CLARENCE TOWN, NSW
Clarence Town is a tiny village stretched across the rich river flats of the Williams River in the upper Hunter. While there’s not a whole lot going on in town, that’s exactly why you come here.
A little under 200 clicks north of Sydney and just 50km northwest of Newy, somehow this spot feels a billion miles from anywhere. The Williams River Caravan Park has a stack of flat, grassy waterfront sites to pitch up on, and all the facilities you need for a stress-zapping weekend away in the bush.
There’s driving options aplenty in most directions, with the Chichester State Forest’s gnarled logging tracks and Barrington Tops National Park’s lush hills less than 100km inland past Dungog and Gresford.
Bass fishing is the main game in town and there’s no shortage of them whatsoever in the Williams’ rich waters. Whether you stalk via paddle power or tinnie and outboard, you shouldn’t have any trouble tempting strikes from the feisty olive green natives.
STUFF TO DO
4WDING: Chichester State Forest’s southern boundary is only 70km to the north of Clarence Town. Access is via the Allyn River Road.
FISHING: The Williams River is one of the healthiest native bass fisheries in the Hunter region and anywhere in range of Sydney. While most fish are on the smaller side, their solid numbers make for a very viable proposition on trolled medium divers, surface lures, spinnerbaits, soft plastics and flies.
IMPORTANT INFO
LOCATION: Just under 200km north of Sydney, access is via the M1. After turning off the highway at Raymond Terrace, follow Raymond Terrace Road, Woodberry Road and Clarence Town Road into town.
CAMPING is available at the Williams River Caravan Park, with powered and unpowered sites plus a selection of onsite caravans and cabins. All facilities are provided including shower and toilet blocks, picnic tables, bins and drinking water. Unpowered sites cost $25 per night.
FUEL is available in Raymond Terrace and Newcastle, or further inland at Dungog.
MORE INFO is available at www.visitnsw.com
