BERRY, NSW, and points north to (vicinity of) PT. MACQUARIE.


     ESSENTIALLY,  PARKING (CAMPING) SPOTS ONLY.

BERRY .. south edge of town .. Princes Hwy. .. east side. ? reserve or picnic
  area. Needs checking out.  Hema map 31 C 13.

BERRY .. about 2km north .. Princes Hwy., west side. Small parking area in
  disused section of old highway.
  Class 3, possibly 2.   Hema map 31, C 13.
  Tables, possibly difficult to find a level spot, 25m max. from hwy., ? noisy.
  OK big rig if this small area not congested.

KIAMA .. about 3km south .. Princes Highway, west side. Accessible north bound only.
  Parking/info bay on loop of old hwy.
  Class 3 ? 34° 42.159'S.  150° 50.143'E.  Hema map 31, C 13.
  Rubbish bin, info board, only a couple of level spots, 75m max from hwy.
  OK big rig if not congested .. drive through from south.

TRUCK PARKING .. BULLI - APPIN Rd., south side, about 6 km from Bulli Pass end.
 Class 2/3.  34° 15.282'S.  150° 52.008'E.  Hema map 21, D 13.
  Toilets, table, very limited water, emergency phone, 20m from road, OK big
  rigs as drive through.

Our aim was to avoid congested roads close to Sydney. There are various routes
to the west of Sydney via Picton, Campbelltown, Camden to the Windsor, Richmond
area.

* NATTAI .. south side of road just outside east entrance of town on old
 section of road .. which is west of a large turnout area.
  Class 3.  34° 03.858'S.  150° 27.243'E.   Hema map 21, H 12.
  No facilities, shade from W, 10m from road, but little night time traffic,
  OK big rigs as drive through possible.
  Investigated Burragarang lookouts .. through town .. fees apply, gates closed
  5pm winter, 7pm summer.

* MULGOA PARK, Mulgoa .. Wallacia - Penrith road .. corner Little Fields Rd.
  and opposite school.
  Class 3.  33° 50.178'S.  150° 39.173'E.   Hema map 21, G 9.
  We parked at rear of tennis courts. Mulgoa Hall was used that night and
  the parking area between the hall and the Tennis courts occupied till 9.30
  pm. Possibly a Class 4 parking area in case the flood lit tennis courts are
  used in the evening. Toilets, tables, shade, rubbish bins, 30m from side
  road, ? OK big rigs .. restricted space, overhanging branches.

From Windsor there are 2 routes to the north .. via the Putty Road or via
Wisemans Ferry where the sealed route via Mangrove Mtn. being preferred to the
unsealed route via St. Albans. We elected to use the great campsite at Broke
as the northern terminus.

The Putty Road is the better road .. Putty, about 5k from the main road has
gravel sections. A secondhand report indicated that the hall at Putty would
offer a convenient camp site. There are some un-investigated sites on the
northern section of this road that could be suitable for overnight parking.
A number of sites along the whole section of the road could be suitable for
short rest stops and meal breaks. The connecting road from the Putty road
south of Bulga across to Broke is in good order.

Wisemans Ferry Road.
PITTTOWN SPORTS GROUND .. northern side of Pitt Town at the junction of
 Cattai Road and Old Pitt Town Road.
  Class 3 as long as no sporting events scheduled. 33° 35.235'S.  150° 51.844'E.
  Hema map 20, F 6.
  Toilets, BBQ, covered tables, rubbish bins and WATER at rear of a building
  backing onto the parking area. 50m from main road, suburban type area
  adjoins. OK big rigs if not congested.

WISEMANS FERRY .. south side of ferry on west side .. park at side of road,
  near kiosk.
  Class 3.  33° 22.861'S.  150° 59.251'E.  Hema map 20, F 4.
  Internal section "gates shut at sunset", but plenty of parking space between
  gate and main road. Tables, BBQ, rubbish bins, kiosk, only 30m from where
  cars queue for ferry so maybe noisy. Big rigs may have trouble turning.

BUCKETY .. junction of road to St. Albans ? camp spot W side.
  Hema map 20, 1 M. Needs investigating.

WOLLOMBI HOTEL, Wollombi. Parking area to south of hotel and adjacent to main
  road. Possibly OK for overnight park with hotels permission.
  Class 2 with permission.    Hema map 23, E 9.
  Overnight parking possibly essential if too much of the hotels famous "jungle
  juice" is sampled. Though it is possible to purchase the "jungle juice" to
  take away.

* BROKE... McNAMARA PARK .. between main road and creek.
  Class 1+. 32° 44.655'S.  151° 05.950'E.  Hema map 23, E 9.
  Large grassy/woody area (maybe 20 acres) between main road and creek.
  Toilets, covered tables, shade, fireplaces, rubbish bins, 150m max. from
  main road (fair amount of traffic at night so suggest park as far from road
  as possible, OK big rigs. General store/post office opposite southern
  extremity .. good fuel price.

Northwards of Broke we have travelled across through Cessnock and Maitland and
up the Pacific Hwy. to the Pt. Macquarie area. On another trip, via Patterson,
Gloucester, and Walcha to the Pt. Macquarie area.


PACIFIC HIGHWAY ROUTE.
  Firstly, some parking (camp spots) to the east of the Pacific Highway .. just north of Newcastle.

* Walsh Point .. across high bridge near route to Stockton. Large level grassy reserve on eastern end of Walsh Island.There
  appears to be a circular road around the Island and all the large commercial area .. travel that to the eastern end.
  Class 3. 32° 54.12' S. 151° 46.59' E. Hema map 22, E 11.
  Limited shade, quiet, OK big rigs, good TV, good CDMA. Great views of harbour.

Boat ramp .. travelling towards Stockton .. handy for WATER. 2.6 km north of ferry terminal.
  Class 3 to 4. 32° 54.04' S. 151° 47.11' E. Hema map 22, E 11.
  Toilets, no shade, WATER, 30m from road, OK big rigs.

* Stockton .. Pitt Street Reserve .. past ferry terminal to extra large reserve on point overlooking ocean and harbour mouth.
  Class 3. 32° 55.04' S. 151° 47.39' E. Hema map 22, E 11.
  No shade, rubbish bins, 100m from road (quiet), OK big rigs, good TV, good CDMA, good views.

* Lemontree Passage near Nelson Bay. Large area near boat ramp. We parked in corner near water and away from ramp.
  Apparently quiet during week, busy at weekends, holiday times.
  Class 3. 32° 43.74' S. 152° 02.36' E. Hema map 22, E 11.
  Toilets, covered tables, little shade, WATER for washing boats, wood BBQ's, rubbish bins, fairly quiet, barely OK big rigs,
  good TV, good CDMA. Suggest use with descretion.

  Secondly, a small section of the Pacific Highway near Bucketts Way turnoff .. north of Raymond Terrace.
-------------------------
0 km Junction .. east side .. Medowie Road. Just 100m up that road .. signed rest area .. north side.
  Sealed road into level sealed turning bay with limited parking agjacent.
  Class 2-. 34° 40.15' S. 151° 50.11' E. Hema map 22, D 11.
  Toilets, covered tables, no shade, rubbish bins, 70m from highway, barely OK big rigs. 9 kms along
  Medowie Road, and just off to the right, is a good small shopping centre with parking for big rigs in front of pub.
[1.1 km] travelling north along Pacicic Highway.
1.1 km Signed rest area .. south east , but on south bound lane. Large sealed level loop off/on highway with parking
  adjacent. "U" turn bay at southern exit.
  Class 2. 32° 39.23' S. 151° 51.57' E. Hema map 22, D 11.
  Toilets, some shade, rubbish bins, 30m max from highway (noisy), OK big rigs, good TV, good CDMA.
[0.5 km]
1.6 km Junction .. north west side .. Bucketts Way to Gloucester etc.
[0.3 km]
1.9 km Entrance (from southbound lanes) to new Australia Motorhome Park. Was originally a fish farm.
  * Class 1 (fee). 32° 39.29' S. 151° 52.08' E. Hema map 22, D 11.
  All expected facilities, no shade, no dump point (yet), quiet, OK big rigs, good TV, good CDMA.
  Current fee $15 pvpn, bush camping being developed.
-------------------------

* BLACKBUTTS Rd. REST AREA .. corner Blackbutts Rd., about 15k south of Taree.
 Class 2.   32° 02.152'S.  152° 27.785'E.  Hema map 23, C 12.
  Small circular paved parking area .. difficulty in finding level spots.
  Toilets, table, shade, some water, rubbish bins, 20m max. from highway ..
  QUITE NOISY, OK big rigs if not congested.
  Have been advised the above was closed early in 2005.
  Apparently, a new area has been opened 3 km south and on opposite side of highway called
  Talawhal Rest area .. advised has toilets, playground. Thanks Rex.

Highway bypasses Taree. If entering Taree from the south, beware of narrow
bridge with sign indicating that only trucks and cars can pass. A wide
motorhome could have a serious problem!

ROTARY PARK, Taree Recreation Grounds. 4 km east of right hand turn made when
  entering Taree from the south and just west of info centre.
  Class 2.  31° 53.982'S. 152° 29.492'E.  Hema map 23, B 12.
  Toilets, dump point, tables, shade, BBQ, rubbish bins, 50m max from road,
  big rigs OK if not congested. DUMP POINT on left side, east end of circular
  drive. Overhanging branches make it difficult for high rigs.

TRUCK PARKING .. west side .. just south of turn off to Lake Cathie & Bonny
  Hills .. about 8 km south of Wauchope/Pt. Macquarie intersection.
  Class 3.  31° 31.972'S.  152° 47.288'E.  Hema map 23, A 13.
  Table, rubbish bins, 50m max from hwy., so probably quite noisy. OK big
  rigs as large drive through parallel to hwy.

Alternative route via Patterson, Gloucester, Thunder Bolts way to Walcha,
thence to Pt. Macquarie. There are a number of long duration (1 month) parking
areas around Gloucester.

SINGLETON .. leaving Singleton on Gresford Road .. just over a large bridge
  .. road to the right .. ? to dump. A reserve was noticed along the river bank.
  Needs investigation. Hema 23, D 9.

GRESFORD ..leaving Gresford towards Paterson .. on south edge of town, west
  side .. a ?reserve was noticed. Needs investigating. Hema 23, D 10.

* PATERSON .. John Tucker Park .. 19km from maitland. Right hand side, south entrance to Paterson.
  No camping on large grass area .. we use area in rear corner near creek.
  Class 2+. 32° 36.06'S.  151° 37.24'E.  Hema map 23, D 10.
  Toilets, tables, shade, 2 water taps, wood BBQ's, rubbish bins, 200m max from road (so quiet),
  OK medium size rigs, but caution .. lots of overhanging branches, good TV, weak CDMA.
  A very popular spot for locals and not so local. Updated Febuary '07.

Road has rough sections .. lots of places .. between Paterson & Dungog.

* NEAR DUNGOG .. road towards Stroud Road .. about 4k from Dungog on corner
  of Monkerai Rd. to the NE. A gravel track cuts the corner leading to Dungog.
  Class 3.  32° 22.561'S.  151° 47.345'E.  Hema map 23, D 11.
  Table, some shade, 100m from main road and railway line, 20m from side road,
  overhanging branches in one spot make it difficult for high rigs.

Dungog has a wide "main street" .. good for parking.
Road has rough sections between Dungog & Gloucester.
Found good shopping in Gloucester .. park in side streets.

* COPELAND RESERVE .. Barrington Tops to Scone Rd. .. about 5k from
  Barrington, north side of road, between road and creek.
  Class 1.  31° 58.347'S. 151° 51.534'E.  Hema map 23, B 11.
  Tables, some shade, some water, BBQ's, rubbish bins, 30m max from road, some
  timber trucks early morning, OK big rigs. Nice grassy area about 5 acres,
  sections could be boggy after wet weather. 1 month max. stay!

BARRINGTON RESERVE .. turn off to west opposite Barrington Tops - Scone Rd.,
  on banks of Barrington River on west side of Barrington River bridge.
  Class 1, possibly 1+  31° 58.320'S.  151° 42.062'E.  Hema map 23, B 11
  Toilets, dump point behind toilets, tables, water, fireplaces, rubbish bins,
  shed, 150m max from road, OK big rigs .. guess 7 acres, 1 month max stay.

GLORYVALE RESERVE .. about 20k north of Barrington, east side of road, between
  road and Manning River. Not investigated but looks good.  Hema map 23, B 11.

* BRETTI RESERVE .. about 28k north of Barrington .. east side of road .. not
  signposted from the south. Somewhat steep, but sealed, road down to reserve.
  Water from confluence of Manning and Barnard rivers.
  Class 1+.  31° 47.350'S.  151° 55.349'E.  Hema map 23, B 11.
  Toilets, some shade, BBQ's, rubbish bins, long way from road so no noise,
  big rigs OK. 1 month stay permitted. Extra large grassy area, some cattle,
  some flies .. more in season!

Road to the north has a hill 6 km long you must climb! Road is sealed all the
way to Walcha .. some maps indicate an unsealed section!

NOWENDOC .. turn east off main road .. beside & at rear of community hall.
  Class 3  31° 30.830'S.  151° 42.992'E.  Hema map 23, A 11.
  Toilets, tables, rubbish bin, 40m max from road (would guess little night
  traffic), big rigs OK. General store/fuel on road opposite, police station
  200m from hall.

Good parking in Walcha just south of town on Thunderbolts Way, east side.
Walking distance to shopping area.

* WALCHA REST AREA .. 4k east of Walcha on Oxley Hwy., north side.
  Class 2.  31° 00.200'S. 151° 37.814'E.  Hema map 25, J 9.
  Tables, BBQ, rubbish bin, 100m max from hwy., fairly quiet, OK big rigs
  as circular turning area.

TIA RIVER REST AREA, about 35k E of Walcha, south side just east of Tia River.
  Class 3, possibly 2. Hema map 25, J 9.
  Tables, BBQ, very exposed, needs further investigation, but looks OK.

* STOCKYARD CREEK REST AREA .. about 5k east of Mt. Seaview, on a sharp bend
  .. south side.
  Class 2.  21° 24.156'S.  152° 07.445'E.  Hema map 25, K 10.
  Toilets, tables, some water, fireplaces, rubbish bins, 75m max from hwy,
  Just OK big rigs. A wet rain forest area, lots of bell birds, lyre birds
  reported.

* ELLENSBOROUGH .. north side of hwy., about 100m east of bridge .. signposted ..
  follow road around and to the left .. it then veers to the right. avoid
  parking under trees that drop large branches!
  Class 1+.  31° 26.453'S.  152° 27.688'E.  Hema map 25, K 11.
  Toilet, shade (but watch trees), rubbish bins, some water,300m max from
  main road, OK big rigs as large grassy area. 14 day limit.

LONG FLAT RESERVE .. near centre of town .. north side of highway .. ? near or at
  rear of hotel. Needs investigating. Hema map 25, K 11.

* TIMBER TOWN .. Oxley Hwy. 3k west of Wauchope. Parking south side off highway.
  & in parking bay. Timber Town is open 9.30am to 3.30pm .. so area is quiet
  from say 4.30pm to 8.30am.
  Class 3.  31° 28.209'S.  152° 42.855'E.  Hema map 25, K 12.
  Rubbish bins, 60m max from hwy. ? OK big rigs, but OK medium size. There is
  a wide verge at side of hwy. which affords lots of parking space, but its
  closer to the hwy., and you are more conspicuous.


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ORIGINAL NOTES: May '03. UPDATED: 12 March '06, around Newcasle Feb. '07.   © Ron Graham 1997.