Ulmarra

Small in population but big in personality, Ulmarra delivers country swagger and quirky cool in equal measure. On the banks of the Clarence River in Northern NSW, the town is filled with heritage buildings, many of which now house stores and galleries. And just like its famous neighbour Grafton, in spring Ulmarra’s jacarandas bloom with their stunning purple blossoms.  

Highlights

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Art & culture 

This part of the Clarence Valley is home to a vibrant creative community, which can easily be seen at the Coldstream Gallery. Pieces on display here range from paintings to sculptures and jewellery, with most works available for purchase. Nearby, Fibre Delights is a craft cooperative of 15 artisans showcasing their sewing, quilting and handicraft skills. 

Interior space of the Coldstream Gallery, Ulmarra

Coldstream Gallery, Ulmarra - Credit: My Clarence Valley Tourism

Fine art prints are on display at Ulmarra Collective, alongside fragrant French soaps and handmade homewares imported from Morocco, Mexico and Turkey. Or order bespoke furniture that double as works of art, made from Australian native timber at The Wood Shop. 

Ulmarra Collective in Ulmarra, Clarence Valley

Ulmarra Collective, Ulmarra

Antiques & shopping 

Few Aussie country towns lack an antiques store; Ulmarra is no exception. Contrary’s on Clarence is chock-a-block with vintage furniture and covetable objects. One of the town’s highlights is Ulmarra Books and Collectables, a little store packed with secondhand books. 

Woman browsing at Ulmarra Books and Collectables, Ulmarra

Ulmarra Books and Collectables, Ulmarra - Credit: My Clarence Valley

Eat & drink 

Ulmarra Hotel is a glorious Federation building, which has been serving as a meeting place for locals since it opened in 1906. Order a drink and pub-style fare or woodfired pizza, and enjoy in the beer garden overlooking the river. 

Nearby, Ulmarra Food Co serves standout hot drinks, as well as daily baked pies and pastries and piles of regional produce, from jams to seasonal fruit and veggies. The Little Local Cafe is, as its name suggests, rather petite – just a couple of outdoor tables offering a front-row seat to the river.

Friends enjoying a drink by the river at Ulmarra Hotel Riverside Dining, Ulmarra

Ulmarra Hotel Riverside Dining, Ulmarra - Credit: My Clarence Valley Tourism

Where to stay 

A handful of accommodation options are available in town, including the historic Ulmarra Hotel, B&Bs and self-contained apartments. The Bank House is a charming homestead that is now a guesthouse, sleeping eight or you can stay at the Coldstream Gallery, which has its own apartment attached to the building.    

Exterior of the heritage bed and breakfast The Bank House, Ulmarra

The Bank House, Ulmarra - Credit: My Clarence Valley Tourism

Getting there  

Ulmarra is a 6.5-hour drive north from Sydney and 3.5 hours south from Brisbane. It’s just 15 minutes from the regional centre of Grafton, which you can reach by car, train and bus. You can also fly into Ballina Airport, which is one hour and 20 minutes north. 

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