Explore Australia

Meroogal Said to be the most intact 19th-century home in NSW, this 1885 property was passed down through 4 generations of women. Furniture, household objects, diaries, letters, scrapbooks, photographs and even clothes have been saved so visitors can see relics from each generation of its occupation. Open Sat afternoon and Sun; Cnr Worrigee and West sts; (02) 4421 8150.Shoalhaven Historical Museum: old police station exhibiting the history of the town in records, photographs, household items and tools; Cnr Plunkett and Kinghorne sts; (02) 4421 8150. Shoalhaven River: fishing, waterskiing, canoeing and sailing. Shoalhaven River Cruises: departing from Nowra Wharf, Riverview Rd; bookings and times 0429 981 007. Hanging Rock: 46 m above the river with scenic views; off Junction St. Nowra Animal Park: native animals, reptiles and birds plus pony rides and opportunities to pat a koala; Rockhill Rd. Scenic walks: include Bens Walk along the river and Bomaderry Creek Walk from Bomaderry; leaflets from visitor centre.

Kangaroo Valley This town of historic buildings has the National Trust–classified Friendly Inn, a Pioneer Settlement Reserve (a reconstruction of an 1880s dairy farm) and the Hampden Bridge, built in 1898 and is the oldest suspension bridge in Australia. The scenic route leading from the highlands to the coast (from Moss Vale to Nowra) takes in the 80-metre-high Fitzroy Falls, crosses the suspension bridge, and passes through the historic township. Kangaroo Valley Fruit World is a working fruit farm open to visitors. Canoeing and kayaking safaris to Kangaroo River and Shoalhaven Gorge can be booked at the visitor centre. There is also beautiful rural scenery along Nowra Rd. 23 km NW.Fleet Air Arm Museum Australia's largest aviation museum with displays and planes over 6000 sq m. The Wings Over Water exhibition tells the story of Australian naval aviation and the Royal Australian Navy's Fleet Air Arm; (02) 4424 1999; 8 km SW.

Shoalhaven Coast wine region The main cluster of wineries is around Nowra, and most rely on the tourist trade for sales. Yet, there are a few notable labels specialising in chardonnay. Coolangatta Estate employs Tyrrell’s from the Hunter Valley to make its wines. Enjoy the semillon as well as the excellent chardonnay. At Cambewarra Estate, try the chardonnay and verdelho, and at Kladis Estate sample award-winning cabernet sauvignon.

Marayong Park Emu Farm: group tours include the emu incubation room, brooder area, chick-rearing shed and breeding pen. Chicks hatch Aug–Oct; bookings required (02) 4447 8505; 11 km S. Cambewarra Lookout: spectacular views of the Shoalhaven River and Kangaroo Valley; 12 km NW. Greenwell Point: fresh fish and oyster sales; 14 km E. Bundanon: National Estate–listed homestead donated to the nation by artist Arthur Boyd and his wife Yvonne. The Bundanon collection and Boyd's studio are open Sun; (02) 4423 5999; 21 km W. Culburra: nearby Lake Wollumboola and coastal beaches are good for surfing, swimming, prawning and fishing. Culburra also holds the Open Fishing Carnival each Jan; 21 km SE. Morton National Park: the Nowra section features the Tallowa Dam water-catchment area, a popular spot for picnics; via Kangaroo Valley; 38 km NW. For the Ulladulla section of the park see Ulladulla. Beaches: many beautiful beaches in the vicinity for swimming and surfing; maps at visitor centre. 

Port Hacking 101 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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Botany Bay 113 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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Narooma Offshore 151 km

Narooma is one of those pleasant destinations that offers piscatorial delights most of the year, ranging from gamefishing offshore to rock, beach and estuary. Situated on Wagonga Inlet, the port is best known for its... Find out more

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Hawkesbury-Nepean River 157 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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Lithgow to Mudgee 169 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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Bermagui 182 km

Bermagui is small fishing port but a world-famous gamefishing destination. It owes its fame to an American western writer, Zane Grey, who went there in 1936. Little has changed since then. ‘Bermi’, as most... Find out more

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Yaouk Valley 194 km

It was late autumn 1997 when I  arrived in Canberra to fish with  the late Chris Hole, fly-fisherman,  author and painter. Chris offered  to take me to some of his favourite trout streams that snake... Find out more

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Tathra 211 km

Tathra is a great family destination with a mixed bag of fishing. Saltwater anglers can choose from estuary, surf, rock and blue-water, while freshwater offerings include streams and dams. The major fishing attraction... Find out more

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Merimbula 231 km

Most visitors on family trips arrive at Merimbula with at least one fishing rod on board. Some give priority to the boat and tackle, then try to fit the family in around them. A good boat ramp is situated near the... Find out more

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Pambula Lake 240 km

Pambula Lake, south of Merimbula, also known as the Broadwater, produces good catches of bream, dusky flathead, tailor, whiting, salmon, gummy sharks and mulloway. I fished this water with Bruce Libbis on one of his... Find out more

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Whale- and dolphin-watching around Huskisson 19 km

Many seaside towns on the South Coast have rightfully decided to champion the passing parade of marine mammals. From May to November there are more two-to-three-hour, whale- and dolphin-watching cruises than you can wave... Find out more

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Sailing around Jervis Bay 29 km

Imagine. No engines. Just the flapping of a sail and the splash of the waves. The South Coast’s tranquil lakes and inlets are ideal for sailing. Jervis Bay Sailing Charters is one of several operators who will take... Find out more

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Birdwatching trip by boat 58 km

Being out on a heaving sea all day with a flock of keen birdwatchers could be some people’s worst nightmare, but any nature lover should enjoy the experience – at least once anyway. There is the chance to... Find out more

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Bushwalking on the South Coast, NSW 62 km

From meanders along isolated beaches and around heath-covered headlands, to long hikes up rugged mountains in Budawang, Morton or Deua national parks, the South Coast provides limitless possibilities for great... Find out more

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Sailing - Batemans Bay 99 km

Batemans Bay Sailing Charters is eco-certified and offers sailing trips out of Batemans Bay on a 12.5-metre catamaran, from a three-hour cruise around the bay to overnight excursions.... Find out more

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Taronga Zoo 130 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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Kayaking in Sydney 132 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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Ice-climbing 133 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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Picnicking around Canberra 143 km

There are many great places to unpack a picnic in the Australian Capital Territory, from the copious native areas in the Australian National Botanic Gardens, to the bird mecca of Jerrabomberra Wetlands on the Molonglo... Find out more

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Bushwalking in and around Sydney 147 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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Macquarie Links International Golf Club 103 km

Shanghai, Guam, Bali, Sabah, Bangkok, Singapore, Alaska, Hawaii; American course designer Robin Nelson has spent much of the past 30 years travelling from one exotic destination to another, putting his next project in... Find out more

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New South Wales Golf Club 115 km

Few courses anywhere can rival New South Wales for its array of fascinating and spectacularly natural seaside holes. Laid out across sometimes dramatic, undulating topography on the La Perouse peninsula – with... Find out more

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St Michael’s Golf Club 116 km

St Michael’s has for a long time been one of Sydney’s most underrated courses. Perhaps sharing a boundary with the world-famous New South Wales Golf Club hasn’t helped. Yet St Michael’s covers... Find out more

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The Coast Golf Club 117 km

The Coast certainly has the right address to be considered a golfing gem. Its closest neighbours on this stunning stretch of Sydney coastline are St Michael’s Golf Club to the south and, beyond that, the... Find out more

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Twin Creeks Golf & Country Club 117 km

As a globetrotting professional golfer of the 1970s and ’80s, Graham Marsh won more than 60 titles across five continents. The key to his success was his approach to the game. Every shot was thoughtfully... Find out more

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The Lakes Golf Club 120 km

The Lakes is one of Sydney’s iconic golf courses, a regular venue for big championships – including the Australian Open – during its 82-year history. Yet since the late 1960s, when the course was... Find out more

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The Australian Golf Club 121 km

With a rich history dating back to the first days of organised golf in Australia, The Australian is the country’s oldest formal golf club. It was established in 1882 but didn’t find a permanent home at... Find out more

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Concord Golf Club 123 km

From the very first days that golf was played in New South Wales, the name Concord has been part of the landscape. Established in 1899, golf began on the current site – on a layout designed by Dan Soutar, who... Find out more

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Royal Sydney Golf Club 128 km

It’s interesting to sift through the historical records of the Royal Sydney Golf Club; only then do you realise that no single course designer can lay claim to creating it. The course, a smooth seven-iron hit... Find out more

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Castle Hill Country Club 133 km

Back in 1821, Irishman George Acres received a land grant and is understood to have planted Australia’s first citrus trees. He planted them on the land where the fairways of Castle Hill Country Club now weave... Find out more

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Boatshed by the Bridge

The owners of the River Deli have done it again, opening a cafe/kiosk sibling to their hugely successful deli-cafe. The cafe is new but the location is an old weatherboard boatshed that has been painstakingly renovated... Find out more

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River Deli

The River Deli is a family-owned and operated country treasure, whose French-inspired country decor, farmhouse chairs and chandelier are the epitome of chic. The early hour of 6.45am sees locals helping to arrange the... Find out more

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Green Gourmet 122 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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Billy Kwong 125 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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Five Islands Brewing Company 59 km

Started by local Illawarra rugby league legend Michael Bolt in 2001, the Five Islands Brewing Company has travelled a markedly different course to most other craft-beer enterprises. FIBC began life as a beachside bar and... Find out more

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St Peters Brewery 121 km

Matt Donelan is someone who marches to a different drum from most other craftbrewers. He doesn’t have a website or own a mobile phone and doesn’t believe in cardboard packaging. He matches his keg prices... Find out more

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Paddy's Brewery 122 km

There may be more unlikely venues for a craft brewery but, offhand, I can’t think of one. The Markets Hotel is a 24-hour pub opposite Sydney’s Flemington fresh produce market, where you’re more likely... Find out more

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Tooheys Brewery 122 km

Tooheys remains the last of Sydney’s long-running mainstream breweries still currently operating. Founders James and John Toohey were cattle farmers before they entered the beer game, buying the Darling Brewery (it... Find out more

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Malt Shovel Brewery 123 km

US-born Dr Charles ‘Chuck’ Hahn has enjoyed two separate craft-beer careers over two decades, operating out of the same Camperdown brewery. In the late ’80s he opened it as the independent Hahn Brewery,... Find out more

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Schwartz Brewery 125 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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Redoak Brewery 126 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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Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel 127 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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Grassy Gully camping area (bush camping) 18 km

You can reach this campsite via Grassy Gully Rd, which turns off Burrier Rd. It’s basic bush-camping here – bring your own everything, including water and a portable toilet. There are no wood barbecues, so... Find out more

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Bendeela camping area 19 km

In picturesque Kangaroo Valley, 20 km north of Nowra and 8 km west of Kangaroo Valley village, Bendeela is a hidden gem in a treasure chest of natural beauty. Camp in a secluded, shady grove next to the Kangaroo River,... Find out more

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Danjera Dam camping area 20 km

The dam’s waters cover an old gold-rush town, Yalwal; today, visitors mine the area for waterborne activities such as kayaking, swimming, fishing (it’s stocked with rainbow trout and bass) and boating. The... Find out more

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Tallowa Dam camping area 29 km

You’re surrounded by beauty in this camping ground, which is swaddled by Morton National Park and tucked into Kangaroo Valley. The camping ground itself is a broad, spacious grassed area. To get here, take Tallowa... Find out more

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Carrington Falls camping area 29 km

This small camping area can get crowded in peak periods, so think twice if you’ve got a campervan or trailer. You’ll find it on Carrington Falls access road, off Jamberoo Mountain Rd, 8 km east of Robertson.... Find out more

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Green Patch camping area 30 km

This spacious but discrete beachside camping ground can be accessed off Jervis Bay Rd. There are walk-in and vehicle-based campsites, which are allocated depending on your group size and requirements. The easy Telegraph... Find out more

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Bristol Point camping area 30 km

Wizened banksia, towering gums and coastal scrub meet the tranquil beauty of Bristol Beach at this medium-sized campsite off Jervis Bay Rd east of Green Patch. All sites require a short walk from car to tent (up to 50... Find out more

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Cave Beach camping area 32 km

It’s a 300 m walk from carpark to tent site at this camping ground, at the end of Cave Beach Rd off Jervis Bay Rd. It’s a small and secluded spot suitable for the lightweight camper. Cold showers and... Find out more

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Gambells Rest camping area 37 km

This is the only designated camping ground in the north of the park, and it’s a good springboard for half a dozen walking tracks. It’s less than 2 km south of Bundanoon via Gullies Rd. No fires are allowed,... Find out more

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Killalea camping area 38 km

This is a well-equipped camping ground in prime position behind Mystics Beach. There are walking tracks, fishing spots and a golf course nearby; alternative accommodation is available in the form of a bunkhouse with 40... Find out more

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Shoalhaven Caravan Village 2 km

This is a large, owner-operated riverfront park just 1 km east of Nowra and easily reached from the Princes Highway. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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Mountain View Caravan and Mobile Home Village 13 km

This is a large, quality park with great amenities and very good facilities, including tennis courts, minigolf course and a very popular 500-metre walking track with eight gym stations. Ask about the courtesy bus that... Find out more

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Shoalhaven Heads Tourist Park 14 km

Holiday Haven caravan parks are great establishments, owned and operated by the Shoalhaven Heads Council. This large, award-winning riverfront park has very good facilities. It is just a short walk through to the beach... Find out more

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Crookhaven Heads Tourist Park 15 km

This is a large council holiday park located on the southern headland of the Crookhaven River, north of Culburra. It has ocean views, good facilities and is close to both deepwater and estuarine fishing spots. Bookings... Find out more

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Huskisson White Sands Tourist Park 19 km

This park is just 1 km from the town centre, and well positioned on the beachfront overlooking Jervis Bay; you can often see dolphins playing in the bay. The park has good facilities. Bookings are required in peak... Find out more

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Huskisson Beach Tourist Resort 19 km

Looking out over Jervis Bay and close to the centre of town, this park has great facilities. Austar TV is cabled to all ensuite sites. It is a very popular place and bookings are generally required, particularly in peak... Find out more

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Seven Mile Beach Holiday Park 23 km

Swim at the beach or sit back, relax and watch TV at this large, fabulous beachside park. It has great facilities, including ensuite sites with full Austar TV hook-up. It also has excellent amenities and is in a... Find out more

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Currarong Beachside Tourist Park 25 km

This is a large caravan park on the waterfront with clean, modern amenities, a fish-cleaning and boat-washing area, and two boat ramps. It is a popular holiday park for fishing enthusiasts. Bookings are required in peak... Find out more

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Easts Beach Holiday Park 32 km

This is a fabulous, large and well laid out beachfront park with very good amenities and facilities, including TV cables to all ensuite sites. The East family is a prominent owner of several New South Wales caravan parks... Find out more

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Swan Lake Tourist Village 35 km

This is a popular holiday park located across the road from Swan Lake and just a short distance to the beach. Bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-length stay applies over Christmas, Easter and long... Find out more

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The White House Heritage Guest House

The White House is Nowra’s only heritage-listed property (c. 1921), combining old-world charm, contemporary comfort and a relaxed ambience. There is a range of suites available, from single rooms to family rooms... Find out more

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Jenolan Cabins 130 km

These basic but cosy self-contained cabins, 6 kilometres up the steep hill past Jenolan Caves, are earth-sheltered for climate control and have composting toilets and rainwater. There are great views over the mountains,... Find out more

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Bunjaree Cottages, Wentworth Falls 131 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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Old Leura Dairy 133 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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Jemby-Rinjah Eco Lodge, Blackheath 139 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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Kanimbla View, Blackheath 141 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 142 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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Wollemi Wilderness Retreat, Bilpin 152 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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Dargan Springs Mountain Lodge, Clarence 158 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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Australia Walkabout Park, Calga 172 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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Clonturkle Sanctuary 174 km

Join the experiment in sustainable living and tourism at Clonturkle Earth Hamlet and Forest Sanctuary. Located at Yetholme, there are four cabins set on 240 hectares of mostly eucalypt forest, with 15 kilometres of... Find out more

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Bewang Park Area 23 km

38 km N of Ulladulla (L) or 30 km S of Nowra (R) Small area adjacent to the highway, opposite the roadhouse. GPS: S35 05.123 E150 31.993 ... Find out more

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Kingsbury VC Rest Area 46 km

27 km SW of Mittagong (L) or 58 km NE of Goulburn (R) Large area just off the highway among some large pine trees. Good shade. GPS: S34 37.166 E150 12.832 ... Find out more

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Mackey VC Rest Area 46 km

28 km SW of Mittagong (L) or 57 km NE of Goulburn (R) Small area just off the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S34 34.763 E150 15.192  ... Find out more

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Gordon VC Rest Area 49 km

21 km SW of Mittagong (R) or 64 km NE of Goulburn (L) Small area just off the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S34 32.086 E150 16.885  ... Find out more

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Burrill Lake Park Area 58 km

South side of town Large town park in a pleasant lakeside setting just off the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S35 23.391 E150 26.652    ... Find out more

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Chowne VC Rest Area 67 km

17 km NE of Goulburn (L) eastbound only Large area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S34 44.621 E149 53.244  ... Find out more

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Derrick VC Rest Area 72 km

73 km SW of Mittagong (L) westbound only Large area just off the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S34 44.149 E149 49.805 ... Find out more

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French VC Rest Area 88 km

9 km W of Goulburn (R) or 78 km E of Yass (L) Large area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S34 47.207 E149 38.416... Find out more

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Waldrons Swamp Rest Area 117 km

8 km N of Moruya (R) or 20 km S of Batemans Bay (L) Large area just off the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S35 51.906 E150 07.158  ... Find out more

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Mundoonan Rest Area 140 km

64 km W of Goulburn (L) or 23 km E of Yass (L) Large areas well off the highway (both sides). Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S34 49.462 E149 04.468 ... Find out more

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Bodalla Forest Park Rest Area 148 km

9 km N of Narooma (L) or 32 km S of Moruya (R) Large secluded area in the forest. Very good facilities and shade. GPS: S36 09.063 E150 05.729... Find out more

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