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 1. Grafton -
Copmanhurst - Lilydale - Clarence Gorge
Distance: approx. 65kms
Grade: Easy (medium if it has
been raining)
Map: click
Facilities: Fuel available at Grafton & Copmanhurst
Food available at Grafton & Copmanhurst
IMPORTANT
- To visit the Clarence Gorge you must contact the property owner to
gain access. Click
here for contact details.
From Grafton you head west along the Gwydir Highway (Highway 38)
towards Glen Innes. Approximately six kilometres along the Gwydir,
turn right onto Rogan Bridge Road and head towards Copmanhurst.
There is a park, a general store and a hotel for those that want to
stop for a break.
Once you have driven through Copmanhurst you then continue along the
Clarence Way for another 10km. You will see a turn to the left which
is signposted as heading towards Lilydale and the Clarence Gorge.
Take this left turn and keep driving for a couple of kilometres.
Just before the road turns to dirt there is turn to the right again
signposted for the Clarence Gorge. Take this turn and cross over
Lilydale Bridge.
At this stage you will be at a T-intersection and on a dirt road.
Take the turn to the right and follow the Gorge Road for
approximately 25km. This will bring you to the Winters' family
property.
 You
can either leave your car at the homestead and be taken near to
Rainbow Falls by boat (for a fee) or you can drive through the
property to a camping area and walk the remaining several
kilometres.
This drive is fine for 2WDs as long as it has not been significantly
raining directly before hand.
 2. Grafton - Jackadgery - Cangai -
Coombadjha - Clarence Way - Lilydale - Copmanhurst - Grafton
Distance: approx.
Grade: Easy (medium if it has
been raining)
Map: click
Facilities: Fuel available at Grafton & Copmanhurst
Food available at Grafton & Copmanhurst
IMPORTANT
- To visit the Clarence Gorge you must contact the property owner to
gain access. Click
here for contact details.
From Grafton drive out along the Gwydir Highway (Highway 38) towards
Glen Innes. You will pass through Ramornie and Jackadgery. At
Jackadgery there is a good picnic and rest stop area overlooking the
Mann River and food and fuel are available at the local service
station.
 Keep driving along the Gwydir Highway for approximately another
13km. Turn right onto Cangai Bridge Road. After almost 2km you will
cross the Mann River and on the eastern side of the river you will
find a small picnic area (no camping allowed).
Just after crossing the bridge you will come to a junction. Turn to
the left and follow Hanging Rock Road. After about 6km you will come
to another junction. Turn left and cross back over the Mann River at
Broadwater Bridge. After crossing the river you will be at another
junction. Turn right and follow this road. After approximately 23km
you will come to Coombadjha Bridge which crosses the Clarence River.
There is a small area where you can pull over and have a break or
swim in the river.
After you cross over the river you will drive for another 17km along
Carnham Road. When you reach the Clarence Way junction turn right.
After about 15km you will see to your Newbold Lookout. This
stop offers you good views overlooking the Clarence River.
Drive towards Copmanhurst for another 3km until you come to a turn
to the right which is signposted as heading towards Lilydale and the
Clarence Gorge. Take this right turn and keep driving for a couple of kilometres.
Just before the road turns to dirt there is turn to the right again
signposted for the Clarence Gorge. Take this turn and cross over
Lilydale Bridge.
At this stage you will be at a T-intersection and on a dirt road.
Take the turn to the right and follow the Gorge Road for
approximately 25km. This will bring you to the Winters' family
property.
 You can either leave your car at the homestead and be taken near to
Rainbow Falls by boat (for a fee) or you can drive through the
property to a camping area and walk the remaining several
kilometres.
Leaving the Clarence Gorge you retrace your journey back to the
Clarence Way. At the T-intersection turn right and drive through
Copmanhurst. Keep following the Clarence Way until you
come to the Summerland Way T-intersection. Turn right and drive
through Junction Hill and then on to Grafton.
This drive is fine for 2WDs as long as it has not been significantly
raining directly before hand.
This drive is best done over a full day.
For more information on The Clarence Gorge
click.
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