Fast facts
- The Clarence River winds through highland country to the coast
- Famous for its World Heritage-listed villages and rainforests
- Six hours’ drive north of Sydney
Why go there
One of Australia’s most charming provincial cities, Grafton is renowned for its jacaranda trees and graceful old buildings. Outdoor adventurers can choose from 4WD tours, horse-riding, canoeing and bushwalking.
Yamba, at the mouth of the Clarence River, has become one of the hippest beach towns on the coast. Check out its five beaches and a range of superb restaurants, cafés and day spas. And for a nature fix, don’t miss the World Heritage-listed coastal rainforest at the Iluka Nature Reserve.
Things to do
- Watch dolphins playing in the Clarence River.
- Go whitewater rafting, abseiling or rock-climbing from Nymboida.
- Explore Ulmarra, a National Trust-listed town and one of the finest examples of a 19th-century river port in Australia.
- See the platypus at Nymboida, which has the largest platypus colony in the region.
- Surf the legendary point break at Angourie beach.
- Watch at dusk as the fruit-bat colony leaves Susan Island, Grafton.
- Taste delicious Yamba prawns and Wooli oysters.
Don’t miss
- Grafton Regional Gallery.
- A quiet drink at the historic Nymboida Coaching Station Inn.
- World Heritage treasure, the Iluka Nature Reserve.
- A cruise along the Clarence River.
Events
- Maclean Highland Gathering, Maclean, in April.
- Ulmarra River Festival, Ulmarra, in September.
- Jacaranda Festival, Grafton, in October.
- Bridge to Bridge Ski Classic, Grafton, in October.
- Yamba Rod Run, Yamba, in November.
