| Iluka
is a small fishing village set on the northern bank of the mighty
Clarence River where it enters the Pacific Ocean. It's off the tourist
track, fifteen minutes by road from the Pacific Highway.
Across the river on the southern bank, is Yamba, accessible
by a passenger ferry. Larger towns in the region include Ballina,
Byron Bay and Lismore an hour or so to the north and north west,
and Grafton and Coffs Harbour about as far away to the south. Surrounded by river, national park and Pacific Ocean, Iluka is well
suited to people who want beauty, peace and relaxation. There are
no high rises, no crowds and no designer label shops. Well – we
lied about the crowds. The bird life is prolific, and it's
often up close: sea birds, birds of the forest and heath,
parrots dressed to kill. You can spot ospreys, sea eagles, kites
and emus. Also
to be seen around town: wallabies, echidnas, koalas, goannas.
Watch for dolphins – they're in the bay, in the river
and at the beach. If you're really lucky, they'll share a wave
with you when you're surfing. Whale watchers can spot whales
heading past in spring.
Iluka's facilities include small but well stocked supermarkets,
a bottle shop, a butcher, a post office, a couple of delis, a couple
of bakeries, a chemist and a doctor. There are a couple of service
stations. EFTPOS is available at a number of the shops. The local
fishermen's co-op is famous for its just-caught seafood. The
Iluka pub is well known for its view and the local seafood,
and you can also eat well at the clubs: bowling and golf.
For a wider range of restaurants, catch the ferry over
to Yamba, which is larger and more bustling.
|
Clarence
River, Iluka – waterfront
location; close to beach & World Heritage national
park
