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Griffiths Seashell Museum: 125 The Esplanade; (03) 5155 1538.

Gippsland Lakes Five rivers end their journey to the sea here, forming a vast expanse of water tucked in behind Ninety Mile Beach. The lakes are a true playground for anyone with an interest in water activities, especially fishing and boating. Explore the lakes on a sightseeing cruise, including one to Wyanga Park Winery, or on the ever-popular houseboats that can be hired over summer. Contact visitor centre for details. At the centre, the Lakes National Park offers birdwatching, walking, swimming and camping. Access is via boat from Paynesville or road and foot from Loch Sport. Jemmys Point: great views of the region; 1 km W. Lake Bunga: nature trail along foreshore; 3 km E. Lake Tyers: sheltered waters ideal for fishing, swimming and boating. Cruises depart from Fishermans Landing in town. Lake is 6–23 km NE, depending on access point. Lake Tyers Forest Park is great for bushwalking, wildlife-spotting, picnicking and camping; 20 km NE. Nyerimilang Heritage Park: 1920s homestead, with original farm buildings and the wonderfully maintained East Gippsland Botanic Gardens. Rose Pruning Day, with demonstrations, is held in July; 10 km NW. Swan Reach: Rosewood Pottery; Malcolm Cameron Studio Gallery, open weekends; 14 km NW. Metung: a scenic town on Lake King with boat hire, cruises and a marina regatta each Jan. Chainsaw Sculpture Gallery has chainsaw sculpture and a display of Annemieke Mein's embroidery art; 15 km W. Nicholson River Winery: 22 km NW. East Gippsland Carriage Co: restored horse-drawn carriages, and tours; 30 km E. Bataluk Cultural Trail: driving tour taking in Aboriginal cultural sites in the East Gippsland region; self-guide brochure available from visitor centre.

Lakes Entrance 5 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 10 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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Tambo River 14 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 14 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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Nicholson River 23 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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Mitchell River 28 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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Ninety Mile Beach 32 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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Lake Victoria 35 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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Marlo 47 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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Bemm River 89 km

Bemm River is located on Sydenham Inlet Road about halfway between Orbost and Cann River. In estuary terms, this waterway is a superstar, regarded by many as Victoria’s best bream and estuary perch fishery. It may... Find out more

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Mitchell River National Park 61 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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Alpine National Park 94 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 108 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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Croajingolong National Park 129 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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Cross-country skiing - Victoria's High Country 129 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 146 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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Platypus-watching - Bombala 154 km

If you believe the hype, Bombala is the platypus capital of Australia and the locals stop just short of guaranteeing you a sighting. The best spot is the Platypus Reserve on the Bombala River (off Delegate Road) in the... Find out more

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Bushwalking in the Snowy Mountains 155 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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Kayaking around Bright 157 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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Cross-country skiing 168 km

A delightful winter pastime, cross-country skiing is a mix of walking, gliding and skiing, and the basics are much easier to pick up than those of downhill skiing or snowboarding. You can undertake the activity at... Find out more

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RACV Healesville Country Club 221 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) 238 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 243 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) 243 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) 246 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) 246 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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The Boathouse Restaurant

Part of the Bellevue on the Lakes hotel complex, this stand-alone restaurant specialises in local seafood and has been voted one of the top ten seafood restaurants in Victoria. The contemporary restaurant has linen-clad... Find out more

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Ferryman’s Seafood Cafe

Walk over the gangplank to this floating restaurant for some of the freshest seafood around. Built on the pontoon base of a former Raymond Island car ferry, this seafood eatery has three sunny decks, including one that... Find out more

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Miriam’s

Take a seat on the balcony of this first-floor restaurant overlooking the vast waters of the lakes and the trawlers that dock there after a day’s fishing. Locals come for the warm bruschetta of smoky red peppers,... Find out more

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The Metung Galley

A culinary highlight in often sleepy Metung, this lively cafe serves good coffee, a flexible menu and a good wine list that locals really appreciate. Kick-start the day with the Galley breakfast choice of Turkish bread... Find out more

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Bright Brewery 157 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 171 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 177 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 205 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 232 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 247 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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Waters Edge Holiday Park

This high-standard camping and caravan park is located in the centre of Lakes Entrances, the holiday town deposited behind the magnificent sweep of sand known as Ninety Mile Beach. It’s opposite an arm of the... Find out more

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Colquhoun camping area (bush camping) 8 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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The Glasshouse camping area 12 km

The Glasshouse is one of several camping spots east of Nowa Nowa Arm. It’s on Glasshouse Beach at the southern end of Lake Tyers Rd and has no facilities to speak of – perfect for those who want to play... Find out more

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Bunga Arm (boat-based camping) 13 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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Trident Arm camping area 14 km

You’ll find this tranquil spot at the end of Trident Arm Track, off Lake Tyers Rd. As with the park’s other campsites, it’s east of Nowa Nowa Arm – the area to the west of the arm has several... Find out more

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Bush camping 15 km

Bush camping permitted on the east side of Nowa Nowa Arm away from established picnic areas and at least 50 m from the lake. Contact ranger for details.... Find out more

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Camerons Arm camping area 17 km

This is the northernmost camping area in the park, the closest to Nowa Nowa – take Lake Tyers Rd off the Princes Hwy east of the township, then turn west on Camerons Arm No. 1 Track. Canoeists can roam up and down... Find out more

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Pettmans Beach camping area 18 km

This beach is at the end of Pettman Rd, which runs off Lake Tyers Rd. This is the only camping area in Lake Tyers Forest Park that has toilets. Coupled with the fact that it’s beside the ocean, this means that... Find out more

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Emu Bight camping area 33 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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Woods Point camping ground 39 km

This idyllic camping ground is beautifully positioned on the shores of the Snowy River. Water-based activities include canoeing and rafting, while throwing in a line may reward anglers with Australian bass. There are... Find out more

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Waters Edge Holiday Park

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 1 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 2 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 3 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 8 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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Lake King Waterfront Caravan Park 27 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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Bairnsdale Holiday Park 31 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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Mitchell Gardens Caravan Park 32 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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Orbost Caravan Park 44 km

The centre of town is only a short 500-metre walk from this park, which is situated off the main highway. It has large shady trees, good basic facilities and is conveniently located for an overnight stop; it is around a... Find out more

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90 Mile Beach Holiday Retreat 50 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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Goldsmith’s in the Forest

Enjoy the sights and smells of one of the last remaining pockets of warm temperate rainforest in Victoria with a stay at this four-room private retreat. Located on 24 hectares of covenanted natural forest, guests are... Find out more

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The Lakes Apartments

This architect-designed accommodation complex comprises 15 contemporary apartments in the heart of Lakes Entrance. These one-, two- and three-bedroom self-contained apartments are individually designed and adjoining... Find out more

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Waverley House Cottages

Located in private landscaped native gardens with ocean views, this relatively new property offers accommodation in six secluded one- and two-bedroom cottages. Shaded by established gum trees, each cottage is spacious,... Find out more

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5 Knots

Built on the old boating slipway in nearby Metung, if this stunning new accommodation complex was any closer to the water, guests would have to wear wetsuits. It comprises eight one-, two- and three-bedroom luxury... Find out more

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Jacarri Eco-Cottage, Goongerah 86 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 156 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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Adobe Mudbrick Holiday Flats, Mallacoota 159 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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The Buckland, Bright 159 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 166 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 189 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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Lakes Entrance Park Area 2 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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Log Crossing Rest Area 8 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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Lake Tyers Rest Area 8 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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Nicholson Park Area 23 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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Newmerella Rest Area 41 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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Tambo River No.2 Rest Area 55 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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Murrungower Rest Area 59 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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Providence Ponds Rest Area 64 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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Tambo River No.1 Rest Area 67 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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Bellbird Creek Rest Area 77 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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Bemm River Rest Area 83 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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Lookout Rest Area 93 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 93 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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Victoria Falls Camp Area 101 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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Willows Rest Area 110 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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Blind Joe Creek Park Area 112 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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Thurra River Rest Area 118 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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Dannys Lookout Park Area 126 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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Information Board Park Area 133 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 137 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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Traralgon Park Area 137 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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Genoa Rest Area 148 km

48 km NE of Cann River (L) or 61 km SW of Eden (R) Large area well off the highway on the north side of the river. Excellent facilities. Good shade. GPS: S37 28.351 E149 35.486... Find out more

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Freeburgh Park Area 150 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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