The Best Small Town In New South Wales For A 3-Day Weekend
A beachy seaside village on the northern coast of New South Wales, Yamba is the ideal escape when you need a weekend away. This chilled-out coastal community is all about sun, surf, and serenity. First surveyed in 1861, the area attracted European settlers thanks to its abundant resources and strategic location at the mouth of the Clarence River. Today, Yamba has grown into a welcoming resort community and busy seaport whose population doubles in the peak holiday season. Spend a day at the beach, wander the waterfront shops and eateries, and hike coastal paths with dazzling views of the Pacific Ocean. Three days in Yamba is never enough, but it’s a start.
Historical Opportunities
Yamba is well known for its beaches, but there’s more to this town than fun in the sun. Learn about the people who first inhabited the Clarence Valley, the European origins of the settlement, and the town’s rich maritime history at the Yamba Museum on River Street. Once you’ve browsed the exhibits, pick up a self-guided walking tour map so you can continue exploring the past as you get to know the town.
One of Yamba’s most iconic and hard-to-miss historic landmarks is the Yamba Lighthouse, an active light that has been guiding sailors to safety for over a century. The lighthouse was built in the 19th century and sits on Pilot Hill in Wooli Park. It’s a popular picnic spot and also a great place to do some whale watching from June to October.
Downtown Exploration
From old lights to old treasures. Flots and Jets is a quirky gift shop downtown that sells found objects, weird and wonderful collectors' items, vintage and retro art, and furnishings. Their carefully curated inventory is always changing and full of surprise finds. There are more unusual souvenirs on offer at The Nook, a cozy haven for booklovers that just celebrated its ten-year anniversary. The homey store boasts a vast collection of over 20,000 books, featuring a diverse range that includes children's books, rare editions, and first editions. Don’t miss its display cabinet, which showcases some of the letters, notes, and other items found in secondhand books over the years.
If you’re feeling hungry, stop into the Yum Yum Angourie Cafe, a rustic cottage converted into a busy cafe. The diner is a popular spot for locals and tourists, so go early if you want a seat on the porch. Its menu uses local, fresh ingredients to create a tasty, homemade breakfast and lunch menu.
Australia’s easternmost port, Yamba, has a thriving fishing industry that supplies local eateries with freshly caught fish and shellfish. Try it for yourself at Sandbar, a beachside Euro bistro that serves up fishy favorites including oysters, baked scallops, and chargrilled Yamba prawns. Fish isn’t the only local fare on offer in Yamba. The town’s first craft brewery, Wobbly Chook Brewing, opened in 2021 and is now a bustling taproom and restaurant serving award-winning brews and delicious pub fare.
Outdoor Recreation
A big part of Yamba’s enduring appeal is its natural environment. The town is renowned for its stunning beaches, which attract surfers from around the world. There are plenty of choices when you want to avoid the crowds, with three beaches: Yamba Main Beach, Turners Beach, and Pippi Beach, all within walking distance of downtown. The Yamba Main Beach boasts a scenic ocean pool built into the rock and suitable for families with young kids who don’t want to brave the unpredictable waves of the Pacific Ocean.
Yamba is also considered one of the gateway communities for Yuraygir National Park, a wilderness preserve that protects New South Wales’ longest stretch of undeveloped coastline. The park contains some of the most dramatic scenery in southern Australia, with sweeping coastal cliffs, secluded coves, unspoilt beaches, and rocky promontories jutting into the churning ocean waters. There are many hiking trails, picnic sites, and swimming beaches throughout the park, but one of the best walks is the Wilsons Headland Walking Track, a 3 km path that begins at Boorkoom Campground and winds along the Clarence Coast, offering plenty of opportunities for whale watching.
Where to Stay in Yamba
Figuring out where you’ll stay is often one of the most stressful parts of planning a weekend. In Yamba, there are plenty of options whether you’re looking for a low-key budget break or an upscale luxury experience.
The iconic Pacific Hotel is situated near downtown, offering a reasonably priced boutique hotel with recently renovated guest suites and stunning views over Main Beach to the ocean beyond. It’s also a small piece of local history, having first opened its doors in 1934. If you’re looking for a more modern stay, try The Surf Yamba, an art deco-style hotel steps away from the beach with a heated rooftop pool and sun deck. The large guestrooms feature a kitchenette, private balcony, and sofa, making them perfect for large families or those who prefer their own space.
Making Memories in Yamba
Yamba ticks all the boxes for a perfect weekend break. A warm climate with year-round sunshine, rich history, welcoming locals, beautiful beaches, stunning parks and nature preserves, and world-class shopping and dining. There’s something here for every taste, whether you’re travelling with family, taking a romantic break, or hanging out with friends. Don’t waste your weekend sitting on the sofa or fighting city crowds. Pack up, hit the road, and have an authentic Australian adventure in this pretty coastal community where small-town charm meets fun in the sun.
