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Grafton
If this is your first visit to the Clarence Valley, you are about to
enjoy a warm and wonderful experience. If this is a return visit, we
know that you will rediscover the beauty and charm remembered so well
from your earlier contact.
The City of Grafton is surrounded by smaller towns Ulmarra,
Nymboida and Copmanhurst, which offers a great range of
services, facilities and attractions. A large number of people
day trip into this area while holidaying at Grafton.
Some travellers break their journey from a more distant destination with
an overnight stay in Grafton. Many spend much longer and take the
opportunity to explore and absorb this very special region at their
leisure.
Waterways are a major local feature and the mighty Clarence River
dominates the landscape. It is born in the McPherson Ranges of southern
Queensland and flows through moist gullies and deep valleys; beside
soaring forests and rich farmland, before it surges into the Pacific
Ocean at Yamba. The journey takes almost 400 kilometres and the lower
reaches of the river are home to more than 100 charted islands.
Grafton is a City of tree lined streets and graceful old buildings,
overlooking the Clarence River. The annual Jacaranda Festival sees the
streets carpeted in mauve flowers with a matching canopy above. No
description can do justice to this beauty each spring.
Bird Watching
The Clarence Valley offers some of the best bird watching opportunities
in Australia. A brochure is available.
Grafton Regional Gallery
With three exhibition galleries- historic Prentice House (1880) Main
Gallery and the Loft. This outstanding facility presents a range of
exhibitions and a lively public program. Many buildings are classified
by the National Trust, including the serene Christ Church Cathedral and
notorious Grafton Gaol.
Fine old homesteads have been well preserved and the council has
purchased and restored "Schaeffer House," which now exhibits the
treasures of the Clarence River Historical Society.
Fishing and Canoe Tours:
Kingfisher Adventures, PH 6643 2866, provide fresh water fishing and
canoe-camping tours for small groups. Expert guides will give you an
eco-tourism experience to remember.
Farm Holidays & Excursions:
The Clarence Gorge west of Grafton, is a very rugged area with
thundering waterfalls scattered amongst quiet swimming and fishing
holes. Horseback or four wheel drive tours and farm accommodation are
available in this area. There are also a number of excellent farm and
home-stays in the district and a brochure is available from the Clarence
River Tourism Office.
National Parks
There are many national parks within a one-hour drive of Grafton. These
include Yuraygir and Bundijalung on the coast and the World Heritage
Listed Washpool and Gibralter Range to the West. The Solitary Islands
Marine Park protects the coastline from Coffs Harbour to Sandon River.
This park marks a zone where warm tropical ocean currents meet cool
currents from the south to attract an incredible diversity of marine
life.
Susan Island
Lies adjacent to Grafton’s main street and Memorial Park. The northern
end is covered by rainforest, housing one of the largest fruit bat
colonies in Australia. They provide a spectacle on dusk in summer as
they depart in search of food.
Gliding
Every weekend (weather permitting) visitors are welcome to sample this
delightful experience with our local club, operating just off the Gwydir
Highway west of Grafton, at Eatonsville. The best time is from 10am to
noon, the cost is very reasonable.
Joy Flights
Grafton Flight Centre is conducted at the South Grafton Airstrip 7 days
a week. Flight times and duration are negotiable.
Trail Rides
There are excellent trail riding operators around the Clarence Valley
offering rides by the hour, or longer overnight camping treks. Yarnawile
Trail Rides at Taloumbi Trek the Ranges at Glenreagh, follow mountain
trails through rainforest and bush, in the footsteps of the bushrangers.
Bushland Trail Rides tailor their trek to suit any special need and
operate in the coast forests near Halfway Creek. Maclean Riding School
specialises in shorter rides and lessons.
4WD Tours
Iluka Tours
Accredited 4WD Tourist Service licensed by National Parks, conducts
tours of the beautiful Iluka Peninsula, including World Heritage
Rainforest, Bundjalung National Park, pristine beaches and historical
Iluka.
Seelands 4WD Safari Tours has 4WD tours to the Clarence River Gorge by
boat, then a short walk to Rainbow Falls. There are also tours to the
other National Parks around the Clarence Valley.
Sport
Grafton Sport - Grafton hosts a wide range of sporting events.
Horse Racing
The Grafton racetrack provides amenities equal to most metropolitan
tracks. Some 30 meetings are held each year, with the July Racing
Carnival rating as the richest country carnival in Australia. The
neighbouring greyhound track maintains a busy program and their July
Carnival is also a major event on the state calendar.
Lawn Bowls:
The Grafton City Bowling Club's very popular Jacaranda Carnival is
staged during the Jacaranda Festival and hosts men’s, ladies and mixed
bowling tournaments. Southern bowlers appreciate the winter warmth which
enables local greens to stay in play throughout the year.
10 Pin Bowls:
Powell St., Grafton, open seven days. Fun for the whole family.
Golf:
An 18 hole championship course is situated in Bent St. South Grafton.
A 9 hole course has been established within the racecourse and is
administered by Grafton R.S.L.
Squash:
Visiting players are welcome at Grafton Squash Centre 39 Queen St., or
Big River Squash and Fitness Centre, Hoof St., where you can also take
advantage of a gymnasium, swimming pool & sauna.
Tennis:
The main complex is in Prince St. Bookings for night or day play can be
made at the take-away food outlet opposite the courts.
Fishing:
The Clarence River at Grafton alters salt levels with rainfall and salt
or fresh water fish can be caught in this area at different times. The
upper reaches of the river and its tributaries offer a range of
excellent freshwater table fish and Kingfisher Adventures conduct bass
fishing tours.
Swimming Pools:
The Grafton Olympic Pool in Oliver St., Grafton, has a waterslide and is
open 6am-6pm weekdays, 8am-6pm Saturdays & 9am-6pm Sundays and opens for
extended hours in hotter weather (closed in Winter-months
An indoor heated pool and gym in Armidale St., South Grafton is open all
year: Mon to Fri 6am-8pm, Sat 10am6pm, Sun 10am-6pm, Public Holidays
10am6pm,
Rock Climbing:
There is an indoor climbing wall at the South Grafton heated pool and
gym. Visiting climbers are welcome
Sailing:
The Bridge to Bridge Sailing Classic is every November. Local Sailing
clubs can be contacted through the tourist association.
Water-Skiing:
The annual Bridge to Bridge Ski Race is held on the long weekend in
October. The Clarence River provides a perfect venue for water skiing
and most water sports.
Motor sport
The hill climb track at Mountain View hosts regular meetings for cars,
go-carts and bucket-bikes. Speedway meetings are held at Grafton
Showground. Details from the Tourist Centre.
Grafton Parks and Gardens
Grafton's Trees:
(Brochure available) 6,500 trees line the avenues and
shade many parks, contributing significantly to the
beauty of the city. Grafton has 24 carefully maintained
parks. Some of the most popular are:
Market Square:
Adjacent to the Clock Tower in Prince St. is
a lunch time favourite and the focal point of many
Jacaranda Festival activities. Tables and seats are provided.
Memorial Park & Boulevard:
Is located at the river end of Prince Street. Beautiful Park overlooking
the river and Susan Island. Shady seating and tables.
See Park Arboretum:
Pound Street, is certainly a highlight of the City with
beautiful ponds, suspension bridges, barbeques,
shelter sheds and children's playground.
South Grafton Boulevard:
Through Street. On the river bank with large shady
trees, picnic facilities and barbeques.
Alex Bell Reserve:
Through Street, South Grafton has children’s playground, barbeque and
picnic facilities.
Scenic Drives
Grafton – Maclean via Lawrence Ferry
is a pretty alternate drive to the highway. Sealed road
with scenic ferry crossing suitable for caravans.
Grafton – Ulmarra across the ferry at Southgate and return via the
highway. Provides a scenic circuit to historic Ulmarra – not suited to
caravans.
Grafton – Coffs Harbour via Glenreagh is a sealed drive through historic
towns and old gold mining areas. Picnic spots are at Glenreagh.
Grafton – Casino via Summerland is a sealed road to Casino, Kyogle,
Lismore and through to Queensland.
Grafton – Glen Innes via the Gwydir Highway provides one of the best
links between the east and the Tablelands. Spectacular scenery while
passing through Washpool and Gibraltar Range National Parks. Fully
sealed and suitable for caravans.
Grafton – Glen Innes via Old Glen Innes Road
– is a scenic drive passing
through a convict-made tunnel and old gold mining areas. Extensive
sections are unsealed.
Grafton – Armidale via Armidale Road,
Is a direct link to Armidale by this sealed road. Passes through Coutts
Crossing, Nymboida and by Ebor and Wollomombi Falls.
Minnie Water
The delightfully named Minnie Water is a small coastal village completely surrounded by Yuraygir National Park. Similarly enclosed smaller villages lie either side of Minnie Water. The beach road is the main road to Sandon to the north. Diggers Camp to the south, has dirt road access from the Wooli Road. Excellent walking tracks and camping, secluded beaches and abundant wildlife are attractions
drawing visitors who fall in love with these unique villages and the peace and tranquillity of this natural
environment. A camping area at Illaroo has basic facilities and friendly wallabies gather here at dusk.
Minnie Lagoon is a very popular and beautiful spot for swimming, picnics and safe boat launchings. To find this spot, turn into Hiawatha Road, then left at Pipers Hill following the Waratah Reserve along to the Tree of Knowledge Lookout where there is a steep sealed road down to the lagoon. There are few places in the World that have the natural charm of Minnie Water.
Wooli
Goanna Pulling
has been a Wooli feature for many years with the Australian championships held in a variety of weight divisions on the Sunday of the Queen's Birthday long weekend in June. This is an unusual and exciting sport. Many other events are conducted over this weekend to create a great family festival.
Solitary Islands Marine Reserve
Covers the ocean, reefs, islands, beaches, headlands and estuaries from Coffs Harbour to Sandon. It harbours an amazing diversity of marine life including soft corals. There are zonings to cater for everyone's needs including fishermen and divers, while protecting the unique aquatic communities of the reserve. Special brochures are available.
Yuraygir National Park surrounds the town of Wooli with secluded beaches, wonderful fishing spots and spectacular flora and fauna. When the Christmas Bells and Flannel Flowers are in bloom the countryside is a sea of colour. National Parks brochures detail the major features including camping zones, picnic areas and excellent walking tracks near Diggers Camp and Minnie Water.
Deep Sea Charters and Dive Centre:
operate out of Wooli and the Marine Reserve. Diving (scuba airfills available). Snorkelling, fishing and whale watching (in season) are offered by Wooli Deep Sea Tours or Charo Fishing Charters.
River Tours/Hire
Services:
Wooli Kiosk hires 12 seat party pontoon aluminium fishing boats, and the
local tennis courts.
Arts
& Crafts
Can be purchased with relaxing cup of coffee from: the Village Tearooms or from the BP Service Station and the Wooli Post Office.
Glenreagh
Glenreagh nestles on the bank of the Orara River midway between Grafton and Coffs Harbour, on the scenic, fully sealed alternate route to the Pacific Highway. The village is also linked to Corindi and the Pacific Highway by a scenic drive over the coastal range.
Glenreagh Station, first known as "Glen-Reigh", was settled in 1858 by John Campbell Shannon and was a sheep and cattle run. Gold was discovered in the upper reaches of Tallawudjah Creek in 1881 and Glenreagh was gazetted as a village in 1883.
Most miners had become disillusioned by 1890 and many rural settlers arrived between then and 1900. Dairying became the major industry and the rail line was extended from Maitland, to transport local products.
A Glenreagh to Dorrigo rail link was constructed, intending to also link to the New England area at Guyra. The line closed in 1972 but efforts are being made to restore the line as a tourist attraction.
Glenreagh Memorial Museum is on the main road through the village. The museum was built onto the School of Arts, funded by a Bicentennial grant.
There is a range of services available with a hotel, general store and butcher shop. The modern Golden Dog Hotel is a popular watering hole with good accommodation. The Glenreagh Service Station & stores can supply most needs for the passing motorist.
Trek the Ranges are based in Glenreagh and provide horseback adventures through the mountain ranges, forests and valleys in the footsteps of Thunderbolt the bushranger. Treks vary in duration, with campouts available and can be matched to suit needs and riding experience.
Clarence Gorge
A good hour north west of Grafton is this rugged gorge where thundering waterfalls and savage rapids intermingle with deep pools and sections of calm water. The scenery is breathtaking and the fishing is excellent. There are three main waterfalls and the Rainbow Falls live up to their name. It must be emphasised that the Clarence Gorge is enclosed by private property on both sides.
Halfway Creek
Halfway creek sits on a spur of the Great Dividing Range surrounded by farmlands, forests and orchards. Rich pockets of rainforest abound in the forests with a plethora of bird life, wallabies, echidna and much more. Halfway Creek is a mecca for lovers of nature.
Waterview Heights
This pretty rural area is just 9km west of Grafton, off the Gwydir Highway.
A nature reserve at Cowans Pond provides a sanctuary for swans, egrets, moorhens, ducks and jabiru just west of Grafton.
Weekend gliding from the nearby Eatonsville strip is an unusual experience and visitors are welcome. Gliding gets underway at around 9am every Saturday
and Sunday, weather permitting. The Old Glen Innes Road: this scenic drive to Glen Innes branches off the Gwydir Highway It is mainly unsealed and narrow, passing through old gold mining areas and through a convict made tunnel just out of Newton Boyd. Other villages along the road are Buccarumbi and Dalmorton.
Nymboida
The Nymboida area was opened up by the charting of "Craigs Line" as an access link between Armidale and the Clarence district. The link was described as one of the worst pieces of country that man had negotiated with bullock drawn vehicles. The spectacular terrain is far more comfortable for today's motorist, who can enjoy the scenery of Coutts
Crossing, Nymboida and the Ebor and Wollomombi Falls closer to Armidale.
At Nymboida, 40km from Grafton, hydro-electric power station pumps water from the Nymboida River and then releases into Goolang Creek, creating one of Australia's most exciting canoe courses. Here, at Nymboida Canoe Centre, spectators can sit just inches from the action and enjoy the thrills and spills of State, National and International competitions. A learner’s pond is available for novice canoeists and the creek itself has rapids, up to and including Grade Ill standard. Nymboida Canoe Course welcomes all guests and offers a tranquil setting for all types of activities.
The Northern Rivers Outdoor company have accredited guides for abseiling, cannoning, rock climbing and rafting, plus there are many outdoor activities, including low ropes challenge course, kayak hire, bushwalking and trail rides.
The Nymboida Coaching Station Inn was built on the Armidale mail run one hundred years ago. It overlooks the Nymboida River and is the jump off point for many rafting tours.
Nymboida is famous as a centre for a great range of outdoor, adrenalin pumping activities and also as a place to lay back and paint a bush scene, enjoy a bushwalk or lie in wait, to sight an elusive Platypus.
Jackadgery
Jackadgery is the gateway to the Clarence Valley from the New England Tablelands.
Mann River service station and general store, with food to eat in or take away. This is the start of the
famous Washpool and Gibraltar Range National Parks. The area is popular for gold panning, fishing, canoeing fossicking and scenic drives to Washpool, Gibraltar Range National Parks, Cangi, Hanging Rock, Fine Flower, Newbold Lookout and Copmanhurst. Not all roads are sealed.
Copmanhurst
Copmanhurst can be reached by turning off the Summerland Way at Mountain view, north of Koolkhan, or turning off the Gwydir Highway at Waterview Heights and crossing Rogans Bridge near Eastland Park (a riverside park, well worth a visit). At Mountain view, there is an arboretum and the shady recreation area affords broad panoramas of the river, to the distant mountains.
A barbeque, shelter sheds and toilets are provided. Further west at Molville Rocks on the river edge are barbeque facilities.
Copmanhurst is a most peaceful rural village and the adjoining river rapids mark the head of navigation in the Clarence River. In the early days, the village was the distribution point for goods and services for rural and mine workers. Workers, residents and visitors now congregate at the Rest Point Hotel and appreciate the very warm and friendly country atmosphere. After the local camp drafts and events at the nearby sport ground, the thrills and spills get a re-run at the bar of the Rest Point.
There are a number of nature reserves, national parks and wilderness areas, which now conserve rare flora and fauna in areas where the forester’s axe once rang. This is a great country to explore in depth, or to enjoy via a scenic drive. There are good freshwater fishing spots, talented artists and craftsmen with intimate studios, hidden fossicking sites, trail ride adventures, farm stays, camping, some great country pubs and many delightful villages scattered throughout Copmanhurst Shire.
The Copmanhurst Saddlery Museum is situated beside the school and holds an extensive photographic collection and historic relics of the saddlery, school and district. Visits are arranged at the school or the general store (7 days).
Brooms Head
If you follow local residents to their favourite beach, the odds are
that you’ll find yourself at Brooms Head. ‘The Broom’, as it’s
known, is a small village surrounded by the Yuraygir National
Park. The journey usually includes many sightings of emus,
wallabies and other wildlife. Norfolk Pines line the Broom’s
main beach, providing shade for family picnics. The extensive
lagoon is a great area for children and the adjoining crevices and rock pools display bright colours and a variety of life forms that fascinate all ages.
The Broom and nearby Sandon, River are first rate fishing spots. Deep-sea fishermen launch their boats from Brooms main beach, or at Sandon.
The Brooms Head lookout is a great viewing platform to sport migrating whales, pods of dolphins or sharks feasting on schools of migrating mullet. The rocks beneath the lookout are favourite places to catch jewfish or groper and the locals will point to many other fishing spots.
A new ecotourism business, the "Sandon Explorer" glass bottom boat is based at Sandon and conducts tours of this pristine waterway and the Clarence River.
Maclean
Magnificent sunsets over the broad Clarence River, the leaping flames from night-time cane fires, warm and wonderful old buildings. Maclean has it all.
This community is very proud of its Scottish heritage and Maclean has been proclaimed "The Scottish Town in Australia". The clans invade for the Highland Gathering
every Easter and the oldest Free Presbyterian Church in Australia carries this Scottish religion to the descendants of the pioneers.
Rocks
from around Australia and Scotland have been used to construct a
large Scottish Cairn in the Herb Stanford Memorial Park, overlooking the
river in Taloumbi Street. The Scottish corner souvenir shop and information
centre can be found opposite McLachlan Park in River Street.
Many street signs carry the Gaelic translation and visitors enjoy this little
slice of Scotland.This is also the gateway to the Australian sugar industry
which then follows the coast north to Cairns. In September, the district
celebrates with a Cane Harvest Festival and the residents put on a great
show for visitors, with Queen crowning ceremonies, a street parade and
madcap entertainment. Maclean is the headquarters for a prawn trawling
fleet which works from the river mouth, to the Ulmarra ferry. Fish are
netted over the 90 kilometre tidal length of the Clarence.
Amateur anglers cherish the stretches of river near Maclean. Boats can be launched near the Police Station and at the Harwood Bridge. Many peaceful hours can be passed by throwing a line out from the tidy riverbank along the Harwood Road.
Sailing and water-skiing are other popular pastimes. There is no better way to appreciate the size and charm of the Clarence River around Maclean, than by houseboat or cruiser. A brochure is available on the town’s historic buildings
Ulmarra
Historic River Port of Ulmarra classified by the National Trust. It is no wonder that the village is developing as a town of living history, with antiques and art and craft businesses occupying the lovely old commercial centre. Whilst in Ulmarra, you must visit the shops selling antiques, collectables, and bric-a-brac of a bygone age. Look up the early pioneers in the cemetery, ride on the vehicular ferry, which still goes from Ulmarra to Southgate and relive those early days.
Yamba
Yamba is a beautiful coastal resort town overlooking the mouth of the Clarence River. It’s a beautiful setting, surrounded by beach, river, lake and national parklands.
Local seafood shops and restaurants present the best of the catch, with the remaining tonnes distributed to metropolitan and export markets.
Amateur anglers regard Yamba as paradise. They have a choice of rock, beach, estuary or deep sea fishing spots. The break wall is popular, with experienced anglers and with casual walkers. The Clarence River is prime oyster farming country and there are public oyster leases.
Clarence River Ferries provide daily passenger services to Iluka and visitors love this trip.
Visitors arriving on their own yacht or pleasure boat will be delighted with the moorings and services provided at the Yamba Boat harbour Marina.
Yamba Lighthouse is a navigation light 41 metres above sea level, with superb views from the Lighthouse hill.
Yamba also has an excellent 18-hole golf course and country club.
Iluka
The Iluka Bluff is quite a steep climb, but the view is well worth the effort. Between May and November, you may be fortunate to experience sightings of the annual migration of the humpback and southern whales.
Visitors and local residents alike enjoy walking through the reserve, to marvel at some of nature's finest work. The rainforest contains a diversity of plants and animals. Common birds to see along the walk include the Rufous Fantail, Lewin's Honeyeater, Eastern Yellow Robin, White-browed Scrub wren and the Golden Whistle.
There are excellent surfing and swimming beaches around Iluka, including Iluka Bluff, Back Beach, Frazer’s Reef and Woody Head. There is a netted, family swimming area, with playground and picnic facilities in Charlie Ryan Park, at the western tip of Iluka Bay.
Angourie
Angourie is well known to the surfboard set and for its fresh water “Blue Pool”. Angourie is at the northern tip of Yuraygir National Park and provides one of the best coastal walks in NSW. The track leads to lookouts, Shelley Beach and caves, and ultimately to Lake Arragan
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