The Orara River, whose name means "perch" in the local Aboriginal language, is the only west-flowing river in the Clarence Valley region. Cutting through lush hinterland between Coffs Harbour and Grafton, this pristine freshwater river offers a chain of deep, crystal-clear swimming pools punctuated by gentle rapids and shaded by dense riparian forest. Accessible from multiple points — including Coramba, Glenreagh, and Coutts Crossing — these natural freshwater pools provide a serene escape from the coast, with smooth rocky ledges perfect for sunbaking between dips in the cool, tea-coloured water.
Orara River (freshwater swimming pools)
BeginnerMAYBE
MAYBE
Fair. Experienced snorkellers only.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.0 mSwell Period 0.0 sWind Speed 2.9 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase unknown
Last evaluated
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
Moderate risk: Flash flooding
Heavy rain upstream can cause rapid rises in river levels and strong currents.
Low risk: Slippery rocks
Riverbed rocks and submerged ledges can be extremely slippery, especially after rain or in shaded areas.
Low risk: Variable water levels
Water depth and flow can change rapidly after heavy rainfall upstream, reducing visibility and creating stronger currents.
Low risk: Submerged debris
Snags, fallen branches, and logs may be hidden beneath the water surface, particularly after flood events.
Low risk: Freshwater sting risk
While uncommon, freshwater stingrays and eels inhabit the river system. Avoid disturbing the riverbed with feet.
Low risk: Submerged rocks and logs
Natural debris can be hidden beneath the surface of tea-coloured water, especially after rain.
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Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
The Orara River is accessible from multiple points along the Orara Way (Waterfall Way / B84). Popular entry points include Coramba village (Coramba Bridge, ~20 min west of Coffs Harbour), Glenreagh township, and Coutts Crossing. Hartleys Bridge and Bindarray Picnic Area are also well-known access spots with easy river entry.
Parking & facilities
Unpaved roadside parking available at Coramba Bridge and near most swimming holes. Hartleys Bridge and Bindarray Picnic Area have small designated parking areas. All parking is free.
picnic_tablesparking
No fees — all swimming holes on the Orara River are free public access.
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports