The Clarence Valley
The Northern Rivers region covers a vast stretch of coastline in the north eastern corner of New South Wales. Within this region lies the Clarence Valley, an area of stunning landscapes, pristine rainforests and quaint country towns. It is a 130km drive south from the seaside holiday town of Ballina to the city of Grafton which is the heart of the Clarence Valley. A campervan hire Australia driving tour of the Northern Rivers region wouldn't be complete without a stop at one of these towns or national parks.
Stretching from Iluka and Yamba in the north to Wooli in the south and west to Grafton the Clarence Valley is centred around the might Clarence River. Since the development of the road network the river is no longer used as the area's main trade route, but it is still vitally important to the area's identity. These days the road networks are vast, interconnected and well maintained so that both trade and campervan hire travel is easily achieved.
If you are visiting the area we recommend you stop off and visit at least one of the destinations below.
Grafton
Of all the towns in the Northern Rivers region to visit on a campervan rental holiday, Grafton is perhaps the most opulent, with its grandiose 19th century architecture, stately tree lined avenues and boulevards, it is a testament to the wealth and prosperity of the timber industry which once dominated the entire region.
Despite Grafton's stately and austere outward appearances, the city manages to retain an intimate country charm and character. The city is planted with over 6000 trees which line the streets and fill the numerous public parks. The biggest of these parks is located on the banks of the Clarence River which makes it a gorgeous place to take a picnic lunch close to all the conveniences of a big city.
Grafton is a particularly lovely city to visit during the spring months. The flowering trees which line the streets burst into full bloom the colourful flowers blanket the streets in a carpet of colour. Take a drive around town in your campervan rental vehicle and find out why so many people keep coming back to the charming city of Grafton.
Wooli
Wooli is a small resort town at the southern end of the Clarence Valley which is famous for its fantastic fishing. To find the town steer your campervan hire vehicle south on the Pacific Highway from Grafton, then take the turn off and head towards Lake Hiawatha. The road splits in two, the north road leads to Minnie Waters and the south road leads to Wooli.
The town sits near the mouth of the Wooli River however is also very close to the coast. The Wooli River is reputed to be one of the most pristine waterways in Australia as it travels entirely through National Park. The town is surrounded by the rugged wild bushland of the Yuraygir National Park which makes it an ideal destination for a scenic beachside holiday. The desolate coastline which bounds the national park is your playground and your view encompasses rugged headlands and river scenery.
The town relies heavily on tourism for its survival however it is a rare gem where the development of the tourism industry has been low key. This means visitors to Wooli can relax and enjoy the solitude which is so hard to find these days. Campervan rental holiday makers who visit will simply love having the best of both worlds; all the creature comforts of home at your finger tips while the rugged untamed rainforest and secluded beaches are at your disposal.
Nymboida
Nymboida is a small village that has a big reputation for having one of Australia's most exciting white water rafting and canoeing river courses. The river is surrounded by rainforest and undisturbed bushland of the rugged and densely forested Nymboi-Binderay National Park.
The superb white water conditions are a by-product of the hydroelectric power station at Nymboida. Water is pumped water from the Nymboida River and then released into the Goolang Creek which creates the Grade III and IV rapids that are used in state, national and international competitions.
While much of the area can only be explored by 4WD there are still plenty of opportunities for camperva rental holiday makers to enjoy the region. Visitors can hire equipment at the local Canoe Centre or take a guided rafting tour along the picturesque Nymboida River. For overnight stays in the area, camping and cabin accommodation is available. While staying in Nymboida a range of activities are available such as platypus viewing, bush walking, abseiling, trail rides and camping.
