Iluka Naturally
Located in the Northern Rivers region of NSW, Iluka is situated a 17km drive off the Pacific Highway, 77km north of Grafton and 95kim south of Ballina. Nestling idyllically on the northern mouth of the mighty Clarence River, Iluka is surrounded by the Bundjalung National Park, a World Heritage listed rainforest and the South Pacific Ocean.
Iluka was proclaimed a township in 1885 and still offers a lifestyle and holiday destination that is a throwback to the past. With a permanent population of around 1,800, Iluka has so far avoided the over commercialised coastal development that now characterises many seaside destinations, enabling it to offer a truly relaxing holiday experience centred on water based activities and walking - the latter can also be enjoyed as an aspect of a game of bowls or round of golf at the local clubs
1885
WAS PROCLAIMED
A TOWN
140km
NORTH OF
COFFS HARBOUR
95km
SOUTH OF
BALLINA
1,800
APPROXIMATE POPULATION
Commercial fishing has been the lifeblood of Iluka and the local fleet plies its trade from the Iluka harbour returning with its catch to the local fishing co-operative. Recreational fishing in Iluka is excellent and well renowned, with an abundance of good fishing spots along the river, ocean shore or accessible by boat, but be warned, you may have to compete with resident dolphins and pelicans for your catch.
Iluka is also home to the largest remnant of seaside (littoral) rainforest in NSW. The rainforest is a World Heritage site and shares the same classification as other UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Uluru, The Great Barrier Reef and The Grand Canyon. It is easily enjoyed via a gentle, well defined walking track that meanders through the forest and facilitates access for the disabled. The rainforest obtains moisture from the ocean that is filtered by the sand and supports rich vegetation and abundanct bird life. Iluka is a haven for Australian fauna with coastal kangaroos and many rare species of birds.
There are excellent surfing and swimming beaches including a netted area in Iluka Bay and there is 4WD access (permit required) to many kilmetres of unspoilt beach in and around Iluka. Surfing is best adjacent to the Northern Break Wall or at Iluka Bluff where the more energetic can walk up to the spectacular lookout and enjoy the view or watch for whales oo their annual breeding migration.
Iluka offers a wide range of visitor accommodation from motel to caravan park, from swish self catering apartment to tent and although you will not find any shopping malls in Iluka, you will find retail outlets offering all you need to survive, including a local pub, butcher, supermarket, bakers, cafes, gift shops, post office, newsagent and a chemist.