 The northern New South Wales coast is a vast region of pristine rainforests, colourful townships, and strong community spirit making it an ideal car hire Australia driving holiday destination. In particular the Clarence Valley region, just south of the seaside holiday town of Ballina is a lovely place to stop and spend a few days relaxing and taking in the scenery. If you plan on staying for a few days or are simply passing through you will enjoy the visual spectacle of the area's amazing lush rainforests.
The Clarence Valley covers the stretch of coastline from Yamba & Iluka in the north to Wooli in the south. It also stretches inland to the city of Grafton. A car rental driving tour of New South Wales should include a tour of the Clarence Valley which is brimming with character and charm that often takes first time visitors by surprise.
The Clarence River is one of the major river networks in Australia. From source to sea, it stretches over 400km and in times gone by was the major trade route for the area. Since the development of the road network its use as a trade route has decreased and its use as a recreational playground has increased. The river is used extensively by locals for sporting and recreation and it is also central to a number of events held throughout the year. Whether for sport or relaxation the Clarence River is at the heart of life in the Clarence Valley. Visitors to Grafton enjoy leaving their car hire vehicle parked safely on the banks while they enjoy a leisurely cruise along the scenic Clarence River.
Grafton
Grafton, the "Jacaranda city", is the major business and service centre for the Clarence Valley. It is located approximately 630 kilometres north of Sydney and 340km south of the scenic and sunny state capital Brisbane. It can be found easily in a car hire vehicle by following the major east coast highway, the Pacific Highway.
Its tree lined avenues and boulevards, and historic buildings are reminiscent of a genteel English town. This is no surprise considering that Grafton was one of the major beneficiaries of the timber industry during its peak. Thanks to the Clarence River the 'red gold', as the timber was called, was easily transported from the rainforest to the ocean faring vessels which transported it far and wide. There are several museums in town which showcase the town's historical significance and allow visitors to easily discover the rich and fascinating history of the area.
While there are several events held in Grafton throughout the year the Jacaranda Festival in spring is easily one of Grafton's most unique attractions. During the spring months the Jacaranda trees which line many of the prominent boulevards burst into bloom which transforms the city into a purple dreamscape. As the flowers fall from the trees the streets become lined with purple flowers adding to the charm and character of the 19th century architecture which can be found all over the city. A drive around Grafton's scenic tree lined streets makes a welcome break on a car rental driving holiday.
Grafton is home to a thriving creative community with a wide range of arts and crafts groups. In fact there are dozens of studios, arts & crafts galleries, antiques and collectible stores. Grafton is a lovely, relaxed place to visit and makes an ideal base camp for exploration of the greater Clarence Valley area.
Yamba & Iluka
Driving in your car hire vehicle approximately 50km north east of Grafton along the Pacific Highway are the twin coastal towns of Yamba & Iluka. These two small towns sit across from each other on the mouth of the Clarence River.
While these two towns have been sleepy seaside towns for many years it is only recently with the aging baby boomer population that these towns have started to grow and attract attention.
Yamba in particular has benefited from these shifting demographics as retirees seek out greener pastures and a more relaxed way of life upon retirement. Yamba is now a desirable place to both live and to visit on holiday. It is the major coast centre of the Clarence Valley and offers a good range of dining establishments, clubs, pubs, quiet beaches, friendly locals and laid back atmosphere that keeps people coming back year after year.
Wooli
Wooli is a small and sleepy resort town which sits at the southern end of the Yuraygir National Park. This park is one of the few remaining littoral (coastal) rainforests that existing in Australia. The combination of pristine rainforests right next to the long stretches of deserted beaches is a rare privilege, and one that people travel from far and wide to experience.
The park itself is crisscrossed with a number of rivers and streams which are the lifeblood of the native wildlife population. The pristine waters of the Wooli river are reputed to be the most unpolluted in Australia as it flows entirely through National Park. A number of paved roads lead into the park and terminate at campgrounds and holiday townships. Why not give your car rental driving a rest and immerse yourself in the rainforest?
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