in 2 hectares of rural landscape, with lots of shady trees. There are camping sites, powered caravan sites, cabins (including budget and deluxe) and spacious... Find out more

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Lily Pily Country House, Bellingen 186 km

The owners of this stylish B&B have spent seven years revegetating and securing wildlife corridors along the riparian zone here, planting some 4000 trees and 2000 reeds, resulting in an increase in bandicoots,... Find out more

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Destiny Boonah 243 km

Set on 80 hectares of Land for Wildlife property, this self-contained three-bedroom cottage is solar- and wind-powered. You are encouraged to bring a mountain bike or go bushwalking on the property, which is located near... Find out more

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Runnymede Rest Area 3 km

4 km E of Inverell (L) or 63 km W of Glenn Innes (R) Large area adjacent to the highway. Good shade. GPS: S29 46.860 E151 08.788... Find out more

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Bells Rest Area 15 km

46 km E of Warialda (R) or 15 km W of Inverell (L) Large area adjacent to the highway. Good shade. GPS: S29 44.172 E150 57.717... Find out more

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Swan Brook Rest Area 31 km

33 km E of Inverell (R) or 34 km W of Glen Innes (L) Large area just off the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S29 46.295 E151 26.149  ... Find out more

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Dumboy Creek Rest Area 34 km

25 km E of Warialda (R) or 36 km W of Inverell (L) Large area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S29 38.380 E150 47.835... Find out more

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Kooligur Rest Area 56 km

3 km E of Warialda (R) or 58 W of Inverell (L) Small area among some trees. Good shade. GPS: S29 32.961 E150 35.452... Find out more

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Warialda Rest Area 59 km

78 km E of Moree (L) or 2 km W of Warialda (R) Large area around a few trees. Good shade. GPS: S29 32.759 E150 33.429... Find out more

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Celtic Country Rest Area 60 km

92 km N of Armidale (R) or 7 km S of Glen Innes (L) Large area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S29 47.244 E151 43.942  ... Find out more

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Beardy Waters Rest Area 65 km

10 km N of Glen Innes (L) or 82 km S of Tenterfield (R) Large grassed area well off the highway. Good facilities and some reasonable shade.  GPS: S29 39.7 59 E151 46.509... Find out more

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Beardy Waters Woodland Park Area 66 km

6 km E of Glen Innes (R) or 154 km W of Grafton (L) Large grassed area well off the highway among the trees. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S29 43.568 E151 47.362... Find out more

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Gum Flat Camp Area 105 km

T/O 25 km E of Moree (L) or 55 km W of Warialda (R) Secluded area 3 kilometres north of the highway on the riverbank. NOTE: Unsealed access. GPS: S29 27.930 E150 04.916 ... Find out more

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Thunderbolts Rock Park Area 108 km

82 km N of Tamworth (R) or 29 km S of Armidale (L) Small area just off the highway. GPS: S30 41.726 E151 28.157... Find out more

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Bluff Rock Rest Area 110 km

80 km N of Glen Innes (R) or 12 km S of Tenterfield (L) Small area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S29 09.277 E152 00.108... Find out more

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Kentucky Rest Area 112 km

72 km N of Tamworth (L) or 39 km S of Armidale (R) Small area adjacent to the highway. Good shade. GPS: S30 45.189 E151 23.039... Find out more

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Boundary Falls Camp Area 113 km

T/O 60 km E of Glen Innes (L) or 100 km W of Grafton (R) Small secluded campground 2 kilometres north of the highway in the forest of Gibraltar Range National Park. Good facilities and shade. NOTE: Unsealed access. ... Find out more

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Bellbird Camp Area 121 km

T/O 73 km E of Glen Innes (L) or 87 km W of Grafton (R) Small campground 4 kilometres north of the highway in a secluded bush setting deep in the forest of Washpool National Park. Good facilities and shade. NOTE:... Find out more

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Bendemeer Park Area 123 km

On the road into town Parking area just off the highway at the Memorial Park. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S30 52.762 E151 09.459  ... Find out more

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Boolooroo Rest Area 123 km

8 km N of Moree (L) or 116 km S of Goondiwindi (R) Large area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S29 25.235 E149 54.285  ... Find out more

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Mulligans Hut Camp Area 124 km

T/O 69 km E of Glen Innes (R) or 91 km W of Grafton (L) Small secluded campground situated in a natural bush setting 9 kilometres south of the highway in Gibraltar Range National Park. Good facilities and shade. NOTE:... Find out more

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Gil Gil Creek Rest Area 125 km

39 km N of Moree (L) or 85 km S of Goondiwindi (R) Large area just off the highway. GPS: S29 09.864 E150 00.798  ... Find out more

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Moree Park Area 128 km

North side of town Parking area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S29 27.301 E149 50.758  ... Find out more

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Woolbrook Rest Area 128 km

T/O 30 km W of Walcha (R) or 20 km E of Bendemeer (L) Large grassed area 1 kilometre off the highway on the riverbank. Limited shade. GPS: S30 55.010 E151 18.988  ... Find out more

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Tookey Creek Rest Area 128 km

52 km N of Narrabri (L) or 48 km S of Moree (R) Large area adjacent to the highway surrounded by scrub. Good shade. GPS: S29 52.28 E149 47.19... Find out more

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North Star Rest Area 134 km

85 km N of Moree (R) or 39 km S of Goondiwindi (L) Large area just off the highway among a few trees. GPS: S28 50.420 E150 13.536... Find out more

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Mann River Rest Area 142 km

115 km E of Glen Innes (R) or 45 km W of Grafton (L) Small area with good views over the Mann River. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S29 34.652 E152 33.417... Find out more

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Walcha East Rest Area 146 km

159 km NW of Wauchope (R) or 5 km SE of Walcha (L) Large open area just off the highway. GPS: S31 00.477 E151 38.171  ... Find out more

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Airport Rest Area 147 km

9 km W of Tamworth (R) or 70 km E of Gunnedah (L) Large open area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S31 04.670 E150 51.042... Find out more

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Tamworth Park Area 149 km

East side of town Small parking area just off the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S31 06.528 E150 57.245... Find out more

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