Walcha

Amaroo Museum and Cultural Centre This unique centre features Aboriginal art and craft with the artists working on-site; visitors are invited to watch them at work. The artists use traditional designs combined with contemporary flair to make original clothing, homewares, gifts, jewellery and art. Also on display is a collection of local Aboriginal artefacts. Open Mon–Fri; Derby St; (02) 6777 1111.

Open-Air Sculptures Situated throughout town, the works include street furniture created by local, national and international artisans; brochure from visitor centre.Pioneer Cottage and Museum: includes a blacksmith's shop and the first Tiger Moth used for crop dusting in Australia; Derby St.

Oxley Wild Rivers National Park This national park encompasses a high plateau, deep gorges and numerous waterfalls. The Walcha section of the park features Apsley Falls (20 km E), where 7 platforms and a bridge provide access to both sides of the gorge and waterfall. Tia Falls (35 km E) has beautiful rainforest scenery. Campsites at Riverside and Youdales Hut are accessible by 4WD. Trout fishing: several good locations; brochure from visitor centre.

Lake Copeton 133 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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South-West Rocks 138 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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Coffs Harbour - Fishing Sub-region 167 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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Port Stephens 196 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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Armidale Bicentennial Arboretum 53 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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Birdwatching - Port Macquarie to Lismore 85 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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Burning Mountain Nature Reserve 117 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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Barrington Tops National Park 118 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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Houseboating on the Macleay River 119 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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Kayaking, Newcastle to Port Macquarie 119 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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Bush-tucker tasting - Macksville 131 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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Sea Acres Nature Reserve 135 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

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Cycling around Armidale and Coffs Harbour 165 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

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Snorkelling and diving around Nelson Bay 199 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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Bonville Golf Resort 155 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 Vintage Golf Club 196 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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Pacific Dunes Golf Club 199 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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Newcastle Golf Club 210 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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Cafe Graze

For great food and coffee in the heart of Walcha on the eastern slopes of the Great Dividing Range, visit Cafe Graze, popular for its excellent fare and friendly service. Light meals include vegetarian lasagne, pot pies,... Find out more

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Walcha Road Hotel Restaurant

The hotel is about 19 kilometres from the township of Walcha, on the Oxley Highway towards Tamworth. It’s an excellent place to stop at if you’re interested in some travel advice from the locals – and... Find out more

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The Little Brewing Company 134 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

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Murray's Craft Brewing Company 202 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 203 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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Steel River Brewery 211 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 212 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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Apsley Falls camping area 18 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

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Tia Falls camping area 31 km

To reach this camping ground, follow the Oxley Hwy from Walcha; the turn-off is 19 km past the Apsley turn-off. There are 2 walks fanning out from here: the easy Tia Falls (1.5 km, 45 min) and moderate Tiara (5 km, 3... Find out more

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Budds Mare Campground 36 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

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Dangars Falls and Gorge camping area 37 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

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Riverside Campground 40 km

Riverside Campground is only accessible by 4WD – to get here, you’ll first need to get a key and permit from the parks office or Apsley Motors in Walcha, then head for Moona Plains Rd. It’s a short... Find out more

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Rocky River Fossicking Area camping ground 42 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

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Cockburn River campsite 43 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

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New Country Swamp camping area 47 km

A picturesque grassy area on Mummel Forest Rd (Enfield Rd), near a short and easy track to the edge of breathtaking Mummel Gulf. This is a good place for nature photography and birdwatching. Bring your own drinking water... Find out more

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Long Point camping area 48 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

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Woolomin Reserve 55 km

This is a spacious, grassy, treed area next to Peel River at Woolomin village, 21 km north of Nundle and 37 km south-east of Tamworth. There’s a general store close by where you can pay for a powered site;... Find out more

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Country Road Caravan Park 38 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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Uralla Caravan Park 39 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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Kootingal Kourt Caravan Park 51 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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Pembroke Tourist and Leisure Park 52 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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Austin Tourist Park 62 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

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Paradise Caravan Park 64 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

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Pages River Caravan Park 113 km

On the northern edge of town, this small neatly maintained park is easily accessible from the New England Highway and is ideal for an overnight stay at an attractive price.... Find out more

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Stoney Park 121 km

This is a newer, very tidy park built around a couple of lakes where waterskiing is the main focus. Easily accessible from the highway and a great spot for a night or two, waterski enthusiasts in particular may well stay... Find out more

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Nambucca River Tourist Park 133 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

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Dawson River Tourist Park 133 km

This park is on the banks of the Dawson River with sites right on the water’s edge. Recent developments have greatly improved this older style park.... Find out more

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Anglea House B&B

A little self-contained B&B attached to a 19th‑century home hugged by tranquil gardens, Anglea House offers guests a truly relaxing and comfy escape, a stone’s throw from the heart of Walcha. Visits to Walcha... Find out more

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Arran Eco-Farmstay

Named after the Scottish island as a homage to fresh mountain air and country living, Arran Eco-farmstay is a European-influenced working vineyard offering comfortable accommodation in spectacular surroundings. Three... Find out more

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Lily Pily Country House, Bellingen 135 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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Banjo’s Bushland Retreat, Vacy 173 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 221 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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Walcha East Rest Area 5 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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Apsley Falls Camp Area 18 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

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Stoney Creek Rest Area 20 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

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Woolbrook Rest Area 28 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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Tia River Rest Area 32 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

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Kentucky Rest Area 33 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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Tia Falls Camp Area 33 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

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Thunderbolts Rock Park Area 34 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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Bendemeer Park Area 43 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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Bowling Alley Point Camp Area 60 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

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Ponderosa Park Camp Area 62 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

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Tamworth Park Area 63 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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Swamp Creek Camp Area 66 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

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Sheba Dams Camp Area 68 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

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Stockyard Creek Rest Area 69 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

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Airport Rest Area 72 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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Teamsters Rest Camp Area 81 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

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Wallabadah Rest Area 95 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

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Ellenborough Reserve Camp Area 97 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

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Blandford Park Area 110 km

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

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Burning Mountain Rest Area 117 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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Bloodwood Ridge Rest Area 119 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

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Kundabung Rest Area 120 km

15 km S of Kempsey (L) southbound only Large area just off the highway. Good facilities.   GPS: S31 12.198 E152 49.384 ... Find out more

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Paddys Rest Area 124 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

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Burrawan Rest Area 127 km

62 km N of Taree (L) northbound only Secluded area just off the highway. GPS: S31 33.103 E152 45.266 ... Find out more

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Motorway Park Area 128 km

73 km N of Taree (R) or 47 km S of Kempsey (L) Highway Service Centre. GPS: S31 27.757 E152 49.188... Find out more

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Macksville Park Area 131 km

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

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Coopernook Forest Camp Area 131 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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Celtic Country Rest Area 133 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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Tom Cat Creek Rest Area 134 km

33 km N of Taree (L) or 87 km S of Kempsey (R) Small area just off the highway around a few trees. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S31 45.884 E152 40.291   ... Find out more

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