Situated around 300kms south of Brisbane (one hour north of Coffs Harbour) the Clarence Valley has a hidden wealth of treasures with lush countryside, a network of calm and free flowing rivers and 80 kilometres of pristine beaches and undeveloped coastline, the longest in NSW, just waiting to be discovered.
The Clarence Valley is an area of great diversity offering a wide range of both country and coastal accommodation choices and activities interest to all ages. An ideal getaway for your holiday with kids offering canoeing, kayaking and white water sports, bushwalking in National Parks or participating in Discovery tours in school holidays, snorkelling, diving, surfing, waterskiing and 10 pin bowling to name a few.
The mighty Clarence River is a dominant feature of the region over 400kms from source to sea giving the freedom to explore this river of life with 100 chartered islands, rich in the heritage of fishing, the timber industry and farmlands.
 There are dozens of delightful country towns, villages and hamlets and the regional centre of the City of Grafton. With classic country pubs, award-winning restaurants, funky cafes, boutique shopping and with an abundance of festivals to explore and nature on your doorstep, you can do a much or as little as you want.
Accommodation to suit all
The region has a wide selection of accommodation to suit all styles and budgets. From 5 star luxury resorts to back-to-nature accommodation, caravan parks, motels, hotels, B&B’s and luxury apartments. If your ideal holiday is beach frontage, city and town, river or nestled deep in the country, then look no further. Visit www.clarencetourism.com for a full listing of accommodation options.
Clarence Country
Acting as a gateway to the Clarence Country, the Great Dividing Range and the many tributaries of the Clarence River is Grafton. Celebrating its 150th year in 2009, it is steeped in history with many beautiful examples of colonial architecture. The river city comes alive each October when the tree lined streets come to bloom in a haze of purple blossom for the Jacaranda Festival.
Further inland, explore the convict past of the Nymboida region and journey down the Old Glen Innes Road. Escaped convict Robert Craig was pardoned when he led officials to the then unknown area of “Big River" now known as the Clarence. The river villages of Seelands, Jackadgery and Copmanhurst offer great picnic areas at a quiet county pace.
Clarence Coast
Marvel at the uncrowded beaches, perfect for catching waves, fishing or just relaxing in tranquillity. The coastal villages offer a laid back feel that will leave you feeling invigorated.
Yamba has won a string of awards for 2009 including Best Holiday Park for the Blue Dolphin Holiday Resort by Holiday with Kids and voted Australia’s Best Town by Australian Traveller Magazine and OUTthere Magazine. It is a beach lover’s paradise with excellent beaches, an ocean pool and a great relaxed lifestyle of cafés, restaurants, boutique shops and galleries.
Maclean – the Scottish town in Australia - is a historic town on the banks of the river and is renowned for its tartan power poles of the local clans. Call into the Scottish shop to pick up information to track down your tartan and stroll through the streets, where little has changed in nearly 100 years.
The coastal town of Iluka is protected by Bundjalung National Park and the ocean on one side and the mighty Clarence on the other. Its heritage is in fishing and you can watch the fleet come and go down the mouth of the river. The World Heritage Listed Nature Reserve is the largest remnant of littoral rainforest in NSW. Walk on the trails through this superb bushland and up on to the coastal lookout. May to November is the time to spot migrating whales, but pods of dolphins are often sighted from this panoramic view of the forest, beaches and across the river to Yamba.
The hidden headlands of the Clarence offer a laid back lifestyle that has to be sampled to be believed. Bordered by Yuraygir National Park is Brooms Head a small village that offers campers the opportunity to open their doors to the sound of tumbling waves. The lookout at Cakora Point shows a panoramic view and is great for whale watching. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try a coastal walk from the surfing village of Angourie.
Get back to nature with the coastal villages of Minnie Water and Wooli, surrounded by Yuraygir National Park, offer excellent walking trails to explore area’s diverse flora and fauna and some rare and endangered wildlife make their homes here. The secluded beaches in the heart of the Solitary Islands Marine Park are perfect for family beach holidays, snorkelling, scuba diving, fishing and whale watching.
  
Fun Things to do with Kids
• Snorkelling, Scuba diving or surfing at one of our pristine beaches
• Kayaking, canoeing, waterskiing and water sports
• Catch the ferry service from Yamba to Iluka or a jazz cruise up the Clarence
• Fishing or whale watching charters from Yamba and Wooli
• Bushwalking in one of our beautiful National Parks
• Water slides at Grafton Olympic Pool
• Indoor Rock Climbing & Gymnasium in South Grafton
• Take part in National Park Discovery Tours in school holidays
• 10 pin bowling – Grafton
• Stand up paddle boards at Grafton, Yamba, Minnie Water or Wooli
Things to see with Kids
• With over 30 major festivals and events to explore, there’s something for everyone
• Hire a houseboat or tinny to explore the Clarence by river under your own steam
• Get wrapped up in history and follow the Grafton Heritage Trail
• Join in the fun of the family Jacaranda Festival in Grafton
• Visit one of our country markets
• Get caught up in the action at the Goanna Pulling Championships at Wooli
• Glenreagh mountain railway/timber festival
• Pull out your tartan for Highland Gathering in Maclean
• Visit one of our interactive museums or galleries
• Follow one of our scenic drives or cross the river by the free car ferries that still link the islands and rural villages
• Enjoy the spectacle of whale watching from Iluka Bluff platform
Festivals in the Clarence
For a full listing of events, visit www.clarencetourism.com
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