Tags
Aussie beaches, australia, Clarence River, dogs, Iluka, Northern Rivers NSW, Photography, travel, Yamba
I often drive from Brisbane in Qld, down south to Coffs Harbour which is on the NSW mid north coast. A good trip usually takes me about 4 ¼ hours of driving which is getting better with the constant upgrading of the Pacific Hwy. I am fortunate enough to have a break along the way with my brother and sister in law who live in the little village of Woombah which is just off the highway in the Northern Rivers of NSW on the Clarence River.
When I stay for a few days in Woombah, we always make a point of driving in to Iluka, a sleepy and charming fishing village and “get away from it all” holiday destination at the mouth of the Clarence River. Iluka is sitting in between kilometres of empty beaches and UNESCO World Heritage-listed rainforest, this charming little fishing village is the ultimate beach retreat.
Coast Guard beach at the mouth of the Clarence River
We usually take our puppy dogs for a visit to coast guard beach in Iluka. This beach is right at the mouth of the river, is safe and doggie friendly and is always clean, clear and beautiful with views across the river over to Yamba.

Looking across the Clarence River to Yamba
After some time with the doggies running around on the sand and in the water, we then usually call in to the Clarence River Fishermen’s Co-op on Queen Street where we pick up the freshest and best locally caught prawns, local fish, chips, etc and head up to the North Arm of the river to enjoy our seafood lunch by the river. It is always so peaceful and inviting. Mind you, we do know when the right days are to go, which are not in school holidays nor long weekends when the crowds arrive.
This sleepy little village, although not big on night life or in fact even restaurants, still has much to offer thanks to Mother Nature. Boating, fishing and surfing are very popular here for both locals and visitors from NSW and Qld. You can hire kayaks and stand-up paddle boards and explore the river or take scenic cruises with the local ferry service.

North Arm of the river
And if you feel like a bush walk, there is plenty on offer. Iluka is home to NSW’s largest remaining seaside rainforest, part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. The Bundjalung National Park stretches along the coast from Iluka to Evans Head. It covers 18,000 hectares, 38 km of beaches and ranges from rainforest through heathland, coastal cypress stands, lagoons and wetlands to coastal plains. The park is home to 205 bird, 30 mammal, 38 reptile and 13 amphibian species
I always come away from here feeling good, refreshed and happy after several days of spontaneous fun.
The blueness of the sky is enchanting. The idea of delicious fish and chips on the beach has got me ready to come over! Happy August xxx
Thanks Janet, it is always a terrific day out and how simple fish and chips can be so delicious. Lyn
I love fish and chips xxx
Yes me too, especially sharing with special folks.
What a gem of a place! Looks stunning in your photos Lyn. Another one for my bucket list.
It is very beautiful and so unspoiled so far. Thanks Sheree, Lyn. Seems liked you missed my comment on Menton. Loved that story. Lyn
Did I? I’ll check it’s not lurking in Spam.
Gorgeous photos. It looks like a beautiful spot. I can see why it’s busy on weekends.
Thanks, it sure it gorgeous and so far staying completely natural. Lyn
These pictures are so pristine and the water looks amazing, the blue! Thanks for sharing your relaxing experience with us! ☺🤩
Thanks Shruba, it is such a wonderful place I wanted to share, and I am pleased that you liked it. Lyn
It is a beautiful spot Lyn. I visited there many years ago and it was even sleepier, it didn’t matter where you were it was just a lovely energy and you could just drift away in heart and mind 😀 ❤️ 🙏🏼 🦋
Thanks Mark, my family have been living there for about 40 years so I have been going there for a long time. At first, it was too sleepy for me, but now as I am matured and retired it has much more appeal. In fact, it is gorgeous. Lyn
Food (love fish and chips with malt vinegar) and the beach–doesn’t get much better than that. What a beautiful shade of blue.
Thanks Frankie. Yes I like mine with vinegar also. I know, the sky was magnificent on a perfect winter day. Lyn
Hi. Does it rain much there, or are the skies often as blue as this?
They do get more rain than I do here in Brisbane however our winter skies are pretty spectacular especially near the ocean. Thanks, Lyn
Looks lovely. Hope you get to go there again soon.
Thanks, I hope to also maybe next month. At the moment our border is closed. Lyn
Another beautiful town! Iluka is beautiful and so serene. Thanks for sharing your lovely country.
Thanks Linda, I am so hoping that you guys get to see it one day soon. Lyn
I hope so too! Keeping our fingers crossed and spirits up!
💕🤞
Yes, I can see why this place refreshes you. It looks absolutely lovely. Blue sky and beautiful beach.
I know Lynette, it is so perfect. Untouched and natural, thanks, Lyn
Sounds like a wonderful place that feeds your heart!
Thanks Katelon. Yes very special. Lyn
Reblogged this on By the Mighty Mumford and commented:
A RIVERSIDE PARADISE!
Definitely thanks Jonathan. Lyn
ANY TIME, LYN!
Lyn, beautiful scenery. Such a deep blue sea! Your description of the fresh seafood made me hungry! Take care. Cheryl
Thanks Cheryl. We are now relearning that the simple things in life are pretty dam good. Lyn
That looks gorgeous and what a super spot to have fish & chips – lucky you!
Yes Kay. I always enjoy it. It just seems to get better each time. Beautiful part of the world. Lyn
Only one word comes to mind……….Perfect!!!!!!
Yes Gail, Perfect is the perfect word. Thanks, Lyn
What a beautiful place! I can see you’d keep wanting to go back; it looks so restful and fabulous-sounding seafood.
Thanks. It is just so peaceful and naturally beautiful. Lyn
All that wonderful blue makes me wanna jump in a train and go to the seaside. :)
Thanks Jo. It was a perfect winter day with the clearest blue sky. Love the sea side. Lyn
Wonderful photographs – those skies! :-)
I know, you cannot miss those skies. It was just the most stunning winter day. Thanks, Lyn
Very cool post and great photos as usual. My compliments!
Thanks Allen, seems like the simple things in life are pretty special. Lyn
This place looks amazing. I can see why it means so much to you. Beautiful
Thank you. Yes it surely is very beautiful. Thanks Lyn
What a wonderful place for an “escape”. It looks so serene and natural. I love reading about these out-of-way but still accessible spots.
Thanks Caroline, this is my kinda place any where in the world. I avoid the big cities and go off the beaten track. Iluka is truly picturesque. Lyn
What a gorgeous place!
It truly is. Thanks Lyn
I love to visit Australia someday!
I am sure you will one day if you truly want to. Thanks Lyn
I would like to visit every country 🙂