Iluka Nature Reserve
Overview
Spectacular views, great birdwatching, and plenty of water activities, including surfing, swimming, snorkelling, and whale watching, make Iluka Nature Reserve perfect for a day trip or weekend retreat.
Read more about Iluka Nature Reserve
Located in the Northern Rivers region of NSW, Iluka Nature Reserve is a gateway to stunning coastline and World Heritage-listed rainforest. It’s 136ha in size, but packed with natural wonders.
Experience the peaceful rainforest as you stroll under tall canopy along Iluka Rainforest walking track. This is part of the largest remaining stand of littoral 'by the sea' rainforest in NSW, and supports over 140 bird species, and a variety of plants. Iluka is a very popular destination for avid birdwatchers and walkers alike.
Head to Iluka Bluff for spectacular views, a picnic by the beach and a chance to spot migrating whales heading north during the winter months. While you’re there, why not enjoy fishing and swimming by the beach and snorkelling around the rocky coastline?
With so much to do, why not camp or book a cottage at neighbouring Bundjalung National Park, to make the most of your visit.
Local alerts
For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/iluka-nature-reserve/local-alerts
Contact
- in the North Coast region
Iluka Nature Reserve is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
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Grafton office
02 6641 1500
Contact hours: Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm. - Level 4, 49 Victoria Street, Grafton NSW 2460
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Email: npws.clarence@environment.nsw.gov.au
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Grafton office
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Iluka Nature Reserve.
Map
Map legend
Getting there and parking
Get driving directions
From Grafton
- Drive north on the Pacific Highway for approximately 45 minutes
- Turn right onto Iluka Road and drive approximately 15 minutes to Iluka township
- Iluka Nature Reserve can be reached via Iluka village from Long Street or the Iluka Bluff picnic area
From Ballina
- Drive south on the Pacific Highway for approximately 60 minutes
- Turn left onto Iluka Road and drive approximately 15 minutes to Iluka township
- Iluka Nature Reserve can be reached via Iluka village from Long Street or the Iluka Bluff picnic area
By public transport
For information about public transport options, visit the NSW transport info website.
For information on Yamba-Iluka ferry times, visit Clarence River Ferries.
Best times to visit
There are lots of great things waiting for you in Iluka Nature Reserve. Here are some of the highlights.
Autumn
A great time to for a bit of beach fishing as the travelling winter species move closer to the shore.
Spring
Experience the spring fragrances of the rainforest and the diversity of local birdlife.
Summer
Head straight to Iluka Bluff and immerse yourself in the glistening waters - water activities like swimming, snorkelling and surfing await you.
Winter
Take in the panoramic views from Iluka Bluff and keep your eyes out for whales migrating north along the coast.
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
17°C and 27°C
Highest recorded
42.5°C
Winter temperature
Average
9°C and 20°C
Lowest recorded
2.7°C
Rainfall
Wettest month
March
Driest month
September
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
300mm
Maps and downloads
Prohibited
Pets
Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.
Smoking
NSW national parks are no smoking areas.
Nearby towns
Iluka (1 km)
Iluka is a peaceful and scenic town with superb fishing and beaches. A coastal village, it's set on the north side of the Clarence River mouth.
Yamba (42 km)
Yamba is a bustling holiday resort with a large fishing fleet. It's built around a headland at the mouth of the Clarence River.
Grafton (77 km)
Grafton is a gracious, historic city in the Clarence Valley farming district. It's situated on the broad Clarence River and surrounded by river flats.
Learn more
Iluka Nature Reserve is a special place. Here are just some of the reasons why:
World Heritage rainforest
Iluka Nature Reserve is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area - the most extensive strip of diverse rainforest anywhere on Earth. Iluka is also significant as it has the largest remaining stand of littoral 'by the sea' rainforest in New South Wales and over 180 unique species of plants. Experience this special ecosystem up close on the Iluka Rainforest walking trail and see this amazing variety of plant life for yourself.
- Iluka Rainforest walking track Iluka Rainforest walking track takes you on an easy stroll through lush rainforest. Unpack a picnic when you arrive at Iluka Bluff in Bundjalung National Park and enjoy stunning views and a swim.
- Sensing the rainforest Sensing the Rainforest is a school excursion in Iluka Nature Reserve for Stage 3 (Years 5-6) students focusing on Geography outcomes. Ranger-guided activities encourage students to experience the rainforest through their senses, describing the diverse features and characteristics this coastal Gondwanan rainforest environment.
- Sensing the rainforest Sensing the rainforest is a Stage 1 (Years 1–2) school excursion in Iluka Nature Reserve, focusing on HSIE Geography outcomes. Ranger-guided activities encourage students to experience the rainforest environment using their senses.
- Sensing the rainforest Sensing the Rainforest is a Stage 2 (Years 3–4) school excursion in Iluka Nature Reserve, focusing on Geography. Students examine features and characteristics of places and environments through guided, sensory activities and nature observation in the rainforest environment.
Water adventures
Nestled between the coastline and the Clarence River to its south and west, Iluka Nature Reserve has something to offer everyone who enjoys the water. Find a spot to throw in your fishing line from the beaches or rocky coastline, or indulge in a relaxed stroll along the river bank for the estuary fishers. And for those who want to immerse themselves in the glistening blue waters, there's great swimming, surfing and snorkelling at the beaches near Iluka Bluff. As humpback whales migrate north along the coastline in winter, you couldn't find a better spot than the lookout at Iluka Bluff to watch the ocean for its wonderful inhabitants. Pack a picnic, take in the stunning panoramic views, and expect to see a whale or two frolicking in the distance.
- Iluka Rainforest walking track Iluka Rainforest walking track takes you on an easy stroll through lush rainforest. Unpack a picnic when you arrive at Iluka Bluff in Bundjalung National Park and enjoy stunning views and a swim.
Birdwatcher's haven
It's not surprising that Iluka Nature Reserve and neighbouring Bundjalung National Park have become popular destinations for birdwatchers, with 144 bird species spotted in the area. You'll discover an array of birdlife in the rainforest as you wander under its mighty canopy. Look out for the barred cuckoo shrike or the varied thriller darting about in the trees. And if you head towards the sand and mud flats of the nearby Clarence River, there's another 85 species to spot.
- Iluka Rainforest walking track Iluka Rainforest walking track takes you on an easy stroll through lush rainforest. Unpack a picnic when you arrive at Iluka Bluff in Bundjalung National Park and enjoy stunning views and a swim.
- Sensing the rainforest Sensing the Rainforest is a school excursion in Iluka Nature Reserve for Stage 3 (Years 5-6) students focusing on Geography outcomes. Ranger-guided activities encourage students to experience the rainforest through their senses, describing the diverse features and characteristics this coastal Gondwanan rainforest environment.
- Sensing the rainforest Sensing the rainforest is a Stage 1 (Years 1–2) school excursion in Iluka Nature Reserve, focusing on HSIE Geography outcomes. Ranger-guided activities encourage students to experience the rainforest environment using their senses.
- Sensing the rainforest Sensing the Rainforest is a Stage 2 (Years 3–4) school excursion in Iluka Nature Reserve, focusing on Geography. Students examine features and characteristics of places and environments through guided, sensory activities and nature observation in the rainforest environment.
Education resources (1)
School excursions (3)
- Sensing the rainforest, Stage 3 (Years 5-6), Geography
- Sensing the rainforest, Stage 1 (Years 1-2), HSIE
- Sensing the rainforest, Stage 2 (Years 3-4), Geography
What we're doing
Iluka Nature Reserve has management strategies in place to protect and conserve the values of this park. Visit the OEH website for detailed park and fire management documents.