Strathpine

Brisbane Forest Park This natural bushland forest park has a scenic drive from the south-east corner to lookouts, mountain towns and attractive landscapes, ending at Lake Wivenhoe. It has pristine rainforest, towering trees, cascading waterfalls, deep pools, mountain streams and incredible wildlife. The small settlement of Mount Glorious is a base for forest walking tracks. Wivenhoe Lookout, 10 km further on, has superb views west to Lake Wivenhoe.There are many picnic spots – Jollys Lookout is a highlight, with views over Brisbane, the valley and north to the Glass House Mountains. A guide to the park's walks is available from the park headquarters at 60 Mt Nebo Rd, The Gap. Access via Ferny Hills. St Helena Island This low, sandy island, 8 kilometres from the mouth of the Brisbane River, was used as a prison from 1867 to 1932. It was dubbed ‘the hell-hole of the South Pacific’. Historic ruins remain and are protected in the island’s national park. Tours of the island depart from the Brisbane suburbs of Manly and Breakfast Creek; 26 km E. North Stradbroke Island ‘Straddie’is a coastal and bushland paradise, with contained pockets of development. Blue Lake National Park is an ecologically significant wetland; access is by 4WD or a 45-minute walk. Other island walking trails include the popular North Gorge Headland Walk. Travel to North Stradbroke by vehicular ferry from Cleveland. The ferry arrives at Dunwich, the site of a 19th-century quarantine and penal centre; 37 km SE. Moreton Island Almost all of this large island is national park. It is also mainly sand, with 280-metre Mount Tempest possibly the world’s highest stable sandhill. On the east coast is an unbroken 36-km surf beach, with calmer beaches on the west coast. Get to the island by passenger or vehicular ferry from Scarborough or the Brisbane River. A 4WD and a permit are required for self-drive touring; 41 km E. Lake Samsonvale: fishing, watersports and bushwalking; 8 km NW. Old Petrie Town: heritage park that holds markets each Sun and the popular Twilight Markets 1st Fri each month (Jan–Oct) then every Fri (Nov–Dec). Catch the free bus from Petrie Railway Station; 9 km N. Alma Park Zoo: palm garden and subtropical rainforest zoo with native and exotic animals. Feed the koalas and explore the Friendship Farm for children; Alma Rd, Dakabin; 14 km N. Australian Woolshed: demonstrations of shearing, spinning and working sheepdogs; bush dances with bush band; Ferny Hills; 16 km SW. Osprey House: environmental centre; Dohles Rocks Rd; 18 km N. Brisbane's Vineyard: wine tastings and sales; Mt Nebo Rd, Mount Nebo; 46 km SW.

Lake Wivenhoe 41 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 71 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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Clarrie Hall Dam - Fishing Sub-region 130 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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Bjelke Petersen Dam 145 km

Lake Barambah is a 22 sq km water about 15 km south-east of Murgon. It is regarded as one of the state’s best waters for big bass, but also has yellowbelly, silver perch and saratoga. It is relatively shallow for a... Find out more

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Lake Boondooma 204 km

Situated on the Boyne River to the west of Bjelke Petersen Dam, this lake is about 15 km from Proston. Since its construction in 1983, a variety of species have been stocked here. Australian bass, silver perch and... Find out more

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Lake Lenthall 216 km

Anyone who has read about the barramundi boom in Queensland’s impoundments will know about lakes like Awoonga, Faust and Callide. But there are many, less- known waters that also offer excellent fishing, and one of... Find out more

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Hervey Bay 223 km

Hervey Bay and Fraser Island are inseparably linked to each other and to fishing. Variety and quality of species is a true measure of a fishing destination and here you can catch longtails (northern bluefin tuna),... Find out more

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Fraser Island 248 km

The world’s biggest sand island, Fraser Island is 123 km long and has become Australia’s most famous beach-fishing venue, albeit one that also offers rock- and offshore fishing. The list of inshore species... Find out more

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Westlander 18 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 18 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 and mountain-biking around Brisbane 19 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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Rock climbing around Brisbane 19 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 the Sunshine Coast and hinterland 63 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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Tamborine Mountain Distillery 71 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 160 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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Hiking on Fraser Island 190 km

Fraser Island, with its 1653 square kilometres encompassing 200-metre-high sand dunes, 80 beautiful lakes and pockets of rainforest, is a delight for those prepared to put on a pack. Hikers can camp beside some of the... Find out more

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Dolphin tours around Hervey Bay 224 km

All year-round Blue Dolphin Marine Tours runs eco-tours to see the two species of dolphin in the area – the bottlenose, and the rare Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin. You have a 95 per cent chance of seeing the... Find out more

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North Lakes Resort Golf Club 10 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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Royal Queensland Golf Club 17 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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Pacific Harbour Golf & Country Club 35 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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Brookwater Golf & Country Club 40 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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Pelican Waters Golf Club 53 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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Sanctuary Cove Golf & Country Club (Pines course) 72 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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The Links, Hope Island 72 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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Twin Waters Golf Club 76 km

By the end of the 1980s, Queensland’s Sunshine Coast had a handful of good member clubs. In the ’90s, as the region became home to Australia’s fastest growing population, more golf courses and more... Find out more

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The Grand Golf Club 84 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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Hyatt Regency Coolum Resort 85 km

Resort courses are sometimes labelled, perhaps unfairly, as all being similar to one another: wide fairways, big undulating greens, large bunker schemes, the obligatory drinks cart. Some might even say a round of golf... Find out more

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Fishes at the Point

With seafood sourced from local anglers, this friendly cafe is always busy with locals and tourists enjoying freshly prepared and affordable meals. A rib-eye fillet costs only $15, or $20 with a glass of red wine, and... Find out more

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Look Cafe and Bar

Enjoy the laid-back island style of this cafe, starting with breakfast while you read the papers or stare at the waves and headlands of Frenchman’s Beach, where large pods of dolphins often come in to ride the... Find out more

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Oceanic Gelati & Coffee Bar

Homemade cakes and gelati, good coffee and a big range of teas, plus views of passing whales from June to November, make this a must-stop venue. Cash only.... Find out more

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Mondo Organics, West End 19 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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Castlemaine Perkins (Fourex) Brewery 17 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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Foster's Group (Yatala Brewery) 55 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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Sunshine Coast Brewery 71 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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Mt Tamborine Brewery 71 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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Burleigh Brewing Company 97 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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Stone and Wood Brewing 158 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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D'Aguilar National Park camping areas (bush camping) 26 km

There are 10 areas for bush camping scattered throughout the national park suitable for self-sufficient campers, plus a more formal camping area in the Mt Mee section. A network of trails provides access between the... Find out more

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Gallaghers Point camping area 35 km

The smallest of Bribie’s campsites with just 6 numbered sites, this camping area is typically popular with backpackers who can access the grounds, just 3 km north of White Patch Ranger Headquarters. There is boat... Find out more

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Poverty Creek camping area 37 km

Navigable by 4WD only, Poverty Creek campsite is a popular family area, with 12 numbered sites. Access is via White Patch Espl, or by boat from Pumicestone Passage. ... Find out more

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Mission Point camping area (boat-based camping) 38 km

Accessible by boat from Pumicestone Passage, there are 12 numbered sites at Mission Point, along with toilets, picnic tables and fireplaces; bring your own drinking water and firewood. Mission Point is north of Poverty... Find out more

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Neurum Creek camping area 40 km

A 4WD is recommended for accessing this medium-size campsite off Neurum Creek Rd, about 6 km from the southern access to the park (The Gantry) and about 13.5 km from the northern access to the park (Woodford end).... Find out more

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The Wrecks camping area 41 km

The Wrecks is a walk-in camping area just a short stroll from Tangalooma near the main barge landing point. There are 21 sites available; the surface is sand (not grassy) and is surrounded by native shrubs and trees.... Find out more

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Ben-Ewa camping area 41 km

A favourite with families and school groups, Ben-Ewa’s valley location provides protection from strong winds and offers many a shady tree. The site is on the western side of the island, 1.5 km north of The... Find out more

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Archer camping area 44 km

Camp in open woodland near a creek at this lovely grassy site just 1 km from the northern entry to the park. It can be accessed by car from the Woodford end, but if you are entering via The Gantry you’ll need a... Find out more

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Lumley Hill camping area 44 km

Just a short distance from Captain Logan Camp, Lumley Hill has powered sites. The campground is on Hay Rd, signposted off the Brisbane Valley Hwy. Wivenhoe Dam is a major water storage reserve with canoeing,... Find out more

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Captain Logan Camp 44 km

With as much water as 2.5 Sydney Harbours, Wivenhoe Dam is a major water storage reserve for south-east Queensland and a hub for watersports enthusiasts. With 57 unpowered sites, Captain Logan Camp suits both tent and... Find out more

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BIG4 Brisbane Northside Caravan Village 6 km

A good quality park close to the northern approach to Brisbane, this park is ideal for those wanting good access to the city’s northern suburbs. Minimum-booking periods apply.... Find out more

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Newmarket Gardens Caravan Park 14 km

The closest caravan park to Brisbane’s city centre, this older park has good basic facilities. With the city less than 4 km away, it is particularly popular with campers and backpackers.... Find out more

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Brisbane Holiday Village 31 km

Easily accessed from the Pacific Highway (Mt Gravatt exit), this large, quality park is on the south side of the city. Facilities include minigolf, a tennis court, convenience store, cafe and lovely grassy sites. For the... Find out more

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Gateway Village Resort 33 km

This is a good quality park with easy access to all the major highways, including the Pacific Motorway, and is 16 km from the city centre. The good facilities include a resortstyle pool and tennis court. Bookings are... Find out more

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Bribie Island Caravan Park 34 km

A good quality park located on the ocean side of Bribie Island, this place is just a short walk from the shops and the surf club at Woorim. Bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-length stay applies.... Find out more

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Glasshouse Mountains Tourist Park 41 km

Set in a subtropical treed area, close to the picturesque Glass House Mountains, this park has all the basic requirements and is well located for those wanting to spend some time at Australia Zoo. Bookings are required... Find out more

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Ocean View Caravan Park 58 km

High above the coastal plain with views to the sea, this park is being improved and further developed. Situated midway between Maleny and Landsborough, it is well located for those exploring the hinterland. Bookings are... Find out more

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Dicky Beach Family Holiday Park 60 km

This is a popular beachside park adjoining a busy patrolled swimming beach. The park is across the road from a small shopping strip and a few minutes from the centre of Caloundra. For us, this is a great beachside base... Find out more

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Jacobs Well Tourist Park 64 km

This is a quality Gold Coast City Council park, located in a quiet township on the protected waterways north of the Gold Coast. It is a very popular park with families and those who fish. Bookings are required in peak... Find out more

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BIG4 Forest Glen Holiday Resort 68 km

This award-winning park is set on over 19 ha of parkland. There is a large pool, tennis court, squash court, minigolf and a licensed restaurant. The Bruce Highway is close by and the Sunshine Coast beaches are just 15... Find out more

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Brisbane Marriott Hotel 17 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 44 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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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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The Mouses House, Springbrook 105 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 108 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 108 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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Emerald Valley Villa 152 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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Kingfisher Bay Resort, Fraser Island 213 km

With 1000 beds, and a choice of pools, restaurants and bars, this is the largest accommodation place mentioned in this book, but it has a longstanding reputation as being a positive role model for large ecotourism... Find out more

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Emeraldene Inn and Eco-Lodge, Hervey Bay 223 km

The 14 hotel-style rooms here, including two disabled rooms, have solar hot water and an envirocycle treatment system so that all sewage and greywater is treated and reused on site. The lodge has a solid environmental... Find out more

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Coochin Creek Camp Area 48 km

T/O 73 km N of Brisbane (R) or 95 km S of Gympie (L) Coochin Creek campground is located 5 kilometres east of the highway (via Bells Creek Road and Roys Road) in a pleasant forest setting in Beerburrum State Forest.... Find out more

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Landsborough Park Area 60 km

83 km N of Brisbane (L) or 85 km S of Gympie (R) Small area located 500 metres off the highway via Landsborough exit. Good shade. GPS: S26 46.409 E153 02.252... Find out more

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Six Mile Creek Rest Area 123 km

162 km N of Brisbane (L) or 6 km S of Gympie (R) Large grassed area just off the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S26 13.901 E152 41.849... Find out more

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Chatsworth Rest Area 133 km

6 km N of Gympie (L) or 55 km S of Tiaro (R) Large grassed area just off the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S26 09.01 E152 37.47  ... Find out more

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Sleepy Hollow Rest Area 134 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 141 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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