Explore Australia

Aboriginal culture The Krowathunkoolong Keeping Place, on Dalmahoy St, details the cultural history of the region's Kurnai Aboriginal people and provides an insight into the impact of white settlement. To explore local Aboriginal history further, visit Howitt Park, Princes Hwy – a tree here has a 4 m scar where bark has been removed to make a canoe. The Bataluk Cultural Trail from Sale to Cann River takes in these and other Indigenous sites of East Gippsland. Details of the trail from Krowathunkoolong.Historical Museum: built in 1891, contains relics from Bairnsdale's past; Macarthur St. Jolly Jumbuck Country Craft Centre: wool spinning and knitting mills, plus woollen products for sale; edge of town. Self-guide heritage walks: take in St Mary's Church, with wall and ceiling murals by Italian artist Francesco Floreani, and the Court House, a magnificent, castle-like construction; details from visitor centre.

Mitchell River National Park Set in the remnants of temperate rainforest, this park has its own piece of mythology. According to Koorie history, Nargun was a beast made all of stone except for his hands, arms and breast. The fierce creature would drag the unwary to his den, a shallow cave beneath a waterfall on the Woolshed Creek. This Den of Nargun can be found in the park, as can giant kanooka trees, wildflowers and over 150 species of birds. There is a circuit walk to Bluff Lookout and Mitchell River, and Billy Goat Bend is good for picnics. Contact Parks Victoria on 13 1963; Princes Hwy; 15 km W near Lindenow.McLeods Morass Wildlife Reserve: a boardwalk extends over the freshwater marshland, allowing a close-up view of the many species of waterbirds found here; southern outskirts of town, access via Macarthur St; 2 km S. Wineries: include Nicholson River Winery, for tastings and sales; 10 km E. Bruthen: hosts a Blues Bash each Feb; 24 km NW. Dargo: historic township in Dargo River valley and major producer of walnuts. Dargo Valley Winery has accommodation and cellar-door sales. The road beyond Dargo offers a scenic drive through high plains to Hotham Heights, stunning in spring when wattles bloom (unsealed road, check conditions); 93 km NW.

Mitchell River 9 km

The estuary section of the Mitchell River begins at the rock barrier, about 5 km upstream from Bairnsdale. Bream are caught all the way through to where the silt jetties enter Lake King. The jetties look like two long... Find out more

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Nicholson River 11 km

The Nicholson is the shortest of the three waterways in the Bairnsdale area and is more affected by thawing snow than rainfall. The stretch near the railway bridge can be productive. A scenic waterway, it has limited... Find out more

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Lake Victoria 19 km

This lake joins Lake King at the popular boating and fishing town Paynesville, opposite Raymond Island. The piers on both sides of McMillan Strait here are popular with anglers, especially lure fishers who have found the... Find out more

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Tambo River 20 km

The Tambo River is renowned for the quality of its bream fishing. From the mouth of the river at Lake King upstream past Johnsonville and Swan Reach, anglers can access long stretches of sheltered water above and below... Find out more

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Metung 21 km

Metung, on the western shore of Bancroft Bay, is a major centre for the cruise-boat industry. Whether you own one or want to hire a live- aboard boat for a few days, Metung is a prime spot. Surprisingly, for a town so... Find out more

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Lakes Entrance 30 km

Lakes Entrance is an ideal base for anglers wanting to fish the region. Facilities are excellent and it is within easy reach of places like the Tambo River and Lake Tyers. The township is situated along Cunninghame Arm. ... Find out more

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Lake Tyers 43 km

Lake Tyers is a few minutes’ drive north-east of Lake Entrance on the Princes Highway. It is one of the most picturesque of the Gippsland Lakes, being surrounded by forest. Covering an area of about 16 sq km, Lake... Find out more

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Ninety Mile Beach 65 km

In autumn, large schools of salmon, along with gummy sharks and mulloway, hit Victoria’s beaches. Snapper can still be caught, along with increasing numbers of yelloweye mullet. One of the most popular beaches in... Find out more

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Marlo 80 km

In the annals of Australian folklore, the Snowy River is one of the icons. Anglers know that most of the action is in the lower reaches downstream from Orbost to Marlo where the river flows to the sea. Marlo is reached... Find out more

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Omeo Valley 93 km

The Upper Mitta Mitta River at Angler’s Rest appears to go the ‘wrong’ way, as it travels south to reach Dartmouth reservoir, far to the north. It flows out of the Bogong High Plains and down the Omeo... Find out more

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Mitchell River National Park 29 km

Although only 11 900 hectares in size, this rugged national park contains some of the best forest country in Gippsland. Great for experienced rafters, kayakers and canoeists, it also has some superb bushwalks. With a... Find out more

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Cruises - around Lakes Entrance 34 km

More than just a cruise, a one- or two-hour Sea- Safari out of Lakes Entrance is an opportunity to add to research about the area. You will help document seabirds, marine life – including seahorses with an... Find out more

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Alpine National Park 79 km

Covering a vast 6460 square kilometres, this is Victoria’s largest national park and cradles the state’s highest mountains and dramatic alpine scenery, as well as the major downhill skiing resorts. The park... Find out more

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Rafting - Mitta Mitta and Murray Rivers 93 km

Adventure Rafting Victoria only takes a few months off, from April to June, and runs exciting day trips down the foaming Murray Gates, and two-night paddles down the Mitta Mitta, staying overnight in the legendary Blue... Find out more

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Cross-country skiing - Victoria's High Country 110 km

The home of our national cross-country team, Falls Creek is probably the best place to crosscountry ski. It has 65 kilometres of groomed tracks, catering to beginners and intermediate skiers, as well as marked trails on... Find out more

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Baw Baw National Park 113 km

This 13 300-hectare national park cradles the low-key ski resort at Mount Baw Baw, the closest downhill ski resort to Melbourne. Near the resort are 10 kilometres of groomed cross-country trails (and you can hire gear at... Find out more

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Kayaking around Bright 135 km

The operator 5 Star Adventure Tours offers a huge range of eco-accredited tours and activities in the High Country, particularly targeting those who like a few little luxuries on the way. One of the most popular trips is... Find out more

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Birdwatching around Gippsland 155 km

This stretch of Victorian coast offers some of the best birdwatching in the country. Two locations, both Ramsar-listed, are worth a visit. Protected by the northern arm of Wilsons Promontory, the wetlands of Corner... Find out more

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Bushwalking in the Snowy Mountains 159 km

There is almost no end to the hiking that can be done in the Snowy Mountains. There are hundreds of kilometres of hiking tracks, and infinite ways to wander through the hills. The most popular walks are to the top of... Find out more

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Croajingolong National Park 162 km

One-third of Australia’s bird species have been spotted in this 87 500-hectare park that stretches for 100 kilometres along the coast. The threatened ground parrot forages in the heath and lorikeets feed in the... Find out more

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RACV Healesville Country Club 187 km

Of the 120 golf courses featured throughout these pages, the new layout at Healesville is the odd one out. It could, in fact, be considered a minnow among giants, for this par-68 measures only 4872 metres from the... Find out more

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The Heritage Golf & Country Club (St John course) 204 km

Jack Nicklaus, the golfer, was the most powerful player of his generation and also its finest strategist, a man who could win a tournament based on smart play and at other times on pure heroics. Jack Nicklaus, the... Find out more

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Settlers Run Golf & Country Club 210 km

Throughout his playing days Greg Norman drew huge crowds eager to witness his incredible ball-striking. Confidently striding the fairways, his mere presence made him one of the game’s biggest ever drawcards. He... Find out more

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Amstel Golf Club (Ranfurlie course) 210 km

Like a good single-malt Scotch whisky, some golf courses are appreciated more once they have aged. When Amstel Golf Club was looking to expand beyond its 18-hole Park course, it commissioned Mike Clayton to design a ... Find out more

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The Sandhurst Club (North Course) 213 km

Five-time British Open champion Peter Thomson has strong ties to Scotland, the home of golf. Not only was it the scene of some of his greatest triumphs but he spends several months a year living there. So it should... Find out more

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The Sandhurst Club (Champions Course) 213 km

The Champions course at Sandhurst is the latest addition to the Melbourne sandbelt portfolio. Officially opened for play in 2008, it was designed by Peter Thomson and Ross Perrett, the same duo who created the... Find out more

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Southern Golf Club 218 km

Southern is one of the Melbourne sandbelt’s least-known courses, but in recent years its star has been on the rise. The original layout was created by Sam Berriman, a British expat who began his working life in... Find out more

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Peninsula Country Golf Club (North Course) 218 km

Although the Peninsula Country Golf Club boasts a history dating back to the 1920s, the two courses that now lie across its sandy landscape did not come into being until decades later. Both the North (opened in 1967)... Find out more

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Spring Valley Golf Club 218 km

The story of Spring Valley Golf Club’s early days is not dissimilar to that of many clubs which now call Melbourne’s sandbelt home. Spring Valley began its existence outside the sandbelt, as Forest Hills... Find out more

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Peninsula Country Golf Club (South Course) 219 km

A round at either of Peninsula’s two courses is always an enjoyable mental and physical challenge. Upon finishing his remodelling of the North course, Mike Clayton turned his attention to the South,... Find out more

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Paper Chase

This classy 100-seat cafe within the bustling Collins bookshop is named after the second part of local author Hal Porter’s autobiography. Parisian-style green and white chairs and tables give way to the main cafe... Find out more

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Bright Brewery 135 km

The original Bright Brewery shut down in 1916 and this modern incarnation was started by a quartet of ‘ale changers’ – couples David and Julie Cocks, and Scott Brandon and Fiona Reddaway – some 90... Find out more

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Grand Ridge Brewery 142 km

One of the country’s longest-running craft breweries began life as the Strzelecki Brewery in 1988, but operated for only a brief period before being re-branded as Grand Ridge under new ownership. Over the ensuing... Find out more

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Jamieson Brewery 144 km

Looking for a drawcard to attract tourists to their Victorian High Country pub, owners Jeff and Jeanette Whyte installed a microbrewery into the Jamieson Hotel and started knocking out house beers in 2001. The equipment... Find out more

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Bridge Road Brewers 182 km

Ben Kraus originally trained as a winemaker but his head was turned in the direction of craft brewing during a stint working in Western Australia’s Margaret River region. The cluster of microbreweries in this... Find out more

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Hargreaves Hill Brewing Company 198 km

Craft brewers come from all sorts of different backgrounds but classical pianist Simon Walkenhorst and his opera singer wife Beth Williams are among the more exotic. Together, they started Hargreaves Hill Brewing Company... Find out more

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Matilda Bay Garage Brewery 214 km

Previously operating as the Stockade Brewery, this South Dandenong-based microbrewery was acquired by the Foster’s-owned Matilda Bay Brewing in 2004 and re-badged as their ‘garage’ brewery. Then head... Find out more

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2 Brothers Brewery 224 km

A microbrewery is not exactly what you might expect to find tucked away among panel-beaters and sheet-metal fabricators in the industrial estates of Moorabbin, 20 minutes south-east of Melbourne. While the location may... Find out more

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3 Ravens Brewing Company 228 km

This microbrewery began operating from the basement of the successful Thornbury-based engineering company Zetkin and has proved to be an interesting diversion or sideline for the principal business. Some of the company... Find out more

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Mountain Goat Brewery 229 km

Kicking off in 1997, home-brewer Dave Bonighton and music industry booking agent Cam Hines proved that two good mates can start a successful microbrewery with no money, but with unlimited enthusiasm, dogged perseverance... Find out more

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Foster's Group (Abbotsford Brewery) 230 km

Re-branded as the Foster’s Group in the 21st century, Carlton & United Breweries was formed in 1907 through an amalgamation of the city’s six largest beer-makers: McCrackens City Brewery, Victoria... Find out more

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Emu Bight camping area 19 km

On Sperm Whale Head, Emu Bight is the only place to camp in the Lakes park. It’s 5 km east of Loch Sport, beside Lake Victoria and accessed from Lake Victoria Track; campsites must be booked in advance through... Find out more

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Bunga Arm (boat-based camping) 24 km

Bunga Arm, in the road-free western part of Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park, is a spit of sand that has built up between the ocean and Lake Victoria. There are 7 designated camping areas, each with a dozen campsites and... Find out more

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Woolshed Creek camping area (walk-in camping) 26 km

Woolshed Creek is a walk-in campsite close to the southern end of the Mitchell River Walking Track. It’s only a short hike from here to the deep gully that hides the Den of Nargun, a cave where a fierce ancient... Find out more

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Red Bluff camping area 27 km

Red Bluff is just north of Beacon Swamp at the edge of Lake Victoria. Besides going swimming or paddling out in a canoe, you can go driving or horseriding along the tracks that run riot between here and Lake Reeve... Find out more

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Billy Goat Bend camping area 28 km

Billy Goat Bend has a spectacular curving cliff as a backdrop, and the small rapids here are a great place to test the durability of your air mattress. If you’re planning on canoeing to this spot, note that the... Find out more

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Colquhoun camping area (bush camping) 28 km

While enjoying the dispersed bush camping available around the forest, campers can familiarise themselves with forest bats, tree goannas, lyrebirds and koalas. The Forest Discovery Drive takes you past such historical... Find out more

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Thalia Point camping areas 29 km

You can plant yourself in the bushland alongside Lake Victoria at Thalia Point, between the Spoon Bay and Thalia tracks. The catch is that you can only do so during the designated hunting seasons for duck, quail and... Find out more

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Spoon Bay camping area 31 km

Spoon Bay, off Lakeside Track, is on the gently curving western foreshore of Lake Victoria. The water is quite calm here, which makes it a good place to launch a canoe. You’ll probably spot ring-tailed possums and... Find out more

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Angusvale camping area 34 km

Angusvale is scenically sited at the northern edge of the national park, beside the Mitchell River some 16 km east along the Mitchell Dam Rd from the junction with the Bairnsdale–Dargo Rd. From here you can follow... Find out more

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Rock Creek Track camping area 34 km

There are only 2 campsites at Rock Creek Track, so have a back-up plan in case they’re taken when you arrive. From Mitchell Dam Rd, head east on Mitchell Rd and then north-east on Angusvale Track to get here. You... Find out more

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Mitchell Gardens Caravan Park 2 km

This park is at the river end of the main street (Princes Highway), just 500 metres from the centre of town. With beautifully maintained surrounds, the park is located on the banks of the Mitchell River. Bookings are... Find out more

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Bairnsdale Holiday Park 4 km

There are many caravan parks in Bairnsdale but this is one of the few with a large number of tourist sites. Located on the Princes Highway, it is well suited to a family holiday or just a couple of nights. Bookings are... Find out more

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Lake King Waterfront Caravan Park 11 km

With absolute lake frontage, this neat park has its own jetties and boat ramp and there are waterfront van sites available. This is good value. Bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-length stay applies to... Find out more

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90 Mile Beach Holiday Retreat 34 km

This camping park on a private farming property is just a stroll away, over the sand dunes, from the fabulous Ninety Mile Beach. The owner-operated park is reached via some 5 km of unsealed access road but the journey is... Find out more

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Waters Edge Holiday Park 35 km

This good quality park is suitable for a few days in Lakes Entrance. It is on the Princes Highway, across the road from the water, and not too far from the centre of town. Bookings are required in peak periods and a... Find out more

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Koonwarra Beach Resort 35 km

Easily accessible on the Princes Highway, at the eastern end of Lakes Entrance, this park is just a short distance from the town centre. It is ideal for a short stay or a family holiday in this popular destination.... Find out more

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Eastern Beach Tourist Park 36 km

Just off the Princes Highway and easily accessible, this is a large spacious park where you can walk to town along the waters edge or enjoy a family holiday. We like it. Bookings are required in peak periods and a... Find out more

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Lakes Entrance Tourist Park 36 km

This owner-operated park is on the eastern edge of town and very convenient for a stopover. It has good facilities and caters for most needs. We stay here. Bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-length stay... Find out more

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Lake Tyers Camp and Caravan Park 42 km

This beachfront park is owned and operated by the Uniting Church. It is a great family park, ideal for a beachside holiday. The park operates in conjunction with a school camp and the consumption of alcohol is permitted... Find out more

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Stratford On The River Tourist Park 50 km

This is a good quality park with a range of accommodation, just a short 600-metre walk from the centre of the small town. There are good facilities and it is ideally located for overnight stops or longer stays. Bookings... Find out more

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Comfort Inn Riversleigh

Centrally located off the highway in the heart of town, this National Trust–listed property comprising two 1886 Victorian terrace houses was restored to its original splendour in 1987. With its elegance and... Find out more

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Tara House

This elegant 1880s Victorian country home has been beautifully restored and offers gracious accommodation in three ensuite rooms amid beautiful gardens. With log fires in winter and shady verandahs in summer, guests are... Find out more

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Waterholes Guest House

The pristine wilderness lures guests to this remote rural accommodation with no TV, no mobile phone service and no daily papers. The only sounds are those of whipbirds, kookaburras and the occasional generator kicking in... Find out more

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Jacarri Eco-Cottage, Goongerah 110 km

This rustic little cottage in East Gippsland sleeps four, and has solar power and a dry composting toilet. It has been built with sustainable timbers and uses a water wheel to fill the water tank. Organic fruit,... Find out more

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The Odd Frog, Bright 134 km

This place comprises five funky new luxury studios on a 4-hectare Land for Wildlife property. The studios have been architecturally designed to have minimal impact on the environment, with thought even given to their... Find out more

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The Buckland, Bright 135 km

With the same architect as The Odd Frog, The Buckland’s four luxury studio retreats have similar eco-design principles, and thousands of trees have been planted on the site. They are also powered by green energy.... Find out more

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Alpine Habitats, near Jindabyne 173 km

Opened in 2007, these 18 cleverly designed two-bedroom buildings are linked underground by massive worm farms that digest all the compostable waste on the site. Set amid gnarled black sallees and other snow gums, the... Find out more

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Arthur’s Cottage, Cudgewa 182 km

This historic mudbrick, two-bedroom cottage was built around 1897, but now has solar-powered lights and a gas kitchen. It sits quietly on the Cudgewa Creek, with platypus drifting past. You will need to bring your own... Find out more

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Adobe Mudbrick Holiday Flats, Mallacoota 191 km

These 12 rustic mudbrick flats were ecologically designed to avoid the need for air-conditioning, and have solar hot water and rainwater tanks. The 32-hectare surrounds are managed as a Land for Wildlife property,... Find out more

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Alto Hotel on Bourke 234 km

Although it is not doing anything radical, this plush hotel on Bourke Street is one of the most ecologically aware in Melbourne, and should be commended for its power-saving measures, garbage sorting, supply of... Find out more

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Nicholson Park Area 11 km

East side of town Small parking area overlooking the river. Good facilities. GPS: S37 49.031 E147 44.409... Find out more

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Log Crossing Rest Area 29 km

T/O 26 km E of Bairnsdale (L) or 9 km W of Lakes Entrance (R) Small secluded area 2 kilometres north of the highway in the forest. NOTE: Access road unsealed. GPS: S37 49.555 E147 56.337... Find out more

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Providence Ponds Rest Area 32 km

17 km E of Stratford (R) or 35 km W of Bairnsdale (L) Small area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S37 55.267 E147 16.401  ... Find out more

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Lakes Entrance Park Area 33 km

East side of town Large area just off the highway overlooking the river near the information centre. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S37 52.892 E147 58.394... Find out more

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Lake Tyers Rest Area 37 km

10 km NE of Lakes Entrance (R) or 49 km SW of Orbost (L) Secluded area well off the highway in the forest. Good shade. GPS: S37 48.933 E148 01.824... Find out more

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Tambo River No.2 Rest Area 50 km

49 km S of Omeo (L) or 72 km N of Bairnsdale (R) Small area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S37 24.276 E147 50.096... Find out more

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Tambo River No.1 Rest Area 59 km

33 km S of Omeo (L) or 88 km N of Bairnsdale (R) Small area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S37 18.168 E147 45.091 ... Find out more

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Newmerella Rest Area 72 km

West side of town Small area adjacent to the highway. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S37 44.415 E148 25.304  ... Find out more

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Lookout Rest Area 78 km

102 km SE of Bright (L) or 7 km NW of Omeo (R) Small area just off the road at the lookout. GPS: S37 07.605 E147 32.070... Find out more

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Oriental Claims Park Area 79 km

107 km SE of Bright (L) or 2 km NW of Omeo (R) Small picnic area at a historical site beside a creek 500 metres off the highway. NOTE: Unsealed access. GPS: S37 06.465 E147 34.560... Find out more

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Willows Rest Area 80 km

1 km NE of Rosedale (L) or 25 km SW of Sale (R) Large grassed area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S38 08.504 E146 47.481... Find out more

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Victoria Falls Camp Area 83 km

89 km SE of Bright (L) or 20 km NW of Omeo (R) Small secluded campground 600 metres off the road. Limited shade. NOTE: Unsealed access. GPS: S37 05.622 E147 25.503... Find out more

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Blind Joe Creek Park Area 83 km

21 km E of Traralgon (R) or 2 km W of Rosedale (L) Large grassy area just off the highway. GPS: S38 09.306 E146 45.890... Find out more

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Murrungower Rest Area 90 km

16 km E of Orbost (L) or 59 km W of Cann River (R) Large secluded area just off the highway in a pleasant forest setting. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S37 41.358 E148 37.107... Find out more

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Dannys Lookout Park Area 103 km

51 km SE of Bright (L) or 58 km NW of Omeo (R) Small area adjacent to the road. GPS: S36 59.089 E147 06.849... Find out more

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Traralgon Park Area 108 km

32 km E of Trafalgar (L) or 7 km W of Traralgon (R) Large area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S38 12.670 E146 29.230 ... Find out more

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Bellbird Creek Rest Area 108 km

39 km E of Orbost (R) or 36 km W of Cann River (L) Small parking area next to the hotel. Good shade. GPS: S37 39.132 E148 49.058  ... Find out more

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Information Board Park Area 109 km

35 km SE of Bright (L) or 74 km NW of Omeo (R) Small area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S36 56.432 E147 03.684... Find out more

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Harrietville Park Area 114 km

Middle of town Small parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S36 53.404 E147 03.893 ... Find out more

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Bemm River Rest Area 115 km

45 km E of Orbost (R) or 30 km W of Cann River (L) Small area 300 metres off the highway in the forest. Good shade. GPS: S37 37.799 E148 53.224... Find out more

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Freeburgh Park Area 128 km

North side of town Parking area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S36 46.285 E147 01.768... Find out more

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Trafalgar Park Area 135 km

Middle of town Parking adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. GPS S38 12.481 E146 09.272... Find out more

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Eurobin Rest Area 147 km

17 km SE of Myrtleford (L) or 15 km NW of Bright (R) Small area just off the highway at the old railway station site. Good facilities. GPS: S36 38.353 E146 51.794... Find out more

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Thurra River Rest Area 149 km

11 km E of Cann River (L) or 98 km SW of Eden (R) Small but secluded area well off the highway in the forest. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S37 34.147 E149 16.346... Find out more

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