Towns and Villages

Bonalbo

Bonalbo, the heart of the upper Clarence, established in 1910. This quant village’s name is interpreted from the Aboriginal word ‘bunawblu’ meaning bloodwood tree, which are dotted throughout the region’s lush forests. Bonalbo is also the centre for the surrounding areas for timber, dairying and cattle-grazing industries.

Bonalbo is lifestyle away from the hustle-and-bustle of larger centres, providing a relaxing atmosphere. The main community needs and services are catered for, along with a variety of recreational facilities to provide the individual or group with a diverse range of activities. From golf, bushwalking, swimming, site seeing, lawn bowls, picnicing, family barbeques with the oval providing large open space for fun activities.

Cawongla

Cawongla is an unusual name which combines Campbell, the name of the area’s first white settler and ‘wonga’ an Aboriginal word for hill. The traditional farming community has been boosted by the arrival of new settlers buying into multiple occupancies, with many residents forming alternative lifestyle communities. A number of crafty people live in the surrounding area, with the Cawongla General Store and Gallery Restaurant proudly displaying their works, great place for lunch or diner.

If you listen carefully you may hear the sounds, muffled by time, of Italian migrants working their Banana plantations reverberating off the hillsides. Bananas are long gone replaced by the breathtaking beauty of the rolling hills, its understandable why people wish to work, live and play right here.

Grevillia

Grevillia, named by early surveyors because of the many Silky Oak trees (Grevillia robusta), in the area. The village enjoys a peaceful existence with remnants of a busy timber industry evident with buildings remaining from the Munro & Lever Sawmill which dominated village life for many years. Grevillia has a strong sense of community with the focal point being the General Store which provides a range of services for travelers, including fuel, food, postal agency and bottle shop. Grevillia has many stories to tell and characters to meet. Accommodation is available in the area.

Kyogle

Culturally and environmentally diverse, the area centred on Kyogle is an ideal destination for a holiday.

The district boasts a wide range of natural assets, including the World Heritage listed Border Ranges, Toonumbar National Park and no fewer than 12 state forests, all within easy reach of the towns and villages.

An abundance of well-maintained facilities, picnic spots, camping sites, lookouts and walking trails will ensure that you enjoy all Kyogle has to offer. Good accomodation is available in farmstays, bed & breakfasts, rainforest retreats, pubs, motels and caravan parks.

With so much to offer it is no wonder that the Kyogle area is becoming recognised as the gem of the Northern Rivers Region in New South Wales.

Mallanganee

Settled in at the foot of the Mallanganee Range, this quiet village is full of hidden treasures. Mallanganee offers the visitor a range of facilities and experiences. The display of cattle brands in the general store is a clue to the farming history of the area, with this scenic area is the heart of “Beef Country”.  The Memorial Hall commemorates the timber days with a backdrop appliqué showing a bullock team hauling timber.

No visit is complete without trying one of the famed hand-made Mallanganee Pies from the bakery. There is also Jean-Claude French Restaurant, the Moon River Café and Mallanganee Hotel offering meals. Life is not rushed here with a population of around 140, the general store also the postal agency serves the community as it has for years, original old mail boxes are on display. Treat yourself to a taste of authentic Country Life.

To view the Mallanganee website click here.

Tabulam

With just 150 people the village of Tabulam is the centre of scenic day touring area. Home of the Bundjalung Aboriginal people the region is extremely culturally significant. Designated as a town in 1885, Tabulam is historically significant and the only other ‘town’ on the Clarence River besides Grafton.

Birthplace of Lieutenant General Sir Harry Chauvel of the famous Lighthorse Brigade is only one of Tabulam’s claim to fame. It is also home to the longest single span timber bridge in the southern hemisphere. Tabulam is an excellent place to begin your discovery of the beautiful Upper Clarence Valley.

Old Bonalbo

Nestled at the base of ‘Nooloiga’, or Haystack Mountain, this ideal setting ignites your senses providing an instant appreciation of the story telling of the cultural significance and history of the surrounding area. The village was established to cater for the growing population of ‘Cedar Getters’ seeking the red gold from the surrounding forests and the arrival of graziers establishing vast landholdings.  Old Bonalbo began life in the mid nineteenth century as the original site for the village of Bonalbo, thirteen kilometers further south established on the banks of Peacock Creek.

The rolling tree covered hills and rich pasture lands remain long after the Cedar Getters moved on and the sprawling cattle stations divided into smaller farms that are the life blood of the area. The “Old” was added in the early 1900’s as the villages took their name from the largest landholding ‘Bunalbo Station’ taken up by John McLean in 1840. The name Bonalbo translated from the Aboriginal word ‘bunawlbu’ meaning ‘place of many bloodwoods’.

Urbenville

The imposing volcanic plug of Coutts Crown Mountain indicates your arrival into Urbenville and a journey to a truly remarkable experience. This area is a biodiversity hot spot with the National Parks and State Forests surrounding the village rich in flora and fauna.

The area is rich in history and very significant to Aboriginal culture. Originally known as Tooloom, the village was renamed Urbenville after the first white child born at the Tooloom gold diggings William Urben. Gold enticed many to the area and timber kept them there and is still an important industry for the region. Situated in the head waters of the Clarence River, the local topography and numerous streams provide a diverse range of experiences for the visitor.

Wiangaree

Proclaimed on the 27th March 1907, this picturesque village 13km north from Kyogle on the Summerland Way is a unique rural based community with a population of around 130. At Wiangaree you turn off for the western entrance of the World Heritage listed (link) Border Ranges National Park. On the banks of the Richmond River, Wiangaree’s rural surrounds consists of dairying, beef farming and general horticulture activities.

Wiangaree General Store is where you treat yourself to a variety of refreshments and experience a big dose of country hospitality while gathering local information.

Wiangaree also boasts a Service Station, Hairdresser, Naturopath, Primary School, Rodeo/recreation grounds, Tennis court, Anglican Church and has a bus service 5 days per week.

Picnic and toilet facilities are available at the lovely Wiangaree lagoon where you can sit and relax and enjoy the company of turtles and ducks.

Woodenbong

Woodenbong is largely a timber and cattle town situated on the Queensland New South Wales border. Some of the most spectacular volcanic plugs and rocky outcrops including Mt Lindesay will welcome your arrival. Woodenbong is rolling hills, forest and scenic beauty. Woodenbong is community, lifestyle and friendship. Come and embark on an experience that will leave you as warm and comfortable as your favourite old jumper on a cold winter’s morning.

Woodenbong has a golf club, swimming pool, tennis, scenic drives and many more leisure and recreational activities. Experience a bit of real fair dinkum Australian country hospitality.
Woodenbong Yowie Country Market is held on the last Saturday of every month at the Woodenbong Public Hall and grounds in the heart of the village, handy to shops, golf club, camping grounds and Woodenbong Hotel for accommodation and meals, and provides wheelchair access and accommodates indoor and outside stall sites.

A country charm surrounds the market events featuring live entertainment (jammers and buskers are welcome), face painting, natural healing and massage, children’s playground on site. Great variety of stalls including art and Aboriginal art, craft, ceramics, jewellery, wood carving, pottery, wrought iron work, sewing, knitting and hand crafts, home cooking, plants and second hand and collectable goods along with Yowie Souvenirs.

Local genus of Yowie visits regularly.

To view the Woodenbong website click here