It is known by many names: The North Coast, the furthest eastern point of Australia, whoop whoop, Clarence Valley, the countryside outback, the middle of nowhere. However, its most significant meaning to me is as my hometown, where I grew up. This place has been my home for many years. I still remember the day my parents acquired this overgrown forest of land in the back of Ashby, with just one little wooden shack on it. The shack didn't last long, and only an old desk remained. But what did last were the memories my family created on those 180 acres, which included rainforests and waterfalls. And that was only the beginning...
I often come down here to visit my parents, as this is still their home. There are many wonderful places around:
Yamba: Yamba is a beautiful locality in northern New South Wales, Australia, situated at the mouth of the Clarence River. It has a rich history, with the first European visitor being Matthew Flinders, who spent six days in Yamba Bay in July 1799. In fact, in 2009, Yamba was voted the number one town in Australia by Australian Traveller Magazine.
Angourie: Angourie Beach holds great significance for recreational surfing and was declared a National Surfing Reserve in 2007, making it the second site in Australia to receive this recognition. It is a popular spot visited by some of the world's best surfers.
Iluka: Iluka boasts long beaches along the ocean side of the river. One of its remarkable features is the world heritage-listed littoral rainforest, which is one of the few remaining in the Southern Hemisphere. This rainforest encompasses a diverse range of plant species, ranging from coastal dune plants to tropical rainforest species.
Maclean: Maclean is renowned for its annual Maclean Highland Gathering, a tradition that has been carried on for over 100 years during the Easter weekend. The gathering features traditional Scottish athletic and cultural competitions, including caber tossing, highland dancing, band competitions, and bagpiping. Maclean is often referred to as "Maclean, The Scottish Town In Australia Association."
These places offer unique experiences and are worth exploring when you're in the area.
When you eventually visit this place, and you will someday, remember that it offers a lifestyle that isn't focused on fast-paced action. You'll relish the experience of savoring your third cup of coffee at a local café while getting to know all the friendly locals. Take the time to go for a refreshing swim in one of the many pristine beaches in the area, or embark on a rejuvenating nature walk in the national parks. You can also seize the opportunity to kayak along the mighty Clarence River or venture out into the ocean.
Engage in fishing until you can't carry any more fish, and then reward yourself with a cold drink and a satisfying meal at the Pacific Hotel. And don't hesitate to do it all over again, this time adding a touch of sightseeing as you witness the whales and dolphins playfully frolicking beyond the break wall. Alternatively, you can venture inland to feed the kangaroos and observe a variety of captivating wildlife.
As the hours pass, you may find yourself convinced that days or even weeks have gone by, despite it only being 7 hours since you arrived. Time seems to slow down in this enchanting place, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in its beauty and tranquility.
