Iluka

Bundjalung National Park  

This pocket of the state is home to NSW’s largest remaining coastal rainforest, the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage area that preserves the planet’s oldest flora. The Iluka Nature Reserve and Bundjalung National Park fall within this, offering ample opportunities for outdoor adventures.  

Wander under a canopy of prehistoric trees on the Iluka Rainforest Walking Track, a 2.6km trail that navigates to the Iluka Bluff Lookout, the perfect place for spotting dolphins year round and for whale watching between May and November. 

Kangaroos at Bundjalung National Park - Credit: Anthony Belton/DCCEEW

The Clarence River 

The Iluka Nature Reserve is not just about land-based expeditions – you can also enjoy epic boating, fishing and surfing here. Hire kayaks and stand-up paddleboards from AAA Kayak Tours and explore the river, you might even be lucky enough to spot wild dolphins.  

Clarence River Ferries operates a passenger service to Yamba, as well as history cruises and live music cruises with food and drink available on board.  

Clarence River, Clarence Valley

This bountiful marine environment equates to delicious dinners, with local specialties including juicy Yamba prawns. Head to the Clarence River Fishermen’s Co-op on Queen Street to pick up a few of these tasty crustaceans as well as crabs, ocean bugs, whole salmon and snapper, lobster, clams and roe. Or catch your own with bait from Iluka Bait and Tackle.  

Clarence River, Iluka - Credit: My Clarence Valley

Beautiful beaches 

Iluka is blessed with sandy coves, among them the long and lovely Bluff Beach, sheltered from southerly swells by the Iluka Bluff. Waterside picnic tables adorn the southern end of the stretch, from where you can ascend to the Bluff Lookout (ideal for spotting migrating whales) and also find the start of the Iluka Rainforest track. The beach sweeps 1.2km north to Frazers Reef, a secluded spot for swimming and snorkelling.  

At Shark Bay, in the southern stretches of Bundjalung National Park, go off-road and take your 4WD vehicle onto the sand at low tide, heading north along spectacular Ten Mile Beach. Closer to the town, Iluka Beach and Andersons Beach are separated by the Iluka break wall, a spot that attracts avid surfers and anglers in equal measure.  

Shark Bay coastline, Bundjalung National Park - Credit: Jessica Robertson/DPIE

Food & drink 

Enjoy pies and freshly baked bread from Iluka Bakery and Hogues Hot Bread and coffees from The Little Local Cafe Iluka. For waterside dining, Sedgars Reef Bar and Bistro Iluka and Chez Basho Boatshed Cafe have unbeatable locations. On the first Sunday of the month, check out the Iluka Markets for locally grown and made produce, as well as crafts, artwork and jewellery.  

Chez Basho Boatshed Cafe, Iluka

Where to stay 

Clarence Head Caravan Park and Iluka Riverside Holiday Park offer great accommodation for families with cabins, powered sites and tent pitches at both. Centrally located Iluka Motel has studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments and for groups, Amarco is a three-bedroom house overlooking the river.  

Plenty of overnight stay options also await just out of town, including the Woody Head campground and cabins north of Frazers Reef in the southern section of Bundjalung National Park. 

Iluka Riverside Holiday Park, Iluka - Credit: My Clarence Valley Tourism

Getting there  

The road trip north from Sydney to Iluka takes 7.5 hours, though it would be a shame not to linger in the scenic coastal towns that dot your route. Alternatively, it’s a three-hour drive south from Brisbane. You can also fly into Ballina Airport and hire a car for the one-hour drive south.