We are blessed with an abundance of beaches in the Clarence Valley, with sandy shores stretching from Woody Head in the north through to Wooli in the south.
In conjunction with Australian Lifeguard Services, we provide a beach patrol service to Clarence Valley beaches during the NSW and Queensland school holidays.
Volunteer surf life savers also patrol Main Beach, Yamba and Minnie Water on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays during the peak season, which runs from September to April.
Beachgoers should be able to quickly identify their lifeguard/s, as well as the safe swimming area and the flags, when they arrive at the beach.
Bluff Beach, Iluka
Iluka's Bluff Beach is a family-friendly beach zone which offers offers ample parking, picnic tables, toilets, information displays and access to a 2.5km rainforest walk. The picnic area has a whale watching platform that offers 360 degree views along the coast and inland over the treetops of the World Heritage Listed Iluka Nature Reserve Rainforest. It is sheltered from southerly winds and patrolled during the summer and Easter holidays.
Turners Beach, Yamba
Turner's Beach is a popular swimming and surfing beach that is patrolled during the summer season. Car parking, toilets and picnic facilities are all available, with shops and cafes nearby.
Pippi Beach, Yamba
Pippi Beach lies on the southern-exposed side of Yamba’s beachfront, and is popular for surfing, swimming and fishing. The northern end of the beach is patrolled during summer holidays and picnic tables, parking and toilet facilities are all available. Southern Pippi Beach also offers a leash free-area for dogs.
Main Beach, Yamba
With an ocean pool built into the rocks at its southern end, and regular patrols throughout the warmer months, Yamba’s Main Beach is a favourite among locals and visitors alike. It features well-considered disabled access, with parking, amenities and picnic tables.
Brooms Head
Brooms Head has a timeless quality about it, with uncrowded beaches and friendly locals. The main beach is great for surfers, fishermen and families, with ample parking and plenty of shaded space for picnics.
Minnie Water
Minnie Water's main beach is over a kilometre long. The northern half is popular with surfers, while the southern half is sheltered by reef and often used to launch fishing boats. Towards the north end is a reserve, which contains a hall, toilets, picnic area and the Minnie Water SLSC, plus a vehicle beach access track.
Wooli
With patrols in summer, Wooli Beach is safe for the whole family. The beach ends abruptly at a break wall that herds the Wooli Wooli River out to sea, and the southern corner is popular for fishing and surfing. It is also 4WD accessible.
Council's Beach Access and Vehicles on Beaches (PDF, 1MB)brochure relates to vehicle access on beaches controlled by Clarence Valley Council. Permits are required for all vehicles accessing beaches controlled by Clarence Valley Council, except those subject to exemption. See our Beach Access and Vehicles on Beaches Policy for guidelines on the management and regulation of vehicle access on council-controlled beaches.
Permits are available from:
- Council offices at 2 Prince St, Grafton, and 50 River St, Maclean
- The Bait Place, BP Yamba
- Brooms Head Holiday Park
- Iluka Riverside Holiday Park
- Minnie Water Holiday Park
- Wooli Holiday Park
- Wooli Post Office
- Always swim between the red and yellow flags - they mark the safest place to swim at the beach.
- Safety signs will help you identify potential dangers and daily conditions.
- If possible, talk to a surf lifesaver or lifeguard about surf conditions before entering the water.
- Swim with a friend, and make sure children are always supervised by an adult.
- If you get into trouble in the water, stay calm, raise your arm to signal for help. Float with a current or rip - don't try and swim against it.
For information on rip currents and more, visit the Beachsafe website.
Over spring and summer, Australia’s beach-nesting birds lay their eggs in a shallow scrape in the sand and raise their chicks amongst the hustle and bustle of our busy beaches.
There are a few simple steps you can take to help keep beach-nesting birds safe:
- Look out for bird nesting signs or roped-off nesting areas on the beach and follow the advice.
- Walk your dogs on dog-friendly beaches only and always keep them on a leash unless you’re on a designated off-leash beach.
- Only drive on designated beaches if your vehicle has a beach access permit and keep below the high tide mark.
- When you’re near a nesting area, stick to the wet sand and give the birds plenty of space.