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Wimmera–Mallee Pioneer Museum This unique museum details what life was like for early settlers in the Wimmera through a collection of colonial buildings furnished in the style of the period. The buildings on display are spread over a 4 ha complex and include log cabins, a church and a blacksmith's shop. The museum also features displays of restored farm machinery. Southern entrance to town, Charles St; open weekdays 9.30am–12pm, 1–4.30pm, weekends 1–4.30pm or by request; (03) 5397 2101. Menzies Sq: site of the dwelling where Menzies was born; Cnr Charles and Roy sts. Wimmera River Walk: 6 km return; starts at museum.

Lake Hindmarsh Victoria's largest freshwater lake has seen dire water levels for the past several years. It was fed by the Wimmera River. Boating, waterskiing and fishing were all popular pastimes (Schulzes Beach has a boat ramp), with pelicans and other waterbirds existing at the lake in breeding colonies. Picnic and camping spots are available on the lake's shores. A historic fisherman's hut can also be seen. Contact the visitor centre for an update on water levels. 5 km NW.Rainbow: a charming little Wimmera township, with Pasco's Cash Store, an original country general store, and Yurunga Homestead, a beautiful Edwardian home with a large collection of antiques and original fittings (northern edge of town, key available); 35 km N. Pella: former German settlement with Lutheran church and old schoolhouse; 40 km NW via Rainbow. Lake Albacutya: fills only when Lake Hindmarsh overflows; 44 km N. Wyperfeld National Park: great for bushwalking; known for its birdlife, including the endangered mallee fowl, and wildflowers in spring; 60 km NW via Rainbow; for details see Hopetoun.

Dimboola 36 km

At first sight the Wimmera River didn’t look special. Barely flowing, it consisted of sandbars and fallen trees interspersed with shallows and a few deeper holes below the timber. I was fishing with local anglers... Find out more

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Lake Wartook 112 km

Drought and changes to irrigation have left dry many of Victoria’s former favourite fishing lakes. Drive through the cropping plains of the Wimmera and you come across once-famous lakes, including Toolondo,... Find out more

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Konong Wootong Reservoir 153 km

Coleraine in the Western District is in the heart of prime wool- growing country. The small town is famous for its chocolate factory, but less well known is the trout fishery in the picturesque 60 ha impoundment just out... Find out more

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Boyanda 168 km

The red ochre cliff near the Boyanda grape farm is a popular launch site for anglers fishing the Murray River midway between Robinvale and the small horticultural town of Wemen. A track follows the river from Happy... Find out more

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Swan Hill 170 km

From Mulwala to Swan Hill there are excellent fishing opportunities. Some of the top spots along this stretch include Barmah, Echuca and the famous Torrumbarry Weir. The huge Murray cod mounted near the park in Swan... Find out more

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Tol Tol 183 km

I made my first serious Murray cod trip on the Murray River near Robinvale and for years was asked not to write about such a special stretch of river that produces a higher-than-average proportion of big cod. It... Find out more

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Euston 187 km

Euston began as Boomiarcool Station in 1847, growing into a small township and subsequently a busy inland port, from which a fleet of paddlesteamers and barges transported the consignments of wool and wheat along the... Find out more

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Robinvale 188 km

We trolled at little more than a fast walking pace, the electric motor giving off a light humming noise. Behind the boat, a couple of large bibbed lures were swimming deep, about a metre off the bottom, their action... Find out more

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Lake Bolac 193 km

One of my favourite fishing activities after a hot summer day is to wander along the banks of the Barwon River in Geelong, casting lures for redfin. Redfin are feisty, competitive fish that bite readily and taste great.... Find out more

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Curlwaa 224 km

Curlwaa is downstream of Mildura, between Dareton and Wentworth. The boat ramp is nothing flash – a basic dirt facility suited to smaller boats. A kilometre or so upstream from the ramp is the old Abbotsford... Find out more

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Little Desert National Park 61 km

This park contains one-fifth of all flowering plant species in Victoria. The elusive mallee fowl and rare scrub robin live amid the 600 kilometres of tracks that go out to remote sections of the park near the South... Find out more

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Indigenous tours, Grampians National Park 123 km

Brambuk, the Grampians National Park and Cultural Centre, houses an Aboriginal cultural centre explaining much of the history and stories associated with the area. There is also a bushfoods cafe, where you can try emu,... Find out more

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Grampians National Park 130 km

There are many, many reasons to go to this remarkable 1680-square-kilometre national park: its spectacular spring wildflowers, its dramatic cliffs and sandstone features, its bushwalking, the stunning views from its... Find out more

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Wine-tasting - Robinvale 187 km

Robinvale Wines, near Robinvale, produces a wide variety of wines, certified organic and biodynamic, with no chemicals used.... Find out more

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Picnicking around Mount Gambier 216 km

Mount Gambier has some extraordinary picnic spots around collapsed caves that are now beautiful sinkhole gardens. Try Cave Gardens or the stunning Umpherston Sinkhole, which has free barbecues and good facilities.... Find out more

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Mount Eccles National Park 216 km

At Mount Eccles you can walk for 2 kilometres around the rim of a volcanic crater then descend for a swim in the lake at its heart. It is a great spot for a picnic, with koalas and kangaroos, and the camping facilities... Find out more

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Golden Nugget Discovery Tours, Ballarat 230 km

This carbon-neutral business in Ballarat runs small, personalised tours of no more than six people in the Goldfields region, with three themes – wild nature, gold history and heritage, and food and wine.... Find out more

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Murray Downs Golf & Country Club Resort 171 km

What follows is one of the success stories of golf along the Murray River. Set in the heart of Kidman Reid’s historic Murray Downs sheep station, the Murray Downs Golf & Country Club Resort was constructed... Find out more

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Port Fairy Golf Club 247 km

An endearing quality of the great links layouts of Britain and Ireland is their natural setting. Wild, windswept holes rolling between sand dunes that have stood tall for centuries are the norm. The links of Port... Find out more

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Mildura Brewery 218 km

Breweries pop up in some rather exotic locations but this is the first I’ve encountered in a former cinema. Once known as the Astor Theatre, the main building is a lovely example of Art Deco architecture, which has... Find out more

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Picnic Point Beach camping ground 4 km

Picnic Point Beach, which lies just north of where the Wimmera River empties into Lake Hindmarsh, is a good place for some solitude. From the Nhill–Jeparit Rd, detour onto unsealed Lake Rd, which runs up along the... Find out more

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Four Mile Beach camping ground 5 km

Four Mile Beach has more facilities than any of the other campsites around Lake Hindmarsh, including powered sites and a kiosk selling basic foodstuffs; the trade-off is that this is the only place in the reserve where... Find out more

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Schulzes Beach camping area 16 km

This campground is located on the western shore of Lake Hindmarsh, where it has some impressive red river gums for company. South of here, at Antwerp on the road to Dimboola, you’ll find what’s left of the... Find out more

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The Wattles camping area 24 km

After skirting the western edge of Lake Hindmarsh, the Nhill–Rainbow Rd crosses over Outlet Creek, heading east. It’s here, at the northern foreshore of the lake, that you’ll find the track leading down... Find out more

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Williamsons Beach camping area 24 km

Just off the Nhill–Rainbow Rd, at the northern tip of Lake Hindmarsh, is this serene campground. Note the lack of facilities here, and that the access road is sometimes inaccessible after rain; check before you... Find out more

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Kiata camping area 38 km

Kiata campground is in the eastern block of Little Desert National Park. It’s at the end of Kiata South Rd, which runs off the Western Hwy between Nhill and Dimboola. Head to the nearby picnic area to take the... Find out more

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Horseshoe Bend camping area 40 km

Horseshoe Bend is on the eastern boundary of Little Desert National Park, on the Wimmera River opposite Wail State Forest. North of here is the Pomponderoo Hill Nature Walk, which takes in a scenic lookout and some of... Find out more

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Ackle Bend camping area 40 km

Ackle Bend is on the Wimmera River in the eastern block of Little River National Park, just south of Horseshoe Bend. The walk north along the river yields some great views. Other leisurely pursuits available here include... Find out more

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Western Beach camping area 41 km

Western Beach is situated on the shoreline of Lake Albacutya amidst parrot-filled black box and river red gum woodlands. Stay here for a few days to enjoy the peace and quiet, or make it a stopover before visiting the... Find out more

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Yaapeet Beach camping area 42 km

On the eastern shore of Lake Albacutya, accessible from either Rainbow township or the nearby community of Yaapeet, is the Yaapeet Beach camping area. Water is only sometimes available here, so it’s best to bring... Find out more

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Nhill Caravan Park 38 km

This is a convenient park on the Western Highway, on the western outskirts of Nhill. It has good basic amenities and is conveniently located midway between Melbourne and Adelaide.... Find out more

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Horsham Caravan Park 67 km

Located on the banks of the Wimmera River, close to the town centre, this good quality park is council owned but operated by the YMCA. Bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-length stay applies.... Find out more

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Wimmera Lakes Caravan Resort 70 km

This is a spacious park on the fringe of Horsham, 4 km south-east of town on the Western Highway. It has a range of facilities including a tennis court and spa. It is a good base for exploring the local area. Bookings... Find out more

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Kaniva Caravan Park 72 km

This is a budget-priced, council-owned caravan park with no full-time attendee. Take a site and the caretaker will call by. The park, with basic facilities and nice grassy sites, is situated next door to the town pool;... Find out more

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Bordertown Caravan Park 111 km

This is a very tidy park with good facilities, right in the heart of town. It is budget priced and easily accessible from the Western Highway.... Find out more

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Parkgate Resort 120 km

This is a very good quality tourist park less than 1.5 km from Halls Gap. With great recreational facilities including a tennis court, this is a popular holiday destination and a great base from which to explore the... Find out more

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Halls Gap Caravan and Tourist Park 121 km

We find this large park ideal for a holiday at any time of the year and regularly stay here. Located in the centre of town, it is within easy reach of most of the area’s attractions and makes a good base for... Find out more

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Lake Fyans Holiday Park 125 km

This is a spacious waterfront park on the shores of Lake Fyans, a popular watersports area to the south-west of Stawell. The park has a cafe and also canoes for hire. It is just a short drive to nearby Halls Gap and is... Find out more

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Lake Boga Caravan Park 167 km

Squeezed between the Murray Valley Highway and the shores of Lake Boga, this is ideal for an overnight stop or a restful few days; sailing, water-skiing and swimming are popular activities. The park has good basic... Find out more

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Swan Hill Riverside Caravan Park 168 km

Within walking distance to the centre of town, and with large expanses of green lawn and a long frontage to the Murray River, this place boasts a heated pool, undercover barbecues and a well-stocked shop. Bookings are... Find out more

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Pomponderoo Bush Retreat, Dimboola 38 km

With solar power, rainwater tanks and tree planting to offset carbon emissions, these three self-contained timber cabins are a great accommodation option near the north-eastern edge of Little Desert National Park.... Find out more

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Little Desert Nature Lodge, Nhill 45 km

Set on 117 hectares of bushland beside Little Desert National Park, the lodge has 24 rooms with ensuite bathrooms, or 16 bunkrooms with shared facilities. By staying here, you are helping support projects such as the... Find out more

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Grampians Eco YHA 120 km

At this eco-hostel you sleep under roof tiles that are actually solar panels. Any extra power generated is fed back to the electricity grid. The passive solar building, featuring rammed earth walls, also has solar... Find out more

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MillDuck, Harcourt North 222 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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Coorong Wilderness Lodge 235 km

Opened early in 2009, the five beautiful cabins here on a limestone cliff on Aboriginal lands have 180-degree views over the Coorong, with pelicans, ducks and other birds flying past at window height. The cabins have... Find out more

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Lake Hindmarsh Camp Area 24 km

T/O 36 km N of Warracknabeal (L) or 25 km S of Hopetoun (R) via Rainbow Large area in the scrub on the shores of the lake 16 kilometres south-west of Rainbow. Reasonable shade. NOTE: Access road part unsealed. GPS:... Find out more

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Native Waterhole Rest Area 29 km

16 km E of Nhill (R) or 22 km W of Dimboola (L) Small area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S36 22.02 E141 49.08 ... Find out more

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Wimmera River Rest Area 31 km

32 km E of Nhill (L) or 6 km W of Dimboola (R) Large open area just off the highway near the river. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S36 25.07 E141 58.53  ... Find out more

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Kiata Camp Area 38 km

T/O at Kiata: 14 km E of Nhill (R) or 24 km W of Dimboola (L) Large open area situated 12 kilometres south of the highway in a pleasant natural bush setting among numerous small trees in Little Desert National Park.... Find out more

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Brim Rest Area 39 km

20 km N of Warracknabeal (L) or 41 km S of Hopetoun (R) Large secluded area located among numerous small trees 1 kilometre off the highway via the main street of Brim. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S36 04.32 E142... Find out more

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Horseshoe Bend Camp Area 40 km

T/O at Dimboola Large area located 7 kilometres south of the highway on the banks of the Wimmera River with good facilities and shade in a natural bush setting in Little Desert National Park. NOTE: Access road part... Find out more

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Ackle Bend Camp Area 40 km

T/O at Dimboola Large area located 6 kilometres south of the highway on the banks of the Wimmera River with good facilities and shade in a natural bush setting in Little Desert National Park. NOTE: Access road part... Find out more

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Western Beach Camp Area 41 km

T/O at Hopetoun Large area among trees on the shore of the lake, 47 kilometres west of Hopetoun via Albacutya in Albacutya Regional Park. Good shade and facilities. NOTE: Access road part unsealed. GPS: S35 46.48... Find out more

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Yaapeet Beach Camp Area 42 km

T/O at Hopetoun Large area among trees on the shore of the lake, 35 kilometres west of Hopetoun via Yapeet in Albacutya Regional Park. Good shade. NOTE: Access road part unsealed. GPS: S35 46.00 E142 00.23... Find out more

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Wail Rest Area 42 km

10 km SE of Dimboola (L) or 26 km NW of Horsham (R) Small area just off the highway near the railway overpass. Reasonable shade. GPS: S36 30.25 E142 06.18  ... Find out more

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Camerons Reserve Rest Area 51 km

26 km E of Kaniva (R) or 14 km W of Nhill (L) Large area just off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S36 23.19 E141 30.34 ... Find out more

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Hopetoun Camp Area 58 km

On the shores of Lake Lascelles Large area well off the highway on the shores of Lake Lascelles. Good facilities. Limited shade. NOTE: Powered sites available for a fee. Showers available (donation requested). GPS:... Find out more

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Wonga Camp Area 62 km

T/O at Hopetoun Large and open area scattered with a few large trees 43 kilometres west of the highway in Wyperfeld National Park. Good facilities. Limited shade. NOTE: Access road part unsealed. GPS: S35 35.12... Find out more

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Burnt Creek Rest Area 72 km

7 km SE of Horsham (L) or 60 km NW of Stawell (R) Large area just off the highway among a few large trees. Good shade. GPS: S36 45.38 E142 15.00  ... Find out more

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Lake Green Rest Area 76 km

12 km SE of Horsham (R) or 55 km NW of Stawell (L) Large parking bay adjacent to the highway overlooking Lake Green. Limited shade. GPS: S36 47.05 E142 17.38  ... Find out more

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Lake Watchem Camp Area 77 km

T/O 20 km S of Birchip (R) or 34 km N of Donald (L) Large area around a few trees on the edge of the lake 1 kilometre west of Watchem. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S36 08.51 E142 50.52 ... Find out more

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Birchip Park Area 85 km

South side of town Small area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. Good facilities. GPS: S35 59.23 E142 54.53... Find out more

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Donald Park Area 92 km

North side of town Parking area at Richardson River. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S36 22.03 E142 58.44... Find out more

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Stapylton Camp Area 94 km

T/O 18 km SE of Horsham (R) or 49 km NW of Stawell (L) Large area located 15 kilometres south of the highway via Northern Grampians Road and Plantation Road in a natural bush setting in Grampians National Park. Good... Find out more

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Victorian-South Australian Border Rest Area 94 km

18 km E of Bordertown (R) or 25 km W of Kaniva (L) Large area just off the highway among the trees at the state border. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S36 20.40 E140 58.10... Find out more

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Green Lake Camp Area 99 km

T/O at Sea Lake (R) or Berriwillock (L) Large shady campground located 10 kilometres south of Sea Lake or north west of Berriwillock among numerous large trees on the shores of the lake. Some powered sites available.... Find out more

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Troopers Creek Camp Area 105 km

T/O 42 km SE of Horsham (R) or 25 km NW of Stawell (L) Small area located 17 kilometres south-east of the highway via Roses Gap Road in a natural bush setting in Grampians National Park. Good facilities and shade. ... Find out more

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Berriwillock Park Area 107 km

Middle of town Small town park opposite the hotel on the service road through town. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S35 38.11 E142 59.44... Find out more

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Sea Lake North Rest Area 108 km

82 km SE of Ouyen (L) or 83 km N of Wycheproof (R) Large open area well off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S35 27.13 E142 49.46 ... Find out more

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Cherrypool Rest Area 109 km

82 km N of Hamilton (R) or 50 km S of Horsham (L) Large area just off the highway on the banks of the river. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S37 06.33 E142 11.11  ... Find out more

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Underbool Park Area 109 km

Middle of town Parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S35 10.188 E141 48.603  ... Find out more

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Wooroonook Lake Camp Area 109 km

T/O at Charlton via Borung Highway Large camp area on shores of the lake 14 kilometres west of Charlton. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S36 15.37 E143 11.44 ... Find out more

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Bordertown Park Area 111 km

Middle of town Small town park off the highway on the main road through town. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S36 18.30 E140 46.31... Find out more

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Wycheproof Park Area 112 km

Middle of town Parking area just off the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S36 04.44 E143 13.33 ... Find out more

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Walpeup Rest Area 112 km

Middle of town Parking area just off the highway. Good facilities and shade. NOTE: Powered sites and showers available for a fee. GPS: S35 08.166 E142 01.501... Find out more

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