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St Helens History Room: browse memorabilia and models of local history from a mine water wheel and a horse-drawn hearse, to a vintage church organ and life-sized Tasmanian tiger; 61 Cecilia St; (03) 6376 1744; open daily. Beaches: sheltered coves in the bay and surfable waves at nearby ocean beaches. Fishing: St Helens is famous for its fishing, offering everything from bream and trout in the Scamander River to blue-water gamefishing offshore. Charter boats and tours are available for deep-sea fishing and dinghy hire is available for bay fishing. Check with visitor centre for details.

Binalong Bay this small holiday town with gorgeous beaches is renowned for its excellent surf and rock-fishing. 11 km NE. St Helens Point: walks with stunning coastal scenery along Maurouard Beach; brochure from visitor centre; 9 km S. Bay of Fires Conservation Area: named by Captain Furneaux for the Aboriginal campfires burning along the shore as he sailed past in 1773, this area features magnificent coastal scenery, good beach fishing and camping. Aboriginal middens are found in the area. A guided walk takes in the scenery to the north (see Gladstone for details); begins 9 km N. Beaumaris: good beaches and lagoons; 12 km S. Blue Tier Forest Reserve: walks with wheelchair access and interpretive sites; 27 km NW. St Columba Falls: dropping nearly 90 m, the falls flow down a granite cliff-face to the South George River. Walks through sassafras and myrtle lead to a viewing platform; 38 km W. Scenic flights: flights over the world-renowned Bay of Fires; Bay of Fires Aviation; St Helens Aerodrome, St Helens Point Rd; 1300 391 221

St Helens 2 km

Most mainlanders once regarded Tasmania’s east coast seaport of St Helens as a gamefishing destination, and little else. Anglers came here to head offshore in search of marlin, tuna and sharks. However, the... Find out more

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Lake River 116 km

‘Tasmania is in drought, we simply don’t have enough water,’ said my guide Roger Butler as we departed Hobart for Lake River, which joins the Macquarie River south of Launceston. We reached our... Find out more

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Flinders Island 123 km

Flinders Island is halfway across Bass Strait. Air travel to the island is limited but it’s worth the effort. Most anglers who visit the island and sample the fishing return full of praise for the place. Flinders... Find out more

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Arthurs Lake 136 km

Tasmanians claim that ‘even novices can catch trout in Arthurs Lake’. This probably explains why this waterway is Tasmania’s most popular trout fishery, hosting more anglers than any other water... Find out more

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Great Lake 149 km

A year-round trout fishery, Great Lake is one of Tasmania’s best known waters and a thriving centre for holiday homes. Brown trout were first released here in 1870 and they still dominate the fishery with an... Find out more

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Little Pine Lagoon 157 km

Little Pine Lagoon is not much to look at, but is highly regarded by fly-fishers for its springtime tailing trout and summer dun hatches. Some anglers rate it Tasmania’s premier fly-fishing water. This small water... Find out more

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Twin Lakes 160 km

I always thought the title of John Gierach’s entertaining book Where the Trout are all as Long as your Leg was a little farfetched, until I realised it related to a time when he was five years old. I am a little... Find out more

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Bronte System 175 km

Trout anglers probably already know that Tasmania’s Central Highland lakes are among the best in the world. Many offer fly- fishers an opportunity to sight-fish for tailing trout around the lake margins.... Find out more

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The Springs 189 km

Visitors to Hobart who are short on time can get a trout fix less than 20 mins’ drive from the CBD at an exclusive fishery called The Springs. It is a year-round fishery and is restricted to a maximum of two... Find out more

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Salmon Ponds 191 km

Most Australian trout anglers regard Tasmania as the nation’s premier trout destination. It’s like Tasmania was purpose-designed for trout, with hundreds of lakes and a cooler climate. Mother Nature... Find out more

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Bay of Fires Walk 33 km

A deluxe four-day walk along the magnificent north-east coast at the edge of Mount William National Park, staying in solar-powered accommodation designed for sustainable living, is one of the newer ecotourism treats in... Find out more

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Diving and snorkelling along Tasmania's east coast 62 km

Although diving might not be your first thought when you head south to Tasmania, the temperate waters usually provide much greater visibility than tropical waters, and offer a surprisingly rich and diverse range of flora... Find out more

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Forest Ecocentre, Scottsdale 64 km

The uniquely designed building is probably the key attraction here. Designed to use 20 per cent less energy than conventional structures, it has a building within a building, with a central funnel and large fan. Learn... Find out more

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Freycinet Adventures 89 km

One of the best ways to experience the Freycinet environment is a morning paddle with Freycinet Adventures. You glide across Great Oyster Bay to a beautiful secluded beach, indulging in a scrumptious morning tea with... Find out more

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Tamar Island 94 km

This important wetland habitat just 10 minutes from the heart of Launceston features a great bird-viewing hide, 3.2 kilometres of easy walking tracks and an interpretation centre.... Find out more

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Low Head Penguin Tours 124 km

Every night at dusk this comprehensive but inexpensive tour takes visitors to a little penguin-nesting site near the mouth of the Tamar River, where you can watch the penguins waddle ashore to return to their nests. The... Find out more

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Birdwatching on Flinders Island 148 km

Logan Lagoon in the south-east is an internationally recognised wetland, vital for rare migratory species such as the red-necked stint, common greenshank, eastern curlew and bar-tailed godwit.... Find out more

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Platypus Encounters, Latrobe 154 km

Three brothers almost single-handedly turned an old quarry site into one of the most reliable places in the world to see wild platypus. In fact, the guided tours have never failed to encounter a platypus in Warrawee... Find out more

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Trowunna Wildlife Park, Mole Creek 156 km

One of the most respected and long-running wildlife parks in Tasmania, Trowunna is involved in conservation, education and rehabilitation. There is a wide range of wildlife on display, including devils, reptiles, quolls... Find out more

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Giant crayfish research, near Ulverstone 174 km

Tasmania has the largest freshwater crayfish in the world, and they can grow up to a metre in length, with claws that could cut a person’s hand off. You can go out on a research trip with the world’s expert... Find out more

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Barnbougle Dunes Links (Lost Farm course) 76 km

When Barnbougle Dunes opened for play in 2004 it did have a few critics who suggested it was too far away from the golfing masses to be financially successful. How wrong they were. If a golf course is good enough,... Find out more

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Barnbougle Dunes Links 77 km

Bridport used to be a sleepy fishing village on Tasmania’s north-east coast. That all changed in 2004. In December of that year Barnbougle Dunes Links opened for play on the eastern outskirts of town – and... Find out more

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Tasmania Golf Club 177 km

The challenge a golf course presents can often be measured by the quality of player it produces. At Tasmania Golf Club, the name Goggin crops up regularly on the honour boards. Lindy Goggin, a three-time Australian... Find out more

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Royal Hobart Golf Club 182 km

Royal Hobart Golf Club has come a long way from humble beginnings. It started out at Sandy Bay, not far from where Wrest Point Casino stands today, in 1896. Known as the Newlands course, it was an incredible par- 89:... Find out more

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Ocean View Restaurant

The modern Tidal Waters Resort has a gorgeous fine-dining à la carte restaurant specialising in Tasmanian seafood, cooked with style and panache. The flavours are Asian and the ambience is contemporary and... Find out more

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Purple Possum Wholefoods and Cafe 29 km

Purple Possum is in the great little town of St Marys, midway between St Helens and Bicheno. The cafe is wholly vegetarian, and you can take away a range of organic fruit and vegetables and locally grown supplies.... Find out more

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Iron House Brewery 29 km

When White Sands Resort came on the market a few years ago it proved too tempting for Devonport businessman John White, who already runs several companies bearing his surname. Rebranded as White Sands Estate, the... Find out more

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Boag's (J.Boag & Son) 94 km

With several different owners over the past 100 years, J. Boag and Son typifies the sometimes turbulent history of Australian brewing and the minor miracle of surviving at all into the 21st century. Scotsman James Boag... Find out more

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Moo Brew 185 km

With its striking, glass and steel brewhouse perched high above the Derwent River, Moo Brew is probably the best-appointed microbrewery in the land. It’s also part of Moorilla Estate, situated on the outskirts of... Find out more

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Two Metre Tall Company 190 km

Ashley Huntington actually is 2 metres tall – probably taller if you include his mop of curly hair – and his generous height is also the name for the craftbrewing enterprise he runs from the Derwent... Find out more

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Cascade Brewery 192 km

It’s impossible not to wax lyrical about the Cascade Brewery. It is the oldest working brewery in the country, one of the quaintest-looking industrial buildings and it’s located in the most picturesque of... Find out more

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Moulting Bay camping area 5 km

There is space here under the trees for the biggest of big rigs and, with the convenience of a beach boat-launching place, this is a fantastic spot to set up camp close to the excellent fishing to be had in Georges Bay.... Find out more

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Dianas Basin camping area 7 km

This lovely camping area has a lagoon on one side and Beaumaris Beach on the other. Swim, surf, fish or head north or south along the beach for hours of beachcombing. The camping sites, sheltered in amongst the coastal... Find out more

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Dora Point camping area 8 km

This delightful camping area looks out over the Georges Bay narrows to St Helens Point, and is set in the lovely Humbug Point Nature Recreation Area – a haven for wildlife, especially birds. There are plenty of... Find out more

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Grants Lagoon camping area 8 km

This is an open grassy area with boat access to the lagoon and sites suitable for larger rigs. Head along Binalong Bay Rd C850, turning left after 8 km to ‘The Gardens’. Grants Lagoon track is signposted... Find out more

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Paddys Island camping area 9 km

With white sand beaches stretching to the horizon north and south, this camping area between the highway and the sea is ideal if you love to breathe the sea air on long beach walks. All along this coast there is evidence... Find out more

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Jeanneret Beach camping area 10 km

This gorgeous cove has secluded and well-sheltered camping sites at its northern end, nestled in the trees at Round Hill Point. Swim and snorkel to your heart’s content, or hike along the Binalong Bay Coastal Walk.... Find out more

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Swimcart Beach camping area 10 km

There are sandy camping sites accessible to smaller vehicles all along this renowned surf-fishing beach, and a picnic area at the northern end near a small lagoon. Take care swimming as the beach drops away steeply.... Find out more

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Cosy Corner (South) camping area 11 km

This camping area is next to a little cove with sparkling white sand. The access track is off Gardens Rd C848, 5.4 km north of Binalong Bay Rd. Sites are sheltered from the wind among trees or close to the beach.... Find out more

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Cosy Corner (North) camping area 11 km

The northern end of Cosy Corner beach has an inviting lagoon irresistible to paddlers. Camping areas here are best suited to bigger vans. The access track is signposted off Gardens Rd C848, 5.6 km north of Binalong Bay... Find out more

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Sloop Reef camping area 13 km

This spot is everything you imagine Bay of Fires to be: clear blue waves and a deserted curve of pure white beach. It is tucked into the southern corner of Taylors Beach. There are no toilets so bring your own. Take the... Find out more

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BIG4 St Helens Holiday Park 1 km

This is a good quality establishment 1.5 km south of town. The park is a popular holiday destination and bookings are required in peak periods; a minimum-length stay applies at Christmas, Easter and long weekends.... Find out more

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Bicheno East Coast Holiday Park 62 km

This is a good quality tourist park with a larger number of sites. Bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-length stay applies over public holidays.... Find out more

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Treasure Island Caravan Park 94 km

Launceston has just this one caravan park. It is about 2 km south of the city centre and is easily accessible from the freeway when approaching from the south. The park has good facilities and is a good base to use when... Find out more

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Longford Riverside Caravan Park 99 km

This park, with good amenities, is located on the banks of the Macquarie River, only a few hundred metres from the centre of town. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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Ross Caravan Park 101 km

Close to the centre of town, on the banks of the Macquarie River and adjoining historic buildings, this small, appealing park is one of the better parks in the midlands. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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Low Head Tourist Park 123 km

A lot of recent development has transformed this into an attractive park. There are large grassy areas, and most facilities for the discerning traveller are here. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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BIG4 Kelso Sands Holiday Park 126 km

The park is set on a large expanse of grassy, maintained grounds and includes a small golf course. It has good amenities, a wellstocked store and a great outlook over the broad estuary of the River Tamar. Wombats... Find out more

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Deloraine Apex Caravan Park 135 km

With good facilities, this park is about a oneand- a-half hour drive to Cradle Mountain and about half that to Great Lake. There are good bushwalks in the area. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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Port Sorell Lions Caravan Park 143 km

This popular beachfront park is owned and operated by the Lions Club. It is close to the centre of town, adjacent to the boat ramp and ideal for family holidays. It is an easy drive to the Devonport ferry terminal from... Find out more

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Bayside Inn

The Bayside Hotel was once a rather attractive seaside hotel but these days it’s more functional than funky, with over 80 motel units and hotel rooms, a bar and bistro, gaming and a drive-through bottle shop. Close to... Find out more

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The Old Headmasters House

Although not usually known for their good taste and style, this particular headmaster must have been an exception to the rule. His grand turn-of-the-century home now offers luxury B&B accommodation in three gracious... Find out more

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Tidal Waters Resort

This modern resort on the foreshore of tranquil Georges Bay is just a short stroll from the centre of St Helens. It has 60 stylish ensuite rooms with balconies looking over the water or facing landscaped native... Find out more

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Bay of Fires Character Cottages

Overlooking aquamarine water and white sand, these self-contained cottages tucked into the corner of picturesque Binalong Bay are just a few steps from the beach. Well equipped with laundries and full kitchens, most... Find out more

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Bed in the Treetops

Among the wildlife and forests near Binalong Bay, this pole house perched in the treetops provides unforgettable B&B accommodation. The two luxury suites show off the best of Tasmanian craft timbers and there are... Find out more

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Rainbow Retreat 27 km

The owners of this 30-hectare nature reserve at St Marys are wildlife carers who rehabilitate then release wildlife on the property, so there are plenty of their old friends wandering around, including wombats,... Find out more

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Curringa Farm 183 km

Near Hamilton, about an hour’s drive west of Hobart, this eco-accredited 300-hectare property gives visitors a taste of sustainable farming practices.Give a couple of day’s notice and you can tour the farm,... Find out more

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Mountain Valley, Loongana 190 km

Mountain Valley is off the beaten tourist track, situated around 64 kilometres south-west of Devonport (due south of Burnie). Visitors here stay in rustic cabins with open fireplaces on a private and remote 60-hectare... Find out more

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Waldheim Cabins 196 km

You can steal a march on everyone else in the morning by staying in historic cabins at a beautiful spot within Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park, operated by the Parks and Wildlife Service. The cabins are... Find out more

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Cradle Mountain Lodge 196 km

Live in the lap of luxury – old style – with a warm and welcoming central lodge, surrounded by individual cabins. Like nearly any large lodge, it does not have a perfect environmental record, but this... Find out more

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Peppermint Ridge Retreat, Woodbridge 222 km

Even without the stunning views over the D’Entrecasteaux Channel from 6-metre-high windows, the pademelons that hop around, or the free-range eggs and organic vegetable garden that guests are allowed to raid in... Find out more

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St Helens Park Area 2 km

South side of town on the foreshore Small parking area on the foreshore adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S41 20.455 E148 15.812... Find out more

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Moulting Bay Camp Area 5 km

T/O at St Helens via Binalong Bay Road Large campground in the scrub near the foreshore 7 kilometres north-east of St Helens and 1 kilometre south of Binalong Bay Road. Good shade. NOTE: Access road part unsealed. ... Find out more

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Dianas Basin Camp Area 7 km

T/O 10 km N of Scamander (R) or 8 km S of St Helens (L) Large area well off the highway between the basin and the beach with numerous secluded campsites located in the scrub. Good shade. NOTE: Access road unsealed. ... Find out more

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Grants Lagoon Camp Area 8 km

T/O at St Helens via Binalong Bay Road Large camp area in a natural bush setting 10 kilometres north-east of St Helens via Binalong Bay Road and Garden Road. Good shade. GPS: S41 15.295 E148 17.421  ... Find out more

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Dora Point Camp Area 8 km

T/O at St Helens via Binalong Bay Road Large camp area in the scrub near the foreshore 8 kilometres north-east of St Helens and 5 kilometres south of Binalong Bay Road. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S41 16.627 E148... Find out more

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Paddys Island Camp Area 9 km

8 km N of Scamander (R) or 10 km S of St Helens (L) Very small campground located just off the highway in the scrub. NOTE: Campervans only. GPS: S41 23.716 E148 17.340... Find out more

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Jeanneret Beach Camp Area 10 km

T/O at St Helens via Binalong Bay Road Small camp area on the foreshore 12 kilometres north-east of St Helens via Binalong Bay Road and Garden Road. NOTE: Campervans only. GPS: S41 14.220 E148 17.435... Find out more

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Swimcart Beach Camp Area 11 km

T/O at St Helens via Binalong Bay Road Small camp area on the foreshore 13 kilometres north-east of St Helens via Binalong Bay Road and Garden Road. GPS: S41 13.729 E148 17.053... Find out more

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Cosy Corner South Camp Area 11 km

T/O at St Helens via Binalong Bay Road Large camp area in the scrub on the foreshore 14 kilometres north-east of St Helens via Binalong Bay Road and Garden Road. GPS: S41 13.532 E148 16.977  ... Find out more

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Cosy Corner North Camp Area 11 km

T/O at St Helens via Binalong Bay Road Large camp area in a natural bush setting near the foreshore 15 kilometres north-east of St Helens via Binalong Bay Road and Garden Road. Good shade. GPS: S41 13.302 E148 16.924... Find out more

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Scamander Forest Camp Area 13 km

T/O at Beaumaris Small camp area 11 kilometres west of Beaumaris via Skyline Drive among trees on Trout Creek. Good shade. GPS: S41 26.114 E148 13.532... Find out more

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Shelly Point Camp Area 13 km

4 km N of Scamander (R) or 14 km S of St Helens (L) Small camp area located just off the highway in the scrub near the foreshore. NOTE: Campervans only. GPS: S41 26.114 E148 13.532... Find out more

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Little Beach Camp Area 34 km

32 km N of Bicheno (R) or 25 km S of Scamander (L) Large area just off the highway near the beach. Limited shade. GPS: S41 37.574 E148 18.736  ... Find out more

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Lagoon Beach Camp Area 36 km

29 km N of Bicheno (R) or 28 km S of Scamander (L) Large camp area well off the highway with numerous secluded sites in the scrub between the lagoon and the beach. Good shade. NOTE: Access road unsealed. GPS: S41... Find out more

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Derby Park Area 43 km

North side of town Small parking area adjacent to the highway on the banks of the river. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S41 08.517 E147 47.843 ... Find out more

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Denison Beach Rest Area 56 km

6 km N of Bicheno (R) or 51 km S of Scamander (L) Very small secluded area adjacent to the highway surrounded by scrub near the foreshore. GPS: S41 49.639 E148 15.901... Find out more

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Bicheno Park Area 61 km

North side of town Small parking area on the foreshore. GPS: S41 52.265 E148 17.742... Find out more

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Scottsdale Rest Area 63 km

East side of town Large area just off the highway. Very good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S41 09.977 E147 31.380... Find out more

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Sideling Lookout Park Area 69 km

17 km SW of Scottsdale (L) or 45 km NE of Launceston (R) Small area adjacent to the highway with good views over the surrounding countryside. Good facilities. GPS: S41 15.440 E147 25.844... Find out more

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Myrtle Park Camp Area 74 km

31 km SW of Scottsdale (R) or 31 km NE of Launceston (L) Large grassed camp area just off the highway on the banks of St Patrick’s River. Kiosk and telephone nearby. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S41 18.664... Find out more

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Friendly Beach Camp Area 75 km

T/O 34 km NE of Swansea (R) or 9 km SW of Bicheno (L) Small camp area located 14 kilometres south of the highway on the foreshore. NOTE: Access road part unsealed. GPS: S41 59.533 E148 17.096  ... Find out more

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Moulting Lagoon Camp Area 85 km

T/O 34 km NE of Swansea (R) or 9 km SW of Bicheno (L) Large camp area located 22 kilometres south of highway on the foreshore. Limited shade. GPS: S42 05.213 E148 13.986... Find out more

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Conara Rest Area 88 km

11 km N of Campbell Town (L) or 37 km S of Perth (R) Large area just off the highway on the road into town. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S41 49.805 E147 26.332... Find out more

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Coles Bay Camp Area 89 km

T/O 34 km NE of Swansea (R) or 9 km SW of Bicheno (L) Large camp area located 29 kilometres south of highway near the foreshore. Limited shade. NOTE: Powered sites available. GPS: S42 07.435 E148 17.810 ... Find out more

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Swansea Park Area 91 km

South side of town Small parking area on the Esplanade. Good facilities. GPS: S42 07.865 E148 04.538 ... Find out more

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Campbell Town Rest Area 93 km

South side of town Large grassed area just off the highway on the banks of the river. Limited shade. GPS: S41 55.922 E147 29.372... Find out more

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Perth Park Area 94 km

North side of town Parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S41 34.286 E147 10.184... Find out more

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Cressy Beach Park Area 95 km

44 km NE of Triabunna (R) or 5 km SW of Swansea (L) Small secluded area just off the highway on the foreshore. GPS: S42 10.149 E148 04.429 ... Find out more

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Spikey Beach Park Area 97 km

42 km NE of Triabunna (R) or 7 km S of Swansea (L) Small area just off the highway on the foreshore. GPS: S42 11.094 E148 04.000  ... Find out more

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Ross Park Area 101 km

South side of town Very small area at the historic bridge well off the highway on the road into the township. GPS: S42 01.876 E147 29.401... Find out more

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