Explore Australia

Swansea Bark Mill and East Coast Museum The only restored black-wattle bark mill in Australia has machinery that still processes the bark for tanning leather. The museum has comprehensive displays on life in the 1820s, and the adjoining Wine and Wool Centre has wines from over 50 Tasmanian vineyards and textiles from around the state. A cafe and tavern complete the complex. Tasman Hwy; (03) 6257 8094.Historical walk: self-guide tour takes in charming heritage buildings including Morris' General Store (1838), run by the Morris family for over 100 years, and Community Centre (c. 1860), featuring the unusually large slate billiard table made for the 1880 World Exhibition; brochure from visitor centre. Waterloo Point: 1 km walking track leads to viewpoint to see short-tailed shearwaters at dusk and Aboriginal middens; Esplanade Rd.

Spiky Bridge Built by convicts in 1843, the bridge was pieced together without the aid of mortar or cement. The spikes – vertical fieldstones – prevented cattle from falling over the sides. The beach nearby has a picnic area and good rock-fishing. 7.5 km S.Coswell Beach: good spot for viewing little penguins at dusk; 1 km S along coast from Waterloo Pt. Duncombes Lookout: splendid views; 3 km S. Mayfield Beach: safe swimming beach with walking track from camping area to Three Arch Bridge. There is also great rock- and beach-fishing; 14 km S. Vineyards: Springvale, Coombend, Freycinet and Craigie Knowe vineyards all have cellar-door sales on weekends and holidays; 15 km N. Lost and Meetus Falls: bushwalks past beautiful waterfalls in dry eucalypt forest. Sheltered picnic area is nearby; 50 km NW.

Twin Lakes 71 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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Lake River 87 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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St Helens 90 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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Arthurs Lake 100 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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The Springs 104 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 115 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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Great Lake 116 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 123 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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Bronte System 131 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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Flinders Island 213 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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Freycinet Adventures 18 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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Diving and snorkelling along Tasmania's east coast 33 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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Island Cycle Tours 104 km

This innovative company offers guided and self-guided cycling tours, ranging from three-hour jaunts in and around Hobart, to three-week expeditions on the west coast. There are trips to combine cycling and hiking, and... Find out more

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Salamanca Market 104 km

With so much excellent fresh produce in Tasmania, you should consider picking up some local organic fruits and vegetables and cooking up your own feast. Try the famous Salamanca Market (Saturday 8.30am–3pm) or City... Find out more

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Tamar Island 109 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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Mount Wellington Walks 110 km

You can quite easily pick up a map and explore Hobart’s wilderness playground on your own but, for initiates, the maze of tracks may be best travelled with a guide who will show you bushfoods and wildlife, teach... Find out more

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Diving in Fortescue Bay 114 km

One of the most coveted Tasmanian diving experiences is through the towering kelp forests found along areas of the east coast. These plants can grow as much as a metre a day, reaching heights of nearly 50 metres in some... Find out more

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Forest Ecocentre, Scottsdale 117 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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Bay of Fires Walk 123 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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Living History Museum of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage 141 km

Set in a former Methodist church that had strong ties with the Tasmanian Aboriginal community, this little museum near Cygnet showcases Indigenous history, artefacts, art and bush tucker. It is generally open on weekends... Find out more

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Tasmania Golf Club 90 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 94 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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Barnbougle Dunes Links (Lost Farm course) 135 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 135 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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The Banc

At the centre of the east coast’s universe of gourmet produce, excellent wine and abundant seafood, The Banc’s husband-and-wife team John and Lee Bailey tend their quality restaurant with experienced care,... Find out more

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Kabuki by the Sea

Seated at a window table in this isolated cliff-top restaurant, you can look straight down to the waves crashing in below or across Great Oyster Bay to the horizon punctuated with the islands marking Freycinet... Find out more

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Kate’s Berry Farm

Kate’s is an irresistibly sinful must-stop on any tour of the east coast, even if it’s nowhere near afternoon tea time. Off the highway, up on a little hill with views all the way to Freycinet, her bountiful... Find out more

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The Ugly Duck Out

If you’re looking for a taste of fine Tasmanian produce served in a casual licensed eatery, the Ugly Duck Out is well worth a visit. There’s something here for all tastes, from every corner of the globe. The... Find out more

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Purple Possum Wholefoods and Cafe 61 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 64 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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Moo Brew 102 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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Cascade Brewery 107 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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Boag's (J.Boag & Son) 109 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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Two Metre Tall Company 114 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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Buckleys Rocks camping area 13 km

Named for the piles of black swan feathers that can sometimes be seen along its shoreline, Moulting Lagoon Game Reserve is an internationally recognised wetland. Camping here is restricted to a site at Buckleys Rocks.... Find out more

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Mayfield Bay camping area 14 km

Space for seaside camping is tucked in beside the Tasman Hwy A3 at the southern end of Mayfield Bay, 15 km south of Swansea. There is plenty of room for big rigs here, and with boat launching access chances are... Find out more

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Richardsons Beach (Freycinet Main) Campground 18 km

These powered sites suitable for vans are set on firm ground just metres from the beach. If you are lucky enough to win one of these in the annual ballot you can stay up to 10 nights, giving you plenty of time to explore... Find out more

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Richardsons Beach (The Sand Dunes) camping area 19 km

In the dunes behind the southern end of Richardsons beach there are 25 tent sites (fewer in winter), allocated by ballot for the peak summer season each year. These are lovely sites with tracks to the beach and space for... Find out more

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Honeymoon Bay camping area 19 km

This gorgeously scenic spot is only open for the summer season and sites are allocated by ballot due to overwhelming demand. If you win a spot, you can pitch your tent above this deliciously enticing cove and enjoy one... Find out more

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Hazards Beach camping area (walk-in bush camping) 20 km

This lovely beach is 2 hrs of easy walking across the isthmus from Wineglass Bay.... Find out more

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Cooks Beach camping area (walk-in bush camping) 20 km

This camping area is 2 hrs from Hazards Beach, and 5–6 hrs from Wineglass Bay over Mt Graham.... Find out more

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Wineglass Bay camping area (walk-in bush camping) 20 km

There is a small camping area at this unforgettably beautiful bay, 1.5 hours from the carpark trailhead. Drinking water is not always available here.... Find out more

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Whitewater Wall camping area 22 km

This camping area is a favourite with rockclimbers attracted to the area’s excellent climbing on granite sea cliffs. Turn left from Cape Tourville Rd, 2 km before the lighthouse, but be sure to check out the... Find out more

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Bryans Beach camping area (walk-in bush camping) 22 km

A 1 hr side trip from the main track, there is no water or toilet here at Bryans Beach.... Find out more

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Bicheno East Coast Holiday Park 33 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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Ross Caravan Park 49 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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BIG4 St Helens Holiday Park 89 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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Barilla Holiday Park 94 km

This is a quality park on the outskirts of greater Hobart. It has most facilities for the discerning traveller including an eatery, and a ‘putt-putt’ golf course that is worth seeing. We like this park.... 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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Treasure Island Caravan Park 102 km

Located about 9 km north-west of the city, this is a quiet, off-highway park on the banks of the Derwent River. It is close to the Cadbury Factory, a popular tourist attraction, and close to shops. This is an older park... Find out more

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Treasure Island Caravan Park 107 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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New Norfolk Caravan Park 110 km

Across the road from the Derwent River, the park is in a picturesque location just 1.5 km from the centre of town. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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White Beach Tourist Park 113 km

This popular, quality park is only 1 km from historic Port Arthur. Sitting high above the water it has good facilities and large shady trees. It is very busy during holiday periods and bookings are required at these... Find out more

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Amos House and 
Swansea Ocean Villas

This two-storey accommodation complex sits between the beach and the highway, right in the centre of Swansea. Chintz and floral decor in the motel rooms give Amos House an old-world ambience, while the better-equipped... Find out more

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Meredith House

This gracious two-storey Georgian house was built in 1853 and had an early association with the family of the colonial artist Louisa Anne Meredith, whose husband owned the land and whose cousin ran a girls grammar school... Find out more

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Swansea Cottages 
and Sherbourne Lodge

Built in heritage style, this little village of six cottages and a lodge offers a range of accommodation, from an attic spa suite to self-catering one- or two-storey family cabins. There is also a specially built cottage... Find out more

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Avalon Coastal Retreat

This architect-designed glass-walled ‘modernist coastal dreaming home’ offers ultra luxury in a secluded cliff-top perch surrounded by sea and sky. Rare and beautiful indulgences including a Huon pine bath,... Find out more

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Piermont Retreat

Getting back to nature is the main intention of the award-winning eco-friendly Piermont Retreat. On a remote part of the coast south of Swansea, the retreat has several magnificent stone and rammed-earth cottages... Find out more

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Warrawee

At Kirwans Beach just south of Swansea, the idyllic rural location of Warrawee adds to the special charm of this place. With magnificent views over Georges Bay, this B&B offers accommodation in a three-bedroom... Find out more

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Rainbow Retreat 63 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 116 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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Peppermint Ridge Retreat, Woodbridge 136 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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Waldheim Cabins 185 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 188 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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Mountain Valley, Loongana 191 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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Swansea Park Area 1 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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Cressy Beach Park Area 5 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 7 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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Moulting Lagoon Camp Area 14 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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Mayfield Bay Camp Area 14 km

34 km N of Triabunna (R) or 15 km S of Swansea (L) Small camp area adjacent to the highway on the foreshore with excellent coastal views. Good shade. GPS: S42 14.436 E148 00.743... Find out more

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Coles Bay Camp Area 18 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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Friendly Beach Camp Area 23 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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Little Swanport Rest Area 26 km

21 km N of Triabunna (L) or 28 km S of Swansea (R) Small parking area on the north side of the bridge at Swanport River. Limited shade. GPS: S42 19.915 E147 56.389... Find out more

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Bicheno Park Area 33 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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Denison Beach Rest Area 36 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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Ross Park Area 49 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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Raspins Beach Park Area 50 km

1 km N of Orford (R) or 7 km S of Triabunna (L) Small area near the highway overlooking the foreshore. Toilets located 200 metres south. GPS: S42 32.899 E147 53.082... Find out more

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Campbell Town Rest Area 53 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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Lagoon Beach Camp Area 56 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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St Peters Pass Rest Area 57 km

8 km N of Oatlands (R) or 28 km S of Ross (L) Small area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S42 14.547 E147 24.317  ... Find out more

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Little Beach Camp Area 59 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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Oatlands Rest Area 61 km

North side of town Narrow open areas on the banks of a shallow lake just off the main street. GPS: S42 18.042 E147 22.559 ... Find out more

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Conara Rest Area 62 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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Scamander Forest Camp Area 77 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 78 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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Paddys Island Camp Area 83 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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Kempton Camp Area 85 km

South end of town   Large area just off the highway. Good facilities.   GPS: S42 31.940 E147 12.112... Find out more

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Dianas Basin Camp Area 86 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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Dunalley Park Area 88 km

South side of town Small parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S42 53.444 E147 48.332... Find out more

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St Helens Park Area 88 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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Pub with no Beer Rest Area 90 km

3 km SE of Bothwell (R) or 18 km NW of Midland Hwy (L) Large open area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S42 23.293 E147 02.645 ... Find out more

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Murdunna Park Area 93 km

Middle of town Large parking area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S42 56.913 E147 51.981... Find out more

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Lagoon of Islands Rest Area 94 km

T/O 20 SE of Miena (L) or 36 km NW of Bothwell (R) Large area located 4 kilometres east of the highway (turn off at Steppes) on the shores of the lake. NOTE: Access road unsealed. GPS: S42 06.677 E146 56.163... Find out more

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Moulting Bay Camp Area 95 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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Dora Point Camp Area 96 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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