Ulmarra to Rogans Bridge

On approaching Elizabeth Island, the main channel heads south-westerly across a narrow, but deep channel.  After rounding Elizabeth Island you will find Corcoran Park (GPS 29deg,40.552min.S 152deg,57.221min.E) which has a jetty and boat ramp, picnic/bbq facilities with power available (key required) and toilets.  It is a very popular park and is an off-leash area for dogs.

The best place to anchor before the Grafton Bridge for tall masted vessels is at Girl Guide Place (GPS 29deg,41.757min.S 152deg,56.676min.E) where there is a jetty, boat ramp and a small park. From here you can easily explore the city of Grafton.

The river takes a broad bend around Grafton and passes under the historic Grafton Bridge (GPS 29deg,41.810min.S 152deg,56.526min.E) which now has a fixed span of 7.9 metres.  Grafton, the first city on the north coast was established in 1837 and proclaimed a city in 1859.  Its majestic streets, historic buildings, regional gallery and vibrant shopping precinct are worth exploring, especially during the annual Jacaranda festival when the city is carpeted in purple blooms.

When passing the bridge it is possible to see the wreck of the Induna, built in 1891 in Aberdeen (GPS 29deg,42.003min.S 152deg,56.416min.E).  This vessel was used as a rail ferry before it sank at mooring in 1932.  The Induna’s prior claim to fame is that it on one of it’s voyages carried it carried Sir Winston Churchill from South Africa to England during the Boer War.

South Grafton located on the southern riverbank has small marina (GPS 29deg,42 .031min.S 152deg,56.122min.E) and provides access alfresco dining and a laid back shopping experience.

Memorial Park on the northern side of Grafton has a wharf/jetty suitable for large water vessels and is equipped with picnic facilities, toilets, power, drinking water and also has a cycle and walking track.

Susan Island Nature Reserve has a large bat colony and remnant of rainforest and is worth exploring.  It is home to thousands of flying foxes that roost on the island to raise their young and feed in nearby forests during summer. The island has a small wharf and is accessible only by boat.  There is a short walking track through the reserve on the western end of the island which takes you through the lowland rainforest remnant and beneath the bat colony.  Look out for the wreck on the northern side of the island where parts of the boiler are visible, it is thought that the wreck is of a cream boat the Ibis (GPS 29deg,40.719min.S 152deg,54 .770min.E).

The broad, open waters around Seelands are popular with water skiers.  Rogan’s Bridge (GPS 29deg,37.237min.S 152deg,53.091min.E) is a low-level bridge of approximately 2 metres depending on river heights that provides a barrier to further river exploration and can be anchored off.

start

Ulmarra Public Wharf, Coldstream Rd, Ulmarra (GPS 29deg,37.854min.S 153deg,01.608.E) 2wd suitable.

finish

Rogans Bridge, Rogans Bridge Rd, Seelands. (GPS 29deg,37.237min.S, 152deg,53.091min.E) (anchor off) 2wd suitable.

river distance

37 km.

recommended craft

Any.

hazards

• Shoals around Swan Creek’s flood gate.
• Grafton Bridge (vessels with masts should check heights).

maps

NSW Maritime Clarence River Waterways Map, Grafton 1:100,000.

points of interest

• Corcoran Park - BBQs and park - jetty after 9.3 km from Ulmarra.
• Memorial Park.
• Historic shopping precinct at South Grafton to explore shops, cafes, pubs - Public Wharf.
• Stop at Grafton for shops and pubs - Prince St Wharf.
• Susan Island bat colony and rainforest.
• Wreck of the SS Induna, 200 metres upstream from Grafton Bridge, visible from both the bridge and river.
• Seelands.
• After 29.6 km you can pull over at Moleville Rocks Public Reserve to see some Aboriginal Grinding Groves or use the park BBQs - anchor off.

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