Uralla

McCrossin's Mill This restored 3-storey granite and brick flour mill (1870) is now a museum of local history. The ground floor and gardens are used for functions, but the upper levels have fascinating exhibitions, including the Wool Industry, Gold Mining (featuring a replica Chinese joss house) and an Aboriginal diorama. The Thunderbolt exhibition contains a set of 9 paintings depicting the events leading up to his death, painted by Phillip Pomroy. Inquiries (02) 6778 3022; Salisbury St.Hassett's Military Museum: large and impressive collection features displays on military history and memorabilia, including war vehicles, uniforms and a field kitchen. Many of the displays were donated by local families; Bridge St; (02) 6778 4600. Thunderbolt statue: of 'gentleman' bushranger Fred Ward dominates the corner of Bridge St and Thunderbolt's Way. Thunderbolt's grave: he was hunted by police for over 6 years before being shot dead at nearby Kentucky Creek in 1870. His grave is clearly identified among some other magnificent Victorian monumental masonary headstones; Old Uralla Cemetery, John St. New England Brass and Iron Lace Foundry: beginning in 1872, it is the oldest of its kind still operating in Australia. Visitors are welcome and tours available; East St; (02) 6778 3297. Self-guide heritage walk: easy 2 km walk that includes 30 historic buildings, most built in the late 1800s; brochure from visitor centre.

Mt Yarrowyck Nature Reserve This dry eucalypt reserve has plentiful wildlife including kangaroos, wallaroos and wallabies, and is ideal for bushwalking and picnics. The highlight is the 3 km Aboriginal cultural walk – about halfway along the trail is a large overhang of granite boulders under which is a set of red-ochre paintings of circles and bird tracks. 23 km NW.Dangars Lagoon: bird sanctuary and hide; 5 km SE. Gold fossicking: gold and small precious stones can still be found; map and equipment hire from visitor centre; 5 km SW. Thunderbolt's Rock: used by the bushranger as a lookout. Climb with care; 6 km S. Tourist Drive 19: signposted drive includes historic Gostwyck Church (11 km SE) and Dangars Falls and Gorge (40 km S); brochure from visitor centre.

Lake Copeton 95 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

---

South-West Rocks 148 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

---

Coffs Harbour - Fishing Sub-region 162 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

---

Port Stephens 235 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

---

Armidale Bicentennial Arboretum 22 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

---

Birdwatching - Port Macquarie to Lismore 49 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

---

Houseboating on the Macleay River 136 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

---

Bush-tucker tasting - Macksville 136 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

---

Burning Mountain Nature Reserve 146 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

---

Barrington Tops National Park 156 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

---

Kayaking, Newcastle to Port Macquarie 158 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

---

Cycling around Armidale and Coffs Harbour 160 km

A 5-kilometre bicycle track leads from Harris Park in Armidale to the University of New England. Bikes can be hired from Armidale Bicycle Centre or the University’s Sports Union. The 26-kilometre-return ride from... Find out more

---

Sea Acres Nature Reserve 160 km

This cool coastal forest, 5 kilometres south of Port Macquarie, is great for a stop and a gentle stroll, with lush rainforest extending right down to the beach. There is a 1.5-kilometre wheelchair-accessible boardwalk,... Find out more

---

Koala-spotting - Coonabarabran 224 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

---

Bonville Golf Resort 151 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

---

The Vintage Golf Club 233 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

---

Pacific Dunes Golf Club 238 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

---

Newcastle Golf Club 249 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

---

Stoker's Restaurant and Bar

This charming restaurant is becoming a bit of a tourist attraction in itself. Situated in a heritage-listed building, it features a timber shingle roof, antique furnishings and pressed-metal ceilings. The hearty country... Find out more

---

Thunderbolt Inn

Nestled inside this Victorian-style motel is a lovely dining room with friendly, down-to-earth service. Enjoy a beer while you choose from the menu of bistro-style country fare – the Thunderbolt Inn promises to... Find out more

---

White Rose Pizzeria

The White Rose Cafe is an old-fashioned cafe offering friendly service and a huge menu, including sandwiches, hamburgers and more substantial home-cooked meals. Their grilled fish is particularly good, as is the enticing... Find out more

---

The Little Brewing Company 160 km

Australia’s new breed of brewer can arrive at the craft by sometimes circuitous routes. For Warwick Little, that included 20 years as an ambulance officer, home brewing, a wine science course and a pair of... Find out more

---

Hunter Beer Company 241 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

---

Murray's Craft Brewing Company 242 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

---

Steel River Brewery 249 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

---

Rocky River Fossicking Area camping ground 4 km

Get into the spirit of the goldmining era – Rocky River Fossicking Area, 6 km to the west of Uralla, is the site of a major goldrush in the 1850s. Pop into the visitor centre for some equipment, then set up a tent... Find out more

---

Dangars Falls and Gorge camping area 22 km

Located in the north-east of the park and accessed via Dangarsleigh, this popular spot delivers impressive views of the gorge; after rain, the falls are charged with water, and in springtime wildflowers carpet the... Find out more

---

Dumaresq Dam camping area 25 km

This peaceful, relaxed setting is on the shore of Dumaresq Dam, 12 km north-west of Armidale, via Boorolong and Dumaresq Dam roads. Fishing, birdwatching and canoeing are all popular activities, and there’s a... Find out more

---

Long Point camping area 42 km

Set amid forest in the north of the park, this camping ground is accessible via the old goldmining town of Hillgrove from the Waterfall Way. The easy Cassinia Walk (1.5 km, 45 min) and medium Chandler View Circuit Walk... Find out more

---

Apsley Falls camping area 52 km

Follow the Oxley Hwy 19 km east of Walcha and you’ll find this camping ground, a short walk from the Apsley picnic area and 2 tracks: the easy Apsley Gorge Rim Walk (1 km, 30 min) and Oxley Walk (1 km, 45 min).... Find out more

---

Green Gully camping area 53 km

Just off the Waterfall Way in the north of the park, Green Gully has short walks to lookouts over Chandler and Wollomombi falls – the latter being the largest single-drop waterfall in Australia (240 m). It’s... Find out more

---

Cockburn River campsite 56 km

This pleasant, grassy, treed area makes a relaxing place to camp, swim and fish. The river’s a bit chilly in winter but very refreshing in hot weather. It’s about 30 km north-east of Tamworth and 11 km east... Find out more

---

Warrabah camping area 57 km

Hiking, swimming, fishing and canoeing are possible at this campground, on the Namoi River beside the park’s southern boundary. Campers are asked to stick to numbered campsites. For those seeking some bush... Find out more

---

Budds Mare Campground 59 km

The view of Apsley River at Budds Mare is one of the highlights of the national park; to get here, follow Moona Plains Rd off the Oxley Hwy. There’s a difficult 7 km walking track from the picnic shelter to the... Find out more

---

Uralla Caravan Park

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

---

Country Road Caravan Park 1 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

---

Pembroke Tourist and Leisure Park 22 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

---

Kootingal Kourt Caravan Park 61 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

---

Austin Tourist Park 74 km

This large park just 4 km from the town centre offers a range of facilities. A minimum booking period of 14 days applies during the country music festival. Bookings are also required at other peak times. Small dogs only... Find out more

---

Paradise Caravan Park 74 km

The park is within walking distance from the centre of Tamworth and is extremely popular during the country music festival. Bookings are required at peak times, however bookings are not accepted during the month of... Find out more

---

Glen Rest Tourist Park 99 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

---

Craigieburn Cottages 101 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

---

Fossicker Caravan Park 102 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

---

Nambucca River Tourist Park 139 km

About 6 km north of Macksville just off the Pacific Highway, this neat, family-owned park is adjacent to the Nambucca River. It is ideal for an overnight stop or a couple of days. Bookings are required in peak periods,... Find out more

---

Cruickshanks Farmstay 
and B&B

Cruickshanks is a working farm with sheep, cattle and alpacas. There are two spacious guest rooms at the Homestead: the Garden Room and the Tartan Room. Both are beautifully appointed in country style, with access to a... Find out more

---

Lily Pily Country House, Bellingen 133 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

---

Banjo’s Bushland Retreat, Vacy 211 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

---

Thunderbolts Rock Park Area 7 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

---

Kentucky Rest Area 17 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

---

Woolbrook Rest Area 35 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

---

Bendemeer Park Area 42 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

---

Walcha East Rest Area 43 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

---

Apsley Falls Camp Area 52 km

T/O 145 km NW of Wauchope (R) or 19 km SE of Walcha (L) Large campground is situated 1 kilometre north of the highway in a pleasant bush setting near the falls in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. Good facilities and... Find out more

---

Stoney Creek Rest Area 55 km

141 km NW of Wauchope (L) or 23 km SE of Walcha (R) Small area adjacent to the highway on the banks of the creek. GPS: S31 04.594 E151 46.655... Find out more

---

Tia River Rest Area 68 km

128 km NW of Wauchope (L) or 36 km SE of Walcha (R) Small area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S31 11.271 E151 49.858... Find out more

---

Tia Falls Camp Area 69 km

T/O 129 km NW of Wauchope (R) or 35 km SE of Walcha (L) Small, secluded campground located 6 kilometres north of the highway in a pleasant forest setting near the falls in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. Good... Find out more

---

Tamworth Park Area 74 km

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

---

Airport Rest Area 79 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

---

Bowling Alley Point Camp Area 87 km

T/O 82 km N of Scone (R) or 5 km E of Tamworth to Nundle (L) Large area on the shores of the reservoir 14 kilometres north of Nundle. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S31 21.669 E151 08.186 ... Find out more

---

Ponderosa Park Camp Area 94 km

T/O 82 km N of Scone (R) or 5 km E of Tamworth to Nundle (L) Large camp area in the forest 17 kilometres east of Nundle via Hanging Rock Road. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S31 27.817 E151 15.433  ... Find out more

---

Swamp Creek Camp Area 95 km

T/O 82 km N of Scone (R) or 5 km E of Tamworth to Nundle (L) Grassed area on the riverbank 4 kilometres north of Nundle via Hanging Rock Road. Good facilities. Limited shade. NOTE: Access part unsealed. GPS: S31... Find out more

---

Swan Brook Rest Area 97 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

---

Celtic Country Rest Area 97 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

---

Sheba Dams Camp Area 99 km

T/O 82 km N of Scone (R) or 5 km E of Tamworth to Nundle (L) Large secluded area on the shore of the dam 11 kilometres east of Nundle via Hanging Rock Road. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S31 29.890 E151 11.843 ... Find out more

---

Runnymede Rest Area 101 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

---

Stockyard Creek Rest Area 103 km

81 km W of Wauchope (L) or 83 km SE of Walcha (R) Small area just off the highway surrounded by dense forest. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S31 24.10 E152 07.26  ... Find out more

---

Beardy Waters Woodland Park Area 105 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

---

Teamsters Rest Camp Area 110 km

T/O 82 km N of Scone (R) or 5 km E of Tamworth to Nundle (L) Secluded area by the creek 14 km south of Nundle via Crawney Road. Good shade. NOTE: Part unsealed access. GPS: S31 33.399 E151 03.390... Find out more

---

Beardy Waters Rest Area 112 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

---

Bells Rest Area 113 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

---

Wallabadah Rest Area 118 km

North end of town Large area by Quirindi Creek behind the Memorial Gardens. Good facilities and shade. NOTE: Toilets close at 5:00 pm. GPS: S31 32.169 E150 49.906... Find out more

---

Ellenborough Reserve Camp Area 128 km

T/O 34 km W of Wauchope (R) or 130 km E of Walcha (L) Large grassed area 1 kilometre north of the highway on the riverbank. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S31 26.437 E152 27.678  ... Find out more

---

Dumboy Creek Rest Area 130 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

---

Paddys Rest Area 133 km

39 km N of Kempsey (L) or 45 km S of Urunga (R) Secluded area just off the highway. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S30 48.771 E152 52.247 ... Find out more

---

Macksville Park Area 136 km

North side of the river Parking area just off the highway. GPS: S30 42.236 E152 55.238... Find out more

---

Blandford Park Area 139 km

North end of town Small parking area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S31 46.675 E150 53.547 ... Find out more

---

Bloodwood Ridge Rest Area 139 km

109 km N of Taree (L) northbound only Large area just off the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S31 09.892 E152 49.178  ... Find out more

---