Island Hopping

The beautiful village of Lawrence sits peacefully alongside the mighty Clarence River, this quiet village offers endless opportunity to get out and explore what is hiding in plain site.

> Pull into the Everlasting Swamp National Park – this rare coastal wetland is a hotspot for birdwatching, bring along binoculars, a bicycle, or a canoe to explore the wondrous parks and the wildlife that lives within.

> Explore the walking track along the riverbank leading from Memorial Park – There are barbecues and playgrounds, perfect for a family picnic, as well as being a great spot for throwing in a quick line or having a refreshing dip in the Clarence.

> Take the famous Bluff Point Ferry, known fondly as the Lawrence Ferry, which will carry you calmly across the Clarence River toward Woodford.

Go wild and explore all that is to be offered on Woodford Island. Visit small townships, be in awe of sugar cane as far as the eye can see and be astonished by the fact that you’re on a HUGE island in the middle of a HUGE river. Remember to take it easy and enjoy, that’s what island life is all about.

Maclean, the Scottish Town of Australia – and even more so, a connector, a gateway to the coast and country – part river village, part coastal town. With a rich history and a ton of charm, you’ll find yourself spoilt for choice when it comes to exploring this riverside town.

> Find your Tartan-Painted Power Pole – See if you can find your Scottish name and tartan from the many dotted all around town. No Scottish heritage? Adopt a name for the day and feel the excitement every time you pass it by.

> Did someone say history? Follow the Maclean Heritage Trail through town and know what it feels like to time travel as you walk from building to building

> Witness spectacular views of the Clarence Valley up at the Maclean Lookout – While you’re here, stroll to the viewing platform for The Pinnacle, a unique rock formation surround by subtropical rainforest, and an important Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Site.

Harwood Island is a tiny village on the banks of the Clarence River and is perfect for day trippers and boaties alike. With the river surrounding, it makes a peaceful atmosphere the daily norm.

> The Harwood Sugar Mill can’t be missed as you enter this small island village. Did you know that sugar cane grown in the Clarence Valley is mostly processed locally at the Harwood Sugar Mill into high quality raw sugar – it is also the oldest continuously operating sugar mill in Australia, crushing cane since 1874.

> Stop off at the Harwood Hotel and have a delicious meal and refreshing drink as you admire the river views. Afterwards enjoy a stroll down to the pontoon and thrown in a line or two.

“Chatty” as it is know amongst the locals, is a far cry from the bustling village it once was. Chatty calmly lies on the bank of the North Arm of the Clarence River and sits closely to its neighbour Harwood Island

> Have a picnic under the large trees – Little ones will love the story of how over the years gnomes and fairies have gathered in the nooks and crannies of the tree trunks

> Can you spot the community Thong Tree? It’s one mission in life – to reunite missing thongs, maybe you’ve found one along the way!

On this island you will get a spectacular vantage point to view the islands you were just on, Harwood, Chatsworth and Palmers. Enjoy the afternoon by the river, throw in your last line of the day, and get out on the water in your canoe or kayak to watch the sunset of the behind the hills.