Woodford Island

Woodford Island is an inland island in the Far-North Coast of New South Wales, Australia. It is formed by the Clarence River where it splits into the South Arm and North Arm at the small village of Brushgrove then reforms at the town of Maclean. The island covers 37 square kilometres.

Economy

Woodford Island is mostly flood plain which supports the primary industries of sugar cane and milk producing cattle. There are a few small businesses, however, most residents travel off the island to Maclean or Grafton for goods and services.

People & Geography

Through its almost exact centre is a mountain ridge. The rest is plains which is subjected to periodic flooding. It is one of a very few islands in the world which has its own mountain range. The largest town is Brushgrove at the south of the island.

History

Woodford Island was one of the first places inhabited by Europeans on the Far-North Coast. Original settlers were attracted to the abundance of Australian Redcedar. The town of Brushgrove was once a major trading hub for timber, sugar and other agriculture goods due to its location on the Clarence River. This brought tremendous wealth to area and at one time the island supported many schools, a police station, many businesses and other utilities. However, due to the development of road and train infrastructure, the town has dwindled in size over the past century.

Points of Interests

Hermitt Cave, Golf Course, Old Settlers Graveyard, Old School, Abandoned Quarry.

Interesting Fact

It is claimed Woodford Island is the largest inland island in the Southern Hemisphere. It is however smaller than many river islands in South America and Africa. It is in fact the largest Non-Delta (not formed from river sedimentation) river island in the Southern Hemisphere.