Any visitor to Sandon – who’s come from the Brooms Head direction – will see the village on the south side of Sandon River and wonder how in the world you get there, because clearly there isn’t a bridge!

Sandon Village is pretty unique in this regard. The number of non-4WD vehicles in Sandon Village is exactly zero, because the only way to get there is along the Sandon Back Trail from Illaroo to the south. This trail takes in a stretch of beach, so that is serious 4WD access.

Anyway, Sandon Village backs on to Clay Head, and as you’d imagine in a place that’s legitimately challenging to reach. Clay Head is a lovely, lonely, and spooky-but-in-a-nice-way place.

The coves beneath Clay Head are jagged but picturesque affairs with grassy foreshores and pebbly beaches, and when the headland eventually spills down to the south-facing back beach, you can still feel vulnerable and humbled by one of the more rugged and desolate stretches of Clarence coast.

Remember- Unpatrolled waters can be unpredictable. Choose patrolled beaches for a safer experience and swim only between the flags. Avoid jumping into unknown water depths or areas with unseen hazards. Be aware of currents, rocks, and sudden drops, and always make sure you’re swimming in safe areas to protect yourself and your loved ones!