The Big River is the Clarence River, and the Big River Holiday Parks and Ski Lodge is about 15 minutes drive from Grafton. It is a huge park with about 21 acres along the river, which gives it such an ideal position for anything to do with water.

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The Clarence River deserves some serious attention as it is a major waterway, travelling 400kms from source to the sea. It was once a major trading river, but has now become a major sporting venue and tourist attraction. Water skiing is a very skilled past time, and there is plenty of space and opportunity to get in the practice needed while you are staying at the park.

Big River Holiday Park and Ski Lodge has a range of cabins to suit your needs, some right on the waters edge, there are also powered and unpowered sites. Add to these choices the boat ramp, tennis court, kiosk, swimming pool, volley ball and a three hole golf course, and you will have plenty to do on the park alone.

For the days when the water does not call you, then Grafton is the place to start your day out. It is particularly stunning in October during the Jacaranda Festival. The purple tree canopy and road carpet are just breathtaking. Jacaranda trees are in a class all of their own. There is a wonderful website link for Grafton at www.clarencetourism.com/grafton

The Clarence River area is chock full of adventures and history, I like wandering around antique shops and that will take at least two days alone. Then you add in all of the sports beyond the water such as abseiling, rock climbing, golf, bushwalking, horse riding, and you will have to see if you can extend your stay at the park! Luckily they do have some attractive weekly rates to help you out there.

I like the look of the Rockfish cruise which takes an hour on a catamaran, where you can laze away in the trampoline in the bow or take you chance and ride the boom net of the stern. If you are into birds then you are in for a treat, the Clarence Valley has over 350 species just waiting to be spotted. If you have a look at www.birdrangers.com.au you can check up on the tours available, plus the Research Tours where you can help out too.
The whole area is stunning, from sea to mountains, marine parks to rainforest, and the wonderful Big River Holiday Park and Ski Lodge – who could ask for more.

Big River Holiday Park and Ski Lodge
166 Ski Lodge Road
Seelands  NSW 2460
Ph: 02 6644 9324
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
www.bigriverholidaypark

Review by Alison Huth posted November 2010

Photos courtesy of the park and tourism websites