Attractions
Iluka offers loads of
things to see and do. Here are some suggestions to get
you started:
Iluka
Nature Reserve
The World Heritage listed
Iluka Nature Reserve contains the largest remnant of
seaside (littoral) rainforest in NSW. This rainforest
obtains moisture from the nearby ocean, filtered by the
sand, and it supports rich vegetation and abundant bird
and animal life.
Visitors and local
residents alike enjoy walking through the Reserve to
marvel at some of nature's finest work. The rainforest
contains a diversity of plants and animals. Common birds
to see along the walk include the Rufous Fantail, Lewin's
Honeyeater, Eastern Yellow Robin, White-browed Scrubwren
and the Golden Whistler.
The southern entrance to
the walking track is in Long Street. The northern
entrance is at the Iluka Bluff picnic area. The track
itself is 2.5km (one-way). A circuit can be created by
returning via Iluka Beach. The track is easy to walk and
a section in the north is wheelchair
accessible.
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Bundjalung
National Park
The Bundjalung National
Park, named after the Aboriginal tribe, which occupied
this area, stretches from the northern edge of lluka to
Evans Head. Colourful parrots and other wildlife regard
Iluka as an extension of the park and their presence
delights visitors and residents.
NSW National Parks &
Wildlife Service guided ranger programs are conducted
during many school holidays (information and brochures
available from visitor information centres). Vehicle
entrance fees apply to all areas other than Iluka Bluff.
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Iluka
Bluff & Whale Watching Platform
The town's best surfing
beach is at Iluka Bluff, which can be reached by a short
drive or via the rainforest walking track. There is a
splendid lookout, whale watch platform and rainforest
display here (NPWS entry fees do not apply). The views
from the whalewatch platform include Yamba and the river
mouth and extend north across many beaches and bays. A
whale watching brochure is available from Visitor
Centres.
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Picnic
Areas & Playgrounds
Picnic areas have been
established at Shark Bay, Frazers Reef, Iluka Bluff and
Back Beach and at Woody Head there is a camping area with
public boat ramp and kiosk (NPWS fees apply).
Within the town, Rotary
Park at the western tip of the Bay, is a shady picnic
area beside the netted swimming area. Charlie Ryan Park,
near the boatshed, has a sandy beach and children's play
equipment. The park at the Spenser St boat ramp has
BBQ's, covered picnic tables and is a beautiful
waterfront area.
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Sport
& Recreation
Emus and wallabies are
natural hazards on the Iluka golf course. The Bowling
Club has a Chinese restaurant and playing fields and
tennis courts are adjacent to this club.
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River
Ferry
The Iluka-Yamba
ferry provides many passenger services every day
and visitors take advantage of this very
affordable, scenic crossing between the two
major resort towns of the Clarence. They also
have regular river cruises. Watch for the wild
dolphins at play in the Bay.
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Seafood
The Iluka boat harbour is
homeport to a large commercial trawler fleet. This area
is a bustle of activity from dawn as the boats return and
unload the evening's catch.
Fresh seafood can be
purchased from the Clarence River Fishermen's Cooperative
shop.
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Surfing
& Beaches
There are
excellent surfing and swimming beaches around
Iluka, including Iluka Bluff, Back Beach,
Frazers Reef and Woody Head. There is a netted,
family swimming area with playground and picnic
facilities in Charlie Ryan Park at the western
tip of Iluka Bay.
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Wombah
Coffee Plantation
The plantation is just
4km from the Pacific Highway along the Iluka Road. It is
open during weekends, public and school holidays from
10am to 5pm. The coffee house serves the local coffee,
herbal teas, iced coffee and fabulous devonshire teas.
