9 delicious Clarence Valley restaurants worth the trip

For a family foodie trip that’ll tick everyone’s boxes, head straight for the Northern Rivers.

From seaside Yamba to riverside Grafton, the Clarence Valley food scene is positively booming, with its regional dishes making the best of not only farm-to-table dining but sea-to-plate as well. And if you’re planning a NSW North Coast family trip with everyone from the littlies to the grandparents, you’ll be making a mistake if you don’t stop for a nibble or three at its all-ages eateries.

Intrigued? We’ve lined up the best fine-dining restaurants, kid-friendly pubs, cafes, craft breweries and cocktail bars to add to your Clarence Valley must-visit list.

Clarence River sunset — Marvel at the views while tasting the best of Clarence Valley. (Image: My Clarence Valley)

New restaurants

If you find yourself drawn back to the Clarence Valley after some time away, you’ll be excited to hear that new restaurants have been popping up all over the shop.

One of the newer ones to watch? Yamba’s El Ocaso . Created by the minds behind the popular Barbarasco in Angourie (unfortunately now closed), El Ocaso serves up Mediterranean-style tapas that capitalise on local produce. Think romantic dates out on its deck, feasting on Yamba whiting croquettes with lemon zest and chilli aioli, or eye fillet carpaccio with truffle aioli, parmesan and mushrooms, finishing off with a dark chocolate and hazelnut tiramisu.

El Ocaso yamba — Get romantic at El Ocaso.

Searching for a laidback atmosphere with a cocktail in hand? Sunset and Wine in Iluka is the place to go. Perched on the edge of the Clarence River, this chilled-out spot serves nibbles and is the perfect venue for watching the sun sink over the water while enjoying champagne or cocktails with oysters.

Iluka Sunset and Wine, clarence valley restaurants — Stop in Iluka for a cocktail at Sunset and Wine.

Food tours and trails

Take your own crafty Yamba drinks tour to discover the local drops, starting in the industrial end of town at Yamba Distilling Co . This friendly distillery-meets-bar is a revamped space for the former Clarence Distillery, where you’ll find tipples such as lemon myrtle vodka, rosella gin and jacaranda-inspired liquor.

Arrive for a cocktail or two in the shaded garden with nibbles from their ‘serve yourself’ cheese and olive fridge, or enjoy a gin flight.

Yamba Distilling Merchandise — Taste lemon myrtle vodka, then take it home with you.

Next, make your way to Wobbly Chook Brewing Company , Yamba’s first craft brewery, in the centre of town. It has an extensive food menu that stretches from breakfast to dinner, with larger options like seafood baskets and schnitzel burgers, and bites that include crispy cauliflower and duck spring rolls.

Order a few plates to share with some pale ales, lagers and hoppy beers for the group. Want to make a night of it? The Wobbly Chook also has queen and family-sized rooms.

Wobbly Chook brewery yamba — Treat yourself to Yamba’s first craft brewery.

Local favourites

For breakfast, it’s hard to go past the Clarence Kitchen Collective in South Grafton. This community space is a wholesome pitstop on your way up or down the Pacific Highway. As well as a yoga studio, workshop space and bulk food store, there’s an attached wholefoods cafe.

Snag a table before the morning rush and replenish yourself with freshly made granola, vegan treats, fruit and that well-earned cup of coffee. Make sure to keep an eye out for any talks and workshops held here, so you can refresh your mind as well as your body.

clarence valley restaurants, clarence valley kitchen collective — Join a yoga class then refuel at Clarence valley Kitchen Collective.

Craving some of that famous Clarence Valley seafood? Sandbar Yamba is one of the best places to go, with al fresco dining to boot.

Open from breakfast to dinner, this French-inspired beachside restaurant is nothing if not inventive. Favourites include a seaside twist on a classic eggs benedict, with prawns, salmon roe, hollandaise and poached eggs, as well as spanner crab spaghetti with champagne beurre blanc, and miso-glazed seared scallops.

Sandbar Yamba, Clarence Valley restaurants — Sit down to famous Clarence Valley seafood at Sandbar.

Take our advice: dive in for a beach swim beforehand to work up an appetite. You’ll need it to get through as many of these dishes as you can!

Places for a tipple

All this exploring can be thirsty work, and if you want to stop by one of the area’s most famous pubs, the Ulmarra Hotel is ready and waiting.

Its restaurant overlooks the Clarence River and serves up pub favourites like Cooper beer-battered fish and chips, chargrilled steaks, chicken parmis and a kids’ menu. There’s also a variety of pizzas, with toppings ranging from Yamba prawns to vegan cheese.

Ulmarra Hotel, clarence valley restaurants — Stop by Ulmarra Hotel for beer-battered fish and chips.

Afterwards, take a walk in the hotel’s garden or admire the vintage decor (the building itself dates back to 1912). This pretty pub also has three-star accommodation, with 10 bedrooms available.

With your nominated designated driver at the wheel, drive out towards Townsend to find Sanctus Brewing Company . As well as tours and beers, including pilsners, IPAs, lagers and alcoholic ginger beers, this craft brewery also serves up some Aussie-infused spirits like finger lime gin.

Expect a brewery-meets-distillery that’s ideal for all age groups, with indoor and outdoor seating, easy street food options (like tacos and pizzas), and plenty of outside space for the kids to enjoy.

Sanctus Brewing company clarence valley restaurants — Take a tour then enjoy the pizza at Sanctus Brewing Company.

Fine dining

If romance is on the cards – or you simply want a special place to experience Yamba’s fine dining with the family – make a booking at Karrikin .

Take a seat in the tropical-style garden and wait on tenterhooks for their evolving and regional four-course set menu to arrive; inclusions are as wide-ranging as fresh tomato and prawn salad, rare spiced venison and Davidson plum black forest tart. Pair the courses with their range of natural wines and cocktails made from local spirits and you’ve got yourselves a gorgeous evening ahead.

karrakin clarence valley restaurants — Take dining to the next level at Karrikin.

Sunshine, sea breezes and sand-speckled locals: the Sutherland Shire is perfect for an idyllic Sydney summer.

The Sutherland Shire is one of Sydney’s most dynamic regions. Home to an eclectic mix of top-notch eateries and drinking holes, a flourishing arts scene, and striking land and seascapes, it’s a haven for foodies, culture seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

It’s also an ever-evolving destination with a constant wave of new places to eat and drink, and under-the-radar pockets to explore – many of which are dog-friendly.

If you’re venturing to this gorgeous part of the world this summer, here’s your guide to what’s new and worth discovering.

Savour the summer dining scene

Fred’s After Hours on the sutherland shire — Pop into Fred’s After Hours.

The Shire’s buzzing dining scene is one of its biggest drawcards, and many of the region’s culinary highlights can be found in the sun-soaked beachside hub of Cronulla. A bunch of newcomers have recently set up shop, making the area ripe for culinary adventure.

Homer Rogue Taverna is exactly as its name suggests: a cheeky take on classic Greek food. Expect meze and mains bursting with bold flavours and a wine list packed with standout Greek drops.

Freds Providore – a Cronulla favourite for casual cafe fare and excellent coffee – is now open late from Thursday to Sunday. Come sundown, it morphs into Fred’s After Hours, serving a refined European-inspired menu, wines, cocktails and a laid-back yet polished vibe.

Bobbys is a slick destination right on Cronulla Beach, where you can grab a plate of freshly-caught seafood and a summery cocktail while cooling off in the sea breeze.

And if you’re after a bit of everything, the sprawling and multifaceted Parc Pavilion is a melting pot of dining experiences. It blends a cafe, bistro, bar, Italian restaurant and a host of regular events, all tied together in a cool coastal setting.

Got a Saturday morning to spare? The Shire Farmers Market in Sutherland is a must-do ritual, letting you (and your four-legged friend) browse fresh produce, flowers and gourmet treats against a backdrop of live music and local chatter.

Dive into ocean pools

ocean pool on the sutherland shire — The ocean pools beckon.

Given its prime coastal positioning, the Shire teems with crystal-clear ocean pools and enclosed bathing spots. Silver Beach Tidal Baths offers a netted
swimming experience in Botany Bay. Tucked beside a small sandy beach, the tidal baths at Gunnamatta Park are calm and shallow – making them an ideal setting for less confident swimmers.

Just a hop and a skip away is Shelly Park Ocean Pool, a magical rock pool carved in the ocean. It’s well-suited to young kids and offers sweeping views towards the open sea.

Experience local arts and culture

Hazelhurst Arts Centre in Gymea is elegantly positioned within a lush garden landscape, serving as the Sutherland Shire’s premier destination for arts and culture. This summer, experience the Art on Paper Award 2025 – a celebration of innovation and creativity through the versatile medium of paper.

Set within the leafy surrounds of Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience. Think abundant cheese platters, artisan charcuterie boards, fresh OJ and a thoughtfully chosen wine list, all available to take away and enjoy in the art-filled gardens just beyond the restaurant. Best of all, four-legged friends are welcome to join the fun.

Next, venture south to the artsy village of Bundeena for the monthly Bundeena and Maianbar Art Trail . This self-guided journey through local artists’ studios offers a glimpse into their work and creative spaces.

Relish the dog-friendly atmosphere

a dog on Greenhills Dog Beach sutherland shire — Let the dog off-leash at Greenhills Dog Beach.

The Sutherland Shire is a bona fide playground for pups and their humans. Find a string of dog-friendly beaches popular with locals, visitors and pups alike. Silver Beach in Kurnell is a peaceful pocket, allowing dogs off-leash without restriction. While Horderns Beach in Bundeena and Greenhills Beach in Cronulla are equally serene and provide off-leash access (be sure to check times and seasonal restrictions before you go).

If you’re planning to make a weekend of it, book yourself and your pooch into Quest Cronulla . With stylish and spacious pet-friendly accommodation, thoughtful amenities, and a prime location just steps from Cronulla Esplanade and a variety of dog-friendly cafes, it’s the perfect spot to rest after a full day of exploring.

Get into nature

Sunrise at Curracurrong Falls and Eagle Rock in the Royal National Park, Sydney. — Find natural beauty in Royal National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor escapes: imagine rugged bushwalks, breezy beachside tracks, meandering cycling trails and lookouts galore. The best part? Many of them are perfectly suited to dogs.

Take your canine to Cronulla Esplanade – the Shire’s version of the famed Bondi to Coogee Walk. This eight-kilometre route takes you past the region’s most picturesque beaches, offering panoramic vistas and an electric energy. It heaves with locals every morning and weekend, getting their steps in with a coffee in one hand and a dog leash in the other.

If you’re travelling without furry friends, stop by the Royal National Park. You’ll be engulfed in ancient bushland, craggy cliffs, towering rock formations, diverse wildlife and twisting tracks. The Jibbon Loop Track is a highlight, with spectacular views over the sea. Alternatively, the Karloo Track forms a loop that winds through untamed bush, freshwater pools and waterfalls. Re-lace your walking shoes or grab a bike to follow The Bundeena Drive to Marley Walk past freshwater pools and creeks, on to scenic beach views of Little Marley Beach.

Hit up the beautiful beaches

aerial of cronulla beach and esplanade — Enjoy postcard-perfect beaches. (Image: Destination NSW)

The stretch along Cronulla bursts with postcard-perfect beaches, each offering a different flavour. With rolling waves, regular patrol and a steady stream of beachgoers, Cronulla Beach and North Cronulla Beach are buzzy and built for all kinds of swimmers. Elouera Beach is a quieter option, attracting early-morning surfers hoping to catch the perfect wave.

If you prefer a side of dramatic scenery, visit Wanda or Greenhills – in addition to ocean panoramas, both are backed by towering golden dunes and wild scrub. Looking for something more subdued? Shelly Beach Ocean Pool is a relaxed – yet no less captivating – retreat.

Start planning your Sutherland Shire summer at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.

9 delicious reasons you need a trip to the Clarence Valley