Yamba Accommodation

Yamba is one of the quieter spots on Australia's Pacific coast between Gold Coast and Coffs Harbour, and is at the mouth of the Clarence River. It's a perfect 'get away from it all' destination, with lovely beaches, lots of wildlife, and opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Yamba holiday accommodation generally takes the form of modern, low rise apartments. Most stand on their own grounds, and some even have the luxury of a pool.

Getting to your Yamba Accommodation

The nearest airport to Yamba is Grafton Airport which is a 70km drive away. There are daily flights from Sydney to Grafton Airport. The flight time from Sydney is roughly 1hr 30min, and Qantas Regional, Virgin Australia, Jetstar, Rex, and Tiger Air all offer flights from Sydney to Grafton Airport. Once you are at the airport, you can hire a car for the drive to your holiday apartment in Yamba, or you can catch one of the regular shuttle buses that serve this section of coastline.

NSW Trainlink offers a train service between Sydney and Brisbane that stops at a number of small towns along the way including Yamba. The trip from Sydney takes about 5hr 30min and is a relaxing way to view the coastline. Alternatively, you can drive from Sydney to Yamba along the Pacific Highway; the trip is around 665km in distance. The drive from Brisbane is shorter, at 275km.

What to eat on your Yamba holiday

Seafood is what Yamba is most famous for, and there's no shortage of bistros and waterside cafes serving fresh-off-the-boat prawns or fish. Barbaresco is the most famous restaurant in town and serves steaks, seafood, and other Aussie specialities, all cooked to perfection. There are several casual dining options serving both fast food classics like pizza and burgers, or Asian fusion food, many of which have vegan or vegetarian options.

Round off your meal with a trip to the famous Yamba Icecreamery which makes and sells its own fresh Italian style gelato in dozens of flavours, with unusual options such as charcoal coconut and chocolate, or lime and thyme.

If you choose self-catering accommodation, check out Yamba's farmers' market every Wednesday morning, where you can pick up free range eggs, honey, farm produce, meats, and much more. Put together a tasty picnic, or get ingredients for a fresh meal prepared at home.

Eat Street Yamba takes place every September on Coldstream Street, which is closed off to allow street food vendors from across New South Wales to sell their international dishes.

Holidays with kids in Yamba

A family holiday to Yamba will probably mean days spent on the beach building sandcastles or surfing, but this isn't all that the town has to offer. If you can tear the kids away from the sand, Bowlo Leisure Centre is a great day out. Choose between ten pin bowling, a round of mini-golf, testing your skills on the rock climbing wall, or an afternoon in the soft play area with the little ones.

Any kids who are interested in history or flight will love a visit to Evans Head Memorial Aerodrome, a few miles up the coast. Open on weekends only, the museum is located on the largest Australian air base from the WWII period. There's a range of different military aircraft, many undergoing restoration by the team of knowledgeable volunteers who are happy to chat about what they're doing and about the museum's vision.

Something very different is on offer at Cardiff Alpacas, where visitors can meet the furry residents, take a tour around the farm, and enjoy a home-made afternoon tea.

Where to go out in Yamba

Nightlife in Yamba is low-key. The Bowlo Centre is a popular evening option, with bars, places to eat, and the possibility to spend the evening ten pin bowling or playing mini golf. There's also a small family-run cinema, offering a very different movie experience to the corporate city multiplexes. Check the website for details of which movies are showing, and when.

You can typically catch some live music on weekend evenings in Yamba's beachfront bars. This is perfect for a low-key night out having a few beers, making some new friends, and watching the sun set over the Pacific Ocean.

What to see and do in Yamba

Just across the Clarence River from Yamba is the Iluka Nature Reserve, a 135 hectare reserve where visitors can follow well-marked trails through the rainforest, spot a wide variety of local birdlife, try to spot whales migrating north from Iluka Bluff, or just enjoy swimming and snorkelling from the shore. The best way of getting to Iluka from Yamba is by boat, and the ferry companies also offer a variety of trips cruising the Clarence River. If you'd prefer to head out to sea, book a half or full day fishing trip with all fishing gear provided. If you're lucky, you might catch enough snapper, bream, or rock blackfish for dinner.

Many visitors come to Yamba for the surfing. The best beach for you will depend on your skill level. Angourie Point is the best beach for experienced surfers, with consistently strong waves throughout the year. Main beach is better for novices or teenagers, and during the peak months there are lifeguards on patrol to look after both surfers and swimmers.

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