WELCOME to the Clarence Valley, at the southern end of the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, a place of astonishing physical beauty and extraordinary cultural diversity - where teeming marine parks, ancient rainforests and thriving rural communities are nourished by vast winding rivers - the rivers of life.

the clarence river

Clarence River near Ulmarra (c) Terry Dwyer

The largest of these rivers is the Clarence. It is a living link between the rugged highlands of the upper Clarence and the golden beaches that fringe the sparkling Pacific. It winds through deep ravines and broad plains, ancient forests, lush farmland, sleepy villages and 100 chartered islands.

Over 400kms from source to sea, the Clarence is one of Australia's largest waterways. It was once the region's main trade route and several ferries still link the River's islands and rural villages.

plenty to do and see

White-water excitement at Nymboida (c) Terry Dwyer

You can explore the Clarence and other rivers in your own style - from high-adrenalin whitewater rafting, canoeing, kayaking to a more genteel river cruise. You can potter about in a hire boat or enjoy the tranquillity of a houseboat.

Outdoor adventures are limited only by your imagination... there are tours, horse-riding, surfing lessons, water-skiing, abseiling and rock climbing, bushwalking and bird-watching. You can play a round of golf with the kangaroos at one of seven golf courses and there's sport galore - everything from basketball to bowls, cricket, cycling, tennis, hockey and squash; skiing, rowing, boat racing, go-karting, football, equestrian, horse racing, rodeos, car rallies and speedway.

The Clarence has approximately thirty-four studios, arts & crafts galleries, antiques and collectible stores. Throughout the Valley you'll find many fine examples of colonial architecture that offer a glimpse of early country life and with seven museums its easy to discover the rich and fascinating history of the area.

The Clarence Valley has a number of sites of great spiritual and cultural significance to the local indigenous people.

the weather's fine

From Iluka in the north through Yamba, Maclean and Grafton to Wooli the Valley is blessed with a remarkably hospitable climate. The CSIRO and Stanford University have confirmed something that locals have always known - Yamba has the world's best climate.

For an up-to-date weather report on the Clarence Valley and the Northern Rivers Region visit the Bureau of Meteorology website

"Come to the Clarence where the lifestyle is as seductive as the spectacular surroundings."