Explore Australia

Maffra Sugar Beet Historic Museum: local history museum with special interest in the sugar beet industry; open Sun afternoon; River St. Mineral and gemstone display: large collection of rare gemstones and fossils at the information centre; Johnson St. All Seasons Herb Garden: Foster St. Gippsland Vehicle Collection: outstanding rotating display of interesting vehicles; located in a historic vegetable dehydrating factory; Maffra–Sale Rd; (03) 5147 3223. Gippsland Plains Rail Trail: recreational trail for cycling and walking that passes through town; still under development but when complete will link Stratford in the east to Traralgon in the west by traversing dairy country.

Stratford: the scenic Avon River flows through town. Knobs Reserve is a site where the local Aboriginal people once sharpened axe heads on sandstone grinding stones – it is part of the Bataluk Cultural Trail, which takes in significant Indigenous sites throughout East Gippsland. Stratford hosts the Shakespeare Celebration in May; 9 km E. Australian Wildlife Art Gallery and Sculpture: Princes Hwy near Munro; 25 km E. Robotic Dairy: the first Australian dairy farm to install 4 'Astronaut Milking Robots' where the cows decide when to be milked; open on public visitor days or by appt; Toongabbie Rd, Winnindoo; (03) 5199 2212; 26 km W. Lake Glenmaggie: popular watersports venue; 42 km NW via Heyfield. Alpine National Park: sprawls from Licola, 75 km NW, to the NSW border. Near Licola is Lake Tali Karng, which lies 850 m above sea level and is a popular bushwalking destination during the warmer months. Scenic drives: the Traralgon to Stratford Tourist Route highlights attractions of the area. For stunning scenery, drive north along Forest Rd, through the Macalister River Valley to Licola and Mt Tamboritha in Alpine National Park; or to Jamieson (166 km NW via Heyfield), with access to snowfields or Lake Eildon.

Lake Victoria 56 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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Mitchell River 62 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 68 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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Metung 75 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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Tambo River 77 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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Port Albert 82 km

Port Albert in South Gippsland has become increasingly popular with anglers looking for size and variety.  The huge snapper that arrive every spring remain a major attraction, but they are just one  part of the... Find out more

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Lakes Entrance 85 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 99 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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Corner Inlet 105 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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Tarwin River 118 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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Mitchell River National Park 48 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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Baw Baw National Park 59 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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Cruises - around Lakes Entrance 90 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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Birdwatching around Gippsland 105 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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Alpine National Park 107 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 117 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 126 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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Healesville Organic Market 134 km

Every Saturday morning, the Healesville Organic Market has all manner of chemical-free produce available at the Railway Station, from large certified producers to small backyard growers.... Find out more

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Kayaking around Bright 138 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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Dandenong Ranges National Park 141 km

About an hour’s drive out of Melbourne, some 35 kilometres east of the city, this park has forests of towering mountain ash and lush, damp fern gullies. Around 300 kilometres of walking tracks crisscross the park,... Find out more

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RACV Healesville Country Club 135 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) 151 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 153 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) 153 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) 156 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) 157 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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Peninsula Country Golf Club (North Course) 161 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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Peninsula Country Golf Club (South Course) 162 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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Southern Golf Club 162 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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Spring Valley Golf Club 163 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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Grand Ridge Brewery 86 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 107 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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Bright Brewery 138 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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Hargreaves Hill Brewing Company 146 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 157 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 168 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 174 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 174 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) 175 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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Red Hill Brewery 178 km

Becoming hop farmers wasn’t part of their business plan when David and Karen Golding first applied to develop a microbrewery and cafe from their Mornington Peninsula property. Ultimately, though, they were advised... Find out more

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Dermody Camp camping area 19 km

Dermody Camp is in the north-eastern section of Avon–Mt Hendrick Scenic Reserve and offers campers flat sites next to easy swimming in the Avon River. From here you can walk westwards for 9 km along the Avon River... Find out more

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The Quarries camping area 19 km

The gravel Freestone Creek Rd slices roughly north–south through Briagolong State Forest, and it’s off this thin thoroughfare that the majority of the forest's campgrounds lie. The first one you reach when... Find out more

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Huggetts Crossing camping area 21 km

This camping area is at the western edge of the reserve, and is connected to Dermody Camp by the enchanting Avon River Trail. South of here you can get superb forest views from the Green Hill and Huggett lookouts, or... Find out more

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Valencia Creek camping area 21 km

On the other side of Briagolong State Forest from Freestone Creek is the equally fetching Valencia Creek. Alongside this waterway, 8 km north of tiny Valencia Creek township and reached via the Valencia... Find out more

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Blue Pool camping area 24 km

Blue Pool is a fantastic, deep swimming hole in a gorge on Freestone Creek, and one of the most popular spots in the state forest on a hot day. After your swim, you can walk a couple of hundred metres to a lookout over... Find out more

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Froam camping area 24 km

The Froam camping area is 500 m beyond Blue Pool along Freestone Creek Rd, close enough that you can make the most of the popular swimming hole, as well as the engaging walks that radiate out from it. That said, Froam is... Find out more

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McKinnon Point camping area 25 km

Between the Froam and Carney Creek camping areas sits McKinnon Point, some 14 km north of Briagolong along Freestone Creek Rd. If you feel like disappearing on a long walk into the gums and stringybarks, consider... Find out more

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Carney Creek camping area 27 km

Carney Creek is a small camping area signposted off Freestone Creek Rd just to the north of McKinnon Point. When you’ve had your fill of swimming in the creek, why not drive or hike up to the lookout on nearby Mt... Find out more

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Harriers Swamp camping area 29 km

The short walking track around Harriers will provide a good introduction to swamp life. This low-key camping spot is at the western edge of Holey Plains State Park, and can be accessed by turning off Limestone Quarry Rd... Find out more

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Stratford On The River Tourist Park 8 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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Sale Motor Village 17 km

This caravan park is alongside the highway, just 1 km west of the town centre. It is a good base for exploring the area or a convenient overnight stop. Bookings are required during peak periods and a minimum-length stay... Find out more

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90 Mile Beach Holiday Retreat 49 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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Rawson Caravan Park 51 km

Close to Walhalla, Thomson Dam, the forests and the mountains, this little-known park is an excellent base for exploring the local area. It has good facilities, including a bistro. Bookings are required in peak periods... Find out more

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Park Lane Tourist Park 52 km

This is a very good quality park with gleaming amenities and excellent facilities. The park is about 2 km east of town, on the highway. It is a great base from which to explore the Latrobe Valley and surrounding areas.... Find out more

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Mitchell Gardens Caravan Park 60 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 61 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 62 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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Waters Edge Holiday Park 90 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 90 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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The Buckland, Bright 136 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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The Odd Frog, Bright 137 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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Jacarri Eco-Cottage, Goongerah 167 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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Alto Hotel on Bourke 179 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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Arthur’s Cottage, Cudgewa 210 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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Alpine Habitats, near Jindabyne 218 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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Adobe Mudbrick Holiday Flats, Mallacoota 248 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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Willows Rest Area 25 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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Providence Ponds Rest Area 26 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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Blind Joe Creek Park Area 28 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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Traralgon Park Area 51 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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Nicholson Park Area 69 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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Trafalgar Park Area 77 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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Log Crossing Rest Area 86 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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Lakes Entrance Park Area 88 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 94 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 98 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 100 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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Bunyip Rest Area 104 km

29 km W of Yarragon (L) westbound only Large area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S38 05.446 E145 48.423... Find out more

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Victoria Falls Camp Area 105 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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Lookout Rest Area 106 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 109 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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Dannys Lookout Park Area 110 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 115 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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Gumbuya Rest Area 116 km

77 km E of Melbourne (L) or 40 km W of Yarragon (R) Small secluded area well off the highway. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S38 04.274 E145 39.807... Find out more

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Harrietville Park Area 120 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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Newmerella Rest Area 129 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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Freeburgh Park Area 133 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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Murrungower Rest Area 147 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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Claires Rest Area 148 km

25 km E of Yea (L) or 6 km NW of Alexandra (R) Large area adjacent to the highway. Good shade. GPS: S37 09.466 E145 39.699 ... Find out more

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Eurobin Rest Area 148 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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