Places
Major Centres
Ballina
The town of Ballina, centred on an island at the mouth of the Richmond River, is surrounded by 32 kilometers of white, sandy beaches and seemingly endless, crystal waterways — it’s a natural funpark for beach lovers, surfers, boaties, anglers and eco-adventurers.
Byron Bay
Laid-back, Byron Bay is a melting pot of cosmopolitan chic, alternative philosophies, beach culture and hedonistic indulgence that you won’t find anywhere else… Byron’s cultural kaleidoscope offers a huge variety of experiences for the holiday-maker: from surfing and kayaking with dolphins to a family day at the beach; from gourmet dining to fish and chips in the park; from massages, mud-baths and meditation to cycling, skydiving and hang-gliding over the Cape.
Casino
Situated on the banks of the Richmond River there are many picnic areas and parks to be enjoyed in Casino. Drop into the Visitor Centre to pick up your guide to several walks around the town and along the riverbank, putting interesting features into historical and cultural context.
Visit the Platypus Gallery at the Casino Visitor Centre where a variety of works from throughout the region are displayed. While at the Platypus Gallery don’t forget to pick up your guide to arts and crafts in the Valley of Surprises.
Downstream from the Irving Bridge in Centre Street is the Platypus Pools where the silent visitor may glimpse these shy creatures frolicking in the shallows under the crisp morning sunshine or the subdued hues of the evening.
Centrally located, with a good range of accommodation and a wealth of touring options, Casino is an ideal base from which to explore the Richmond Valley – the Valley of Surprises.
Grafton
One of Australia’s most beautiful provincial cities, Grafton is renowned for its Jacaranda trees, graceful old buildings, sporting and cultural facilities, and its location on the banks of the mighty Clarence River.
As the commercial hub of the Clarence Valley, Grafton has excellent accommodation, great shopping, award winning restaurants and a vibrant artistic community.
One of Australia’s most majestic waterways, the Clarence River is a dominant feature in Grafton’s landscape and lifestyle. Visitors travel from all over the world to compete in dragon boat, sail, and power boat racing, the Head of the River rowing regatta in December and one of Australia’s premier water skiing events, the famous Bridge to Bridge Ski Race, in October. You can explore the River at a more sedate pace in a hire canoe or enjoy a bird’s eye view as you cross the famous ‘Bendy Bridge’, an engineering marvel built in 1932.
Spring’s Jacaranda Festival celebrates the City’s annual blossoming and the July Racing Carnival attracts the cream of Australia’s racing fraternity. The feature race of the Carnival, the famous Grafton Cup, is the richest horse race in rural Australia.
At any time of the year, the museums, heritage trails, restaurants and galleries make Grafton an ideal holiday destination.
Lismore
Known as the Rainbow Region, this laid back city and its surrounding villages enjoy the cultural richness of a major city and astounding natural beauty — truly living colour! The City of Lismore — the hub of the region has major shopping centres, health & government offices and private services. Lismore is a University town and its cultural scene is a mix of traditional, innovative and alternative arts. Pubs and clubs support a thriving live music circuit that has a reputation as a nursery for some of Australia’s most exciting and innovative musicians.
NORPA, Lismore’s internationally renowned performing arts group, offers a full calendar of exciting theatre and dance productions. This dynamic community also finds expression in some colourful and lively events, including the annual Lantern Parade, biannual Masters Games and Tropical Fruits New Years Eve Party.
Tweed Heads
This border gateway (5 minutes from Gold Coast Airport) offers international entertainment, fine dining and the latest in gaming at world-class clubs. It is the gateway to the caldera of the world’s largest shield volcano, below majestic Mt Warning. The Tweed is the most bio-diverse region in Australia, with five World Heritage-Listed National Parks, over 37 kilometres of unspoilt beaches and a broad, magical river…
Towns & Villages
Alstonville
The village of Alstonville is an Aladdin’s cave for curio hunters and culture buffs with its historic buildings, classic Australian architecture, galleries and antique shops; intimate cafés and tea-houses.
Away from the coast, the lush hinterland is punctuated by pioneer settlements like Teven, Tintenbar and Knockrow, where you can enjoy a round of golf, savour the burgeoning regional cuisine or sample the delights of the surrounding coffee, macadamia, avocado, stonefruit and banana plantations. Among the surrounding hills are secluded waterfalls, lush, sub-tropical parks and gardens and, at Victoria Park Nature Reserve, one of the last remnants of the “Big Scrub” — a vast rainforest which once blanketed the region.
Bangalow
Bangalow’s galleries, antique shops and restaurants are irresistible, and the festive monthly markets are a major event. Bangalow hosts a number of events such as the Fatherhood Festival in September, the Bangalow Music Festival and the Billy Cart Derby in May.
Bonalbo
West of Casino lies an enchanted land, a forgotten pocket of Australia where nature reigns supreme, with the village of Bonalbo in the centre. From the forest clad foothills of the Great Dividing Range to the upper reaches of the Clarence River. The widest range of kangaroos and wallabies in Australia and an amazing diversity of animal, bird and plant life feature in the Upper Clarence.
There are eleven National Parks featuring a variety of fauna and flora, including the regions most westerly rainforests and eucalypt clad ranges. Access to this pristine region from Casino or Tenterfield is along the Bruxner Highway which will take you through the villages of Mallanganee, Tabulam and Drake.
A few kilometers west of Tabulam the Plains Station Road runs south to Grafton via Yates Crossing and Fine Flower. Paddy’s Flat Road runs north crossing the Clarence River and Tooloom Creek to the dramatic scenery of the extinct volcanic area around Urbenville. This northern access of the Summerland Way from Woodenbong makes it an adventurous alternative to the highways when travelling South.
Activities in the region include canoeing, 4Wdriving, bushwalking, camping, fossicking and bird-watching. Camping, farmstays and hotels are available and you’re sure of a warm welcome in the Upper Clarence.
Brunswick Heads
Brunswick Heads is famous for its relaxed lifestyle, river, beaches, old-fashioned hospitality and its fabulous riverside pub. Brunswick offers casual dining and waterfront camping and some of the best fishing on the coast.
Evans Head
One of the Northern Rivers’ best kept secrets, the laidback fishing village of Evans Head is ideal for travellers of all ages. Evans is the ‘Jewel in the Crown’ of the Richmond Valley and boasts long unspoilt beaches, fantastic fishing and a legendary surf break. Evans also hosts the ‘Fishing Classic’ in July each year. This popular event attracts enthusiasts from far and wide” he said.
Nestled between two magnificent National Parks, the natural beauty of Evan’s Head is breathtaking. In the spring, the rich heaths of the Broadwater National Park erupt in colour as a sea of wildflowers attracts an abundance of birdlife. South of the village, the Bundjalung National Park is a nature lovers’ paradise with 4wd beach access and great bushwalks. You can even paddle a canoe down the pristine Esk River.
Razorback Lookout provides a wonderful vantage point for whale watching in the Spring/Summer season. There is a spectacular view over Goanna Headland, ‘Birthplace of the Bundjalung Nation’, and signage explains the significance this site holds for the local indigenous people.
For a quiet getaway or an unforgettable family holiday, come to Evans Head — and give yourself the break you deserve.
Iluka
Iluka is a secluded, coastal fishing village. Walk through the World Heritage Listed Iluka Reserve (wheel chair accessible in part). This Reserve protects the largest remaining stand of seaside (littoral) rainforest in NSW.
Iluka Bluff is a top spot for whale watchers during the migration season, and the 360° panoramic views make a visit worthwhile every day of the year.
A quiet walk along the sea wall (access via Beach Road) is a perfect way to unwind — or just sit, meditate and marvel at the tranquil Pacific. This is also a popular playground for the local dolphins.
At dawn and dusk watch the trawlers make their way to and from the harbour. Why not drop a line and catch your own seafood feast.
Kingscliff
Along the new Tweed Coast, you’ll find amongst deserted beaches, safe swimming and legendary surf, some of the newest Australian resorts at Salt Village and Casuarina. From Pottsville to Kingscliff, seaside villages rub shoulders with dynamic new communities and sophisticated eat streets.
Kyogle
Kyogle is a classic Australian country town with its wide main street on a river setting and provides a good base for surrounding National Park exploration. Toonumbar Dam is located near Kyogle and is a fantastic destination for bass fishing. Home to a range of endangered species and known for their high biodiversity the Toonumbar, Tooloom, Koreelah, Yabbra and Richmond Range National Parks all offer a variety of excellent opportunities for bushwalking, picnicking, car touring and camping.
Lennox Head
The laid-back village of Lennox Head, a scenic 10 minute jaunt up the coast road from Ballina, is a Mecca among surfers, with world-renowned breaks at Boulders and Lennox Point.
The views from the headland are absolutely breathtaking and Pat Morton Lookout offers the perfect vantage point for a bit of whale and dolphin spotting… or, for the more adventurous, taking to the skies on a hang-glider.
Hidden between the white sands of Lennox’s Seven Mile Beach and the wildlife-rich coastal heathland, Lake Ainsworth is a must. The fresh waters of the Lake are stained “billy-tea” dark by the tea trees that fringe its banks. Take the plunge in to is deep red waters and you’ll emerge feeling remarkably refreshed and revitalised. You can skim its shimmering surface on a sailboard, ‘cat’ or canoe or just lie back under the tea trees and enjoy the Lake’s natural serenity.
Maclean
15 minutes inland is the historic river town of Maclean, with a relaxed country lifestyle that offers everything you’ve dreamed of and more.
Explore Maclean’s architecture, take the heritage walking trail, visit the local museum, antique shops, and don’t miss the panoramic views of the Clarence River from the Maclean lookout.
More than 100 telegraph poles in Maclean have been hand painted in the clan tartans of local families. Call into the Scottish Shop to pick up a location map, track down your family tartan and take home a memory from Australia’s Scottish Town.
Mullumbimby
Mullumbimby’s colourful community is a harmonious blend of traditional rural Australia and the new era of alternative lifestylers. Mullum’s broad streets are lined with boutiques, classic country pubs, health food and organic produce stores and cosy cafés. One of the region’s significant attractions is located near Mullumbimby – The Crystal Castle.
Murwillumbah
In Murwillumbah, you can shop till you drop, play a round of golf, browse the Tweed River Art Gallery or discover the valley’s history at the World Heritage Rainforest Centre.
A network of country roads (with Murwillumbah at the centre) makes it easy to experience the delights of the Tweed: lush rainforests; historic villages; riverbanks for picnics and fishing and idyllic rural hideaways. Keep an eye out for Chillingham’s general store, Stokers Siding’s fine pottery and Tumbulgum’s historic pub.
Nimbin
The main street of Nimbin is a living work of art, with characters as colourful as the shopfront facades. Rediscover the Age of Aquarius at the Nimbin Museum, browse the unique shops and unwind in a seriously unwound café. There is heaps to see and do in Nimbin, so pick up a free brochure.
Yamba
Wander through the galleries and arts & crafts shops, or follow the locals to any of Yamba’s five stunning beaches. Never swum in an ocean pool before? Here’s your chance. And don’t go home without taking in a morning walk along Yamba Bay.
Lunch and dinner? Try one of the many award-winning restaurants or soak up the ambiance at a gourmet café. And be sure to treat yourself to the famous Yamba prawns.
Check out the marina, hire a boat, take a river cruise or order up a latte.
Whether your style is camping, riverside cabins, B&Bs, motels, hotels, luxury apartments or beach houses, Yamba has something for every taste and budget.
Yamba It’s Yours to discover, explore and enjoy.
Just out of Yamba you’ll find the blue and green pools, and legendary surf of Angourie. Explore the natural wonders of Yuraygir National Park and the magnificent Coastal Walking Track from Angourie to Lake Arragan.
