Holiday houses in Iluka

Iluka is a small peaceful town on the North Coast of New South Wales near the border with Queensland. Life in Iluka largely revolves around the water, with the mighty Pacific Ocean on one side and the Clarence River — the largest on Australia’s east coast — on the other. It is surrounded by kilometres of empty beaches and UNESCO World Heritage-listed rainforests, including one of the last remaining littoral rainforest areas in the Southern Hemisphere.

Iluka is blessed with sandy coves and the long and lovely Bluff Beach, which is sheltered from the winds of the Pacific by the Iluka Bluff, making it an ideal place for swimming. The beach sweeps over one kilometre north to Frazers Reef, a secluded spot for swimming and snorkelling. It’s a short walk from here to the river’s break wall, a popular spot for surfing. Iluka offers cafes and shops, as well as gift stores and galleries, but if you are craving a little more action, the larger bustling town of Yamba is just a short ferry ride across the river.

Iluka is a beautiful place to visit almost any time of the year. Spring and autumn will offer warm sunny days and balmy nights perfect for enjoying all the outdoor activities on offer. In September the Yamba Gourmet Street Food Truck Festival takes place just over the river from Iluka. Take the short ferry ride and enjoy more than 35 food stalls and live music. In winter you will experience milder weather, but the days are still filled with sunshine. Summer in Iluka is great for spending long days at the beach. Just make sure you are prepared for the high humidity during this time of year. Whenever you decide to visit, you’ll find Iluka accommodation options to suit all styles and budgets.

Iluka Rainforest Walking Track

Take the 2.6-kilometre walk through lush rainforest all the way up to Iluka Bluff lookout. The track takes you under a canopy of prehistoric trees, forming part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage area that preserves the planet’s oldest flora. After a light stroll, you’ll arrive at Iluka Bluff Lookout where you’ll get panoramic views of the area. In the winter months, this is a great spot for whale watching too.

Bundjalung National Park

Located just to the north of Iluka, the Bundjalung National Park boasts gorgeous beaches, lagoons, and waterways which make for excellent kayaking, snorkelling, surfing, and swimming. In the central part of the park, there are wetlands which are home to a diverse range of birds and wildlife. The park also has several walking tracks to explore, including the Jerusalem Creek track for beginners or the more advanced Evans Head track.

Iluka Markets

The friendly and relaxed Iluka markets take place on the first Sunday of each month at the picturesque Iluka Sports Ground. Take a slow wander through the stalls of local producers and makers, who offer unique locally-inspired art, original crafts and woodwork, handmade jewellery, locally produced soaps, cakes, preservatives, and treats.