During our stay in Ballina over Christmas, we drove an hour south to the picturesque town of Yamba, another delightful seaside town in northern New South Wales. Set right at the mouth of the Clarence River, Yamba is a little gem that is well worth visiting.
Like Ballina and Byron Bay, Yamba is known for its beautiful beaches and great surf, as well as for the peaceful and relaxing countryside that surrounds it.
We only visited for the day, but I am already planning a return trip to explore more of Yamba in the future.
Here are the top things to do on a day trip to Yamba:
Head to the beach!
With 16 pristine beaches to choose from, you’re spoilt for choice! Heading down to the beach is one of the top things to do in Yamba. Whether you prefer swimming or surfing, you’ll find the perfect beach for you.
The best beaches for swimming are Main Beach and Whiting Beach.
The best beaches for surfing are Turners Beach, Convent Beach, Angourie Point Beach and Angourie Back Beach.
If you’d rather stay dry, the best beaches for long beach walks are Pippi Beach, Spooky Beach and Bluff Beach.
Go for a coastal walk along the break wall
We loved walking along the break wall, down to Turner’s Beach and on to Yamba Main Beach. The surf looked perfect, the view was to die for and if it wasn’t for the heat of summer, we could have kept walking for miles. Instead, we stopped at Main Beach and took a dip in the ocean pool to cool down!
Have a swim in the Ocean Pool
Yamba’s iconic ocean pool is built into the rocks on the southern end of Main Beach. It’s a great place to swim, especially for families with young children as there are depths for all ages. The pool is 30 metres long and there is no charge to swim; just jump in!
Visit the Angourie Blue and Green Rock Pools
The small coastal village of Angourie is 5 kilometres South of Yamba. Angourie is famous for its freshwater pools. The blue pool, which is the first one you come across, sits just behind the Angourie Point Beach. The Blue Pool is a former rock quarry that hit a natural spring and filled with fresh water. It’s a great place to take a dip and is very popular for cliff jumping. You’ll see lots of locals and visitors alike jumping off the rocks into the refreshing water below.
A short walk away from the Blue pool is the Green pool. The Green pool was also formed from a spring and is popular for cliff jumping as well. The cliffs are a fair bit higher there. I was scared watching some of the locals jumping from higher and higher every time!
While there, be sure to check out the Angourie Point Beach, where you’ll also find some beautiful natural rock pools right along the shoreline. They are just as awesome to swim in! Look out for sea life in the shallow pools, such as crabs and tiny fish.
Try some seafood
Yamba is a fishing village and is famous for its seafood, particularly prawns. Yamba has the freshest most delicious prawns. After a few hours at the beach, why not pick up some freshly caught prawns directly from the trawler! Head to the Yamba Prawn Shack near the Marina.
Explore the Yuraygir National Park
The Yuraygir National Park is between Yamba and Coffs Harbour. It’s also the state’s longest stretch of undeveloped coastline. This water wonderland is packed with isolated beaches, quiet lake systems and striking scenery. It’s the perfect destination for nature lovers, hikers and anyone wanting to get off the beaten track.
You will find numerous hiking trails, lots of wildlife, remote campgrounds, idyllic picnic spots, and charming villages dotted along the coastline.
The Four Days Yuraygir Coast Walk looks amazing, and I have added this to our bucket list!
Walk up to the lighthouse
The Yamba Lighthouse has been guiding ships along Australia’s East Coast for over 100 years. It’s in a beautiful spot, surrounded by lush green grasslands. That makes it the perfect place for an afternoon picnic or for eating fish and chips while watching the surf, dolphins or even whales (in season).
Where to stay in Yamba?
Pacific Hotel
Set in Yamba, Pacific Hotel Yamba offers beachfront accommodation 200 meters from Yamba Lighthouse and offers various facilities, such as a restaurant and a bar. The accommodation features live evening entertainment Thursday – Sunday. Yamba Marina is 1.6 km from the hotel. Find the latest prices here.
The Sands Resort at Yamba
The sands Resort provides its guests with an exquisite beachfront location directly located across from the pristine golden sands of iconic Pippi Beach. They provide luxury resort style accommodation with a wide range of facilities to ensure the whole family is catered for. Find the latest prices here.
Moby Dick Waterfront Resort Motel
Set in Yamba, 2.5 km from Yamba Beach, Moby Dick Waterfront Resort Motel offers accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and barbecue facilities. Offering free WiFi throughout the property, the non-smoking motel has a hot tub. Find the latest prices here.
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