Yamba to Maclean

Yamba Marina at dawn

Take some time to explore the popular town of Yamba, there are some excellent facilities on the river at the Marina (GPS 29deg,26.144min.S 153deg,20.888min.E). There is a small public wharf at the far end of Yamba Channel (GPS 29deg,25 .994min.S 153deg,21.577min.E) which is suitable for shallow draft vessels and tenders. The jetty is available to set down and pick up passengers, but movements of the ferry need to be observed. The jetty is adjacent to Ford Park which has a cycle way and picnic/bbq facilities.

Yamba Bay Park (GPS 29deg,26.028min.S 153deg,20.617min.E) has a small jetty and boat ramp with a fish cleaning area, picnic, bbq, toilet and boat wash down facilities which is suitable for tinnies and tenders and vessels with shallow draft and is a short walk to the picturesque village of Yamba which is a popular destination for tourists with some great beaches, boutique shopping with galleries and a lively cafe and restaurant scene.

© John Warrell

Cruise out of Yamba Marina and across to the town of Iluka following the marked channel around Dart Island and through the hole in Middle Wall, a deep but relatively narrow channel (GPS 29deg,25.514min.S 153deg,21.071min.E).

You can enter the bay at the Marina via bottom hole (GPS 29deg,24.999min.S 153deg,21.093min.E) where there is a pontoon (GPS 29deg,24.777min.S 153deg,21.229min.E) close to the Sedgers Reef Hotel or at the northern end of the bay where you can anchor-off. The Charlie Ryan Park has BBQ, picnic facilities, toilets and play equipment (please note that this is an alcohol free zone). A short walking track along the bay leads back to the marina.

Leaving Iluka, cruise past Freeburn Island with Goodwood Island to your North. There is an excellent fishing area known as Brown’s Rocks adjacent to Brown’s Rocks Caravan Park. This wharf is strictly commercial and private vessels should not berth alongside or anchor in its vicinity.

Harwood Bridge © John Warrell

Continue up to Harwood and under the bridge spanning the Pacific Highway (GPS 29deg,25.814min.S 153deg,14.444min.E) height and opening information are listed below. After the bridge is a public jetty where you can stop to explore near the Harwood Hotel, locally called the ‘Harwood Hilton’ (GPS 29deg,25.678min.S 153deg,14.358min.E). There is also a general store, Post Office & public phone.

Continue upriver to the Scottish heritage town of Maclean to explore the local cafes, galleries, pubs and museums. There is an overnight mooring available at Maclean marina (GPS 29deg,27.277min.S 153deg,11.792min.E) with picnic, bbq power, drinking water and toilet facilities. Fuel can be carted from the Clarence River Fishermen’s Co–Op where there is a small chandlery. In addition, there is a public wharf with a jetty (GPS 29deg,27.478min.S 153deg,11.745min.E) and a boat ramp that can be used to access the CBD.

start

Yamba Marina, Yamba Rd, Yamba. (GPS 29deg,26.144min.S 153deg,20.888min.E). 2wd suitable.

finish

Maclean Public Wharf, Wharf St, Maclean (GPS 29deg,27.478min.S 153deg,11.745min.E). 2wd suitable.

river distance

27km.

recommended craft

Any.

hazards

River bar at Yamba and Iluka - navigate with care. Wearing life jackets is compulsory.
Harwood Bridge - clearance above MHWS (Mean High Water Springs) is 8.5m closed and 36.5m open. Bridge is available for opening 7 days a week with 24 hours notice. However there will be days where the bridge will not be able to lift during peak times over public holidays. Ph (02) 6682 8388 to book bridge opening.
McFarlane Bridge – Clearance 3.6m above MHWS.
Brushgrove Bridge – Clearance 7.6m above MHWS.

Please note: Yamba and Iluka marinas provide the only direct access to fuel via pumps, portable containers are required for other locations.

fishing

There is excellent fishing available in the Clarence. Top spots include:

Yamba Point
Yamba Breakwall
Middle Wall
Moriarty’s Wall
Old ferry approach, Iluka
Browns Rocks
Gantry Wall
Collis’ Wall
Freeburn Island

boat hire

Boats are available for hire at Yamba and Iluka Marina with cruises and fishing charters available from Yamba Marina. Houseboats are available for hire from Brushgrove.

accommodation

There is quality accommodation to suit all styles and budgets, with luxury resorts, motels, self contained apartments and caravan parks, many with direct water access and private jetties.

maps

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

points of interest

Yamba

Yamba Ford Park picnic and BBQ area and cycle way and Yamba Bay Park – Public Wharf
Yamba Marina and Cafe
Historical Flat and Hill walks around Yamba
Pilot Hill and Lighthouse
Yamba Storyhouse Museum
Award winning cafes and restaurants

Iluka

Iluka Bay picnic & BBQ area
World Heritage listed Rainforest Walking Track
Iluka Bluff lookout

Maclean

Scottish town of Maclean
Bicentennial Museum and Stone Cottage
200 tartan decorated power poles

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