Copmanhurst and the Gorge Scenic Drive 2
Address: Grafton (map)
Website: http://thegorge.tripod.com/
Grafton - Jackadgery - Cangai - Coombadjha - Clarence Way - Lilydale - Copmanhurst - Grafton
Distance: approx.
Grade: Easy (medium if it has been raining)
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).
Rolling valley hinterland near Cangai
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.
Crossing the Clarence River at Coombadjha
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.
The winding Clarence near Heifer Station
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.
Road to the Clarence Gorge
Gushing Rainbow Falls after rain
Newbold Lookout
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.
Download the map for the drive:
