Clarence River National Park

Slip into the serene world of Clarence River National Park, a water-laced wilderness where the mighty Clarence River carves through lush floodplains and ancient rainforest. This off-the-beaten-track gem in northern NSW rewards travellers with a true sense of discovery — expect quiet paddling, bird-filled wetlands, and a landscape that feels unchanged since the Gondwana era. It's a place to slow down, breathe deep, and reconnect with nature.

Highlights & What to See

• Paddle the Clarence River: Rent a kayak or canoe from the nearby village of Ulmarra and glide through calm backwaters lined with paperbarks and casuarinas. Keep an eye out for sea eagles, kingfishers, and maybe even a platypus at dawn.
• Bundjalung National Park (adjacent): This neighbouring park offers coastal heath, wild beaches, and the iconic 'Bushranger's Cave' — a short walk from the river leads to a hidden rock shelter with Aboriginal heritage.
• Birdwatching at The Broadwater: The vast wetlands near the river mouth are a haven for waterbirds — spot jabirus, brolgas, and flocks of magpie geese during the wet season (Nov–Mar).
• Ancient Floodplain Forest: Walk the short Maclean Lookout Trail for panoramic views over the river and the forest canopy, where towering flooded gums and figs create a cathedral-like atmosphere.
• Fishing and Crabbing: The river is a productive estuary — try your luck for bream, flathead, and mud crabs from the bank or a tinny. Local bait shops in Maclean can advise on spots and tides.

Suggested Time to Spend

Give this park at least half a day to a full day. A morning paddle followed by a picnic at one of the riverbank clearings is the perfect pace. If you're combining with nearby attractions, you could easily spend two days exploring the river system and the adjacent Bundjalung National Park. Early morning and late afternoon are best for wildlife and light.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Maclean (Scottish Town): Just 15 minutes south, this charming town celebrates its Highland heritage with tartan-clad lampposts and a whisky distillery. Don't miss the lookout over the river.
• Yamba: A classic beach town at the river mouth, with surf breaks, a historic lighthouse, and excellent seafood at the Yamba Fishermen's Co-op.
• Iluka Nature Reserve: On the northern side of the river mouth, this reserve protects one of the last remaining littoral rainforests in NSW — a beautiful walk among fig trees and palms.
• Grafton: The cathedral city on the Clarence, known for its heritage architecture, the Jacaranda Festival (Oct–Nov), and the impressive Grafton Regional Gallery.

Please check official sources for current details.