Explore Australia

Porter Promenade: woodcarving exhibition and rainforest arboretum; next to visitor centre. Ulysses Link Walking Trail: this 1.2 km pathway along the foreshore features local history, sculptures and mosaics. Great Barrier Reef tours: cruises and day tours to islands and reefs depart from Clump Point Jetty daily. Boat, catamaran and jetski hire: details from visitor centre.

Family Islands The Family Islands National Park protects this 14 km stretch of islands. The most northerly of the group, Dunk Island, is a popular holiday destination with spectacular forest, rainforest and 14 km of walking tracks. The resort is private (maximum 360 people) but camping is available (maximum 30 people). The less-developed islands of Wheeler and Coombe are perfect for bush camping (visitors must be self-sufficient). There is air service to Dunk Island from Cairns and Townsville or ferry from Clump Point. Islands are accessible by water taxi from Wongaling Beach.

Clump Mountain National Park: this scenic park boasts remnant lowland rainforest, an important habitat for the southern cassowary. A highlight is the 4 km Bicton Hill Track to the summit lookout over Mission Beach and coast; just north of Mission Beach on Bingil Bay Rd; (07) 4722 5224.

Bedarra Island: this island of untouched tropical beauty is off-limits to day visitors and children under 15. There’s bushwalking, snorkelling, fishing, swimming, windsurfing, sailing and tennis, and an exclusive resort (maximum 30 people); 16 km SE. Historic cairn: commemorates the ill-fated 1848 Cape York expedition of Edmund Kennedy; South Mission Beach Espl. Aboriginal Midju: display of Aboriginal culture; adjacent to cairn. Wet Tropics walking trails: the area around Mission Beach offers spectacular rainforest walks, including the Lacy Creek Forest circuit (1.2 km) in the major cassowary habitat of Tam O'Shanter National Park, the Kennedy Trail (7 km) past lookouts and along beaches, and the trails in Licuala State Forest; brochure available from visitor centre. Adventure activities: include tandem parachuting, kayak trips and whitewater rafting; details from visitor centre.

Russell Heads 73 km

Russell Heads is the junction and estuary system of the Russell and Mulgrave Rivers, south of Cairns. I was fishing with Kieran Livingstone who had a Cairns Custom Craft aluminium, a solid boat ideal for river and... Find out more

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Lake Tinaroo 96 km

Lake Tinaroo is built across the Barron River Gorge in the Atherton Tablelands; about two hours’ drive from Cairns via Gordonvale and Yungaburra. The lake was the first of Queensland’s impoundments stocked... Find out more

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Trinity Inlet 106 km

The Cairns region offers more than gamefishing. South of the city are rivers like the Russell and Mulgrave; to the north are the Daintree and Mowbray Rivers. Anglers heading inland will find opportunities like the famous... Find out more

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Cairns 111 km

Many international game anglers regard Cairns as the game fish capital of the world, with plenty of big black marlin – the Holy Grail of gamefishing. Granders or Julies, call them what you will, these huge female... Find out more

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Julatten 164 km

Fishing is where you find it, and sometimes you find it in unlikely places. Between Mount Molloy and Mossman in the Rex Ranges at a place called Julatten, I came across a couple of people fishing in a pond. I pulled over... Find out more

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Bushwalking around Townsville and Cairns 44 km

This entire region offers great delights to bushwalkers, although you are likely to get damp, either from the humidity or from a tropical shower (it is not called ‘rainforest’ for nothing). The Rainforest and... Find out more

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Hiking the Thorsborne Trail 57 km

The 32-kilometre Thorsborne Trail is a classic tropical bushwalk that weaves along the east coast of the 393-square-kilometre Hinchinbrook Island National Park. There is a maximum of 40 people allowed on the track at a... Find out more

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Cheese-tasting - Millaa Millaa 65 km

In the lush highlands of Millaa Millaa, overlooking Mount Bartle Frere, the certified biodynamic Mungalli Creek Dairy has a superb range of organic cheeses and yoghurts for sale and tastings. You can watch the delectable... Find out more

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Birdwatching - Townsville to Cairns 86 km

You do not need to be a bird nerd to appreciate Tyto Wetlands near Ingham. It is a beautiful, peaceful spot for a picnic, a pleasant walk or a pre-dinner drink. But if you stop at one of the benches or bird hides and... Find out more

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Savannahlander 111 km

This small two- or three-carriage train heads out across the savannah country from Cairns to Forsayth on a four-day round trip, allowing you to get off at towns and see key places, such as Undara, along the way. You can... Find out more

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Swimming around Townsville and Cairns 124 km

Not far from Townsville there are a couple of popular swimming holes: Big Crystal Creek near Mutarnee, the icy Little Crystal Creek on the road to Paluma, and under the Rollingstone Bridge. Near Tully, you can cool off... Find out more

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Wildlife experience - Cairns 127 km

Combine several of the Cairns area’s main wildlife attractions into one seamless day out: the Kuranda Scenic Railway, Skyrail, Kuranda Koala Gardens, Birdworld and the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary. Book through... Find out more

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Bushwalking on Magnetic Island 161 km

Magnetic Island has about 25 kilometres of walking tracks, many with outstanding views of the coast, or ending at isolated beaches. Do not miss the 2-kilometre Forts Walk, with a good chance of seeing a koala or two, and... Find out more

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Reef tours 168 km

As with elsewhere on the reef, there is the luxury of choice for diving or snorkelling trips, particularly from Port Douglas. However, remember the reef is not just offshore and involves a boat trip. Among the... Find out more

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Reef HQ, Townsville 171 km

This eco-accredited, non-profit aquarium is a great spot to go before or after you visit the reef itself, as it will introduce you to some of the main characters out there and give you lots of great information about... Find out more

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Paradise Palms Country Club 129 km

‘Paradise’ is appropriately named. Situated 25 minutes north of Cairns, and just off the Captain Cook Highway, this is a beautiful golf course. The rainforest-covered Great Dividing Range dominates the... Find out more

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Sea Temple Golf & Country Club 163 km

Technological advancements in agronomy and construction equipment have opened up new frontiers and landscapes for golf course designers during the past 40 years. One course designer who has never shirked a tough... Find out more

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Blue Sky Brewery 110 km

After a significant period between drinks, Cairns once again has a working brewery with the opening of Blue Sky Brewery in 2008. Located in the heart of the city, the microbrewery, bar and restaurant complex has six... Find out more

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Townsville Brewing Company 171 km

Based in an historic former post office building, Townsville Brewing Company has been brewing six regular beers (Townsville Bitter, Lager Lout, Burdekin Gold, Digger’s Pale Ale, Ned’s Red Ale and... Find out more

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Mission Beach Caravan Park

This caravan park with laundry facilities is on Porters Promenade in Mission Beach, about 2 hrs drive from Cairns or 3 hrs from Townsville. Known for its 14 km stretch of sandy beaches, the town is a jumping-off point to... Find out more

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Dunk Island View Van Park - Campsite 4 km

Located at Mission Beach just 50m from Wongaling beach, this caravan park is set on a well-shaded 2.2 hectare property with views across to Dunk Island. The park is close to shops, restaurants and cafes and the on-site... Find out more

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Bingil Bay Campground 4 km

This campground is about 3 km north of Mission Beach on Bingil Bay Rd. There is no power available here. Mission Beach is 2 hrs drive from Cairns or 3 hrs from Townsville, and is known for its 14 km stretch of sandy... Find out more

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Dunk Island Spit camping area 10 km

This campground is on the west coast of Dunk Island, with 9 designated sites provided; bookings are essential. Dunk has 13 km of scenic walking tracks; you can trek through rainforests, complete a circuit of the island,... Find out more

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Kurrimine Beach Caravan Park 10 km

This very basic council campground is on Robert Johnson Pde in Kurrimine Beach, about 9 km east of the Bruce Hwy, accessed from Silkwood. The closest major town is Innisfail, about 30 km north of Kurrimine. The nearby... Find out more

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Hull Heads recreation area 14 km

Estuary and reef fishing from an all-weather boat ramp and pontoon makes Hull Heads an excellent destination for anglers. The campground is next to the coastguard on Luff St in Hull Heads, 15 km east of the Bruce Hwy.... Find out more

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Stephens Island camping area 16 km

This campground for self-sufficient campers is on the western side of Stephens Island, part of the South Barnard group. There are 3 separate sites, each with a maximum of 4 people. Open fires and generators are not... Find out more

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Wheeler Island 18 km

Located 12 km east of Tully Heads, Wheeler Island is accessed by private boat from Mission Beach. The campground’s only facilities are pit toilets and picnic tables, so campers will need to bring all... Find out more

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Coombe Island 20 km

Fancy staying at your own exclusive, secluded bush campground? This site, about 13 km east of Tully Heads, only permits 1 group at a one time. There are, however, no facilities at the campground so you’ll need to... Find out more

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Kent Island camping area 23 km

Self-sufficient camping is on the west coast of Kent Island, part of the North Barnard group. This site is ideal for anglers and wildlife watchers. There are 3 sites with a maximum of 5 people per site.... Find out more

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Mission Beach Hideaway Holiday Village 1 km

This is an excellent park at the heart of a very popular tourist destination and just a short walk to the beach, the shops or the local restaurants. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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Beachcomber Coconut Caravan Village 7 km

Mission Beach is a dream holiday destination and this park is the perfect place to stay. It is set in a fabulous location just across the road from the beach. The shops are within walking distance. Bookings are required... Find out more

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King Reef Resort 10 km

This beachside caravan park is part of a hotel complex. It has good basic facilities and is very popular during holiday periods. Meals and normal hotel services are available. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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Googarra Beach Caravan Park 15 km

The park, close to Tully Heads, has a cafe and a well-stocked shop and also sells fuel. This is a convenient overnight stop or a good base for exploring the area. Bookings are required in peak periods. Pets are not... Find out more

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Flying Fish Point Tourist Park 41 km

This quality owner-operated place is across the road from the beach in this small community about 7 km from Innisfail. The park puts on cooked dinners on Saturday nights and has happy hour on Wednesday. It also offers... Find out more

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Cardwell Beachcomber 43 km

The park is centrally located just a short distance from the centre of town and across the road from the beach (ideal for fishing). The park has good facilities and a licensed restaurant/cafe in the attached motel.... Find out more

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Wanderers Holiday Village 77 km

Close to the centre of town, this park is a popular holiday destination for those keen on fishing. There are covered barbecues and a boat parking area. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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BIG4 Atherton Woodlands Tourist Park 94 km

On the outskirts of Atherton, about 2 km from the town centre, this tidy park has large shady trees and makes a good base for a few days while exploring the area. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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Innot Hot Springs Leisure and Caravan Park 95 km

Located in the centre of the small township, this place has good facilities and the local hotel is just a short walk away. A relaxing dip in the spring-fed pools in the park is most enjoyable at the end of the day.... Find out more

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Discovery Holiday Parks – Lake Tinaroo 98 km

This park is located on Tinaroo Dam, 17 km from Atherton. It is popular with anglers who come year round to catch barramundi from the stocked reservoir. The park has good basic facilities. Bookings are required in peak... Find out more

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Lillypads

A garden rich with fruit-laden trees and flowering plants, a cassowary wandering past, a rainforest creek – yes it’s a truly tropical experience at Lillypads. Accommodation here is provided in two luxury... Find out more

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Mission Beach Resort

There are four different areas in this resort, each with swimming pools, and a variety of accommodation from luxury with room service to family oriented. There is also a hotel with gaming rooms. All rooms have private... Find out more

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Sejala on the Beach

Step from your front verandah and it’s just a few paces to the beach here, although it’s very secluded. The three beach huts are luxurious in terms of furnishings and toiletries but ‘modern... Find out more

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Hinchinbrook Island Wilderness Lodge and Resort 39 km

Revolutionary in terms of minimal-impact tourism when it was first established in 1974, this classy resort has no more than a toehold on the 393-square-kilometre Hinchinbrook Island, and you can hardly see the treetop... Find out more

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The Canopy, near Malanda 73 km

Located at Tarzali, this place comprises six beautiful glass and timber treehouses set in 40 hectares of rainforest that has never been logged, with Lumholtz tree-kangaroos creeping around, green ringtail possums,... Find out more

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Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat 75 km

By renting out nine elegant eco-accredited treehouses (near Malanda), the owners have funded a massive weed-clearing and revegetation program – including planting 20 000 trees – on their 92-hectare property,... Find out more

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Possum Valley Rainforest Cottages 78 km

Near Millaa Millaa, the two secluded bush cabins here, on 62 hectares of bushland and rainforest, can sleep up to eight people each, and are completely powered by solar technology and a small water turbine in Possum... Find out more

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Hidden Valley Cabins, Hidden Valley 123 km

Acclaimed as being Australia’s first completely solar-powered resort, with a restaurant, pool and room for 31 guests, this serious environmental resort is in secluded dry forest well off the Bruce Highway. It is... Find out more

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Bungalow Bay Koala Village 160 km

Declared Australia’s best backpacker accommodation, this low-key eco-accredited resort, with pool and family-style restaurant, has 2.8 hectares of camping area and 30 A-frame bungalows, 25 of which are... Find out more

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Kingfisher Park Birdwatcher’s Lodge 163 km

Guaranteed to get keen birdwatchers excited, this eco-accredited establishment at Julatten is renowned as one of the best birdwatching spots north of Cairns, with rare endemic species seen around the pool. For six months... Find out more

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Daintree Rainforest Retreat, near Cow Bay 196 km

When the owners here decided to reduce their carbon footprint by installing 48 solar panels, the generator’s monthly diesel consumption changed from 1600 litres to 200 litres. By revegetating a rainforest on their... Find out more

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Daintree Eco Lodge and Spa 196 km

If you are in need of some pampering, this is the place to go. With strong and proud links to the Aboriginal heritage of the site – a women’s healing place – the Eco Lodge has 15 sumptuous villas set... Find out more

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Daintree Wilderness Lodge, Alexandra Bay 198 km

Set in fan-palm rainforest, the eight bungalows here, accessed by raised boardwalks to protect the forest floor, are partially solar-powered by 20 solar panels, and a biocycle system breaks down all waste on site. As... Find out more

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Mission Beach Camp Area 1 km

T/O 3 km N of Tully (R) or 49 km S of Innisfail (L) Small campground located 24 kilometres east of the highway on the foreshore at the north end of the village. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S17 51.871 E146... Find out more

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Bingil Bay Camp Area 5 km

T/O 3 km N of Tully (R) or 49 km S of Innisfail (L) Very small campground located 28 kilometres east of the highway among dense vegetation on the foreshore, 4 kilometres north of Mission Beach. Good shade. GPS: S17... Find out more

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Diggers Creek Rest Area 13 km

18 km N of Tully (R) or 34 km S of Innisfail (L) Very small area adjacent to the road. Good shade. GPS: S17 47.441 E146 00.363 ... Find out more

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Bilyana Rest Area 34 km

21 km N of Cardwell (L) or 22 km S of Tully (R) Small area just off the highway. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S18 07.074 E145 54.437  ... Find out more

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Fred Drew Rest Area 41 km

4 km N of Innisfail (L) or 26 km S of Babinda (R) Small area just off the road at the junction with the Palmerston Highway. Good facilities but only limited shade. GPS: S17 30.897 E145 59.624... Find out more

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Murray Falls Camp Area 44 km

T/O 22 km N of Cardwell (L) or 15 km S of Tully (R) Large grassed campground located 20 kilometres west of the highway in a pleasant bush setting among numerous small trees near the falls in Murray Falls State Forest.... Find out more

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Cardwell Park Area 45 km

Middle of town Parking area on the foreshore. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S18 16.159 E146 02.051... Find out more

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Tully Gorge Camp Area 48 km

T/O into main street through Tully Pleasant campground located in Tully Gorge State Forest, surrounded by rainforest on the banks of the Tully River, 40 kilometres north-west of town. Good facilities and shade. ... Find out more

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Five Mile Creek Rest Area 51 km

45 km N of Ingham (L) or 8 km S of Cardwell (R) Secluded area located 700 metres west of the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S18 19.387 E146 02.439... Find out more

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Bramston Beach Camp Area 58 km

T/O 23 km N of Innisfail (R) or 7 km S of Babinda (L) Idyllic foreshore campground situated 17 kilometres east of the highway on the beach. Good shade and facilities. Store nearby. GPS: S17 21.076 E146 01.262... Find out more

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Babinda Rest Area 61 km

T/O opposite the main street into Babinda Large secluded area located 500 metres south-east of the highway on the old road. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S17 20.924 E145 55 541... Find out more

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The Boulders Camp Area 64 km

T/O into the main street through Babinda Small campground located 6 kilometres west of the highway near a very pleasant picnic area in the rainforest. Good facilities. NOTE: Limited sites available. GPS: S17 20.394... Find out more

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Gordonvale Park Area 92 km

33 km N of Babinda (R) or 27 km S of Cairns (L) Large area just off the highway at Mulgrave River. GPS: S17 05.998 E145 47.246 ... Find out more

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Frances Creek Rest Area 97 km

100 km N of Townsville (L) or 11 km S of Ingham (R) Large area adjacent to the road. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S18 44.533 E146 08.159... Find out more

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Jourama Falls Camp Area 109 km

T/O 88 km N of Townsville (L) or 23 km S of Ingham (R) Small secluded campground situated 6 kilometres east of the highway in the forest of Paluma Range National Park. Good facilities and shade. NOTE: Booking... Find out more

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Balgal Beach Camp Area 130 km

T/O 52 km N of Townsville (R) or 59 km S of Ingham (L) Small foreshore campground located 5 kilometres east of the highway at the northern end of the road through the village. Good facilities but only limited shade. ... Find out more

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Rollingstone Rest Area 134 km

53 km N of Townsville (R) or 58 km S of Ingham (L) Large grassed area well off the highway accessed via the service road through Rollingstone. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S19 02.732 E146 23.664... Find out more

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Toomulla Beach Camp Area 140 km

T/O 43 km N of Townsville (R) or 68 km S of Ingham (L) Small grassy camp area located 2 kilometres east of the highway on the foreshore at the south end of the village. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S19 05.0013... Find out more

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