- Multi Day
Jacaranda time! There’s so much more to see!
Here’s how to spend 3 glorious days in our big backyard.
Oh how lucky to be in the Clarence Valley at Jacaranda time, and with this trip you get to immerse yourself for 3 days in it! Be in awe of the air being filled with purple flowers floating all around you, join in on wandering the streets following those magical trees, be inspired by those around you and most importantly remember that they’re not “just trees”, it’s a whole experience.
Day 1: Grafton
Day 2: Lawrence – Maclean – Yamba
Day 3: Iluka – Angourie
Welcome! Grafton’s Jacaranda Season is an enchanting experience we think is worth taking your time to enjoy. Grafton is blessed with broad avenues and magnificent architecture and can be explore in your car or simply on foot on the abundance of walkways scattered all through town.
> Walk back in time while following the Grafton Heritage Trail – Discover endless history and the extensive amounts of building that still stand to this day, some even still carrying out their original purpose. Along the way you’ll find yourself under a Jacaranda Tree or two, this time of year you are never far from these purple beauties.
> Discover the abundance of trees that line the streets – Grafton’s Jacaranda Trees are most popular in mid October and early November as streets and parks are transformed as the trees explode in all their purple glory. Another fan favourite are the Giant Fig Trees which are a key feature around town, you may even find yourself under Fig Tree Avenues‘ canopy.
> Take a stroll along the walkway below the Old Grafton Bridge – you’ll get magnificent views of the Clarence and Susan Island.
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 Island.
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 rich history and a tonne of charm, you’ll find yourself left with plenty of things to do and explore.
> Notice all the Tartan-Painted Power Poles? Try and find your Scottish name and tartan – You can find a map at the local Scottish Shop in town, don’t worry if you don’t have a Scottish Heritage – adopt a name for the day and feel the excitement every time you pass it by.
> After some history? Maclean has got you covered! Follow the heritage trail through tow and know what it feels like to time travel as you walk through the close-knit streets.
> For spectacular views of the Clarence Valley head on up to the Maclean Lookout – While you’re here, stroll to the viewing platform for The Pinnacle, a unique rock formation surrounded by subtropical rainforest, and an important Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Site.
> Maclean too has a few of it’s own Jacaranda Tree’s that you will discover along the way, just as beautiful and purple.
Yamba is one of those magical places that have a way of making you feel totally nostalgic, whether it is your first time there or you frequent it often, Yamba is your home away from home.
> Throw in a line – there is a multitude of fishing options from boat charters to break walls, paddle boat hire, kayaking tours, whale watching tours .
> Let’s not forget to mention the stunning beaches – spend the day at the beach, you are definitely spoilt for choice here with Main Beach, Turner’s, Convent, Pippi and Whiting – You’ll find each one has something that make them unique from the other.
> There are bike tracks galore around Yamba, basically running from one end of town to the other. The ride along Ford Park and Yamba Bay is great, but also try the road down to Angourie and check out the iconic Angourie Point surf break.
> Make your way up to Pilot Hill in the afternoon. You’ll be sure it be in awe of the Yamba Lighthouse standing proudly ontop. From here you’ll get a panoramic view over the surrounding beaches, the mouth of the river and Yamba Bay.
Iluka is both tucked-away and close-by at the same time, so its natural delights have been preserve in a quiet atmosphere perfectly. Enjoy all that Iluka has to offer from peace and serenity, to throwing in a line or going for an adventure through the National Park and Nature Reserve.
> Have a fish – you are almost always guaranteed a great catch in Iluka. Pick a spot along the Iluka Breakwall and just wait for that BIG bite.
> Stroll through the incredibly peaceful Iluka Nature Reserve & Bundjalung National Park – Appreciate its beauty and wildlife and soak in it’s unique atmosphere.
> Head out to the Iluka Bluff to catch the spectacular 360 degree views out over the coast and inland forest.
Angourie is a charming seaside town on the northern tip of Yuraygir National Park. With spectacular views of the coastline, a glorious natural setting and a laid back, relaxed atmosphere, Angourie is the place you need to be to take it slow and recharge your batteries .
> Visit the picturesque freshwater Blue and Green Pools – The rock shelf separating the pools from the ocean is often frequented by visitors at low tide .
> Hike the first sections of the renowned Yuraygir Coastal Walk starting at Angourie – Check out Mara Creek, Back Beach, beautiful Lake Arragan and the caves on the Southern side of Shelley Headland .
> Take a walk along Angourie’s grassy headland – A perfect vantage point to view the township of Yamba and across the Yuraygir National Park .
Discovering the Clarence Valley has a way of putting you at complete ease don’t you agree?
Check out other day trips we’ve put together for you to discover more of this beautiful region…
