With nearly 50 per cent of its landscape designated as a national park and state forest, the Clarence Valley is a treasure trove of stunning natural areas that highlight the region’s diverse ecosystems and rich biodiversity. From Iluka Nature Reserve, part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, to Yuraygir National Park and the 65-kilometre coastal walk found within it, these parks are home to unique flora and fauna and offer the perfect setting for outdoor activities such as hiking, bird watching, and camping.
BUNDJALUNG NATIONAL PARK
Stretching from Iluka to Evans Head, Bundjalung National Park offers a combination of river, beach and freshwater lagoons. Unique rock formations along the Iluka peninsula provide a rock pool playground for marine life to thrive and humans to explore.
Rest your head at Woody Head Campground, a firm family favourite for those who enjoy a weekend getaway by the beach. Make the most of the protected beach, boat ramp and onsite facilities. Suitable for caravans, trailers, and tents, you will need to book ahead and don’t forget your fishing rod.
ILUKA NATURE RESERVE
Welcome to the most extensive strip of diverse rainforest found anywhere in the world — the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area and the Iluka Nature Reserve that lies within. Nestled between the Clarence River and the coastline, Iluka Nature Reserve is the largest remaining stand of littoral ʻby the seaʼ rainforest in New South Wales. With over 180 unique species of plants and an abundance of wildlife, including over 140 bird species, the Iluka Rainforest Walking Track is a great way to explore this special place. Take a stroll through the lush rainforest before emerging at Iluka Bluff for a swim or spot of whale watching.
YURAYGIR NATIONAL PARK
Located between Yamba and Coffs Harbour, Yuraygir National Park is the state’s longest stretch of undeveloped coastline. With 65 kilometres of rocky headlands, isolated beaches, cliffs and even a lake or two, the national park is also set against a backdrop of forests, heaths, and wetlands. Discover rare wildlife, remote campgrounds, idyllic picnic spots, and charming villages dotted along the coast. Swim, fish or surf to your heart’s content in this aquatic playground. Bring your binoculars for whale watching between May and September, or challenge yourself on theYuraygir Coastal Walk; a four-day hike over 65 kilometres through striking coastal scenery.
YURAYGIR COASTAL WALK
Follow the ancient wandering trails of Australia’s coastal emus on this multi-day Yuraygir Coastal Walk, a 65-kilometre signposted track that traverses the coastline fromAngourietoRed Rock. Tackle the full 65 kilometres over several days, stopping at one of the seven camp spots along the way or breaking the track up into bite-size pieces. The track is best walked north to south, so the sun remains behind you, as you walk past heathland plains, long sandy beaches, creeks, lagoons, and rocky headlands. This adventure requires a few river crossings, so tide times and safe crossing plans are imperative. This trip requires accurate planning so please check out the National Parks and Wildlife Service website for up-to-date information.
NYMBOI-BINDERAY NATIONAL PARK
Offering spectacular scenery along the Nymboida River for experienced kayaking and whitewater rafting enthusiasts, the Nymboi-Binderay National Park is a popular destination to enjoy a guided tour. Experienced bushwalkers will love exploring the park’s landscape on foot along unmarked trails, through tallowwood trees and coachwood rainforest. The stunning rainforests and extensive old forests in Nymboi-Binderay provide a habitat for a variety of threatened animals like the powerful owl and stuttering frog as well as the more commonly known koala and kookaburra. Plus, amongst the park’s 55-metre tall eucalypts, you’ll discover the remnants of the early timber industry and historic days of the axe, crosscut saw and steam tramways.
EVERLASTING SWAMP NATIONAL PARK
Known to bird watchers as the ‘Kakadu of the South’, Everlasting Swamp National Park is one of the largest freshwater wetlands on the NSW North Coast. Located near Lawrence, north of Grafton, this is a hot spot for bird-watching enthusiasts, so don’t forget your binoculars. As the wetland changes with the season, you can expect various conditions and wildlife depending on the time of year and weather. The National Parks and Wildlife Service has preserved features from the wetland’s history. Within the national park, you can expect to find historic levees, a water trough, fence posts and a holding yard, which all showcase the landscape’s past use for cattle and cane farming.
This isn’t an exhaustive list of all the parks in the region, and there are plenty more to explore nearby .
Check out Washpool National Park and Gibraltar Range National Park, located northwest of Grafton, offering bushwalks ranging from half an hour to several days, showcasing some of the most diverse forests in New South Wales.
Or Guy Fawkes National Park, nestled between Armidale, Grafton, and Dorrigo. This rugged wilderness is perfect for peaceful camping and hiking, allowing you to escape the crowds and immerse yourself in nature.
For a full list of national parks and for the latest safety updates and park information, including facilities and closures, visit nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
However you discover our national parks and reserves, we want you to have a safe and enjoyable experience. Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals)are not permitted.
