The Pacific Highway crosses this sugar coated island, and the Clarence River is about 8 kilometres wide at this point. Harwood is the centre of the local sugar industry. The crushing mill is the oldest surviving mill in Australia. During 1989 the State's only sugar refinery was constructed beside the mill. There are no mill tours but visitors are welcome to drive by and stop at the old tug 'Beardmore' where an industry information display is assembled.

The Harwood Hotel has been nicknamed "The Hilton" and its a good stop for food, drink or accommodation. The adjacent old ferry ramps are often used to launch boats.