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Cover: Port Macquarie, NSW(DMR Photo) 
GENERAL INFORMATION 
Around-the-Clock Road Report NRMA — (02) 11571 
RACQ-(07) 11655 
ROAD CONDITIONS: Bitumen-sealed roads are indicated on this map by red or black lines. Unsealed roads are 
shown by open parallel lines. Some roads, especially at open creek crossings, become impassable during, or after, 
heavy rain and local inquiries should be made in times of bad weather. Roads unsuitable for caravans include Wise¬ 
man’s Ferry to Bucketty, Dungog to Ward’s River, Gloucester to Scone, Wingham to Wauchope via Comboyne, Port 
Macquarie to Gladstone via Crescent Head, Kempsey to Wollomombi via Comara, Dorrigo to Coramba, Tenterfield 
to Legume and Wiangaree to Rathdowney. Some roads in the Gold Coast hinterland are unsuitable for caravans and 
inquiries should be made especially during wet weather. 
RACQ SERVICE: NRMA and RACA members visiting Queensland are entitled to service from the Royal Auto¬ 
mobile Club of Queensland (RACQ) on production of their current membership card. Emergency Road Service: Bris¬ 
bane phone (07) 340 1122; Country phone the nearest country depot. For details of service centre locations and tele¬ 
phone numbers, consult the RACQ Emergency Road Service leaflet available from NRMA or RACQ. RACQ Head 
Office, (Administration), 300 St Paul’s Terrace, Fortitude Valley 4006, phone (07) 253 2444. City Branch 190-194 Ed¬ 
ward Street, Brisbane, phone (07) 221 1511. Touring Service, (phone enquiries) (07) 341 2555. Pilot Service: NRMA 
and RACA members driving to Brisbane can use the free RACQ pilot service to enter the city. Members should 
phone (07) 340 1122 and ask for pilot service at least an hour before reaching a ‘pick-up point’. These points, about 
7km from the city, are identified by reflectorised signs marked “Meet RACQ Pilot Here”. On reaching the sign, stop 
and wait for the pilot. If the pilot does not arrive within 15 minutes, phone the club. Do not go on or you may be 
missed. 
PACIFIC HIGHWAY 
LAKE MACQUARIE, with a shoreline of 173km and an area of 110 square kilometres, is the largest lake on Austra¬ 
lia’s eastern seaboard. The lake, which joins the Pacific Ocean 29km south of Newcastle at Swansea Heads, is an im¬ 
portant aquatic playground with many resorts around it shores. For area map refer to NRMA “Newcastle and Dis¬ 
trict” Map. 
NEWCASTLE, is the second largest city in NSW and the sixth largest in Australia. For detaiis of things to see and do re¬ 
fer to the NRMA “Newcastle and District” map. Tourist Centre, City Administrative Centre, Wheeler Place, phone 
(049) 26 2333. 
For motorists wishing to avoid Newcastle’s inner suburbs there is a by-pass route from Charlestown via Cardiff Heights to 
Jesmond and Sandgate. 
BULAHDELAH, near the junction of the Great Lakes Way, provides access to Smith, Myall and Wallis Lakes and 
many coastal resorts. Alum Mountain, which towers over the township, has some of the biggest alum deposits in the 
southern hemisphere. 
TAREE, by the Manning River, provides access to Wingham Brush, the Comboyne Plateau and the coastal resorts of 
Old Bar and Harrington. Queen Elizabeth Park, via River Street, is a delightful picnic spot. Note the original route of 
the Pacific Highway, now Bucketts Way, passes through Stroud, Gloucester and Krambach and continues through 
picturesque mountain scenery to Taree. Tourist Centre, Pacific Highway, Chatham, phone (065) 52 1801. 
GRAFTON 
BALLINA, at the mouth of the Richmond River, has a superb ocean beach front, enclosed swimming pools and fa¬ 
cilities for boating and fishing. The Maritime Museum, La Balsa Plaza, exhibits the “La Balsa” raft, which drifted 
from Ecuador in 1973. Lake Ainsworth, 11km north, provides safe paddling and swimming for children. Tourist 
Centre, Maritime Museum, phone (066) 86 3484. 
BYRON BAY has the most powerful lighthouse in the southern hemisphere at Cape Byron, 5km south-west, the most 
easterly point on the Australian mainland. The Everglades Aquatic Gardens, Suffolk Park, 2km south, has a childrens’ 
playground and barbecue area. 
MURWILLUMBAH has the magnificent back-drop of Mount Warning and the McPherson Ranges to the west. The 
Kookendoon Wildlife Sanctuary at Dungay, 8km north, is open daily 9am-5pm. Visitors can inspect Madura Tea Es¬ 
tates, phone (066) 77 7310 and Condong Sugar Mill (June to December). Tourist Centre, Pacific Highway, phone (066) 
72 1340. 
TAREE 
TWEED HEADS is the most northerly town in NSW. The Captain Cook Memorial Lighthouse on the border at Point 
Dangar, was the first one in Australia to use laser beam but as this proved unsatisfactory it was converted to electric 
light. Razorback Lookout, 3km from town via Florence and Thompson Streets, gives outstanding panoramic views of 
the Tweed Valley and Queensland’s Gold Coast. 
GOLD COAST: The district from the NSW border to Labrador, includes the resorts of Coolangatta, Currumbin, 
Palm Beach, Burleigh Heads, Miami, Mermaid Beach, Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise and Southport. The Currumbin 
Bird Sanctuary at Currumbin is one of the most popular attractions along the coast. Sea World, at Southport, is Aust¬ 
ralia’s largest marine park and features dolphin, seal-lion and ski shows. 
For information on things to see and do around Brisbane, refer to the NRMA “Brisbane” district map. 
NEW ENGLAND AND CUNNINGHAM HIGHWAYS 
MAITLAND, in the Hunter Valley, has a long history. Attractions include Grossman House, Brough House, and 
Nature Wonderland, 3km south-west. For information on the nearby Hunter Valley wineries, refer to the NRMA 
“Wineries of Australia” guide. Tourist Centre, Council Chambers, High Street, phone (049) 33 6200. ^ 
SINGLETON is at the junction of the New England Highway and the Putty Road from Windsor. The Small Arms 
Museum at Singleton Army Camp, 5km south along Carrington Street, is open to the public Tuesday to Friday and 
the last two Sundays in the month, 9am-noon and 1.30-4pm. For town plan refer to NRMA “Lower North Coast” 
district map. Tourist Centre, Townhead Park, Maitland Road (New England Highway), phone (065) 72 3973. 
MUSWELLBROOK is the main town in the Upper Hunter Valley. For the location of wineries and inspections times 
refer to the NRMA “Wineries of Australia” guide. Inspections of many of the sheep and horse studs in the region can 
be arranged through the tourist centre. Other attractions include The Regional Art Gallery, Bridge Street; Redgum 
Gallery, and Rainbow Park and Garden, at McCullys Gap, 9km north; and, Merrindah Park Gallery, 9km south. In¬ 
spections of Lake Liddell Power Station can be arranged through the Tourist Centre, John Hunter Motel, New 
England Highway, phone (065) 43 4477 
TAMWORTH, is Australia’s “country music capital”. There is much to interest the tourist in and around the city, in¬ 
cluding delightful parks and gardens; the Hands of Fame Cornerstone, in the CWA Park, Kable Street, a tribute to 
stars of Country Music; the Roll of Renown, a series of bronze plaques outside the Radio Centre; the Gallery of Stars, 
at the Country Centre just off Sydney Road, where there are lifesize wax models of Country Music greats; and, the 
Winners Walkway, Treloar’s Arcade, Brisbane Street. Panoramic views can be obtained from Oxley Lookout at the 
top of White Street. The Australasian Country Music Awards are held annually over the January Australia Day Week¬ 
end. Tourist Centre, CWA Park, Kable Avenue, phone (067) 66 3641. 
PORT MACQUARIE. Originally a penal settlement, it is now an important tourist resort Attractions include Fan¬ 
tasy Glades, the Observatory, KijOK Neptune Marine Park and_.D|d]^siipirium and Sea Acres, Wildlife Refnoe For a . 
town plan and more detailed information on things to see and "do, refer to the NRMA “Port Macquarie Holiday 
Map”. Tourist Centre, Horton Street, phone (065) 83 1293. 
An alternative route to Port Macquarie is to follow the scenic drive from the Kew turnoff through Laurietown, North 
Haven, Bonny Hills and Lake Cathie, 
WAUCHOPE, the rail-head for Port Macquarie, is 8km west of the Pacific Highway on the Oxley Highway. 
Timbertown, 3km west, is a working re creation of a sawmiller’s village of the 1880s. Visitors can see demonstrations 
of bullock-yolking, shingle-splitting and sleeper-cutting and a steam train operates throughout the day. Open daily 
10am-5pm. 
KEMreEY, by the Macleay River, provides access to the resorts of Crescent Head, Hat Head, South West Rocks, 
Stuarts Point and the historic Trial Bay Gaol at Arakoon. Tourist Centre, Pacific Highway, phone (065)62 5444. 
NAMBUCCA HEADS. Often referred to as “Hibiscusland”, is a popular tourist resort. Attractions include the Orana 
Mineral and Art Museum, Seaview Street, which has a collection of rocks, minerals and fossils; Swiss Toymakers, 5km 
north along the Pacific Highway, where visitors can see craftsmen at work turning toys from natural wood; the His¬ 
torical Museum, Headland Reserve, which houses a rare collection of old photograhs depicting the Nambucca region 
during early days of settlement; and. River Cruises, along the Nambucca River, aboard the “Nambucca Princess”. For 
details of other attractions refer to the NRMA “Coffs Harbour Holiday Map”. Tourist Centre, Ridge Street, phone 
(065) 68 6954. 
COFFS HARBOUR is the “capital” of the “Banana Republic” and one of the north coast’s most popular tourist re¬ 
sorts. It has many varied and interesting attractions, including the Big Banana, the Aqua-Jet Water Slide, Pet Porpoise 
Pool and the Kumbaingerie Wildlife Park (14km north). For a town plan and more detailed information on things to 
see and do, refer to the NRMA “Coffs Harbour Holiday Map”. Tourist Centre, Castle Street, phone (066) 52 1522. 
GRAFTON is renowned for its broad avenues of jacarandas, flame trees, silky oaks and bauhinias. The Jacaranda 
Festival is held annually for ten days during October/November. Things to see and do include the Wool Industry 
Agrodome, 25km south on the Pacific Highway; Farm and Industrial tours; Schaeffer House Museum, 192 Fitzroy 
Street; and, boating on the Clarence River. For details of other attractions in and around Grafton contact the Tourist 
Centre, Victoria Street, phone (066) 42 4677. 
THE SUMMERLAND WAY, A scenic alternative route between Grafton and Brisbane, which is all bitumen and 
passes through Whiporie, Casino and Kyogle and rejoins the Woodenbong road 5km north of Woodenbong. Tall 
gum trees, an abundance of birdlife and many secluded picnic spots can be found along the way. Another alternative 
route is the Lions Road from Wiangaree to Rathdowney, which passes through some outstanding mountain scenery. 
Note: The road is narrow and winding and unsealed for about 20km and is not recommended for caravans. 
LISMORE, is the centre of Australia’s most closely settled rural area. Attractions include Lismore Lake, the city’s 
major outdoor recreational area; Rocky Creek Dam; Wilson’s Walk, an interesting 6.5km walk, which provides views 
over Lismore and passes through rainforest in Wilson’s Park; and, Macadamia Plantations of Australia factory at 
Dunoon, open for inspection between May and December. Details of factory inspections are available from the tour¬ 
ist centre. Septemberfest is the city’s largest festive event. For town plan refer to the NRMA “Far North Coast” dis¬ 
trict map. Tourist Centre, City Hall, Ballina Street, phone (066) 21 1519. 
URALLA: Captain Thunderbolt, last of the NSW bushrangers, is buried in the local cemetery. A history of Thunder¬ 
bolt and relics of Uralla’s past can be seen at McCrossin’s Mill Museum. Other attractions include Dangar’s Falls, 
35km pfi'st :»nd Old Roricy Rive** ntggings north-W(*st ^Inns Rimdarra Road Tonrist Centre, Peter Phifiip’s Toy 
and Sports Store, 84 Bridge Street, phone (067) 78 4144. 
ARMIDALE is the location of the University of New England. Things to see and do include the Umberumberka Gal¬ 
lery, St Mary’s RC Cathedral, St Peter’s Anglican Cathedral and the Ecclesiastical Museum. For town plan refer to 
the NRMA “New England” district map. Tourist Centre, 135 Rusden Street, phone (067) 72 8666. 
GLEN INNES, was named after one of the district’s first settlers, Archibald Clune Innes and is best seen by following 
the “Visitors Drive”. Attractions include the Land of the Beardies History House and Museum, Rangers Valley Dam, 
Boolabinda Holiday Homestead, rock formations at Stonehenge and fossicking. Tourist Centre, Train Carriage, 
Church Street, phone (067) 32 2397. 
TENTERFIELD, is at the junction of the New England and Bruxner Highways. Attractions include the Doll’s 
Cottage and Tea Rooms, 137 Rouse Street; “Stannum”, Rouse Street, a beautiful old home classified by the National 
Trust; and. Sir Henry Parkes Memorial School of Arts, cnr. Manners and Rouse Street. It was here that the famous 
Statesman delivered the speech, which eventually brought about the creation of the Australian Commonwealth. Bald 
Rock National Park, 2,104ha, is 28km north along the Tenterfield/Legume road. The focal point is Bald Rock, about 
213m high, which affords panoramic views of both sides of the Queensland/NSW border. Boonoo Boonoo Falls, near 
the park on the right-hand side of the Tenterfield/Legume road, plunge more than 21 Im. A track leads to the bottom 
where there is abundant wildlife. Centenary Cottage Museum, Logan Street, contains many items of historic interest 
and can be inspected on weekends from 2-4pm or by appointment. Tourist Centre, Henry Parkes Motor Inn, Rouse 
Street, phone (067) 36 1066. 
STANTHORPE, the main town in the granite belt, was established following the discovery of alluvial tin in nearby 
creeks in 1871. Because of its cool climate (alt 8I0m), European trees, such as poplars, flourish. Mt Marlay Lookout, 
via Lock Street, gives good views of the surrounding countryside. For details of wineries in the area refer to the 
NRMA “Wineries of Australia” guide. The Museum in the High Street, is open from 2-4pm on weekends. Three cir¬ 
cular Arrow Tours begin and end in Stanthorpe and are marked at appropriate intervals by coloured metal signs. 
They are not suitable for caravans. 
WARWICK, “capital” of the Southern Downs, is the Rose and Rodeo City because of the festival of that name held 
each October. Attractions include Leslie Park, Pringle Cottage, Leslie Dam and Connolly Dam. Leslie Dam 15km 
west, is the scene of the Frostbite Regatta'over the Labour Day Weekend. Connolly Dam, 19km south, is a favourite 
picnic spot. Tourist Centre, Town Hall. 
CUNNINGHAM’S GAP, discovered in 1827 by explorer and botanist Alan Cunningham, is a deep saddle between 
Mt Cordeaux (1,135m) and Mt Mitchell (1,168m). There are graded walking tracks to the summits of both mountains 
and picnic areas with shelter, water, barbecue facilities and toilets beside the highway. 
IPSWICH, is Queensland’s second largest city and still has many historic buildings dating back to the 1806s. Pictur¬ 
esque Queen’s Park has barbecue areas, an animal sanctuary and “Puffing Billy” an AlO class locomotive. Redbank 
Steam Locomotive Museum, 11km north along the Cunningham Highway, contains an open-air display of locomo¬ 
tives, which were used throughout Queensland. Swanbank Power Station, 9km south, is open for inspection. The 
RAAF Amberley Base and the Wacol Army Camp are nearby. Tourist Centre, Queens Park. 
