Yamba with kids works because so much of the town is simple, outdoor and close together. It sits at the mouth of the Clarence River in the Northern Rivers region, with the Pacific Ocean on one side and Yuraygir National Park nearby.
Australian Traveller Magazine voted it the number 1 town in Australia in 2009, and families still turn up in numbers. Below we cover the beaches, wildlife, museums, markets and practical points worth planning around. For the wider picture, see our Yamba travel guide.
Beaches for a family day out
Yamba has eleven beaches within the 2464 postcode, which gives families plenty of choice. They include Whiting, Turners, Yamba (Main), Convent/McKittricks, Pippi, Flat Rock (Barri Point) and Barri, which locals call Dump Beach.
To the south you will find Green Point, Spooky, Angourie Bay, Angourie Point, Shelley, Caves and Plumbago. To the north are Woody Head, Iluka Bluff and Back Beach at Iluka. Angourie is known as the surf beach, so it suits older kids watching the surfers more than small children paddling.
Yamba is also home to one of the oldest surf lifesaving clubs in the world, the Yamba Surf Lifesaving Club, formed in 1908. We would always suggest asking locally about conditions before swimming at any beach.
Whales, dolphins and Lovers Point
At the northern tip of Pippi beach is the Lovers Point Rock Wall. Between May and October, whales can be seen passing by, which makes it a good stop if your trip falls in those months.
Dolphins are plentiful all around Yamba. They can be watched swimming, surfing and fishing quite close to shore, so children often spot them without any tour at all.
Things to see and do
Lighthouse, museums and the ferry
Attractions include Yamba Lighthouse, the Clarence River Light and the Story House museum. The Yamba Museum is run by the Port of Yamba Historical Society and tells the story of the town, the port, surfing, fishing and the sugar industry. It sits in River Street, with changing historical displays and art exhibitions in the Old Kirk next door.
The ferry to Iluka on the northern bank of the river is an easy way to give kids a short boat ride. For more ideas, browse our Yamba activities and attractions page.
Cruises, kayaking and bikes
Boat cruises are available, and popular activities include fishing, surfing, kayaking, bike riding and camping. If you would rather book something than hire your own gear, start with our pages on Yamba cruises and Yamba tours and rentals.
National parks
Yuraygir and Bundjalung National Parks are both among the area's attractions, and Yamba is surrounded by Yuraygir. Older children who like a bit of bush after the beach will find it close at hand.
Rainy days and rest days
Yamba has a humid subtropical climate, and despite its high rainfall it gets 131 clear days a year. That is a good ratio for a family holiday, though it is wise to keep a wet-weather option in your back pocket.
The Yamba community heated pool and the Raymond Laurie Sports Centre are both in town, along with a cinema, a library and bowling greens. The museum and the Story House are other dry options.
Markets, events and eating out
The Yamba River Markets run at Ford Park on the fourth Sunday of every month. You will find local musicians, fresh produce from local farmers, food stalls and arts and craft tents, which makes for an easy, relaxed morning.
Once a year the town hosts Surfing The Coldstream Festival, an outdoor community stage with mostly roots-based music, plus drumming, dancing, cultural art exhibitions, food and amusement rides. Check our Yamba events page for what is on.
For meals, the town has restaurants, cafes and eateries, and two pubs, the Pacific Hotel and Yamba Shores Tavern. Our Yamba dining page is a good starting point.
Planning your family trip
Peak tourist seasons are December to January, Easter, mid-year and October, matching school holidays. The town's population can triple in the holiday period, so we would book early for those weeks. Check current prices and times with each operator before you go. For self-contained stays, see Yamba apartments, or try Yamba budget accommodation if you are watching costs.
Getting there is straightforward by road. Yamba is about one and a half hours from Byron Bay, one hour from Coffs Harbour, two hours from the Gold Coast and three hours from Brisbane. It is also a one and a half hour flight from Sydney. The nearest airport is Grafton Airport, and Lismore Regional Airport, 92 km to the north, has several daily flights to Sydney. Buses run through Yamba. For official state information, see Visit NSW, and for general background see Wikipedia: Yamba, New South Wales.
Frequently asked questions
When can we see whales from Yamba?
Between May and October. Lovers Point Rock Wall, at the northern tip of Pippi beach, is one place whales can be seen passing by.
When is Yamba busiest with families?
Peak seasons follow school holidays: December to January, Easter, mid-year and October. The population can triple at these times.
Is there anything to do on a wet day?
Yes. The Yamba Museum in River Street, the Story House museum, the community heated pool, the cinema and the library are all options.