My boyfriend and I just got back from a Christmas trip and long weekend up at Yamba, which is a charming coastal town in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, Australia, located at the mouth of the Clarence River. It is a good seven hour drive from Sydney so you may like to break the drive up with a stop over in Seal Rocks, Forster or Port Macquarie. My boyfriend on the other hand likes to get in and get to places so we had a pee break at Kempsy otherwise it was pedal to the metal.

We found Yamba to be a perfect getaway for a relaxing break with a mix of beach, food, and natural beauty. If you’re planning a road trip, two days in Yamba is a great taster, it gives you enough time to experience it’s highlights, and I’m betting you will be back. We certainly will be. Here’s a glimpse into how we spent our 48 hours in this coastal gem.

Where We Ate:

Breakfast at Spilt Milk Cafe
We started the day at Spilt Milk, a laid-back café on the main drag. Whether you’re craving a classic avocado toast or something more adventurous, this is the spot to fuel up before your day of exploring plus they serve great coffee! On our second day after a morning dip in the ocean, we tried out the french place, The Sandbar Restaurant for breakfast. We had the Yamba Prawn Star and the Avo Good One. The food was beautifully presented and tasted just as good.

Lunch at Flinders Rose
For lunch, we headed to Flinders Rose, an cushy corner spot great for some people watching, offering a mix of modern Australian cuisine with a relaxed atmosphere. They were under the pump, particularly this time of year, so we did have to wait till 12pm till they opened their lunch menu. Check the specials board for some seafood options, we went for the laksa and the salt and pepper squid which did not disappoint and was worth the wait.

Ice Cream at Yamba Fudge
After waking from our afternoon siesta, we cooled off with a sweet treat from Yamba Fudge. With a few delicious flavours to choose from we went for the caramel and the hazelnut ice cream. For a greater range of flavours try the Ice Creamery which is a just a tad walk up the road.

Afternoon Drinks at Pacific Hotel
No visit to Yamba is complete without a stop at the Pacific Hotel. Perched high on the hill, the views from this iconic pub are spectacular. We had an afternoon bevvy whilst enjoying the sweeping vistas of Yamba’s coastline and looking over main beach. If your planning to come for dinner, I suggest you book a table to get the water views and ensure you won’t be disappointed. They are currently undergoing exterior renovations ocean side so you have to look through the scaffolding but nothing can spoil this view.

Dinner at Indian Fusion Tapas Bar & Restaurant
For dinner most of your restaurant options are up on the hill, a perfect spot for the afternoon wind and sunset. There are a variety of food cuisines to choose from. We booked an outdoor table at the Indian Fusion Tapas Bar & Restaurant. Service was great, food was so good and the view down over the town was perfect. There is a set menu for $48 a head with three entrees and one main course. We opted for our own and chose the the ribs with tzatziki for entree and the butter chicken, mixed vegie korma and coconut rice for dinner. Plenty of food for two people and a dog ;)

Snacks from Spar Express
If you’re in need of quick snacks or essentials, Spar Express is the place to get it. We picked up a few things for our road trip home.

Coffee from The Kiosk at Main Beach
We couldn’t resist grabbing a morning coffee from The Kiosk at Yamba’s main beach, next to the Surf Life Saving Club. The coffee here is exceptional and the perfect place to relax or start the day before or after a morning dip. We would have had breakfast here but the tables quickly filled up as it is a prime location.

What We Did:

Early Morning Swim

To beat the crowds and the heat, we made sure to get up early each day for a morning swim. The calm waters and peaceful atmosphere made it the perfect way to start the day. The water is so clear and clean, meaning you can get out of the water minus all the sand in your swimmers that you carry home with you from some beaches. You are spoilt for choice at Yamba in terms of beaches. There are plenty to choose from - there is Whiting Beach, Turners Beach, Yamba Beach, Convent Beach, Mckittricks Beach and Pippi Beach. There is also a ocean pool at Yamba’s main beach. It’s a great spot to relax and swim in the fresh water, especially if you prefer a pool experience over the open ocean.

Walk the Breakwall
Always a fan of a walk and getting my steps up, I couldn’t miss a walk along the Yamba Breakwall, where we admired the views of the ocean, the surrounding coastline and even spotted two dolphins swimming by. It’s longer than you think but well worth the walk.

Swam at Turners Beach
For a refreshing dip, we made our way to Turners Beach. This beach has a shaded area at the top, making it perfect for a swim without worrying about too much sun. Although it’s not pet-friendly, we took turns keeping an eye on our dog while the other went for a swim. We also swam or should I say jumped through the waves at Yamba Beach. Then sat on a bench at the top of the hill taking it all in. All beaches have a shower as well which is so refreshing after a swim.

Perused the Shops on Yamba Street
Yamba’s main road offers a variety of shops to browse, including surf shops, op shops, clothing shops and a shoe shop. There is also a chemist, tattoo parlor, post office and hairdresser. Its only a smallish town so it doesn’t take long to check out the shops before you are done and need an excuse to sit down for a drink.

Rotary Track to the Lighthouse
For those who don’t mind a few stairs, the Rotary Track to the Yamba Lighthouse is a must-do. The scenic walk takes you through bushland with panoramic views of the ocean and the town. Once at the lighthouse, you’re rewarded with spectacular views of the coastline – perfect for snapping a few Insta shots.

Next Time:

Book a Table at Pacific Hotel for Dinner
Next time, we’re definitely booking a table for dinner at Pacific Hotel. While wwe didnt get a chance to sample the food during our visit, the views were unforgettable. It’s an ideal spot to enjoy dinner while watching the sunset over Yamba.

Beach Walk
If you are one to enjoy a good beach walk, Mckittricks Beach is probably the best as its abit longer than the rest.

Sunrise Beach Yoga - 6 am
Next time, morning yoga will be on the cards. It is held at 6am by the Main beach ocean pool or there is also a 5pm session on Sundays.

Watch the Sunset at Pippi Beach
Pippi Beach is meant to be the best place to enjoy the sunset. It's less crowded than some other spots in Yamba.

Fishing
Yamba is renowned for its excellent fishing opportunities. Whilst I am not a fisher, my boyfriend plans to pack his rod next time we go to see what he can snag. You can fish from the break wall, the nearby rivers, or even off the rocks. You could also book a fishing charter for a guided experience.

Visit the Yamba Museum
Hoping to check out the local history and culture at the Yamba Museum next time. It’s a small but informative stop where you can learn about the area’s heritage, from its Indigenous history to the European settlement and its famous fishing industry. Its open 10am - 2pm of a weekend and costs $5. They also offer weekly guided historic walks around Yamba at 8.30am on Thursdays.

If you are looking for a place to stay, Yamba offers plenty of options when it comes to holiday rentals. There are beach side cabins, apartments, a caravan park, motels and hotels to stay. Or free park on the road in certain places around Yamba (try around the tennis courts). Something to suit everyone style and budget.

And if you are travelling with your dog like us, the town is very pet friendly. Most if not all cafes and restaurants have outdoor seating and will accommodate for your pet. There are great walking paths and some but not all of the beaches are pet friendly, just make sure to read the signs first.

Yamba is the perfect destination for a quick getaway. In just two days, we experienced the best the town has to offer – from stunning beaches and scenic walks to delicious food and relaxing vibes. Whether you’re in town for a long weekend or just passing through, Yamba is a place you’ll want to return to again and again.

Have you visited Yamba before? Drop a comment below and let us know your must-see spots or share your own Yamba recommendations!

LATEST BLOG POSTS