Explore Australia

Point Danger This lookout is on the Queensland–NSW border and overlooks Duranbah Beach, which is popular for surfing. It was named by Captain James Cook to warn of the dangerous coral reefs that lay under the waves off the coast. The world's first laser-beam lighthouse is located here. Dolphins may be seen off the coast along the pleasant cliff-edge walk. There are several picnic spots with stunning ocean views.Tweed Maritime and Heritage Museum: four original buildings house maritime, heritage and photographic collections; Pioneer Park, Kennedy Dr, Tweed Heads West. Tweed Cruise Boats: cruises visit locations along the Tweed River; River Tce. Fishing and diving charters and houseboat hire: guided and self-guide river excursions; bookings at visitor centre. Tweed Snorkelling and Whale Adventures: whale-watching adventures and snorkelling tours to Cook Island marine reserve; bookings (07) 5536 6737. Catch a Crab Cruises, Birds Bay Oyster Farm, deep-sea fishing: these tours depart daily, bookings from visitor centre.

Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Centre The Aboriginal Heritage Unit of the Australian Museum is dedicated to self-determination and the importance of promoting, protecting and preserving Australian Indigenous cultures. The unit runs this museum, which features displays on all aspects of Aboriginal life on the north coast. There is also a walk encompassing a ceremonial bora ring and a mangrove and rainforest area. Located just over Boyds Bay Bridge.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary: home to a huge range of Australian native wildlife; night tours available; Currumbin; (07) 5534 1266; 7 km N. Beaches: idyllic white sandy beaches for surfing and swimming, including Fingal (3 km S) and Kingscliff (14 km S). Melaleuca Station: re-created 1930s railway station in a tea-tree plantation with train rides, a tea-tree oil distillation plant and an animal nursery; Chinderah; 9 km S. Tropical Fruit World: home to the world's largest variety of tropical fruit with plantation safari, jungle riverboat cruise, fauna park and fruit tastings; 15 km S. John Hogan Rainforest: spectacular palm rainforest walks and picnic areas; 17 km SW.

Clarrie Hall Dam - Fishing Sub-region 39 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 Wivenhoe 134 km

Impoundment fishing for native species in southern Queensland has enjoyed phenomenal growth and it all began at Lake Wivenhoe. Situated about 80 km west of Brisbane on the Brisbane Valley Highway, Wivenhoe has a surface... Find out more

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Mooloolaba 170 km

It’s 6am on the Mooloolaba waterfront behind Kawana Waters Hotel. The temperature is mild enough to be wearing shorts and a shirt. All is quiet amid the moored boats except for the eager anglers sitting around the... Find out more

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Coffs Harbour - Fishing Sub-region 239 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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Tamborine Mountain Distillery 45 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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Diving and snorkelling around Byron Bay 52 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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Rock climbing around Brisbane 92 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 93 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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Westlander 93 km

Take the overnight train ride from Brisbane to Charleville or Quilpie, travelling over the Great Dividing Range and through some of Queensland’s rich farming areas.... Find out more

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Mount Coot-tha Forest 97 km

The largest natural area in Brisbane, this 1500 hectares of open eucalypt forest holds more than 18 kilometres of walking tracks, 12 kilometres of mountain-biking tracks and a further 31 kilometres of multi-use tracks.... Find out more

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Cycling the Sunshine Coast and hinterland 171 km

Join a half-day or longer guided bike tour with Bicycle Tours of Queensland, particularly the popular Sunshine Coast ride or Maleny to Glass House Mountains. A back-up bus is included if it all gets too much.... Find out more

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Cycling around Armidale and Coffs Harbour 239 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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The Glades Golf & Spa 20 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 22 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 29 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 38 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) 39 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 85 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 93 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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North Lakes Resort Golf Club 118 km

Good course designers have tricks up their sleeves when it comes to spurring golfers to rise to the challenge. They can visually intimidate you with large schemes of bunkers or water hazards encroaching on the best... Find out more

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Pacific Harbour Golf & Country Club 133 km

Challenging the best players without alienating casual and beginner golfers is the fine line every course designer treads in coming up with a new creation. One designer who does it better than most is Ross Watson. His... Find out more

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Pelican Waters Golf Club 155 km

It took 54 years for his dream to be realised, but when Pelican Waters Golf Club finally opened for play in 2000, not even the visionary behind the original idea could have imagined it would turn out as good as it... Find out more

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Ivory Tavern

The Ivory Hotel boasts a head chef with an enviable international apprenticeship that includes stints in Paris, with Gordon Ramsay in London and at the exclusive Raffles in Singapore. All this international experience... Find out more

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Signatures Restaurant

The relaxed dining room at the Outrigger Twin Towns Resort caters for everyone, providing a lovely ambience and delicious food. Dress is smart casual. The menu is dominated by fresh local seafood, such as pan-fried... Find out more

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Mondo Organics, West End 93 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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Burleigh Brewing Company 15 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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Mt Tamborine Brewery 43 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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Stone and Wood Brewing 51 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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Foster's Group (Yatala Brewery) 56 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 95 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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Sunshine Coast Brewery 175 km

Queensland’s longest-running microbrewery has been operating from an industrial estate on the outskirts of Maroochydore since 1998. It was established by Jim Robinson and Queensland craft-beer pioneer Graham Howard... Find out more

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Burleigh Beach Tourist Park 13 km

Set on a prime location directly opposite Burleigh Beach, this tourist park has 72 powered sites and 12 unpowered sites. Facilities include a modern amenities block, laundry, free wireless broadband access, and tour... Find out more

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Main Beach Tourist Park 25 km

<p>This large, busy tourist park - across the road from Main Beach and just two minutes' drive from Surfers Paradise - has 95 powered sites and an additional 24 ensuite powered sites. Facilities on-site include a... Find out more

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The Settlement camping area 26 km

Well-defined sites here are suitable for caravans and campervans, but the area is not well shaded. Hikers should note that walking tracks near this site lead to the Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk. Each campsite has a... Find out more

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Mount Warning Holiday Park 32 km

Surround yourself with lush and up-tempo rainforest and mountain streams in this verdant mid-north-coast holiday park at the foot of Mt Warning. Accommodation options include deluxe, ensuite and budget cabins, and... Find out more

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Lamington National Park camping area (bush camping) 35 km

For experienced, self-sufficient campers with good navigational skills, there are a small number of camping sites in the bush along the walking trails in the national park. These are walk-in only, limited to around 6... Find out more

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Binna Burra Mountain campsite 35 km

A south-east Queensland gem, this mountain-top site has long been a favourite with campers for its stunning panoramic views of the Numinbah Valley. Activities at Binna Burra include guided bushwalks, abseiling, flying... Find out more

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Sharp Park camping area 39 km

Only 30 min from the Gold Coast’s theme parks, this no-frills family site is conveniently nestled by the Coomera River, 4 km south of Canungra, which in turn is 27 km east of Beaudesert. Ideal for daytrips to Mt... Find out more

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Massey Greene Holiday Park 40 km

This is in a top location, right on the Brunswick River and minutes away from Brunswick Heads town centre. The river offers swimming, fishing, snorkelling and boating, and there’s a surf beach only 10... Find out more

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Green Mountains Campground 40 km

Close to O’Reilly’s Rainforest Resort, this hillside campground in forest surrounds has designated campsites on terraces on the slope. It is suitable for camping beside your car, walk-in camping or... Find out more

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Cutters Camp camping area 45 km

You’ll find Cutters Camp where Mebbin Forest and Caddell roads meet. Unsealed Mebbin Forest Rd is a 35 km scenic route with wonderful views of the region’s volcanic, forest-clad landscape; you’ll need a... Find out more

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Boyds Bay Holiday Park 1 km

This is a large riverfront park, with easy access to the highway. It is well managed, council owned and conveniently located for exploring the Tweed coast and southern Gold Coast. Bookings are required in peak periods... Find out more

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Kirra Beach Tourist Park 2 km

Easily accessed from the Gold Coast Highway, this is a spacious, good quality caravan park, popular with beach devotees, backpackers and international travellers. It is very close to some of the Gold Coast’s best... Find out more

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BIG4 Tweed Billabong Holiday Park 2 km

This is a very good quality, award-winning holiday park boasting its own large and popular tidal billabong. It is a great place for the family as it offers a kids club during school holidays and many other appealing... Find out more

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Pyramid Caravan Park 2 km

This is a well-maintained, good quality park on the southern end of the Gold Coast. It will suit those chasing the winter warmth and who do not wish to be right beside the beach. Bookings are required in peak periods and... Find out more

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Fingal Holiday Park 3 km

The beach is right at your door in this quiet, out-of-the-way spot. The park has good basic facilities and is ideal for a family holiday or a few days at the beach. Bookings are required in peak periods and a... Find out more

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Tweed River Hacienda Holiday Park 6 km

At the southern end of the fabulous Gold Coast, this park is in a popular year-round holiday region. It has good facilities, access to the highway and is right on the banks of the Tweed River. Bookings are required in... Find out more

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Drifters Holiday Village 7 km

This family-run establishment is a popular resort-style place to stay. The facilities are good quality and the park is a good base at the southern end of the Gold Coast, close to the Pacific Highway. Bookings are... Find out more

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Kingscliff Beach Holiday Park 10 km

This popular beachside park has good basic facilities and a fabulous position, and is across the road from the shopping strip. It gets busy and bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-length stay applies in... Find out more

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Tallebudgera Creek Tourist Park 12 km

A favourite of ours, this park fronts onto the Tallebudgera Creek and is just a short walk to the beach. It is among the Gold Coast’s best parks, centrally located with good amenities and a wide range of... Find out more

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Burleigh Beach Tourist Park 13 km

This is one of the older council parks on the Gold Coast but it has recently been upgraded with new amenities. It is very popular with holidaymakers as it is across the road from a patrolled beach and within walking... Find out more

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Cook’s Endeavour Motor Inn

Cook’s Endeavour Motor Inn is a traditional motel near the New South Wales–Queensland border offering comfortable twin, double and family rooms right in the heart of Tweed Heads. All rooms are on the ground... Find out more

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Penny Ridge Winery Resort

Proprietors will often promise anything to entice guests to stay at their property, but Penny Ridge Winery Resort really lives up to its claims. Located on 40 hectares of pristine countryside and blessed with 360-degree... Find out more

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Cottages on the Creek 17 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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Crystal Creek Rainforest Retreat 25 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 27 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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Emerald Valley Villa 49 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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Destiny Boonah 89 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 94 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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Glass House Mountains Eco-Lodge 151 km

The simple, down-market rooms here include the use of old train carriages for a communal kitchen and group area. An old church has also been recycled, and all greywater and blackwater is used on site to irrigate the... Find out more

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Sleepy Hollow Rest Area 28 km

61 km N of Ballina (L) northbound only Large area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S28 25.457 E153 31.220 ... Find out more

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Yelgun Rest Area 35 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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Tyagarah Rest Area 47 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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Coolgardie Rest Area 84 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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Woodburn Park Area 101 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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Tuckombil Road Rest Area 105 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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New Italy Rest Area 111 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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Tabbimoble Creek Rest Area 127 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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Maclean Park Area 147 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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