BACK TO THE SOURCE WITH HAYLEY

The pristine upper reaches of the Clarence River, the largest river on Australia’s eastern seaboard, is a haven for nature and adventure lovers alike.

Not gunna lie, it’s a bit of a mission. But if you’re Australian, and you’re reading this, chances are you’re into getting off the beaten track and likely don't mind a drive. You probably know those ‘back in my day’ stories of the 50km nick down the road for a couple of litres of milk, or only going to the doctor if you have a limb hanging off. Well, you’ll be pleased to know, its not that much of a mission to get to the upper reaches of the Clarence River, but with a 300m descent over the last 2km in, you’re probably going to want a decent rig...

Camping at the Clarence River Wilderness Lodge is the best way to experience it. Property owners Steve and Sharon Ross are happy to welcome campers to their enchanting part of the world and offer a completely off-grid camping experience in harmony with the surrounding bushland. The Wilderness Lodge is particularly unique as there’s no agriculture on the property, which engenders a different experience to many camping experiences downriver. Offering 10km of private river frontage surrounded by National Park, State Forest and bordered by the towering monoliths of the Great Dividing Range, you feel like you’re miles from anywhere (PS you literally are).

I headed up in autumn, which is my favourite time to head upriver. Back in 2017 I solo navigated the entire Clarence River (Biirrinba, Boorimbah) from source to sea. 400km over 14 days. It changed my life and I never changed back (more on that trip here). I was the first person to solo kayak the entirety of the river, and the journey of preparation and the adventures that have followed since, have connected me with some of the finest folk I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. Steve and Sharon are of that ilk, and I always look forward to our catch ups, and to learning of their life along the banks of this mighty river system that is so deeply and personally dear to me too.

I run the James Baroud Odyssey on my Prado. As a family of four, we have a small camper trailer with another James Baroud Evasion on the trailer. It’s an excellent set up for a family, and we’re always ready to take off at a moments notice. The bedding stays made up in both tents, and come Friday, we just fill the esky, pack the clothes, whistle in the dog, strap down the boards and hit the road for weekend strike missions between the work and school do-si-do. This trip was a solo mission though. Just me and the Prado on our own little Odyssey up to the quiet country. Where there’s no phone reception, where nothing can touch you but the stars that fall through your eyes and land in your soul, and the only noise is a crackling fire and the sound of the bouncing rocks the endangered black face wallaby knocks from the cliff faces as he navigates the sheer walls bordering the river. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for platypus on the river at dawn and dusk too.

Whether you’re a solo adventurer, a family, or a group chasing an unforgettable experience together, the Clarence River Wilderness Lodge offers a rare foray of slowness, connection and beauty. It detangles us from the often-frenetic pace of the day to day and lulls us back into the true rhythms of nature we innately crave. If kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, swimming or gold-panning are up your alley, or upping the heart-rate hiking, mountain-biking, or 4WDing 4000 hectares of private bushland is your thing, you won’t regret adding the emerald aisle of Australia to your camping bucket list.

Check out the Clarence River Wilderness Lodge and Book here.
Check out the James Baroud Odyssey Frontier here.
and the James Baroud Evasion here.
While you’re in area, find more cool things to do in the Clarence Valley here.
Hayley's on instagram here @hayleytalbot
Pics by Gary Parker at Thunderbox