Explore Australia

Illawarra Light Railway Museum The museum offers tram rides, displays of steam trains and vintage carriages and a miniature railway. The ticket office and kiosk are in an original 1890s rail terminus and the volunteer staff are knowledgeable. Open Tues, Thurs and Sat. Steam-train rides 2nd Sun each month and Sun during public holiday weekends. Russell St.

Historical walk: take in the historical buildings of the town, beginning at the Steampacket Inn, parts of which date back to 1856. Contact visitor centre for more information. Snorkelling and scuba diving: at Bushranger's Bay; details from visitor centre or Shellharbour Scuba Centre; (02) 4296 4266.

Lake Illawarra This large tidal estuary was once a valuable source of food for the Wadi Wadi people. It is home to waterbirds such as black swans, pelicans and royal spoonbills, and has picnic and barbecue areas. The lake is excellent for boating, swimming, waterskiing, windsurfing, fishing and prawning. 7 km N.Blackbutt Forest Reserve: remnant of coastal plain forest in urban area. Walking trails offer views of Lake Illawarra and Illawarra Escarpment; 2 km W. Killalea Recreation Park: foreshore picnic area with an ideal beach for surfing, diving, snorkelling and fishing; 3 km S. Bass Point Aquatic and Marine Reserve: top spot for scuba diving, snorkelling, fishing and surfing, with a nice picnic area on the shore; 5 km SE. Tongarra Museum: shows area's history through photographs, maps and sketches; 11 km W. Crooked River Wines: specialty is Chardonnay White Port, with gorgeous restaurant also on-site; 20 km S. See also Southern Highlands, p. 24

Port Hacking 60 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 72 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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Hawkesbury-Nepean River 116 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 148 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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Narooma Offshore 191 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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Bermagui 220 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 234 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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Port Stephens 237 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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Futureworld Eco-Technology Centre 17 km

This smallish museum in Miller Street is definitely worth a look for those interested in the future of sustainable transport, power, water use and other conundrums of modern living. There are hands-on displays.... Find out more

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Cycling in Jervis Bay 55 km

For a pleasant family cycle with young children, hop on the safe and gentle cycling path that winds around Jervis Bay at Huskisson and Vincentia, beside beautiful coastline and some fun playgrounds. A longer bike path... Find out more

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Sailing around Jervis Bay 63 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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Taronga Zoo 89 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 90 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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Bushwalking on the South Coast, NSW 104 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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Bushwalking in and around Sydney 107 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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Ice-climbing 109 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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The Great North Walk 111 km

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

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Picnicking in the Blue Mountains 123 km

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

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Macquarie Links International Golf Club 66 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 74 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 74 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 75 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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The Lakes Golf Club 78 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 80 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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Twin Creeks Golf & Country Club 83 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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Concord Golf Club 83 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 86 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 95 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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Relish on Addison

A short wander up the hill from the harbour, Relish on Addison is a family-owned treasure in Shellharbour. The menu is hugely varied, offering perhaps local prawns with chilli squid rings or a vermicelli salad with snow... Find out more

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Green Gourmet 81 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 83 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 19 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 80 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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Malt Shovel Brewery 82 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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Paddy's Brewery 82 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 83 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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Schwartz Brewery 84 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 85 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 86 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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Killalea camping area 4 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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Carrington Falls camping area 20 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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Corrimal Beach Tourist Park 22 km

Located on gorgeous Corrimal Beach, 5 km north of Wollongong, Corrimal Beach Tourist Park offers everything from tent sites through to standard, beachside and mountain view spa cabins. Facilities include laundry, camp... Find out more

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Bendeela camping area 39 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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North Era camping ground (bush camping) 48 km

On the stunning 26 km Coast Track (2 days, medium difficulty), this is a walk-in bush-camping ground with 12 sites. You’ll need to be self-sufficient; bring food and drinking water with you. Wood fires are not... Find out more

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Starlights Trail camping area (bush camping) 50 km

This is essentially a bush-camping site by the Nattai River, reached via the 12 km return Starlights Trail, which begins and ends in the carpark at the end of Wattle Ridge Rd. It’s a strenuous walk for experienced,... Find out more

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Kingfisher Pool camping ground (walk-in camping) 51 km

On the Bullawaring Track in the middle of the park, it’s a fair walk into this campsite. It’s only for self-sufficient campers carrying decent maps. Note: fires prohibited; gas/fuel stove only.... Find out more

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Grassy Gully camping area (bush camping) 52 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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Gambells Rest camping area 53 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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Lake Eckersley camping ground (walk-in camping) 54 km

There are 2 camping sites here, near Lake Eckersley in the middle of the park, with enough room for up to 6 campers. You’ll need to be self-sufficient in food and drinking water. Take a good map with you. Note:... Find out more

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Windang Beach Tourist Park 5 km

This is a council-owned, popular beachside holiday park located on the south side of Wollongong, next to Lake Illawarra. Bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-length stay applies at these times.... Find out more

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Easts Beach Holiday Park 12 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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Seven Mile Beach Holiday Park 22 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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Corrimal Beach Tourist Park 22 km

A council-owned beachside park on the north side of Wollongong, this place has good amenities and is a popular holiday destination. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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Bulli Beach Tourist Park 27 km

This popular, council-owned holiday park adjoins a patrolled beach with beach pools. In a quiet area, this place will appeal to families or those just spending a few peaceful days out of the holiday season.... Find out more

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Shoalhaven Heads Tourist Park 32 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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Mountain View Caravan and Mobile Home Village 32 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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Crookhaven Heads Tourist Park 38 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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Shoalhaven Caravan Village 40 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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Mittagong Caravan Park 41 km

The caravan park is 1 km north of the town centre. There is a well-stocked shop and easy access to the Hume Freeway. This is one of only two parks in this area of the central highlands. The park can get very busy, so... Find out more

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Joylaine Beach House

Joylaine is a luxurious, self-catering beach house sleeping six, centrally located in Shellharbour. The owners have thought of absolutely everything, offering three large bedrooms, a fully self-contained kitchen and a... Find out more

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Seascape Beach House

Located in a lovingly restored 100-year-old house, Seascape Beach House is an ideal venue for a group holiday, whether it is a family gathering or a group of friends. There are four spacious bedrooms and separate lounge,... Find out more

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Bunjaree Cottages, Wentworth Falls 105 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 109 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 115 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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Jenolan Cabins 116 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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Kanimbla View, Blackheath 117 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 118 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 124 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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Australia Walkabout Park, Calga 132 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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Dargan Springs Mountain Lodge, Clarence 134 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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Clonturkle Sanctuary 157 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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Gordon VC Rest Area 54 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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Mackey VC Rest Area 57 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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Kingsbury VC Rest Area 60 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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Bewang Park Area 64 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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Chowne VC Rest Area 92 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 97 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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Burrill Lake Park Area 98 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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French VC Rest Area 115 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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Hawkesbury River Rest Area 120 km

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

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Ourimbah Exit Rest Area 145 km

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

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Lake Wallace Park Area 149 km

T/O 51 km E of Bathurst (L) or 11 km W of Lithgow (R) Large area 2 kilometres north of the highway on the shores of the lake. Good facilities but only limited shade. GPS: S33 24.849 E150 04.255 ... Find out more

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