Explore Australia

Susan Island This rainforest recreation reserve in the Clarence River is home to a large fruit bat colony. Dusk is the time to visit to watch the bats flying off in search of food (wearing a hat is advisable if visiting at this time). During the day the island is a good spot for rainforest walks, barbecues and picnics. Access is via hired boat, skippered cruise or Clarence Islander ferry.

Grafton Regional Gallery: rated as one of the most outstanding regional galleries in Australia, the Grafton Regional Gallery inside Prentice House has permanent exhibitions such as the Jacaranda Art Society and Contemporary Australian Drawing collections; closed Mon; Fitzroy St; (02) 6642 3177. National Trust–classified buildings: include Schaeffer House, home of the Clarence River Historical Society, Christ Church Cathedral and the notorious Grafton Gaol; heritage trail brochure from visitor centre. Local art and craft shops: brochure from visitor centre.

Museum of Interesting Things Australian actor Russell Crowe chose Nymboida's coaching station for the home of his amazing collection of film memorabilia (mostly from Crowe's films like Gladiator and L.A. Confidential), vintage cars, motorcycles, a giant Cobb & Co coach and other 'interesting things'. Open 11am–3pm Mon–Fri, 10am–5pm Sat, 10am–3pm Sun; 3970 Armidale Rd, Nymboida; (02) 6649 4126. 47 km SW.Nymboida: Waters pumped by the hydro-electric power station from the Nymboida River into Goolang Creek provide a high-standard canoe course that hosts competitions throughout the year. Canoe hire and lessons are on offer and facilities range from the learners' pond for beginners to grade III rapids for the experienced, thrill-seeking canoeist. The beautiful rainforest surrounds are excellent for bushwalking, abseiling, trail rides and platypus viewing. 47 km SW.

Ulmarra Village: National Trust–classified turn-of-the-century river port with exceptional galleries, craft shops and studios where you can watch artists at work; 12 km NE. Yuraygir National Park: highlights include Wooli for unspoiled surf beaches and Minnie Water for walking trails, secluded beaches, camping and abundant wildlife (especially the very friendly wallabies). Minnie Lagoon is a popular swimming, picnicking and boating spot; 50 km SE. Fishing: river fishing for saltwater or freshwater fish, depending on time of year and rainfall; details at visitor centre.

Coffs Harbour - Fishing Sub-region 71 km

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

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South-West Rocks 131 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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Clarrie Hall Dam - Fishing Sub-region 141 km

Angling is a buzz when you are into a hot bite. It is also a buzz when discovering new territory or out hooking with other anglers, observing their methods and techniques on their home waters. So it was when I fished... Find out more

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Lake Copeton 190 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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Cycling around Armidale and Coffs Harbour 69 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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Bush-tucker tasting - Macksville 113 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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Diving and snorkelling around Byron Bay 134 km

Although there is not much in the way of shore dives or snorkelling around Byron Bay, the nearby Julian Rocks Marine Reserve is a top spot if you can get on a boat, with sea turtles, eagle rays, corals, grey nurse and... Find out more

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Birdwatching - Port Macquarie to Lismore 135 km

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

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Armidale Bicentennial Arboretum 152 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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Houseboating on the Macleay River 154 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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Sea Acres Nature Reserve 193 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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Tamborine Mountain Distillery 197 km

There is a multitude of chemical-free schnapps, gins and vodkas to try here, many of which come from the fruits grown on the farm. Try lemon myrtle vodka, the multifaceted choc’n’chili liqueur, forest... Find out more

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Rock climbing around Brisbane 245 km

Brisbane’s Kangaroo Point is perhaps the friendliest city rock-climbing spot in the country, with views over the Brisbane River, a range of climbs for absolute beginners and upwards, and established anchor points... Find out more

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Cycling and mountain-biking around Brisbane 246 km

Brisbane has a growing network of great cycling trails and some excellent rides for tourists – a five-to-20-kilometre ride along the shores of the Brisbane River comes highly recommended. There is also a great ride... Find out more

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Bonville Golf Resort 75 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 Glades Golf & Spa 184 km

Ask Greg Norman’s former chief designer Bob Harrison to name one course that makes him feel proud when he sees the final result, and chances are he’ll say The Glades. Upon joining the Gold Coast golfing... Find out more

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Lakelands Golf Club 188 km

As a player, Jack Nicklaus was a regular visitor to Australia for more than two decades. He won six Australian Opens and inspired a generation of young Australians to take up golf. When his playing career began... Find out more

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The Grand Golf Club 189 km

Think of the Gold Coast and flashing images spring to mind: beaches, theme parks, high-rise apartments, hordes of tourists. The Gold Coast hinterland has none of these, and could be thousands of miles away. The... Find out more

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The Links, Hope Island 205 km

When Hope Island opened for play in 1993 it was a unique addition to Australia’s golfing landscape. Here was a links-style layout seemingly uprooted from Scotland and transplanted on to the sunny northern... Find out more

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Sanctuary Cove Golf & Country Club (Pines course) 206 km

Sanctuary Cove’s Pines layout, designed by Arnold Palmer, has reigned for more than two decades as one of the Gold Coast’s best courses. At various stages during that time it has also ranked among the... Find out more

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Brookwater Golf & Country Club 225 km

Brookwater opened to considerable fanfare in 2002, with many observers quick to draw comparisons with Augusta National, venerable home of the US Masters. The varied terrain, inventive bunkering and undulating putting... Find out more

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Royal Queensland Golf Club 250 km

Of all the golf courses in this book, Royal Queensland has undergone the most dramatic changes in recent years. Originally opened in 1920, on reclaimed mangrove swampland on the north bank of the Brisbane River, ... Find out more

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Georgie’s

Tucked away inside the Grafton Regional Gallery, Georgie’s is an extremely popular restaurant-cafe serving home-cooked meals. The courtyard is a favourite dining spot, so grab a table and be dazzled by the freshly... Find out more

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Moos Restaurant

Moos Restaurant is part of the Jacaranda Motor Lodge, on the outskirts of Grafton. Popular for its plump and juicy steaks, Moos Restaurant also serves succulent prawns freshly plucked from the Yamba River, which,... Find out more

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Victoria’s Restaurant

The elegant in-house restaurant at Grafton’s Quality Inn is a popular special-occasion dining destination for locals and visitors alike. Victoria’s hosts a barbecue night on Sunday evenings in summer, and... Find out more

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Mondo Organics, West End 244 km

Australia’s first organic restaurant when it opened in 2000, Mondo Organics serves a range of organic meats, including beef, chicken, duck and lamb, and the fish is chosen for the sustainability of the catch. The... Find out more

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Stone and Wood Brewing 133 km

The popular coastal holiday destination of Byron Bay is the location for one of the country’s newest and most exciting craft breweries – Stone & Wood. The partners behind the venture include a trio of... Find out more

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Burleigh Brewing Company 182 km

Queensland has generally suffered from a dearth of craft breweries so the Burleigh Brewing Company is a welcome and relatively recent addition. Co-owner/brewer Brennan Fielding boasts considerable experience as a... Find out more

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The Little Brewing Company 196 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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Mt Tamborine Brewery 197 km

As we went to press, one of Queensland’s more ambitious craft-brewing operations was about to come to fruition at Mount Tamborine, in the Gold Coast hinterland. The 24-hectolitre microbrewery is the original plant... Find out more

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Foster's Group (Yatala Brewery) 217 km

This brewery site, located at Yatala, midway between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, was established by the Power Brewing Company, which launched Powers Bitter in 1988. Four years later a joint venture between Powers and... Find out more

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Castlemaine Perkins (Fourex) Brewery 246 km

The pages of Australian brewing history are littered with take-overs and acquisitions, and while Castlemaine Perkins sounds like a merger, it was, in reality, yet another buy-out. As the name suggests, the Castlemaine... Find out more

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Illaroo camping area 36 km

Just north of Minnie Water, via Minnie Water Rd off Wooli Rd, this is a large and spacious camping area with 60 sites shared between Illaroo north and Illaroo south. There’s room for tents, campervans and trailers.... Find out more

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Nymboida River camping area 36 km

You’ll need a 4WD vehicle to get to this secluded camping area near Nymboida River, in the south-eastern corner of the park. Follow the T Ridge Rd 57 km west of South Grafton; take Dobby Rd, then Ramornie Rd from... Find out more

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Rocky Point camping area (walk-in camping) 36 km

This is a walk-in camping area with no facilities, accessible via a short and easy walking track leading from Illaroo picnic area. Campfires are not permitted, so bring your gas/fuel stove and drinking water.... Find out more

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Diggers Camp camping area 37 km

There are up to 26 camping sites here, tucked in among coastal banksias, only a stone’s throw from the beach. To get here, follow Diggers Camp Rd off Wooli Rd, about 12 km north of Wooli. It’s a pretty basic... Find out more

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Boorkoom camping area 37 km

In the southern section of Yuraygir National Park, small and secluded Boorkoom is north of Wooli near Diggers Camp. The 10 ten campsites here aren’t suitable for caravans or camper trailers; access is via the... Find out more

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Sandon River camping area 38 km

You get the best of many worlds from here: sweeping sandy beach to the north; rockpools to the south, at the base of Sandon Bluffs; and fine fishing in Sandon River. The 30 sites in the camping area are suitable for... Find out more

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Grey Cliff camping area 41 km

Next to Red Cliff camping area on the headland south of Lake Arragan, Grey Cliff is 5 km north of Brooms Head along the unsealed Brooms Head Rd. The campsites are big enough for camper trailers and caravans. Bring... Find out more

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Red Cliff camping area 41 km

This is next to Grey Cliff camping area, on the headland south of Lake Arragan, 5 km north of Brooms Head along the unsealed Brooms Head Rd. The campsites are big enough for camper trailers and caravans. Bring firewood.... Find out more

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Lake Arragan camping area 41 km

Next to a small coastal lagoon ringed with paperbarks and nodding reeds, this camping area is just as popular with migratory and resident birds as it is with campers, but with 50 campsites there’s room for... Find out more

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Station Creek camping area 42 km

This is a popular spot in peak periods, positioned by a peaceful creek with access through the sand dunes to the beach. Bring a canoe and go for a paddle, or set out on the Corkwood and Scribbly Gum Walk (1.5 km, 1 hour... Find out more

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The Gateway Village 3 km

This is a very good quality caravan park, 3.5 km north of the town centre, along the Summerland Way. Good facilities and a lovely garden setting make this an attractive spot for those wishing to explore Grafton. Bookings... Find out more

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Brooms Head Caravan Park 40 km

In an out-of-the-way place, this park spreads along more than 1.5 km of beachfront, surrounded by national park. This is a popular beachside holiday destination and bookings are required in peak periods and a... Find out more

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The Lorikeet Tourist Park 46 km

This wonderful park has excellent facilities, including a games room and tennis, basketball and volleyball courts. It is easily accessible from the highway, with good access to long stretches of beach. Bookings are... Find out more

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Darlington Beach Holiday Park 47 km

This popular park has very good quality facilities. It offers absolute beach frontage, a restaurant, a nine-hole golf course, tennis courts, outdoor bowling area and archery range. Bookings are required in peak periods... Find out more

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Yamba Waters Caravan Park 48 km

This is a spacious quality park about 2.5 km from the centre of this popular tourist destination. Bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-length stay applies at Christmas and Easter.... Find out more

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Blue Dolphin Holiday Park 49 km

This riverfront, award-winning park is on the Clarence River estuary. It is an excellent place, with everything you would expect of a five-star establishment, including a cafe. Bookings are required in peak periods and a... Find out more

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BIG4 Saltwater @ Yamba Holiday Park 49 km

This neat, spacious, riverfront park 10 km from Yamba has very good facilities. Quiet and out of the way, it is situated on a large, sweeping bend of the Clarence River and has great appeal to those who enjoy estuary... Find out more

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Calypso Holiday Park 50 km

This older-style park has a great position on the waterfront. It is a short stroll to the centre of town and just a brief walk to the beach. Bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-length stay applies at... Find out more

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Iluka Riverside Tourist Park 51 km

At this large well-appointed park, enjoy the riverside barbecues and picnic tables, the grassy waterfront sites or the fully equipped camp kitchen overlooking the river. Bookings are required in peak periods and a... Find out more

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Anchorage Holiday Park 52 km

This is a well-established, owner-operated park with very good facilities. It is situated across the road from the wide Clarence River estuary and is 2 km from the town centre. Bookings are required in peak periods and a... Find out more

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Blooms Cottage

Offering two guest rooms with garden views, ensuites and their own entertainment system, this self-contained cottage allows guests free use of its kayaks for a paddle on the Clarence River. It is located near the centre... Find out more

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Ivy Cottage

This is a lovingly restored cottage in the Clarence Valley offering B&B accommodation. There are two guest rooms complete with antique furnishings and modern comforts – an ideal place to tuck yourself in for... Find out more

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Lily Pily Country House, Bellingen 87 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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Emerald Valley Villa 129 km

Nestled in the hinterland some 25 minutes drive from Byron Bay, this is way up the high end of ecotourism in this country. You can rent your own five-star palace (they call it a villa), complete with pool, courtyard,... Find out more

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Crystal Creek Rainforest Retreat 164 km

Located near Murwillumbah and surrounded on three sides by World Heritage–listed national parks, this secluded couples-only resort on the Queensland border has minimal-impact, self-contained bungalows and cabins.... Find out more

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The Mouses House, Springbrook 165 km

Set in a beautiful rainforest at more than 800 metres above sea level, this luxury resort has 11 self-contained chalets, hot tub, sauna, tennis court and bikes, a sensible environmental policy and eco-accreditation. It... Find out more

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Cottages on the Creek 169 km

This 2-hectare establishment is managed as a Land for Wildlife property and the two, onebedroom spa cottages have composting toilets, protecting Currumbin Creek with its turtles, catfish, platypus and yabbies.... Find out more

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Destiny Boonah 184 km

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

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Brisbane Marriott Hotel 247 km

By no means the greenest accommodation in this book, the Marriott still deserves inclusion as one of the better options in large hotels. It gained the Green Globe Benchmarked Bronze status and is AAA-rated for its water-... Find out more

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McPhillips Creek Rest Area 8 km

50 km N of Woolgoolga (R) or 10 km S of Grafton (L) Large area just off the highway behind a few trees. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S29 44.599 E152 59.460   ... Find out more

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Glenugie Creek Rest Area 13 km

45 km N of Woolgoolga (L) or 15 km S of Grafton (R) Large area just off the highway behind a few trees. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S29 47.091 E153 00.522   ... Find out more

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Halfway Creek Rest Area 31 km

28 km N of Woolgoolga (R) or 32 km S of Grafton (L) Large area just off the highway near the roadhouse. GPS: S29 56.102 E153 05.709   ... Find out more

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Maclean Park Area 36 km

At Ferry Park Small area on the riverbank just off the highway. GPS: S29 28.366 E153 12.318... Find out more

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Mann River Rest Area 39 km

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

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Tabbimoble Creek Rest Area 53 km

65 km S of Ballina (L) southbound only Small area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S29 16.940 E153 12.911... Find out more

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Woolgoolga Rest Area 53 km

Middle of town Small parking area just off the highway. GPS: S30 06.797 E153 11.436... Find out more

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Mulligans Hut Camp Area 59 km

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

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Bellbird Camp Area 64 km

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

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Boundary Falls Camp Area 69 km

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

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New Italy Rest Area 69 km

56 km N of Tyndale (L) or 47 km S of Ballina (R) Large shady area adjacent to the highway near the museum and cafe. GPS: S29 09.205 E153 17.930... Find out more

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Tuckombil Road Rest Area 76 km

40 km S of Ballina (L) southbound only Large area just off the highway. GPS: S29 06.209 E153 20.400 ... Find out more

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Woodburn Park Area 79 km

Middle of town Parking area on the highway beside the river. Good facilities. GPS: S29 04.297 E153 20.575 ... Find out more

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Coolgardie Rest Area 99 km

89 km N of Tyndale (L) or 14 km S of Ballina (L) Large areas just off the highway on both sides. Limited shade. GPS: S28 56.104 E153 28.307 ... Find out more

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Bluff Rock Rest Area 108 km

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

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Beardy Waters Woodland Park Area 111 km

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

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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

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Macksville Park Area 112 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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Gumma Reserve Camp Area 113 km

T/O at Macksville Large campground located 7 kilometres east of the highway via Partridge Street, Wills Street and Gumma Road. NOTE: Access road part unsealed. GPS: S30 42.425 E152 58.999... Find out more

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Celtic Country Rest Area 117 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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Paddys Rest Area 125 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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Tyagarah Rest Area 135 km

38 km N of Ballina (L) northbound only Large area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S28 35.902 E153 32.663   ... Find out more

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Yelgun Rest Area 145 km

50 km N of Ballina (R) or 42 km S of Tweed Heads (L) Large area just off the highway. GPS: S28 29.489 E153 31.356   ... Find out more

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Swan Brook Rest Area 145 km

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

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