Explore Australia

Guru Nanak Sikh Temple: spectacular white temple with gold domes; River St. Woolgoolga Art Gallery: exhibits local works; Turon Pde.

Yarrawarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre The focus of this centre is to help Aboriginal and Islander peoples maintain their heritage while teaching others about it. Visitors are encouraged to browse through the rooms of locally produced art, craft, books and CDs. The Bush Tucker Cafe offers meals with an Indigenous twist. Tours offered through the local area explore middens, ochre quarries and campsites while teaching about bush tucker and natural medicines. Stone and tool workshops and accommodation are also offered. Red Rock Rd; (02) 6649 2669; 10 km N.Yuraygir National Park: Woolgoolga section is excellent for bushwalking, canoeing, fishing, surfing, swimming, picnicking and camping on unspoiled coastline; 10 km N. Wedding Bells State Forest: subtropical and eucalypt forest with walking trails to Sealy Lookout and Mt Caramba Lookout; 14 km NW.

Coffs Harbour - Fishing Sub-region 22 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 85 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 184 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 214 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 22 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 71 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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Houseboating on the Macleay River 113 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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Birdwatching - Port Macquarie to Lismore 147 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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Sea Acres Nature Reserve 149 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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Armidale Bicentennial Arboretum 153 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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Diving and snorkelling around Byron Bay 168 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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Kayaking, Newcastle to Port Macquarie 241 km

Barrington Outdoor Adventure Centre at Gloucester offers an exciting one-day tour down the Barrington River. Guides can tailor the trip for beginners or family groups, choosing a quieter part of the river where there are... Find out more

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Tamborine Mountain Distillery 242 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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Bonville Golf Resort 31 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 226 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 230 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 233 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 248 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) 250 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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Possum’s Cafe

Possum’s Cafe is a popular spot for a great cup of coffee and a light meal matched with unpretentious, friendly service. There is a strongly held belief that the cafe makes the best jams and chutneys on the north... Find out more

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The Little Brewing Company 152 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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Stone and Wood Brewing 168 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 224 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 242 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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Bush camping 18 km

Self-sufficient campers armed with detailed, up-to-date topographic maps can access a number of good spots throughout the forest, either on foot, horseback or mountain bike.... Find out more

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Station Creek camping area 19 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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Pebbly Beach camping area 20 km

This is a top spot in a bay north of Station Creek Beach, with 60 campsites surrounded by banksias and horse-tail she-oaks. Sites are large and spread out behind the beach. There is a pleasant walk north to Freshwater... Find out more

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Sawtell Beach Caravan Park 29 km

This well-appointed caravan park is on Lyons Rd, about 8 km south of Coffs Harbour. You’ve got easy access to the beach and a wide range of accommodation options, including powered and unpowered sites, villas and... Find out more

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Bindarri camping area (bush camping) 32 km

Walk-in bush camping is possible throughout the park – facilities such as toilets, picnic tables and wood fireplaces are only available at Bindarray and Bangalore picnic areas, so you’ll need to be... Find out more

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Boorkoom camping area 34 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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Diggers Camp camping area 34 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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Rocky Point camping area (walk-in camping) 40 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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Illaroo camping area 40 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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The Junction camping area 40 km

Take the Black Mountain Rd south from Nymboida, Glenreagh or Lowanna and turn onto Junction Rd, a 1.4 km unsealed road suitable for 4WD access only – unless you’re prepared to walk or paddle in. Once there,... Find out more

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Woolgoolga Beach Caravan Park 1 km

This popular beachfront park is 100 metres from the centre of town, next to the surf club and looking out to sea. There are good amenities but no unpowered sites. Bookings are required in peak periods and a... Find out more

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Emerald Beach Holiday Park 6 km

This is a quality park with comprehensive facilities and excellent amenities. It is located in a picturesque beachside location, with good access to the Pacific Highway. Swimming, surfing and fishing are all popular... Find out more

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Darlington Beach Holiday Park 7 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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The Lorikeet Tourist Park 8 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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Moonee Beach Holiday Park 11 km

This popular beachfront caravan park has basic facilities, but does have a tennis court and open grassy sites with views out to sea. Swimming is good, as are the nature walks around the reserve. Bookings are required in... Find out more

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Split Solitary Beach Holiday Park 13 km

A lovely, shady beachside park south of Moonee Beach, 9 km north of Coffs Harbour. Bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-length stay applies at Christmas and Easter. Pets are only allowed in the off-peak... Find out more

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Park Beach Holiday Park 21 km

This is a large beachfront council park 4 km from the centre of town and close to the popular jetty precinct. The park boasts a wide range of facilities and is very popular during peak holiday periods, when bookings are... Find out more

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Sawtell Beach Caravan Park 30 km

This large, spacious park has a wonderful outlook over the ocean and is just a short walk from Sawtell shopping centre. A pool is just across the road. Bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-length stay... Find out more

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Urunga Heads Holiday Park 46 km

On the river estuary at Urunga, this park is an excellent overnight stop. It is far enough off the highway to be quiet and has an excellent outlook, with a shopping centre nearby. The park is busy in peak periods and... Find out more

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The Gateway Village 55 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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Halcyon Retreat

With self-contained suites ideal for one or two couples, in 2.5 hectares of tropical gardens and woodlands, complete with picnic facilities, this comfortable and air-conditioned place is just a short hop from... Find out more

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Waterside Cabins at Woolgoolga

This lush resort-style accommodation is close to the beach and Hearnes Lake. There is an enticing variety of villas and spa cabins, contemporary in style and with private decks and barbecues.... Find out more

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Lily Pily Country House, Bellingen 50 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 168 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 207 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 209 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 211 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 234 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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Woolgoolga Rest Area

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

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Halfway Creek Rest Area 22 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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Glenugie Creek Rest Area 40 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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McPhillips Creek Rest Area 45 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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Gumma Reserve Camp Area 69 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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Macksville Park Area 71 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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Maclean Park Area 71 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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Paddys Rest Area 84 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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Mann River Rest Area 85 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 92 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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Mulligans Hut Camp Area 104 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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New Italy Rest Area 107 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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Bellbird Camp Area 110 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 112 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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Tuckombil Road Rest Area 113 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 116 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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Bloodwood Ridge Rest Area 122 km

109 km N of Taree (L) northbound only Large area just off the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S31 09.892 E152 49.178  ... Find out more

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Kundabung Rest Area 126 km

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

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Coolgardie Rest Area 133 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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Beardy Waters Woodland Park Area 142 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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Celtic Country Rest Area 145 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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Beardy Waters Rest Area 146 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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