Maclean

A slice of Scotland 

Proud of its Scottish heritage, Maclean has hosted a Highland Gathering for more than 115 years, the Easter festival consuming the town with parades and fanfare. The bagpipe-playing competitions draw musicians from across the country, while crowds gather to watch caber tossing and Highland dancing, before enjoying traditional Scottish food. 

Highland Gathering, Maclean

But the tartan is not packed away when the event ends – around town you’ll discover power poles painted in a variety of family tartans. The first poles were decorated for the Olympic Torch arrival in 2000; today, you can find more than 200, alongside street signs carrying Gaelic translations. Head to the Maclean Scottish Shop for memorabilia (along with tourist information) and delve deeper into the town’s Scottish (and otherwise) history at the Maclean Bicentennial Museum. 

Scottish Cairn and Tartan Poles Maclean, Maclean - Credit: Glen/My Clarence Valley Tourism

Explore the town

You could while away a day exploring Maclean’s charm-filled streets, browsing exhibitions and picking up arts and crafts in the Ferry Park Gallery. Time your visit right to meet the makers at Plunge, a month-long festival every April that celebrates the Clarence Valley’s cultural scene through film, visual arts, creative writing, music, dance and more. 

When it comes time to refuel, grab a great brew at coffee roastery Botero, or snack on fresh cookies and cake while exploring the stalls at the Maclean Monthly Community Markets, held on the second Saturday of the month. For craft beer, great food and live music, Santus Brewing Co is the perfect spot, with a huge beer garden and optional brewery tours.  

Botero Coffee Roasters, Maclean

Green spaces  

Riverside McLachlan Park is a beautiful spot to admire the tranquil waters. Often referred to by locals as 'the Boulevard’, it makes for an excellent picnic spot with barbecues and tables. Nearby on Woodford Island, you’ll find picturesque Maclean Golf Club, a challenging 18-hole course offering electric carts, pull buggies and golf clubs for hire.  

McLachlan Park, Maclean - Credit: My Clarence Valley Tourism

Explore the countryside 

For unrivalled views over the Clarence Valley and beyond, head 2km from the centre of town up to  Maclean Lookout – from here, the countryside unfolds in swathes of rolling farmland and hinterland. Continue on to Pinnacle Rock, a balancing rock formation and important Aboriginal cultural heritage site, surrounded by subtropical rainforest.

Maclean Lookout, Maclean - Credit: My Clarence Valley Tourism 

Fishing & boating

Given its prime position on the Clarence River, Maclean makes the ideal base for fishing and boating expeditions. Hire kayaks from Maclean Outdoors or ask the locals where the fish are biting, and they might reveal their secret spots (if you’re lucky). Non-anglers can still enjoy the seafood bounty at restaurants around town, with juicy estuary prawns a highlight on any menu. 

Fishing in Maclean, Clarence Valley

Where to stay

You’ll find plenty of riverside accommodation options in Maclean including Club Maclean Motel, Maclean Hotel and Motel Maclean. Maclean Riverside Caravan Park is a small, family-owned campsite opposite the river with cabins and pitches.  

Motel Maclean, Maclean - Credit: Isabella Borriello

For something a little different, sleep on the water in a houseboat, available for rent at Grafton 2 Yamba Houseboat Hire. Or camp just outside of town with friendly farm animals for company at the Peach Farm Camping. The eco-friendly, child-friendly and dog-friendly campsite has a nature playground, outdoor bathtub and wood fired pizza oven.  

The Peach Farm, Mororo

Getting there 

Maclean is a seven-hour drive north from Sydney, or three hours’ drive south from Brisbane. You can also fly into Ballina Airport and hire a car for the one-hour drive south.