Explore Australia

The Nut The remains of volcanic rock, The Nut looms above the surrounding sea and provides spectacular coastal views. Visitors can either walk to the summit along a steep and challenging track or take the chairlift from Browns Rd. There is a 40 min circuit walk along cliffs at the summit. Historic buildings: many in the wharf area, including the bluestone former Van Diemen's Land (VDL) Company store in Marine Park. Lyons Cottage: birthplace of former prime minister J. A. Lyons, with interesting memorabilia; Alexander Tce. Hearts and Craft: fine Tasmanian craft; shop closes during quieter months, 12 Church St. Discovery Centre Folk Museum: displays of local history; Church St. Touchwood: quality craft and woodwork; 31 Church St. Cemetery: graves of colonial architect John Lee Archer and explorer Henry Hellyer; Browns Rd. Stanley Seaquarium: Tasmanian marine species including huge rock lobsters and giant crabs; Fishermans Dock; (03) 6458 2052. Penguins: evening tours to see little penguins and platypus in their natural environment Sept–Apr; bookings on 0448 916 153. Seal cruises: daily trips to see offshore seal colonies; bookings 0419 550 134.

Highfield Historic Site The headquarters of VDL Co, Highfield contains a homestead with 12 rooms, a chapel, convict barracks, a schoolhouse, stables, a barn, workers' cottages and large gardens. Green Hills Rd; 2 km N.Dip Falls: double waterfall in dense rainforest and eucalypts. There is a picnic area nearby; 40 km SE off hwy, via Mawbanna.

Little Pine Lagoon 176 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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Great Lake 179 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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Bronte System 188 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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Arthurs Lake 190 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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Lake River 194 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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Shallow Inlet 225 km

Shallow Inlet is one of few places in Victoria where you can launch your boat off the beach. You can reach the inlet via Sandy Point or from the Wilsons Promontory side, turning from the Fish Creek–Yanakie road. ... Find out more

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Venus Bay 234 km

Victoria’s annual run of Australian salmon hits the surf beaches in autumn and runs through the winter. South Gippsland beaches are traditionally among the hottest for salmon action. Winter sees beaches from... Find out more

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Anderson Inlet 238 km

Some would argue that Anderson Inlet, near Inverloch, isn’t an estuary but a bay. It has three creeks, Screw, Pound and Cherry Tree, plus the Tarwin River flowing in to it, and is situated about 140 km south-east... Find out more

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Tarwin River 240 km

Estuary perch are the saltwater equivalent of Australian bass, and are highly regarded as sport fish. The Tarwin River is among the more exalted of Victoria’s estuary systems with a solid reputation for producing... Find out more

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Corner Inlet 241 km

The sheltered waters of Corner Inlet yield snapper, salmon, whiting and trevally, and the area is popular with game fishermen because it offers the safest ocean entrance between Westernport Bay and Eden in NSW. Port... Find out more

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Tarkine Forest Adventures at Dismal Swamp 17 km

This is a strange mix of natural history, art installations, public relations for Forestry Tasmania and a wild and riotous 110-metre slide. The experience is set in the only known sinkhole in the world with a thriving... Find out more

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Creative Paper, Burnie 61 km

Make your own paper with recycled bits and pieces on a half-hour tour at this non-profit, community-based enterprise. They use all sorts of odds and ends to make their eco-friendly papers, including old jeans, fruit pulp... Find out more

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Hiking the Penguin to Cradle walk 76 km

If you want to embark on a little-known, but highly varied Tasmanian bushwalk, try part or the entire 80-kilometre Penguin to Cradle walk. It starts at the coast, goes through a mix of rural areas, woodlands, canyons,... Find out more

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Gunns Plains Cave 85 km

Located just south-west of Gunns Plains (some 23 kilometres south-west of Ulverstone), this is yet another great limestone cave. It has one of the largest shawl formations in the Southern Hemisphere, glow worms aplenty... Find out more

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Giant crayfish research, near Ulverstone 87 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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Platypus Encounters, Latrobe 108 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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The Overland Track 112 km

Deservedly the most well-known, multiday walking route in Australia, this 65- to 80-kilometre route through Cradle Mountain– Lake St Clair National Park is a classic (for national park information, see park entry... Find out more

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Tarkine Trails 127 km

Delve deeply into the temperate rainforest of the Tarkine Wilderness on a multi-day bushwalk with Tarkine Trails. Unashamedly made up of conservation activists, the company is keen to show you why the Tarkine area should... Find out more

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Trowunna Wildlife Park, Mole Creek 128 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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Low Head Penguin Tours 132 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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Barnbougle Dunes Links 182 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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Barnbougle Dunes Links (Lost Farm course) 184 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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Hursey Seafoods

Head down to the wharf end of Alexander Terrace to discover Stanley’s best-kept secret: here, under the spiky legs of a giant red crayfish, is Hurseys Seafoods, reputed to be one of Tasmania’s best seafood... Find out more

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Moby Dicks Breakfast Bar

Whether you’re heading into the Roaring 40s at the western edge of Tasmania, south to the deep dark forests of the Tarkine or just moseying around Stanley for the day, you’ll need a nutritious start. Moby Dicks are the... Find out more

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Old Cable Station Restaurant

The owners of the Old Cable Station follow the sun, migrating between the tropics and Tasmania each year, so this excellent fine-dining restaurant is only open in summer. The isolated, windswept surroundings of the... Find out more

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Stanley Hotel Bistro

A visit to the local pub is a good way to get to know a place, and at this lovely 1840s hotel the vibe is all about fantastic local food. The produce is all from ‘the coast’ and one look at the menu will have you... Find out more

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Stanley’s on the Bay

This fine-dining restaurant is housed in a wharfside bond store, built from the stone and ballast brought to the port in the holds of sailing ships. Its nautical-themed interior is warm and inviting, with tables set... Find out more

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Boag's (J.Boag & Son) 172 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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Black River camping area 10 km

These secluded sites are nestled in coastal vegetation next to the Black River estuary. There is safe swimming at lovely Brickmakers Beach and a boat launching ramp into the river. This large campground is part of the of... Find out more

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Peggs Beach camping area 11 km

A very popular campground for locals, it’s only a small site so you’ll be lucky to find a spot here in the summer holiday season. Although it is close to the highway, it is right next to a gorgeous wide... Find out more

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Montagu Recreation Reserve Camping Ground 27 km

This very picturesque campground on the edge of remote Robbins Passage is only open Nov–Apr each year, so if you want to camp under the shade of these beautiful gums, it’s a good idea to book ahead. There are... Find out more

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Julius River Forest camping area 49 km

On the northern edge of the huge Tarkine rainforest wilderness, the unsealed South Arthur Forest Dr C218 through Julius River, 50 km south of Smithton, is one of the few access points to this magnificent wild country. At... Find out more

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Green Point camping area 55 km

Green Point is the end of the road heading west in Tasmania. This grassy camping ground faces onto wild ocean beaches where huge swells roll in uninterrupted from South Africa. Bring good shelter as this campground is... Find out more

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Prickly Wattles Campground 62 km

There are plenty of secluded, sheltered sites at this extensive camping ground bu the road, 2 km south of Arthur River. Reputed to be a very good fishing destination, the beach at Arthur River has firm sand and boat... Find out more

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Manuka Campground 62 km

At remote Arthur River this large campground is the nicest of the 3 in the area and it has sheltered spots for large rigs. Keeping out of the wind is a priority here, but if you want to feel the true force of west-coast... Find out more

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Peppermint Campground 62 km

This campground at Arthur River has the facilities you’ll need to cook that freshly caught salmon, even if the weather is too wet to get the fire going. These sites are on the smallish side so large rigs will need... Find out more

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Riana Pioneer Park camping ground 78 km

Set among farmland and forested hills 15 km from Penguin, the tiny settlement of Riana is picture-postcard pretty. Its quiet little campground is on the left-hand side of the main road (Pine Rd B17), just past the... Find out more

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Waratah camping ground 78 km

Formerly the world’s leading tin mine, Waratah now welcomes tourists not miners, although there is still gold to be panned in nearby creeks. In the middle of town there’s a lake and waterfall, and the... Find out more

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Stanley Cabin and Tourist Park

This park, on the water’s edge, is a 200-metre stroll from the centre of town and a perfect base for exploring historic Stanley. The spectacular geological feature, The Nut, which is the remains of an old volcano,... Find out more

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Crayfish Creek Van and Cabin Park and Spa TreeHouse 14 km

In a distinctive bushland setting, this park is tucked away on the banks of Crayfish Creek, a short way in from the coast. It is a popular park during holiday periods, when the weather is warmer for swimming and camping.... Find out more

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Beach Retreat Tourist Park 45 km

Located at the mouth of the Inglis River and on the beachfront, this park is within walking distance of the town centre. It has good facilities and is ideal for an overnight stay or a few days. Bookings are required in... Find out more

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Penguin Beachside Holiday Resort 75 km

This beachfront park at the western end of town has undergone a makeover. The waterfront sites have been refurbished and the park restaurant should soon be back. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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Wings Wildlife Park 84 km

Staying here is a different experience. There is trout fishing, bushwalking, kayaking, golf, and more. The park has good facilities including powered sites, but we would opt for the unpowered riverfront camping area. The... Find out more

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BIG4 Ulverstone Holiday Park 86 km

This is a good quality park with spacious grassy areas and a range of facilities, about 1 km from the town centre and close to the surf club on East Beach. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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Abel Tasman Caravan Park 102 km

Located just a couple of blocks from the Spirit of Tasmania terminal, this park has obvious benefits for those arriving or departing by the boat. The park has sites to cater for all size rigs and is ideal for a longer... Find out more

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Bay View Holiday Village 102 km

Close to the beach on the east side of Devonport, this park is just a short drive to the Spirit of Tasmania ferry terminal. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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Discovery Holiday Parks – Cradle Mountain 106 km

Set in bushland just outside the World Heritage-listed Tasmanian wilderness area, this quality park has good facilities including a large recreation building with open fireplaces. It is a popular camping site for walkers... Find out more

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Rosebery Cabin and Tourist Park 115 km

This is a small park with basic facilities, but good for an overnight stop or longer stay. Cash only is accepted.... Find out more

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@ VDL Stanley

As you approach this 1843 bluestone warehouse, at the wharf end of Stanley’s heritage-protected precinct of fisherman’s cottages, there’s no hint of what lies inside. Outside it’s all quaint... Find out more

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Abbey’s Cottages

If history and heritage are your passions then not only is Stanley the place for you, but these cottages are perfect for your stay. You’ll be spoilt for choice though, as there are seven to choose from and they... Find out more

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Beachside Retreat West Inlet

In contrast to Stanley’s heritage appeal, these futuristic eco-cabins have an eye on tomorrow. Treading lightly on the land – and what a fabulous plot of land they have, on the dunes of a near-deserted inlet... Find out more

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Gardenia House B&B

Sheltered from the Roaring 40s by The Nut at its back, this 1880s Federation house stands out from other cottages along Stanley’s historic Alexander Terrace because of its pretty-as-a-picture blue and white paintwork.... Find out more

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Horizon Deluxe Apartments

Open the electronic blinds in these two glass-fronted contemporary apartments for a new take on Stanley’s weird landscape with its volcanic ‘Nut’ dominating the surrounding plains. It’s a... Find out more

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Mountain Valley, Loongana 92 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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Cradle Mountain Lodge 107 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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Waldheim Cabins 112 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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Curringa Farm 235 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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Black River Camp Area 9 km

T/O 44 km W of Wynyard (R) or 23 km E of Smithton (L) Very large area with numerous secluded campsites located 1 to 5 kilometres off the highway in the scrub near the river. Limited facilities and shade. NOTE: Access... Find out more

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Pegs Beach Camp Area 11 km

42 km W of Wynyard (R) or 25 km E of Smithton (L) Large open grassy campground adjacent to the highway on the foreshore. Limited shade. GPS: S40 51.111 E145 21.153... Find out more

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Brickmakers Beach 12 km

40 km W of Wynyard (R) or 27 km E of Smithton (L) Large grassed area adjacent to the highway on the foreshore. Limited shade. GPS: S40 51.121 E145 21.905... Find out more

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Sisters Beach Rest Area 28 km

T/O 13 km NW of Wynyard (R) or 54 km SE of Smithton (L) Small shady area on the foreshore 8 kilometres north of the highway. Very good facilities and shade. GPS: S40 55.007 E145 33.714... Find out more

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Wynyard Park Area 45 km

East side of town Small parking area on the foreshore. Good facilities. GPS: S40 59.408 E145 44.545... Find out more

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Green Point Camp Area 55 km

1 km NW of Marrawah via Green Point Road and Beach Road Very small camping area on the foreshore. NOTE: Access road part unsealed. GPS: S40 54.596 E144 40.783 ... Find out more

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Somerset Park Area 55 km

Middle of town Small parking area at the junction with Murchison Highway on the banks of Cam River. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S41 02.487 E145 50.329... Find out more

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Prickly Wattles Camp Area 62 km

19 km S of Marrawah Large camp area just off the road in a natural bush setting 2 kilometres south of Arthur River township. NOTE: Access road part unsealed. GPS: S41 03.572 E144 40.758  ... Find out more

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Peppermint Camp Area 62 km

17 km S of Marrawah at Arthur River Open camp area just off the road into town on the north side of Arthur River township. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S41 02.923 E144 40.063  ... Find out more

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Hellyer Gorge Rest Area 63 km

40 km S of Somerset (L) or 66 km N of Tullah (R) Pleasant area adjacent to the highway surrounded by forest. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S41 16.409 E145 36.908 ... Find out more

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Fossey River Rest Area 81 km

67 km S of Somerset (L) or 39 km N of Tullah (R) Large area just off the highway surrounded by forest. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S41 27.048 E145 37.263... Find out more

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Tullabardine Dam Rest Area 107 km

T/O 105 km S of Somerset (L) or 1 km N of Tullah (R) Large area 6 kilometres east of the highway at the dam. GPS: S41 41.127 E145 39.388... Find out more

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Tullah Park Area 112 km

Off the main street into town (opposite shopping centre) Large parking area on the shores of Lake Rosebery. Limited shade. GPS: S41 44.172 E145 36.947  ... Find out more

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Rosebery Park Area 115 km

South side of town Large parking adjacent to the highway on the banks of the river at Stitt Park. Good facilities. GPS: S41 46.968 E145 32.403  ... Find out more

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Parramatta Creek Rest Area 122 km

26 km NW of Deloraine (L) or 17 km SE of Latrobe (R) Pleasant area just off the highway among some large trees on the bank of the creek. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S41 19.830 E146 31.826 ... Find out more

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Lake Burbury Camp Area 152 km

20 km E of Queenstown (L) or 65 km W of Derwent Bridge (R) Large open grassed campground located 1 kilometre west of the highway near the lake. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S42 05.789 E145 40.454... Find out more

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Lake Burbury Rest Area 156 km

T/O 15 km E of Queenstown (R) or 70 km W of Derwent Bridge (L) Small area located at the boat ramp 4 kilometres south of the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S42 08.35 E145 39.10... Find out more

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Franklin River Park Area 173 km

60 km SE of Queenstown (R) or 25 km NW of Derwent Bridge (L) Very small area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S42 12.931 E146 01.214... Find out more

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Little Pine Lagoon Camp Area 176 km

T/O at Miena via Marlborough Highway Small camping area located 12 kilometres south-west of Miena. NOTE: Access road part unsealed. GPS: S42 00.005 E146 36.661... Find out more

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Perth Park Area 181 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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Myrtle Park Camp Area 185 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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Bronte Lagoon Rest Area 187 km

28 km SE of Derwent Bridge (R) or 21 km N of Tarraleah (L) Small area adjacent to the highway on the shores of the lagoon. GPS: S42 10.777 E146 30.033... Find out more

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Sideling Lookout Park Area 188 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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Jonah Bay Camp Area 189 km

T/O 13 km SE of Miena (L) or 43 km NW of Bothwell (R) Large area in a natural bush setting on edge of the lake 10 kilometres north of the highway via Poatina Road and Gunns Marsh Road. NOTE: Access road part... Find out more

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Pumphouse Bay Camp Area 189 km

T/O 13 km SE of Miena (L) or 43 km NW of Bothwell (R) Large open area on edge of the lake 6 kilometres north of the highway via Poatina Road. NOTE: Access road part unsealed. GPS: S41 59.977 E146 51.076... Find out more

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Bradys Lake Camp Area 192 km

36 km SE of Derwent Bridge (L) or 13 km N of Tarraleah (R) Small open grassy area located 1 kilometre off the highway on the shores of the lake. No facilities or shade. GPS: S42 13.920 E146 29.820... Find out more

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Scottsdale Rest Area 193 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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Nive River Rest Area 196 km

44 km SE of Derwent Bridge (R) or 5 km N of Tarraleah (L) Small area adjacent to the highway on the riverbank. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S42 17.921 E146 27.511... Find out more

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