Clarence River

412 mentions

Stretching more than 380 km, the mighty Clarence River is the Valley’s lifeblood, offering house-boat holidays, renowned fishing and leisurely ferry rides between river towns. Riverside cycleways, sunset kayaks and annual regattas make waterside living a daily delight for locals across Yamba, Maclean and Grafton.

2

Yamba Main Beach

298 mentions

Patrolled in summer beneath the iconic lighthouse, Yamba Main Beach delivers reliable surf breaks, ocean-pool dips and sunrise yoga on golden sand. Cafés and gelato bars sit a barefoot stroll away, anchoring Yamba’s laid-back coastal lifestyle coveted by seachangers and holiday investors alike.

3

Grafton CBD

244 mentions

Jacaranda-lined streets host heritage banks, government services and chic espresso bars, while the annual Jacaranda Festival paints the city purple each spring. Easy parking, riverside dining and upgraded offices make Grafton CBD the commercial heart of Northern Rivers without big-city congestion.

4

Yamba CBD

217 mentions

Boutique surf shops, oyster bars and twilight markets pack Clarence Street, creating a thriving yet relaxed retail strip. Holidaymakers wander from beach to boutiques within minutes, supporting strong short-stay returns and ensuring year-round buzz for residents who live above the shopfronts.

5

Maclean CBD

166 mentions

Dubbed “The Scottish Town in Australia”, Maclean’s tartan power poles, kilted Highland dancers and riverside cafés charm visitors. Regular farmers’ markets and a newly revamped river walk add vibrancy, while quick Pacific Highway access puts major centres within an hour’s drive.

6

Angourie Point

152 mentions

World-class right-hand point breaks draw surfers from across the globe, yet locals still sneak dawn sessions alongside dolphins. Rock pools and the famed Blue Pool provide family-friendly swims, cementing Angourie’s reputation as both a national surfing mecca and chilled seaside hamlet.

7

Grafton Base Hospital

147 mentions

Offering 24-hour emergency, maternity and specialist services, Grafton Base Hospital underpins regional healthcare confidence. Recent upgrades to ICU and mental-health wards support a growing population, while visiting specialists reduce the need for costly trips to Brisbane or Sydney.

8

Yamba Golf & Country Club

139 mentions

This lush 18-hole course winds past koala habitat and tidal lakes before finishing at a lively clubhouse hosting trivia, barefoot bowls and wedding receptions. Affordable memberships and social comps keep retirees and young families mingling year-round.

9

Pacific Highway (access)

121 mentions

Dual-carriageway upgrades mean faster, safer drives to Brisbane (2.5 hrs) or Coffs Harbour (1 hr). Proximity to the highway boosts commuter appeal, underpins logistics jobs and keeps Clarence Valley connected to southeast Queensland airports for weekend travel or FIFO work.

10

Grafton Shoppingworld

109 mentions

Anchored by Coles, Woolworths and Big W, Shoppingworld delivers big-city retail without the traffic. Air-conditioned malls, child-friendly play zones and an upgraded dining precinct make it the go-to spot for weekly groceries, rainy-day movies and school-holiday entertainment.

11

Clarence Valley Anglican School

96 mentions

Across junior and senior campuses, CVAS blends rigorous academics with outdoor education and river-science programs. Strong NAPLAN results and a supportive community attract relocating professionals who value small-class pastoral care in a relaxed regional setting.

12

Iluka Nature Reserve

92 mentions

One of the last intact littoral rainforests on the east coast, this UNESCO-listed reserve features 2.6 km of boardwalk through strangler figs and fan palms. Bird-watchers spot rare lyrebirds, while families picnic metres from calm estuary swimming spots.

13

Yamba Marina

83 mentions

Offering deep-water berths, haul-out services and a chandlery, Yamba Marina is the northernmost safe harbour before Queensland. Sailors cherish its easy bar crossing, while waterfront apartments overlook fishing trawlers returning with prawns straight to local restaurants.

14

Grafton Railway Station

76 mentions

Served by twice-daily XPT trains to Sydney and Brisbane, the heritage station links locals to capital-city healthcare and sports weekends without the long drive. Recent park-and-ride upgrades make commuting or uni trips even simpler.

15

Maclean High School

68 mentions

Set atop a breezy ridge, Maclean High boasts river views, modern STEM labs and a celebrated rowing program. Community partnerships with local trades and TAFE courses support strong vocational pathways for Valley teenagers.

16

Brooms Head Beach

57 mentions

Secluded Brooms Head charms with beachfront camping, gentle lagoon swims and seasonal whale-watching from cliff-top lookouts. Limited development preserves its sleepy vibe, making holiday shacks and modern beach homes equally sought-after by buyers chasing classic Aussie summers.

17

Grafton Sporting Complex

54 mentions

Hockey turfs, netball courts and athletics tracks create a year-round hub for junior sport and state carnivals. Weekend coffee vans and night-game floodlights keep the precinct alive, fostering community spirit and healthy lifestyles.

18

Yamba Fair Shopping Centre

49 mentions

With Coles, pharmacy, post office and beach-gear outlets, Yamba Fair covers everyday needs without crossing the bridge into town. Free parking and shaded playgrounds make quick grocery runs or school-uniform top-ups a breeze for busy families.

19

Lawrence Tavern & Boat Ramp

42 mentions

Set on a sweeping bend of the Clarence, Lawrence Tavern pairs cold brews with river-view decks. Next-door, the all-tide boat ramp launches anglers chasing flathead or sunset cruises, making the village a hidden gem for weekenders.

20

Yuraygir National Park

39 mentions

Spanning 65 km of pristine coastline, Yuraygir offers remote beaches, wildflower-lined headlands and the famed multi-day coastal walk. Campgrounds under paperbarks and regular kangaroo sightings provide nature immersion less than an hour from Grafton’s city conveniences.

Area Hotlist — Clarence Valley NSW