Clarence River is among the largest rivers in Australia. The river flows through the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales. It is part of the Clarence River Catchment, a floodplain area known for its agricultural and fishing industries. Its main tributaries are the Coldstream, Mann, Nymboida, and Orara rivers.
The Clarence River rises (originates) in the McPherson mountain range, part of the Great Dividing Range. Its mouth lies between the coastal towns of Iluka and Yamba. In addition to many creeks and lakes, the surrounding floodplain also includes numerous islands. Its wetlands—particularly its salt marsh and seagrass habitats—support a diverse range of plant and animal species. The region is governed by the Clarence Valley Council. Besides Iluka and Yamba, its other major communities are Grafton and Maclean.
The land around the river has traditionally been inhabited by three Aboriginal groups known as the Bundjalung, Gumbaynggirr, and Yaegl peoples. The river was first encountered by Europeans in 1799, when the British officer Matthew Flinders found the river’s mouth. It was repeatedly discovered by escaped convicts (criminals) during the early 1800’s, who called it the “Big River.” In the 1830’s, the surrounding land began to be harvested by cedar-getters (loggers), attracting settlers to the area. Other early industries in the region were livestock farming and shipbuilding.
In 1839, the waterway was officially named the Clarence River by George Gipps, the governor of New South Wales. It is believed to have been named after the British King William IV, formerly known as the Duke of Clarence. The Clarence Valley became a commercial and industrial hub for the region. It also became known for its serious floods. These include the floods of 1890, 1954, and 2013, when the Clarence River rose to peak heights and overflowed into surrounding communities.
