Explore Australia

Historical Society Museum: McCartin St. Leongatha Gallery: Cnr McCartin St and Michael Pl. Mushroom Crafts: craft sales and gallery; 40 Blair St. Great Southern Rail Trail: commencement of 50 km rail trail that winds between Leongatha and Foster.

Koonwarra Situated between Leongatha and Meeniyan on the South Gippsland Hwy, Koonwarra became the first eco-wise town in Australia. The town prides itself on its commitment to sustainable lifestyles. Drop in to the Koonwarra Fine Food & Wine Store to purchase local wines, cheese and pantry items. On the first Sat of each month, Koonwarra holds a farmers market. The town also boasts an organic cooking school, day spa, specialty shops, pottery and winery nearby. 8 km SE.

Gippsland wine region This dispersed wine region stretches from Phillip Island to Lakes Entrance, with the main cluster of wineries around Leongatha. Bass Phillip makes what is regarded as Australia’s greatest pinot noir. Phillip Island Vineyard is responsible for another superb version, as well as an excellent botrytis riesling, in spite of the island’s fierce winds and hungry birds. Chardonnay is Gippsland’s other specialty, evident from wineries such as Narkoojee and Nicholson River. The latter makes a particularly wonderful merlot and a blend called The Nicholson (merlot and shiraz).

Meeniyan: great place to visit for the art and craft enthusiast. Places of interest include Meeniyan Art Gallery, South Gippsland Craft Merchants, Beth's Antiques and Lacy Jewellery. Meeniyan hosts an annual art and craft exhibition over the Melbourne Cup weekend; 16 km SE. Mossvale Park: tranquil setting for a picnic or barbecue. Music concerts and festivals are held here in Feb and Mar; 16 km NE. Mirboo North: situated among the picturesque Strzelecki Ranges, the township is decorated with murals depicting the history of the area. Grand Ridge Brewery, Lyre Bird Forest Walk and the Grand Ridge Rail Trail are also located here; 26 km NE.

Tarwin River 20 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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Anderson Inlet 24 km

Some would argue that Anderson Inlet, near Inverloch, isn’t an estuary but a bay. It has three creeks, Screw, Pound and Cherry Tree, plus the Tarwin River flowing in to it, and is situated about 140 km south-east... Find out more

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Venus Bay 27 km

Victoria’s annual run of Australian salmon hits the surf beaches in autumn and runs through the winter. South Gippsland beaches are traditionally among the hottest for salmon action. Winter sees beaches from... Find out more

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Corner Inlet 38 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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Shallow Inlet 45 km

Shallow Inlet is one of few places in Victoria where you can launch your boat off the beach. You can reach the inlet via Sandy Point or from the Wilsons Promontory side, turning from the Fish Creek–Yanakie road. ... Find out more

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Mosquito Channel 53 km

Corinella is about 115 km south- east of Melbourne on the eastern side of Western Port. There is a jetty, slipway and a 24-hour all-tide boat ramp. Anglers who launch their boats here regard these waters as something... Find out more

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Elephant Triangle 56 km

Fishing for elephant fish in Western Port has become an institution. Anglers hang out for the first signs that the fish are starting to migrate into the bay. In general terms, the Elephant Triangle (GPS: S38.26.826,... Find out more

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Middle Spit 62 km

One of the most popular destinations for boating anglers is the Middle Spit, located along the western shore of French Island. Regarded as a whiting hotspot, it’s just a matter of knowing where to go and the tide... Find out more

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Snapper Spots 64 km

Many snapper anglers prefer to concentrate along the edges of the main shipping channels. The deep water running along the western shore of Phillip Island from the Nobbies to Cowes (Buoys 1–13) is a proven snapper... Find out more

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Cowes to Cat Bay 69 km

Cowes to Cat Bay, along Phillip Island, is a popular area for anglers chasing whiting, squid, snapper and gummy shark. Cowes jetty, a favourite with holidaymakers, is a productive platform that often produces elephant... Find out more

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Birdwatching around Gippsland 38 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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Wildlife-watching - Phillip Island 62 km

Phillip Island is best known for the little penguins that come ashore every night (bookings essential). But spend time exploring the area and you will find Seal Rocks, with Australia’s largest colony of fur-seals,... Find out more

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Kayaking on Phillip Island 62 km

For a great way to start the day, join a kayaking breakfast tour at Phillip Island Holiday Hire, which starts with a 45-minute paddle from Cowes and includes a civilised breakfast at a cafe. There is also a Devonshire... Find out more

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Baw Baw National Park 78 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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Dandenong Ranges National Park 86 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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Bicentennial National Trail - Healesville starting point 99 km

Acclaimed as the longest-marked, nonmotorised, multi-use trekking route in the world, this track traverses an incredible 5330 kilometres from Healesville to Cooktown in north Queensland, passing through 18 national... Find out more

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Swim with dolphins, Sorrento 106 km

In the warmer six months of the year, the eco-accredited Moonraker Charters will help you get in the water, swimming alongside Australian fur-seals and bottlenose dolphins. Of course, swimming is not compulsory on the... Find out more

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Cycling around Melbourne 111 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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Indigenous tours - Melbourne 112 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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Mountain-biking around Melbourne 113 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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Settlers Run Golf & Country Club 72 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) 73 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 (Champions Course) 78 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 Sandhurst Club (North Course) 78 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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Peninsula Country Golf Club (South Course) 79 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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Peninsula Country Golf Club (North Course) 79 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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Long Island Country Club 81 km

Long Island, arguably the most underrated course on the Melbourne sandbelt, deserves higher and wider acclaim. The sandy, undulating land where the course now lies began last century as Frankston Racecourse. And what ... Find out more

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Southern Golf Club 89 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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Woodlands Golf Club 91 km

Woodlands is one of the Melbourne sandbelt’s oldest courses, and since expanding to an 18-hole layout in 1917 it has also had a reputation for being one of the finest. That reputation is starting to spread as... Find out more

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Spring Valley Golf Club 92 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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The Koonwarra Store

Koonwarra is a tiny dot on the map, but this lovely cafe and gourmet food store makes it a fantastic stopover on the way to Wilsons Promontory, or a destination in itself. Decked out in friendly country style, aim... Find out more

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Grand Ridge Brewery 21 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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Red Hill Brewery 82 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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Matilda Bay Garage Brewery 82 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 97 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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Hargreaves Hill Brewing Company 104 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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Mountain Goat Brewery 110 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) 111 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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3 Ravens Brewing Company 114 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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Jamieson Brewery 134 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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Holgate Brewhouse 176 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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Inverloch Foreshore Reserve caravan and camping area 25 km

Camping is available year-round at the foreshore reserve, but it does get popular. For views over the inlet, take the Screw Creek Walk which includes a boardwalk section and a trail through a paperbark forest. If you... Find out more

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Turtons Creek camping area 27 km

You can camp sans facilities beside Turtons Creek about 18 km north of Foster. Near the campsite, reached via Turtons Creek Road, which branches off the Boolarra–Foster Road, you’ll find a lovely little... Find out more

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Morwell River camping areas 32 km

Blackfish, trout and crayfish are the prime targets for anglers when they set themselves up along the banks of the Morwell River. If you’re a like-minded soul, head for one of the campsites strung out along Morwell... Find out more

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Middle Creek camping area (bush camping) 37 km

From the small town of Yinnar, south of the Strzelecki Hwy, get onto Middle Creek Rd and follow it for 10 km to the south-east. Here, at a secluded spot beside Middle Creek, you’ll find a small bush camping area... Find out more

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Kilcunda Oceanview Holiday Retreat 42 km

Dramatic coastal views are the norm at this quiet beachside caravan park, located between Wonthaggi and San Remo. The beaches here are safe for kids, plus there are good spots for a snorkel and plenty of walking options,... Find out more

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Shallow Inlet camping ground 43 km

This campground is 4 km west of Yanakie at the end of Lester Rd, just outside the boundary of the marvellous Shallow Inlet Marine and Coastal Park. The sheltered waters of the park are ideal for swimming, canoeing and... Find out more

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Walkerville Camping Reserve 43 km

Popular with many families who return year after year, this camping reserve has great facilities and is kept neat and tidy by the staff. Close by are surf beaches for adults, as well as safe beaches for kids. Walking... Find out more

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Bear Gully camping area 46 km

At the bottom of the cape, just to the east of its historic lighthouse, the Bear Gully camping area is the only overnight option in the park, its shady campsites nestling among tall banksias. From here you can rock-hop... Find out more

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Lake Narracan Caravan Park 47 km

When its water levels are high enough, Lake Narracan, 5 km north-east of Moe, is a popular watersports venue. Besides sailing and canoeing, waterskiing is also conducted here under the auspices of what’s believed... Find out more

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Airs Farm camping ground (walk-in camping) 52 km

Toast your toes around the open fire (wood supplied) at this private campground, nestled in bushland some 10 km east of Tankerton. The owners will pick you up or you can walk or cycle along Bayview Road to reach the... Find out more

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Warragul Gardens Holiday Park 35 km

This owner-operated park has spacious grassy sites, good facilities and great amenities. However, the focal point is the magnificent gardens; these alone make the park worth a visit. Bookings are required in peak... Find out more

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Glen Cromie Caravan Park 45 km

In a large, park-like setting on the banks of a stream, this is a popular caravan park during weekends and holiday periods. It is a great place for a family break and just a short drive from the greater Melbourne area.... Find out more

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Park Lane Tourist Park 55 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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Rawson Caravan Park 70 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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BIG4 Frankston Holiday Park 78 km

This is a good quality park in the far outer south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne. It is a great base for those exploring the Mornington Peninsula or those connecting with the Sorrento to Queenscliff ferry. Bookings are... Find out more

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BIG4 Dandenong Tourist Park 81 km

Just 6 km south of Dandenong, this is a good quality park, ideal for those wanting to stay on the eastern side of Melbourne. It is very close to the Jayco factory. Bookings are required in peak times and a minimum-stay... Find out more

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Wantirna Park 94 km

This is a large park with a limited number of tourist sites. Located in the eastern suburbs, its facilities include tennis courts and a recreation room. It is good value. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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Crystal Brook Tourist Park 105 km

This park is undergoing a transformation and will cater for tourists. It has good facilities and is located in a leafy area of the northeastern suburbs of Melbourne. A minimum-length stay applies during holiday periods.... Find out more

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Sale Motor Village 105 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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Stratford On The River Tourist Park 114 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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Lamont House

This three-bedroom historic cottage might date back to the early 1900s, but it has all the comforts of home with reverse-cycle air-conditioning, period furniture with modern fittings, full kitchen for self-catering and... Find out more

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Lyre Bird Hill Winery

The owners of this family-operated winery offer two accommodation options: three in-house B&B rooms in a purpose-built guesthouse that is ideal for couples; and one self-catering three-bedroom cottage expressly... Find out more

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Alto Hotel on Bourke 114 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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Apollo Bay Youth Hostel 201 km

This relatively new hostel was built with an eco-friendly design, including thermal storage banks and other passive solar heating and cooling. It also has solar hot water, rainwater tanks, a worm farm, drought-tolerant... Find out more

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The Buckland, Bright 209 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 213 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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Cape Otway Centre for Conservation Ecology 214 km

There are not many better-thought-out ecotourism ventures than this superb multi-award-winning facility on Cape Otway. It has its own 66-hectare wildlife refuge and doubles as a shelter for injured and orphaned wildlife,... Find out more

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MillDuck, Harcourt North 227 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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Trafalgar Park Area 35 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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Bunyip Rest Area 44 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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Gumbuya Rest Area 51 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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Traralgon Park Area 56 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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Blind Joe Creek Park Area 80 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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Willows Rest Area 83 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 132 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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Torquay Park Area 142 km

Middle of town via Gilbert Street Small town park on the Esplanade. GPS: S38 19.51 E144 19.38 ... Find out more

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Yea East Rest Area 147 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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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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