Explore Australia

Farmers Arms Historical Museum The museum features displays explaining the history of Ned Kelly and Eliza Forlonge; Eliza and her sister are said to have imported the first merino sheep into Victoria. Open Fri–Mon afternoons; Kirkland Ave.Walking trail: self-guide trail to see the rich history and architecture of the town, including the National Bank building and the post office, both in Binney St; brochure available from visitor centre. Seven Creeks Park: good freshwater fishing, particularly for trout; Kirkland Ave.

Faithfull Creek Waterfall: 9 km NE. Longwood: includes the delightful White Hart Hotel and horse-drawn carriage rides; 14 km SW. Gooram Falls: a scenic drive takes in the falls and parts of the Strathbogie Ranges; 20 km SE. Locksley: popular for gliding and parachuting; 20 km SW. Polly McQuinns Weir: historic river crossing and reservoir; Strathbogie Rd; 20 km SE. Mt Wombat Lookout: spectacular views of surrounding country and the Australian Alps; 25 km SE. Blue Wren Lavender Farm: lavender products and Devonshire tea; Boho South; 28 km E. Avenel Maze: Ned Kelly–themed maze; open Thurs–Mon, school and public holidays; 37 km SW.

Goulburn River 55 km

The Goulburn River from Eildon Pondage to Alexandra is one of the most popular stretches of trout water in Victoria. Places like Thornton, ‘Gilmore’s Bridge’ and the Breakaway, where the Acheron River... Find out more

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Lake Eildon 60 km

Lake Eildon is Victoria’s most popular freshwater fishing spot. Part of its popularity is due to its proximity to metropolitan Melbourne. Lilydale is just a 90 min drive away, either over the Black Spur or via Yea.... Find out more

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Eildon Pondage 61 km

Boating is not allowed on Eildon Pondage, which is just below the dam wall at Eildon. Nevertheless, it is one of the most heavily fished waters in the state and is an ideal family spot, with barbecues and toilet... Find out more

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Rubicon River 62 km

The Rubicon, one of Victoria’s legendary trout waters, is popular with trout anglers who fish using all methods available. Rising in forested hills with a steep gradient in the headwaters, the river varies from... Find out more

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Lake Mulwala 95 km

Lake Mulwala separates the Victorian and NSW towns of Yarrawonga and Mulwala. It is a little over three hours’ drive from Melbourne and is popular with anglers seeking native fish such as Murray cod and... Find out more

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Lake Buffalo 97 km

Two productive lakes in this region are Lake Buffalo, 20 km south of Myrtleford, and Lake William Hovell, 60 km south of Wangaratta. Both waters have boat-launching facilities, but fishing here can be difficult during... Find out more

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Maribyrnong River 130 km

The age-old adage about the grass supposedly being greener somewhere else applies to fishing around Melbourne. Many anglers who head out of town do so because they don’t believe any serious fishing is possible... Find out more

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Yarra River 134 km

Mulloway are one of the most sought and least caught Victorian species. Anglers often put in hundreds of hours in unsuccessful quests for a trophy of this enigmatic species. During autumn, reports tell of mulloway being... Find out more

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St Kilda 135 km

St Kilda Marina gives boat anglers easy access to excellent snapper and whiting grounds. Inshore there is plenty of seagrass and sand areas for whiting while the deeper waters offer reef areas for snapper. The St Kilda... Find out more

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Kiewa River 136 km

High Country waterways are popular with fly-fishers looking for gin-clear water with good numbers of trout. In this regard, the Kiewa River near Mount Beauty rates as one of the State’s best waters, although it... Find out more

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Indigenous tour - Shepparton 45 km

A free, short, bush-tucker tour is available from the Bangerang Cultural Centre in Shepparton. You will need to book, but you can visit the centre on weekdays to see the wide range of artefacts from the area, and from... Find out more

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Cycling - Murray to the Mountains and High Country Rail Trails 80 km

With 100 kilometres of safe, sealed bitumen surface to pedal on, the Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail is the most developed rail trail in the state, and therefore very popular, with more than 40 000 people estimated to... Find out more

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Healesville Organic Market 100 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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Wine-tasting - Rutherglen region 111 km

The Rutherglen region in the far north of the state is renowned particularly for its fortified ports and muscats, perfect for a winter’s night. There are no organically certified wineries in the area, although... Find out more

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Dandenong Ranges National Park 121 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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Kayaking around Bright 124 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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Melbourne Zoo 127 km

Melbourne has a choice of two excellent zoos: Melbourne Zoo, with more than 320 species on display; and the 225-hectare open range zoo at Werribee, about 30 minutes drive from the city centre (access from the Princes... Find out more

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Mountain-biking around Melbourne 129 km

With 20 kilometres of tracks developed by the Mountain Bike Association of Australia, Lysterfield Lake Park has something for all standard of mountain-biker, including family-friendly loops and exciting single-track... Find out more

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Indigenous tours - Melbourne 129 km

To grasp what Melbourne was like before the skyscrapers arrived you can take a two-hour Koori Heritage Trust walking tour. You will gain an insight into Indigenous history and the natural and cultural landscape of the... Find out more

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Cycling around Melbourne 130 km

Melbourne has an active cycling community that has helped develop and establish some great routes and a network of cycle paths. One of the best sources of information is Bicycle Victoria. One option is to hop on the Main... Find out more

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RACV Healesville Country Club 99 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) 110 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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Riversdale Golf Club 130 km

Victoria’s second oldest club, formed 18 months after Royal Melbourne, began life in humble circumstances as the Surrey Hills Golf Club. After a brief stint at Camberwell the club moved to its present location... Find out more

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Metropolitan Golf Club 135 km

Metropolitan has changed dramatically over the past century but has never been short of plaudits. The club, the second oldest on the Melbourne sandbelt, was established in 1908. J. B. Mackenzie was one of the founding... Find out more

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Huntingdale Golf Club 136 km

Huntingdale – Royal Melbourne and Kingston Heath aside – is arguably the most famous of Melbourne’s sandbelt courses, home to the Australian Masters for 30 years. A parade of the game’s best... Find out more

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Commonwealth Golf Club 137 km

It is nearly 90 years since the first rounds were played where the Commonwealth Golf Club now lies. The club was constituted in 1920 and land – regarded as scrub country, and comprising only 89 acres – was... Find out more

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Yarra Yarra Golf Club 138 km

First-time visitors to Yarra Yarra Golf Club, expecting the river with the similar name to play a pivotal role, might be surprised. The closest the Yarra gets to this acclaimed sandbelt course is the spot where it... Find out more

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Spring Valley Golf Club 138 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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Kingston Heath Golf Club 140 km

Kingston Heath has long been regarded as the second best course in Australia, only marginally behind nearby Royal Melbourne’s West course. Both layouts call on players to be strategically smart from tee to... Find out more

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Victoria Golf Club 142 km

Strategy wins out over brute strength every time at Victoria Golf Club, acclaimed worldwide as a fantastic shot-makers’ course. This is probably why the club has produced so many fine players. Peter Thomson... Find out more

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Ruffy Produce Store

Apart from a fire shed with a few trucks, there’s not much in Ruffy (population: a handful) in the heart of the Strathbogie Ranges. So what a delightful surprise to happen upon this culinary oasis that offers... Find out more

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Jamieson Brewery 77 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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Hargreaves Hill Brewing Company 102 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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Bridge Road Brewers 109 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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Holgate Brewhouse 114 km

Paul and Natasha Holgate have travelled a decidedly different path to most other craft-brewery operators over the past decade or so. They started brewing ales from a shed adjacent to their family home in Woodend in the... Find out more

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3 Ravens Brewing Company 121 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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Bright Brewery 124 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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Foster's Group (Abbotsford Brewery) 127 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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Mountain Goat Brewery 128 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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2 Brothers Brewery 139 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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Matilda Bay Garage Brewery 146 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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James camping reserve 35 km

The campsites in this small reserve are only 50 m from the fishing in Moonee Moonee Creek. There are toilets here and you can draw water from the creek, though obviously boil or treat it before use. Four-wheel drives... Find out more

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Strayleaves Caravan Park 43 km

Strayleaves is a peaceful park in Shepparton with flat, grassy campsites that are scrupulously tended, and – as befits the name – lots of foliage. Each of the sites has sullage, and there’s a... Find out more

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Samaria Well camping area 44 km

The level camping area at Samaria Well is situated in the midst of serene bushland at the northern perimeter of the park. Head south of here down Mt Samaria Rd to tackle the steep climb up to the summit of the... Find out more

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Molesworth camping ground 46 km

There are decent facilities in the Molesworth camping ground, including a laundry, showers and barbecues. This riverside reserve is signposted north off the highway to the west of the bridge over the Goulburn River.... Find out more

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Major Creek Reserve camping area 46 km

The camping area at Major Creek Reserve is accessed via Mitchellstown Rd, which departs the Goulburn Valley Hwy about 6 km south of Nagambie and heads west through an old quartz mining area. There’s plenty of flat... Find out more

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Wild Dog Creek Falls camping area (walk-in camping) 46 km

Along the walking track leading from Mt Samaria Rd over to Wild Dog Falls is the falls campground, set within a grove of blue gums. The cascades themselves are well worth a look, particularly as there’s an... Find out more

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Spring Creek Sawmill camping area 48 km

At the Spring Creek Sawmill site, you’ll find what’s left of the substantial timber-cutting operation that began working the forest here in the 1920s, including several kilns. Near here is the beginning of a... Find out more

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Camphora camping area (walk-in camping) 48 km

After taking the signposted access route of Mt Samaria Rd, you’ll need to park the car or bike and walk the remaining 500 m to the Camphora site. After you’ve set up your camp, continue south down Mt Samaria... Find out more

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Mountaineer Creek camping area (walk-in and boat-based camping) 49 km

Mountaineer Creek is up in the northern section of Lake Eildon National Park, where you can really get away from it all. The camping area is situated on peaceful Stone Bay and can only be accessed by boat or on foot.... Find out more

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Euroa Caravan Park 1 km

Just a short walk to the centre of town, this park stretches along the banks of the creek. It is a good spot in a lovely setting and has a large number of tourist sites. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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Honeysuckle Caravan Village 19 km

Easily accessible from the Hume Freeway, this smaller park has good facilities and is ideal for a one- or two-night stay in this quiet rural environment.... Find out more

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BIG4 Shepparton Parklands 40 km

Located on the southern approaches to Shepparton, this park has undergone substantial redevelopment and is now a tourist park with great facilities. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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BIG4 Shepparton East Holiday Park 42 km

On the Midland Highway 5 km to the east of Shepparton, and close to the Shepparton bypass, this quality park in a rural setting has great amenities and facilities including a tennis court. As with most parks in this... Find out more

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Victoria Lake Holiday Park 43 km

Set on the shores of Victoria Park Lake, this picturesque place is centrally located on the main highway 1 km south of the city centre. With good facilities and great waterfront sites, it is the park we like to stay at... Find out more

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Goulburn River Tourist Park 50 km

This park is about 1 km from the town centre in a quiet off-highway location on the banks of the Goulburn River. The park offers good clean facilities and is easily accessible. There are canoes for hire. Bookings... Find out more

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Painters Island Caravan Park 81 km

Less than 1 km from the town centre, this nicely appointed park is situated on the banks of the Ovens River. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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North Cedars Holiday Park 84 km

Located about 4 km north-east of the township, this is a good quality park in a quiet location on what was once the highway prior to the opening of the bypass.... Find out more

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Yarrawonga Holiday Park 91 km

This is a very large, popular park on the banks of the Murray River, just below the Yarrawonga Weir. It is situated around some of the town’s sporting facilities, including the public swimming pool, and experiences... Find out more

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RACV Cobram Resort 92 km

This is a very highly rated resort complex with some 35 powered sites. Set on sprawling but well-cared-for lawns, there is a selection of accommodation; the park is a picture and we highly recommend it. Bookings are... Find out more

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Forlonge B&B

Traditional B&B and self-catering accommodation are offered in a private wing of this comfortable country home set in a large rambling garden. The King Garden Suite has a large ensuite and spa, with the bedroom... Find out more

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MillDuck, Harcourt North 117 km

This strawbale house won a Most Energy Efficient Home award (North West Region) when it was built. More than 1000 trees have been planted on the property since it was purchased, and it is now an alpaca stud. The B&B,... Find out more

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The Buckland, Bright 118 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 124 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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Alto Hotel on Bourke 130 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 207 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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Balmattum Rest Area 7 km

67 km NE of Seymour (L) northbound only Large area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S36 42.821 E145 38.131  ... Find out more

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Calder Woodburn Rest Area 29 km

31 km N of Nagambie (L) northbound only Large area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S36 34.425 E145 20.558 ... Find out more

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Nalinga Rest Area 38 km

33 km NW of Benalla (L) or 28 km SE of Shepparton (R) Large area just off the highway around a few trees. Good shade. GPS: S36 25.769 E145 41.763 ... Find out more

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Coach Road Rest Area 38 km

90 km S of Benalla (L) southbound only Large area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S36 56.537 E145 12.767... Find out more

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Grass Tree Rest Area 42 km

25 km NE of Seymour (L) northbound only Large area just off the highway. Excellent facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S36 57.783 E145 10.839 ... Find out more

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Taungurung Rest Area 44 km

19 km S of Nagambie (L) southbound only Large area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S36 56.894 E145 08.707... Find out more

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Mooroopna Rest Area 44 km

Middle of town Large town park adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S36 23.726 E145 21.246 ... Find out more

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Claires Rest Area 45 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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Sheepwash Lagoon Rest Area 46 km

11 km E of Yea (R) or 20 km W of Alexandra (L) Large area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S37 09.841 E145 31.421  ... Find out more

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Casey Weir Rest Area 46 km

9 km NW of Benalla (L) or 52 km SE of Shepparton (R) Large secluded area well off the highway among some large trees on the banks of Broken River. Good shade. GPS: S36 28.526 E145 56.633 ... Find out more

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Trawool Rest Area 50 km

10 km SE of Seymour (L) or 28 km NW of Yea (R) Small area just off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S37 05.445 E145 12.149... Find out more

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King Parrot Creek Rest Area 51 km

21 km SE of Seymour (L) or 17 km NW of Yea (R) Large area well off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S37 08.741 E145 16.08... Find out more

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Yea East Rest Area 52 km

1 km E of Yea (R) or 30 km W of Alexandra (L) Large area just off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S37 12.758 E145 26.283... Find out more

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Mokoan Rest Area 55 km

27 km SW of Wangaratta (L) or 15 km NE of Benalla (L) Large areas on both sides of the highway. Excellent facilities but only limited shade. GPS: S36 30.078 E146 06.206... Find out more

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Stanhope Park Area 62 km

East side of town Small area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S36 26.842 E144 59.213... Find out more

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Wunghnu Park Area 68 km

Middle of town Small parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S36 09.170 E145 25.894... Find out more

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Green Lake Recreation Reserve Camp Area 75 km

T/O 12 km W of Stanhope (R) or 24 km E of Elmore (L) Large open camp area located 2.5 kilometres north of the highway around a few trees. NOTE: Access road part unsealed. GPS: S36 26.310 E144 49.702... Find out more

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Goulburn River Rest Area 76 km

38 km E of Echuca (L) or 19 km S of Nathalia (R) Large area just off the highway around a few trees on the banks of the river. Good shade. GPS: S36 10.714 E145 06.937... Find out more

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Bourkes Bend Rest Area 87 km

19 km E of Cobram (L) or 18 km W of Yarrawonga (R) Large area adjacent to the highway among a few trees. GPS: S35 59.894 E145 49.526... Find out more

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Aysons Reserve Camp Area 87 km

T/O 31 km W of Stanhope (R) or 5 km E of Elmore (L) Large camp area 3 kilometres north-east of the highway on the banks of the river. Good shade. GPS: S36 27.621 E144 40.116 ... Find out more

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Yarrawonga West Rest Area 89 km

33 km E of Cobram (R) or 4 km W of Yarrawonga (L) Large area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S36 01.312 E145 58.231... Find out more

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Bourkes Bend No.3 Camp Area 89 km

T/O 19 km E of Cobram (L) or 18 km W of Yarrawonga (R) Secluded camp area located 3 kilometres north of the highway (turn off at the rest area) at a sandy section of the river in Bourkes Bend State Forest. NOTE:... Find out more

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Bourkes Bend No.2 Camp Area 90 km

T/O 19 km E of Cobram (L) or 18 km W of Yarrawonga (R) Secluded camp area located 3 kilometres north of the highway (turn off at the rest area) at a sandy section of the river in Bourkes Bend State Forest. NOTE:... Find out more

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Bourkes Bend No.1 Camp Area 90 km

T/O 19 km E of Cobram (L) or 18 km W of Yarrawonga (R) Secluded camp area located 3 kilometres north of the highway (turn off at the rest area) at a sandy section of the river in Bourkes Bend State Forest. NOTE:... Find out more

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Horseshoe Lagoon Camp Area 92 km

T/O at Cobram Secluded area on the riverbank 6 kilometres north-east of Cobram via Barooga Road and River Road. Good shade. NOTE: Access road part unsealed. GPS: S35 56.035 E145 41.719... Find out more

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Pioneer Bridges Rest Area 92 km

T/O 19 km SE of Wangaratta (R) or 27 km NW of Myrtleford (L) Shady area on the bank of a river 2 kilometres south of the highway on the road to Markford. Good shade. GPS: S36 26.553 E146 31.448 ... Find out more

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Scotts Beach Camp Area 92 km

T/O at Cobram Secluded area on the riverbank 3 kilometres north-east of Cobram via Barooga Road and River Road. Good shade. GPS: S35 55.611 E145 40.601... Find out more

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Bruces Beach No.2 Camp Area 93 km

T/O 28 km E of Cobram (L) or 9 km W of Yarrawonga (R) Secluded area 4 kilometres north of the highway on the riverbank. GPS: S35 58.293 E145 55.455... Find out more

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Lower Ovens Regional Park Camp Area 95 km

T/O 23 km E of Yarrawonga (L) or 25 km W of Rutherglen (R) Numerous secluded camp sites located just off the highway under trees on the riverbank on the eastern side of the Ovens River. Good shade. GPS: S36 04.027... Find out more

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Bundalong Rest Area 96 km

East side of town Small area adjacent to the highway among trees. Good shade. GPS: S36 01.678 E146 09.582... Find out more

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