Major city · Australia
Iluka
Give Iluka one night, two at most: the rainforest walk, the bluff and the river mouth fill a day; the ferry to Yamba fills the second.
Iluka is a village of about 1,800 at the mouth of the Clarence River, on the north bank, inside the Northern Rivers region. Its Iluka Nature Reserve holds one of the largest remaining stands of coastal rainforest in New South Wales and is part of the Gondwana Rainforests listing. There is no bridge to Yamba: you cross by ferry or drive back to the Pacific Motorway. Come for the walk, the fishing and the quiet, not for a resort.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- AUD
- Best months
- Sep–Nov, Mar–May
- avoid Dec–Jan (school holidays, heat, booked-out parks)
- Airports
- BNK · OOL · CFS
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 7
- Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
- Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
- Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
- Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
- Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
- Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
- Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Iluka000 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Iluka, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Australian dollar (AUD, A$).Australia-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelstra has the widest outback coverage; Optus and Vodafone (TPG) are cheaper and fine in cities and along highways.Australia-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in cities and towns; in remote places use signed drinking taps.Australia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: Not expected; 10% for very good service in a nice restaurant if you wish.Australia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets I. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Australia-wide
- SafetyIluka is a quiet village and street crime is not the issue.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets in parks, beaches, shopping centres and petrol stations (servos); the National Public Toilet Map app lists them.Australia-wide
- Emergency numbers000 police, fire, ambulance · 112 From a mobile · 132 500 NSW SES (flood and storm)
- Sundays & holidaysChristmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 15:00; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Christmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 3:00 PM; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Australia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportBNK Ballina Byron Gateway (About 1 h 15 min by car via the Pacific Motorway; the closest airport with regular jet services.).
- Getting aroundThe village is small enough to walk: jetty, shops, bakery and the rainforest track are all within about 15 minutes on foot.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeA$4–6 (≈ US$3–4)
- Street or quick mealBakery pie or sandwichA$6–12 (≈ US$4–8)
- BeerDraught beer in a pubA$7–11 (≈ US$5–8)
- Budget bedPowered campsite (own tent or van), a night, per personA$25 (≈ US$17)
- Mid-range bedHoliday-park cabin, a night, per roomA$190 (≈ US$130)
- High-end bedHoliday-park cabin, a night, per roomA$300 (≈ US$200)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget A$90 (≈ US$60) · Mid A$160 (≈ US$110) · High A$280 (≈ US$190)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- BNK Ballina Byron Gateway (About 1 h 15 min by car via the Pacific Motorway; the closest airport with regular jet services.) · OOL Gold Coast (About 2 h 30 min by car north; useful if you are already on the Gold Coast.) · CFS Coffs Harbour (About 2 h by car south.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Feb
not flagged
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Mar
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Apr
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
May
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Jun
not flagged
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Jul
not flagged
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Aug
not flagged
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Sep
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Oct
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Nov
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Dec
Avoid
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Best: Mar–May, Sep–Nov. Avoid: Dec–Jan. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)), coolest Jul (8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C) low), wettest Mar (14 rain days), driest Jul (7). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Iluka: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
13 rd
Feb
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
13 rd
Mar
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
14 rd
Apr
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
11 rd
May
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
10 rd
Jun
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
8 rd
Jul
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
7 rd
Aug
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
7 rd
Sep
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
8 rd
Oct
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
10 rd
Nov
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
11 rd
Dec
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
12 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The village is small enough to walk: jetty, shops, bakery and the rainforest track are all within about 15 minutes on foot. Without a car you can realistically reach Iluka Bluff via the rainforest trail and not much further. A car opens the beaches, the Bundjalung National Park and the run to Maclean or Grafton. The 386 bus from Maclean runs a few times a day; bring cash, as some services have no card terminal.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Yamba
goDoor to door: About 30 min plus waiting
Clarence River Ferries shuttle from Iluka Jetty, about 4 services a day
One-way fare A$11.90, half for pensioners and children under 16; a family return pass for 2 adults and up to 4 children is A$80. No ferries on Christmas Day or Australia Day.
Maclean
goDoor to door: About 30–40 min
386 bus from Iluka, a few services a day
Small river town with a Scottish heritage theme; bring cash for the bus.
Ballina
goDoor to door: About 1 h 15 min by car
Car via the Pacific Motorway, or the daily NSW TrainLink coach
The coach runs once a day in each direction and connects to the Casino–Brisbane XPT.
Lennox Head
goDoor to door: About 1 h 30 min
Car south past Ballina
Surf beach and headland walk; pair it with Ballina in one day.
Grafton
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h by car
Car via the motorway, or the daily NSW TrainLink coach
Jacaranda season (Oct–Nov) is the reason to go; otherwise it is a service town.
Lismore
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h 30 min
Car inland via Maclean and the highway
Regional centre with markets and galleries; a wet-day option.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Iluka village centre (Charles St and Young St)
Walk to the bakery, the jetty and the start of the rainforest track; the motel and the riverside park are both here.
Iluka Riverside Holiday Park
Cabins and powered sites on the Clarence River, 4 Charles St; book ahead in school holidays.
Yamba (across the river)
More beds, cafés and beaches; reach it by the Clarence River Ferries shuttle or a long drive around via the motorway.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- A$90–150 (≈ US$60–100) excl. bed
- Mid
- A$150–250 (≈ US$100–170) excl. bed
- High
- A$250 (≈ US$170)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel double room1 × 1 night × A$170 | A$170 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × A$160 | A$320 |
| Yamba ferry, return2 × A$24 | A$48 |
| Family ferry pass, 2 adults and up to 4 children1 × A$80 | A$80 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × A$20 | A$40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | A$66 |
| Trip total≈ A$362 per person per day, bed included | A$724≈ US$500 |
2026 estimate in Australian dollars; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | A$4–6 (≈ US$3–4) |
| Bakery pie or sandwich | A$6–12 (≈ US$4–8) |
| Pub main (Sedgers Reef Hotel) | A$22–35 (≈ US$15–25) |
| Draught beer in a pub | A$7–11 (≈ US$5–8) |
| Yamba ferry, one wayHalf for pensioners and children under 16. | A$11.90 (≈ US$8) |
| Fuel, unleaded | About A$1.80–2.10 (≈ US$2) per litre |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- There is no direct road from Iluka to Yamba: take the ferry or drive back to the Pacific Motorway and around.
- The last ferry of the day does not always return to Yamba; check the timetable before you cross for the evening.
- Ferries do not run on Christmas Day or Australia Day.
- The 386 bus may not take cards: carry cash.
- Swimming at the river mouth and the bluff is exposed to current and swell; there are no patrolled flags here.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 000
- From a mobile
- 112
- NSW SES (flood and storm)
- 132 500
Pocket card
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IlukaIluka
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance000
- From a mobile112
Embassy
No consulates in Iluka. The nearest are in Brisbane; the US, UK, Canada and New Zealand all have consulates there.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Iluka → Yamba ferry, one way: A$11.90 (≈ US$8), half for pensioners and children under 16
- Family ferry pass, return: A$80 (≈ US$55) for 2 adults and up to 4 children
- 386 bus, Maclean → Iluka: cash recommended; some buses have no card terminal
Say or show
- Thank you — Thank you
- One ticket, please — One ticket, please
- How much is it? — How much is it?
- Where is the jetty? — Where is the jetty?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Is it safe to swim here? — Is it safe to swim here?
Iluka is small: fill the tank and take cash before you arrive.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Iluka. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Sep–Nov, Mar–May · avoid Dec–Jan (school holidays, heat, booked-out parks) · month by month →
- 3 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Ferry timetable and last-crossing fixture for Iluka Jetty, with a taxi and overnight fallback.
- Two walking clusters: jetty and village, then rainforest track to Iluka Bluff.
- Place pages with verified hours for the rainforest track, the bluff lookout and the jetty, plus eat pages with last orders.
- Holiday-park and motel availability fixtures so the one-night and two-night plans can go green.