Sailing and Cruising Guide Web

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RIVER OF ADVENTURE

YAMBA TO GRAFTON

wwwclarencetourismcom


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100km of sailing, cruising and boating adventure and

100 islands to explore on the spectacular Clarence River.

contentsIntroduction.1

Getting.to.the.Clarence.2

About.the.Clarence.2

Yamba.to.Maclean.4

. Map:.Yamba.to.Maclean.8

Maclean.to.Ulmarra. 10

. Map:.Maclean.to.Ulmarra. 12

Ulmarra.to.Rogans.Bridge. 14

. Map:.Ulmarra.to.Rogans.

Bridge. 15

Rogans.Bridge.to.Yamba. 18

The.Broadwater. 19

Lake.Wooloweyah. 20

Credits. 21

Clarence.River.Map,.General.

Boating.&.Emergency.Information. Liftout


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Welcome to the Clarence, an area of

astonishing beauty with lush farmlands,

rich rainforests and golden beaches.

One of the dominant features of the

region is the mighty Clarence River, a river

of adventure. With 100 chartered islands

it is the second largest river in Australia

with over 400km of prisne water from

source to sea.

This guide will assist you to plan your

adventure with suggested routes, points of

interest and details of river infrastructure.

It does not however, provide detailed

navigaon of the river and it is

recommended that electronic C Maps

or Chart No. 222 of the Clarence River

and Approaches is obtained for accurate

depths of the river system. Alternavely,

the guide book Cruising the NSW Coast

6th edion by Alan Lucas contains some

very useful informaon on depths and

navigaon of the Clarence.

Once used as a major trade route, the

river is now used primarily for leisure. The

broad waters of the lower river are ideal

for sailing, boang or shing where the

upper reaches and the many tributaries

oer excellent canoeing, kayaking and

shing opportunies.

The river becomes a focal point for the

many river based fesvals that take

place each year including, the Bridge

to Bridge Ski Race, Head of the River

Rowing Regaa, the Bridge to Breakers

Sailing regaa, Dragon Boat races and Pro

Wakeboard Championships to name a

few. Please check NSW Marime website

www.marime.nsw.gov.au or call 02 66461852 for restricons during these mes.

The sailing guide details facilies such as

marinas, jees, pontoons, boat ramps,

fuel and the idencaon of hazards such

as bridges and overhead cables.

For further informaon on acvies,

accommodaon and events in the

Clarence, call 02 6642 4677 or visit

www.clarencetourism.com.


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getting.to.the.clarence

by roadRecent upgrades to the Pacic Highway

have signicantly shortened the drive from

Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Yamba is

only four hours drive south from Brisbane

and a bit over three from the Gold Coast.

From the south at Port Macquarie, it is

only four and half hours drive.

by airRex Airlines has direct ights to the

Graon Airport. Airports are also located

at Cos Harbour (50 minutes drive

to Graon) or Ballina (1 hour drive to

Yamba).

about.the.clarence

logistical information

River descripons and maps of boangroutes with GPS coordinates, campsite

opons, points of interest and towns with

amenies are to be found in this guide.

The Clarence Tourism website www.

clarencetourism.com can provide further

informaon on:

Accommodaon, hotels, restaurants

and other amenies

Regional suppliers who can provide

full support and advice for your trip

Boat and equipment hire

Yamba Marina has facilies for euent

disposal, fresh water and fuel. Details are

available on the website

www.yambamarina.com.au .

charts for the clarence

Corrected charts for the Clarence Riverand Approaches (222) can be purchased

from Boat Books in either Brisbane (07

3229 6427 or freecall 1800 773 458) or

Sydney (02 9439 1133). Non-corrected

charts are available from Yamba Marina

(02 6646 9898). C-Maps of the Clarence

are also available from Jeppesen (02 9808

6200).

tides and adjustmentsThe des for Yamba & Iluka are the same

as for Sydney. Over-run connues for

approximately 2 hours aer high de and

2 aer low de.

High Tide Low Tide

Maclean: 2 hrs Maclean: 2 hrsBrushgrove: 3 hrs Ulmarra: 5 hrs

Ulmarra/Graon: 4 hrs Graon: 5 hrs.


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campsitesPublic campsites are not available on

the Lower Clarence. Camp at one of

the nominated caravan parks or seek

permission to camp on private land.

Rivers can rise unexpectedly; ensure you

are camping well clear of the river.

environmentSustainable environmental pracces

are strongly advocated by the Clarence

community. Ensure you think carefully

about your acons and minimise your

footprint when vising our Valley.

accommodation and foodMany bed & breakfasts, hotels,

apartments and holiday rentals in the

Clarence have river frontage and private

jees. Public pontoons have also been

strategically installed to allow access to

many waterfront villages and towns with

cafes, museums and galleries. Private

pontoons allow access to riverside pubs

and restaurants.


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yamba.to.maclean 1

Take some me to explore the populartown of Yamba, there are some excellent

facilies on the river at the Marina (GPS

29deg,26.144min.S 153deg,20.888min.E).

There is a small public wharf at the far

end of Yamba Channel (GPS 29deg,25

.994min.S 153deg,21.577min.E) which

is suitable for shallow dra vessels and

tenders. The jey is available to set down

and pick up passengers, but movements ofthe ferry need to be observed. The jey is

available adjacent to Ford Park which has

a cycle way and picnic/bbq facilies.

Yamba Bay Park (GPS 29deg,26.028min.S

153deg,20.617min.E) has a small jey

and boat ramp with a sh cleaning area,

picnic, bbq, toilet and boat wash down

facilies which is suitable for nnies andtenders and vessels with shallow dra and

is a short walk to the picturesque village

of Yamba which is a popular desnaon

for tourists with some great beaches,

bouque shopping with galleries and a

lively cafe and restaurant scene.

Cruise out of Yamba Marina and across

to the town of Iluka following themarked channel around Dart Island

and through the hole in Middle Wall, adeep but relavely narrow channel (GPS

29deg,25.514min.S 153deg,21.071min.E).

You can enter the bay at the Marina via

boom hole (GPS 29deg,24.999min.S

153deg,21.093min.E) where there is

a pontoon (GPS 29deg,24.777min.S

153deg,21.229min.E) close to the Sedgers

Reef Hotel or at the northern end of the

bay where you can anchor-o. The CharlieRyan Park has BBQ, picnic facilies, toilets

and play equipment (please note that this

is an alcohol free zone). A short walking

track along the bay leads back to the

marina.

Leaving Iluka, cruise past Freeburn Island

with Goodwood Island to your North.

There is an excellent shing area knownas Browns Rocks adjacent to Browns

Rocks Caravan Park. This wharf is strictly

commercial and private vessels should not

berth alongside or anchor in its vicinity.

Connue up to Harwood and under the

bridge spanning the Pacic Highway (GPS

29deg,25.814min.S 153deg,14.444min.E)

height and opening informaon arelisted below. Aer the bridge is a public

jey where you can stop to explore near

the Harwood Hotel, locally called the

Harwood Hilton (GPS 29deg,25.678min.S

153deg,14.358min.E). There is also a

general store, Post Oce & public phone.

Connue upriver to the Scosh heritage

town of Maclean to explore the local

cafes, galleries, pubs and museums.

There is an overnight mooring available at

Maclean marina (GPS 29deg,27.277min.S


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153deg,11.792min.E) with picnic, bbq

power, drinking water and toilet facilies.

Fuel can be carted from the Clarence River

Fishermens CoOp where there is a small

chandlery. In addion, there is a public

wharf with a jey (GPS 29deg,27.478min.S

153deg,11.745min.E) and a boat rampthat can be used to access the CBD.

startYamba Marina, Yamba Rd, Yamba. (GPS

29deg,26.144min.S 153deg,20.888min.E).

2wd suitable.

finishMaclean Public Wharf, Wharf St,

Maclean (GPS 29deg,27.478min.S

153deg,11.745min.E). 2wd suitable.

river distance27km.

recommended craftAny.

hazards River bar at Yamba and Iluka - navigate

with care. Wearing life jackets is

compulsory.

Harwood Bridge - clearance above

MHWS (Mean High Water Springs) is

8.5m closed and 36.5m open. Bridge

is available for opening 7 days a week

with 24 hours noce. However there

will be days where the bridge will not

be able to li during peak mes over

public holidays. Ph (02) 6682 8388 to

book bridge opening.

McFarlane Bridge Clearance 3.6mabove MHWS.

Brushgrove Bridge Clearance 7.6m

above MHWS.

Please note: Yamba and Iluka marinas

provide the only direct access to fuel via

pumps, portable containers are required

for other locaons.

fishingThere is excellent shing available in the

Above: The Yamba Marina at dawn.


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Clarence. Top spots include:

Yamba Point

Yamba Breakwall

Middle Wall

Moriartys Wall

Old ferry approach, Iluka

Browns Rocks Gantry Wall

Collis Wall

Freeburn Island

boat hireBoats are available for hire at Yamba and

Iluka Marina with cruises and shing

charters available from Yamba Marina.Houseboats are available for hire from

Brushgrove.

accommodationThere is quality accommodaon to suit all

styles and budgets, with luxury resorts,

motels, self contained apartments and

caravan parks, many with direct wateraccess and private jees.

mapsNSW Marime Clarence River Waterways

Map, Graon 1:100,000.

points of interest

Yamba

Yamba Ford Park picnic and BBQ

area and cycle way and Yamba

Bay Park Public Wharf Yamba Marina and Cafe

Historical Flat and Hill walks

around Yamba

Pilot Hill and Lighthouse

Yamba Storyhouse Museum

Award winning cafes and

restaurants

Iluka

Iluka Bay picnic & BBQ area

World Heritage listed Rainforest

Walking Track

Iluka Blu lookout

Maclean

Scosh town of Maclean

Bicentennial Museum and

Stone Coage

200 tartan decorated power

poles

Below: The Clarence River near McFarlane Bridge, Maclean. John Warrell


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N

Note: For informationon Harwood Bridgephone Bridge Operatorduring business hours(02) 6682-8388. Bridgenot opened weekendsexcept in emergency.

Serpentine Channelis navigable with cautionfor small craft.

See Note.

8.5 closed.36.5 open.

MACLEAN


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Note: Oyster Channel andWooloweyah Lagoon are very

shallow and should be navigatedwith caution. Ramps shown inthe area are unformed. 4WD isrecommended.

ILUKA

YAMBA


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maclean.to.ulmarra 2

Leaving Maclean, the Clarence divides

forming the largest inland island in the

southern hemisphere, Woodford Island.

The main channel is the northernarm heading south-westerly past The

Broadwater and on to the village of

Lawrence with a riverside pub and a

general store for supplies. The Memorial

Park at Lawrence (GPS 29deg,30.025min.S

153deg,06.084min.E) is well equipped

with a public jey, boat ramp, toilets,

picnic, bbq and play equipment. Across

the road from Rutland Street is a popularbird watching spot in the wetland area.

The Southern arm of the river at Maclean

is narrow, but a generally deep channel

suitable for low masted vessels and motor

boats. There are xed bridges at either

end, the McFarlane Bridge has a clearance

of 3.6m and the bridge at Brushgrove has

a clearance of 7.6m, but there are alsomany low cables that span the river. There

is a short stay pontoon at the Ferry Park

Complex which has picnic areas, toilets,

Visitor Informaon Centre, local arts andcra gallery and cafe on the river bank

before rejoining the main river aer the

bridge at Brushgrove.

Please note that there are no navigaon

leads in this channel.

Upstream from Lawrence is Sportsmans

Creek, this water can be accessed by boats

that can clear the bridge at 4.4 metres,

but you must return to the main channel

to connue.

Further up the river, Brushgrove oers

another rusc hotel diversion with its

own jey for use by patrons (overnight

stays can be accommodated with

permission) (GPS 29deg,34.074min.S

04deg,20.646min.E). At the southernend of Woodford Island, near Brushgrove,

there are houseboats available for hire.

Connue up river to explore the historic

river port town of Ulmarra with its

galleries, anque, brick-a-brack shops,

cafes and the local pub. Memorial Park

at Ulmarra (GPS 29deg,37.854min.S

153deg,01.608min.E) is equipped with ajey, boat ramp and is close to Bailey Park

which has a swimming pool, picnic/bbq

and toilet facilies. Please note that the

ferry from Ulmarra to Southgate enters

a small inlet on the Southgate side and

cannot be seen.

startMaclean Public Wharf, Wharf St, Maclean2wd suitable (GPS 29deg,27.466min.S

153deg,11.733min.E).

Above: View down southern arm of the river at Woodford Is.


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finish

Ulmarra Public Wharf, Coldstream

Rd, Ulmarra 2wd suitable (GPS

29deg,37.854min.S 153deg,01.608min.E)

river distance29km.

recommended craftAny on main channel.

Low masted boats only on the Southern

Arm.

hazards Blu Point and Southgate ferries

(speed limit of 4 knos within 100m).

Southern Arm xed bridges:

MacFarlane Bridge 3.6m and

Brushgrove 7.6m.

Nine pin Rocks at the entrance to thesouthern arm (exposed at low de).

Wreck of the Moongi just downstream

from Ashby dry dock.

Rock Reef, north of Brushgrove.


Map, Graon 1:100,000.

points of interest

Maclean Ferry Park Complex

Lawrence riverside pub - Public

Wharf

Lawrence Historical Museum Birdwatching at Lawrence

wetland and Woodford Island

Fishing at Lawrence & Ilarwill

Brushgrove riverside Hotel

small jey

Ulmarra - Public Wharf to

explore galleries, cafes & pub

Below: The river villages of Brushgrove & Cowper at Woodford Island The Daily Examiner


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N

M

ACLEAN


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ULMA

RRA


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ulmarra.to.rogans.bridge 3

points of interest

Corcoran Park - BBQs and park -

jey aer 9.3 km from Ulmarra

Memorial Park

Historic shopping precinct at

South Graon to explore shops,

cafes, pubs - Public Wharf

Stop at Graon for shops and

pubs - Prince St Wharf

Susan Island bat colony and

rainforest

Wreck of the SS Induna, 200

metres upstream from Graon

Bridge, visible from both the

bridge and river

Seelands

Aer 29.6 km you can pull

over at Moleville Rocks Public

Reserve to see some Aboriginal

Grinding Groves or use the park

BBQs - anchor o.

On approaching Elizabeth Island, themain channel heads south-westerly

across a narrow, but deep channel. Aer

rounding Elizabeth Island you will nd

Corcoran Park (GPS 29deg,40.552min.S

152deg,57.221min.E) which has a jey

and boat ramp, picnic/bbq facilies with

power available (key required) and toilets.

It is a very popular park and is an o-leash

area for dogs.

The best place to anchor before the

Graon Bridge for tall masted vessels is at

Girl Guide Place (GPS 29deg,41.757min.S

152deg,56.676min.E) where there is a jey,

boat ramp and a small park. From here you

can easily explore the city of Graon.

The river takes a broad bend aroundGraon and passes under the historic

Graon Bridge (GPS 29deg,41.810min.S

152deg,56.526min.E) which now has a

xed span of 6.6 metres. Graon, the rst

city on the north coast was established

in 1837 and proclaimed a city in 1859.

Its majesc streets, historic buildings,

regional gallery and vibrant shopping

precinct are worth exploring, especiallyduring the annual Jacaranda fesval when

the city is carpeted in purple blooms.

When passing the bridge it is possible to

see the wreck of the Induna, built in 1891

in Aberdeen (GPS 29deg,42.003min.S

152deg,56.416min.E). This vessel was used

as a rail ferry before it sank at mooring in

1932. The Indunas prior claim to fameis that it on one of its voyages carried it

carried Sir Winston Churchill from South

Africa to England during the Boer War.

Above: River tranquily near Ulmarra Terry Dwyer


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WARNING: Overhead and submarinecables and pipes cross these waterwaysat various locations and are usuallyindicated by warning notices on the shore.Caution should be exercised at all timeswhile navigating in the vicinity of thesecrossings.

Note: Some launching ramps shown hereonare private and a fee maybe charged for use.

Caution:SubmergedRocks.

Note: Bridge clearance heightsshown in RED are in metresabove mean high water. Noskiing or aquaplaning in thevicinity of any bridge.

Caution: Rowers use these waterways.Be careful of your wash.

Note: A speed limit of 4 knotsmust be observed when within100 metres of any dredge,floating plant, ferry or puntworking with chains and wires.

N

ULMARRA

GRAFTON

Caution: Overhead cables21m above Mean HighWater Springs.

Caution: Numerous submarinecable crossings in this area.


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South Graon located on the easternriverbank has small marina (GPS 29deg,42

.031min.S 152deg,56.122min.E) and

provides access alfresco dining and a laid

back shopping experience.

Memorial Park on the northern side of

Graon has a wharf/jey suitable for large

water vessels and is equipped with picnic

facilies, toilets, power, drinking waterand also has a cycle and walking track.

Susan Island Nature Reserve has a large

bat colony and remnant of rainforest

and is worth exploring. It is home to

thousands of ying foxes that roost on

the island to raise their young and feed in

nearby forests during summer. The island

has a small wharf and is accessible onlyby boat. There is a short walking track

through the reserve on the western end

of the island which takes you through the

lowland rainforest remnant and beneaththe bat colony. Look out for the wreck

on the northern side of the island where

parts of the boiler are visible, it is thought

that the wreck is of a cream boat the

Ibis (GPS 29deg,40.719min.S 152deg,54

.770min.E).

The broad, open waters around Seelands

are popular with water skiers. RogansBridge (GPS 29deg,37.237min.S

152deg,53.091min.E) is a low-level bridge

of approximately 2 metres depending

on river heights that provides a barrier

to further river exploraon and can be

anchored o.

startUlmarra Public Wharf, ColdstreamRd, Ulmarra (GPS 29deg,37.854min.S

153deg,01.608.E) 2wd suitable.


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finishRogans Bridge, Rogans Bridge Rd,

Seelands. (GPS 29deg,37.237min.S,

152deg,53.091min.E) (anchor o) 2wd

suitable.

river distance37 km.

recommended craftAny.

hazards Shoals around Swan Creeks ood gate.

Graon Bridge (vessels with masts

should check heights).


Map, Graon 1:100,000.

Above: The Graon Bridge spanning the Clarence John Warrell

Below: Susan Island, Graon John Warrell


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rogans.bridge.to.yamba 4

Larger vessels and those with tall mastsshould return to Yamba via the main

channel or use their tenders to explore the

many channels in the area.

For small vessels with a dra of less than

1 metre, there is an opportunity to leave

the main river to navigate the North Arm

just past Ashby, although there are no

navigaon aids. The river divides again atWarregah Island, Back Channel to the west

of the island is extremely shallow and

should be avoided.

On the right, o North Arm, is the shallow

but scenic Serpenne Channel. The

North Arm connues around Goodwood

Island and rejoins the main channel near

Freeburn Island before returning to Yambaor Iluka.

Smaller nnies could leave the main

channel at Freeburn Island for the

Romiaka Channel around Thorny Island

and Romiaka Island into the Micalo

Channel to the shallow Lake Wooloweyah.

Or alternavely smaller motor boats can

leave the main channel at Freeburn Islandfor Oyster Channel. The Oyster Channel

Bridge clearing is 3.7 metres and the water

is shallow and care should be taken.

startRogans Bridge, Rogans Bridge Rd,

Seelands. (GPS 29deg,37.237min.S,

152deg,53.091min.E) 2wd (anchor o).

finishYamba Marina, Yamba Rd, Yamba. (GPS

29deg,26.144min.S, 153deg,20.888min.E)

2wd suitable.

river distance93 km plus (dependant on route chosen).

recommended craftMain channel - Any.

Southern Arm detour, The Broadwater and

Lake Wooloweyah - small motor boats,

low masted vessels with shallow dra.

hazards Graon Bridge (6.6 metres).

Narrow and shallow Serpenne

channel.

Pacic Hwy Bridge over North Arm (3.6

metres).

Wharf St bridge over North Arm (4.5

metres). Yamba Road bridge over Oyster

Channel (3.7 metres).

points of interest Fishing in Oyster Channel

The Broadwater

Lake Wooloweyah

Eagle nesng on power poles

opposite Ilarwill


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the.broadwater5

From the Clarence River a couple ofkilometres upstream of Maclean, you can

enter the large enclosed lagoon of The

Broadwater which consists largely of shal-

low water with a deeper, unmarked chan-

nel towards the eastern bank that would

be accessible to smaller yachts and nnies

or with local knowledge of the channel.

Not far from the entrance is the hulk of an

old sugar cane barge.

start and finishChannel leading into Broadwater from

Clarence or Maclean Public Wharf, Wharf

St, Maclean. 2wd suitable.

river distanceAs desired.

recommended craftSmaller boats and Trailer Sailors with local

knowledge.

hazards Shallow water.

Unmarked channel.

Below: An old sugar cane barge hull in The Broadwater. John Warrell


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lake.wooloweyah 6

For small motor boats and nnies,picturesque Lake Wooloweyah can be

accessed by Oyster Channel or via Palmers

Channel, water depths are reasonable in

this channel, but care should be taken as

there are low power cables and Oyster

Channel Bridge (3.7m). Bordered by

Yuraygir Naonal Park this tranquil lake is

very shallow, but is a great spot for shing.

There are no navigaon markings and careshould be taken. There are also two boat

ramps to launch cra from Carrs Drive,

Yamba or Lakes Boulevard, Wooloweyah.

start and finishLake Wooloweyah Boatramp, Lake

Wooloweyah Rd, Wooloweyah. 2wd

suitable.

river distanceAs desired.

recommended craftSmall motor boats and vessels with

shallow dra.

hazards Shallow water, wind and waves.

Unmarked channels.

Oyster Channel Bridge (3.7m).

Below: The broad, calm waters of the beauful Lake Wooloweyah.


23/2421

The Sailing and Cruising Guide is aniniave of the Clarence River Way

Project, a partnership between Clarence

Valley Council, NSW Dept of Lands and

Clarence River Tourism with TQUAL

funding support by the Australian

government bringing together 3 levels of

government, industry and the community

in collaboraon to foster growth of

sustainable river based tourism andposion the Clarence as one of the

naons great river experiences.

Project partners sincerely thank members

of the working group, stakeholders and

the broader community for their valuable

assistance in the preparaon of this guide.

Project Coordinaon

Clarence Valley Council

Economic Development Team

Design and Producon

Clarence River Tourism

John Warrell and Clare Wesener

Photography


The Daily Examiner

Terry Dwyer

Tom Hearne

John Warrell

David Young

Maps

Maps in this guide supplied courtesy of

NSW Marime from their Boatng Map

for Clarence, Wooli Wooli and Sandon

Rivers, Map 2B.

www.marime.nsw.gov.au

GPS Coordinates

Special thanks to Luke Tucker - NSW

Marime for his assistance with GPS

mapping.

credits


24/24

for.more.information

www.clarencetourism.com

P: 02 6642 4677


Cnr Pacic Highway & Spring Street, South

Graon NSW 2460

PO Box 555, Graon NSW 2460

F: 02 6643 1927

Disclaimer: This document has been produced for markeng

and communicaon purposes only. Informaon is correct at

me of prinng and is subject to change without noce. This

booklet is designed as a reference guide only and is not to be

used as a teaching aid. Sailors use the guide at their own risk.

July 2011 Clarence River Tourism

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