Clarence River

The Clarence River, Australia's mightiest coastal river south of the tropics, winds through lush farmland, ancient rainforest remnants, and sleepy river towns. This is a place where the pace slows to the rhythm of the tide — kayak past cattle grazing on emerald banks, cast a line for bass or bream, or simply watch the sun set over the water from a pub verandah. The river is the lifeblood of the region, offering a genuine slice of rural New South Wales with a laid-back, watery soul.

Highlights & What to See

• Yamba — a classic beach town at the river's mouth, with surf breaks, a historic lighthouse, and the laid-back vibe of the Pacific Hotel's beer garden overlooking the ocean.
• Grafton — the heritage-listed city known for its jacaranda-lined streets (best in late spring), fine Victorian buildings, and the Grafton Bridge from which you can watch the river traffic.
• Ulmarra — a tiny, perfectly preserved river village with a historic ferry, an antique shop or two, and a lovely pub serving cold beer and fish and chips.
• Kayaking the Clarence River — paddle the calm, tea-coloured waters through the rainforest-fringed Susan Island Nature Reserve, home to flying foxes and waterbirds.
• Fishing — the Clarence is famous for Australian bass, flathead, and mud crabs; hire a tinny or join a guided barramundi charter.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow at least two full days to explore the lower Clarence, giving you time to kayak, fish, and wander through Yamba and Grafton. If you're driving the Pacific Highway, a single day can cover a highlights loop from Yamba up to Grafton and back via the river's western side — but you'll want to linger. For a deeper immersion, three days lets you explore the quieter reaches around Lawrence and Maclean (the 'Scottish Town' by the river) and soak up the region's slow charm.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Yuraygir National Park — a coastal gem just south of Yamba, with wild beaches, coastal walks, and excellent birdwatching.
• Wooli — a tiny fishing village on the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk, with pristine beaches and a laid-back vibe.
• Coffs Harbour — about an hour south, offering the Big Banana, the Botanic Garden, and the scenic Coffs Coast.
• Dorrigo National Park — a Gondwana Rainforest World Heritage site an hour inland, with dramatic waterfalls and ancient trees.
• Glenreagh — the quirky 'Mountain of Light' and a historic railway station on the way to Dorrigo.

Please check official sources for current details.