Southgate is a quiet suburb located in the local government area of the Clarence Valley Council in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales. The council was established in 2004 as a result of the merger between the City of Grafton, the Maclean Shire, and some parts of the Pristine Waters, Richmond Valley and Copmanhurst local government areas. Most of the area is agricultural, with vast coastal plains and the lower valleys of the Clarence River and Nymboida River. Southgate is a mere drive away from the towns of Yamba and Iluka, two popular holiday resorts for tourists and locals alike. The area is situated adjacent to the North Coast railway line, the Gwydir Highway and the Pacific Highway.