The peaceful village of Iluka lies on the northern entrance to the beautiful Clarence River and remains unspoilt over the years by massive coastal development. I remember my first visit to Iluka around 30 years ago and visiting the many beaches, bays and headlands to fish and swim. Time has not changed this beautiful village. After moving to the Clarence Valley almost 25 years ago, many weekends and holidays were spent at Woody Head, camping at this quiet, natural camping ground which is part of the Bundjalung National Park. It still remains a perfect place to camp with solar hot water, septic toilets and a kiosk but has no powered sites. The grassy foreshore makes for a very pleasant place to sit and read or picnic right beside the water. An excellent boat ramp enables fishermen to launch their boats in safety as it is sheltered by a natural lagoon. At nearby Shark Bay there is 4WD access to the beach with 16kms of beach, north to Evans Head allowing fishermen access, to find that perfect spot. From Woody Head it is only six kilometres into the village of Iluka, which boasts a 10-hole golf course and bowling club. The main street of Iluka (Charles Street) hosts a variety of quaint shops to peruse, along with cafes and a variety of other retail outlets. The Clarence River Fishermen’s Co-op situated at Iluka Bay is the place to go for a feed of fresh, locally caught fish and chips. Only a short distance from the co-op is the northern break wall and Iluka Beach, which is popular to both surfers and fishermen alike. Enjoy a stroll along the break wall early in the morning or late afternoon to see the fishing fleet coming or going. The Iluka Nature Reserve runs from the edge of the Iluka village north to the Iluka Bluff and is world heritage listed. It is said to be the largest remnant of littoral rainforest in NSW, as the rainforest obtains moisture from the nearby ocean, which is filtered by the sand. Walking tracks from Iluka Street and Crown Street meander through this nature reserve to the Iluka Bluff – wheel chair access is also available. A lookout and whale watching platform is available at Iluka Bluff as well as information about the rainforest, along with picnic and toilet facilities. The Iluka markets are held on the first Sunday of every month at the corner of Owen and Spencer Streets with a variety of items and wares for sale. A visit to Iluka can also be made via ferry, from Yamba. The ferry runs several times a day from the River Street, wharf in Yamba. Dolphins and jelly fish can often be observed during this relaxing cruise. So whether you are holidaying, live locally or just out for a weekend drive, Iluka has plenty to offer everyone.