A Local's Guide To All The Best Things To Do In Yamba, NSW

Twenty years ago, if you were looking for a laid-back beach holiday in New South Wales, Byron Bay was your best bet. But with Byron Bay becoming increasingly overcrowded and overpriced, many have started to declare Yamba, 120 kilometres to the south, ‘the new Byron’.

As a Yamba local, I’ve watched the sleepy fishing town of my childhood mature into an impressive beachside destination, which still manages to maintain its unpretentious essence and strong sense of community.

Where is it?

Yamba is located on the coast of northern NSW at the mouth of the Clarence River. It’s about a three-hour drive from Brisbane. Visitors arriving from Sydney can catch a one-hour flight to Ballina-Byron Airport and drive the remaining 100 kilometres down to Yamba, otherwise it’s around a seven-hour drive along the NSW coastline.

Clarence River at Sunset in Yamba — Yamba is located at the mouth of the Clarence River. Expect some killer sunsets here! (Image: Destination NSW)

Other towns worth visiting within day-trip distance of Yamba include the charming riverside town of Maclean; Iluka with its UNESCO World Heritage-listed rainforest; the rugged, unspoilt beaches of Brooms Head; and the surfing hamlet of Angourie.

Scenic bushland drive to Green Point at Angourie — Factor in a visit to the surfing hamlet of Angourie. (Image: Destination NSW)

What to do

Even if you’re not a beach lover, there are plenty of things to do in Yamba that don’t involve sand and surf. From sun-soaked bike rides to the surf town of Angourie to meandering through produce markets and browsing local boutiques, Yamba really does have something for everyone. Oh, and for those craving a salty dip, the plentiful beaches that range from kid-friendly protected coves to gold-standard surfing destinations will have you set all holidays.

Yamba beaches

With five options to choose from, Yamba has a beach to suit everyone. Main Beach is the most popular, with a surf club, cafe and ocean pool.

Yamba ocean pool — The ocean pool at Yamba Main Beach.

Located directly beneath the Pacific Hotel, it’s the perfect choice for a late-afternoon dip – just walk up the steps for your post-swim drink as the sun sets and casts its warm hues over the ocean below. Brought fur babies with you? The off-leash area at Pippi beach’s southern end is doggie nirvana.

Pippi Beach yamba — Pristine Pippi Beach stretches for 1.6 kilometres.

If you prefer a wave-free swimming experience or need somewhere for the little ones to paddle, the flat, peaceful Whiting Beach is just a short 10-minute walk from the centre of town. It’s also a favourite with kayakers and stand-up paddleboarders. Alternatively, skip the crowds at the lesser-known Convent Beach or take a post-lunch dip at Turners, just moments from the centre of town.

Surfers heading out for a morning surf at Turners Beach, Yamba. — Hit the surf at Turners Beach. (Image: Destination NSW)

Surf Tip: Surfers love Yamba because there is (almost) always good surf on at least one of the beaches. If the wind is blowing north, head to Pippi or Turner’s near the breakwall. For a southerly, Angourie Point, Turner’s or Main Beach are your best bet and if it’s blowing west you can surf anywhere.

Dive into all the details on Yamba’s pristine beaches with our comprehensive guide.

Yamba Farmers & Producers Market

Held in the car park between Whiting and Turner’s every Wednesday morning from 7am to 11am, this quaint market is a favourite among locals.

You’ll be able to pick up everything from organic fruit and veg grown in backyards and high-quality meat like Dorper Lamb and Gracemere Farmstead pasture-raised chicken, to artisanal products like Ashby Sourdough and Mudyala Aboriginal Corporation’s Bakarindi Bush Foods.

Ashby Sourdough, Yamba Farmers & Producers Market — Pick up some freshly-baked goods at the Ashby Sourdough stall. (Image: Destination NSW)

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

The Break Wall at Turners Beach

Grab a smoothie and breakfast burger from the farmers market and head off for a walk down to Turners Breakwall.

Aerial view of Yamba — Walk along the Break Wall in Yamba. (Image: Destination NSW)

On your right you’ll get a great view of Turners Beach and the lighthouse on the hill, while on your left you’ll see the open water where the ocean meets the Clarence River and, if you look carefully enough, you’re likely to spot a dolphin or two.

Dolphins in Yamba — Spot dolphins at play near the Break Wall. (Image: Destination NSW)

Blue and Green Pools Angourie

Though it’s not technically in Yamba, the quiet coastal village of Angourie, just an eight-minute drive from town is well worth a visit. While die-hard surfers will love the challenging break at Angourie Point, the whole family will enjoy a visit to Blue and Green Pools.

Angourie Blue Pool, Angourie, Yamba, NSW, Australia — The emerald Blue and Green Pools make an escape to Yamba even more magical. (Image: Destination NSW)

Follow the lead of the local kids who expertly climb the rocky cliff face to dive into the freshwater pools below. Just be sure to check sign postings as both pools close temporarily from time to time due to algae blooms, a natural occurrence that typically happens more often during the warmer months.

Blue and Green pools are well worth a visit.

Where to eat and drink

Yamba has two main spots where you’ll find a mix of casual cafes and restaurants – up the top of Coldstream Street above Main beach, and through the centre of town.

Whether you’re after a sunset cocktail and fresh local seafood or a simple takeaway ice cream of an afternoon, the town has a venue catering to that growling tummy.

Our exhaustive list of the best cafes in Yamba covers all the best spots for brunch and lunch, as does our pick of best restaurants for dinner in the area. Below, however, there are some top standouts.

Yum Yum Angourie General Store & Cafe

This quaint, friendly cafe-cum-gourmet grocer has moved from its quiet corner in Angourie to the bustling Coldstream Street location that used to house Irons and Craig.

Food and drink available on the menu at Yum Yum Angourie — Make a beeline to Yum Yum Angourie Cafe and General Store for their delicious food. (Image: Destination NSW)

Pull up a chair at the long, sun-drenched front bench, enjoy that perfect Yamba weather, and watch the world go by as you enjoy some of the best coffee in town alongside a delicious modern Australian breakfast. Later, head inside to pick up a few goodies for gifts or the kitchen.

Desserts served at Yum Yum Angourie Cafe and General Store, Yamba. — The dessert offering is just as good! (Image: Destination NSW)

Summi’s

Is this the best coffee in Yamba? Many locals would passionately say yes. Once you’ve ordered your oat milk cappuccino, browse the capsule fashion collections that feature stretchy summer midi dresses and terry-towelling sets – the Summi Summi label has cult status in fashion circles.

Brgr Spot

By far the best burgers in town, the juicy patties, clever flavour combos and high-quality toppings really hit the spot here. The knowledgeable, laid-back staff at this street-inspired venue are more than happy to guide you through their broad selection of craft tinnies.

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Pacific Hotel

After your burger, cross the road to the cliff-top Pacific Hotel for one more beer and enjoy the best view in town, looking out over the magnificent coastline below.

Karrikin

After the roaring success of their cafe Leche, local couple Clare Bourke and Zac Roberts turned their attention to evening food, opening Karrikin a few years ago. Karrikin manages to encapsulate the very essence of Yamba with its stylish, laid-back decor, unpretentious but accomplished staff and surprisingly inventive share plates showcasing local produce and native Australian ingredients.

Chef Zac can be found at the local farmers’ markets every Wednesday, stocking up on fresh seasonal produce from the Clarence Valley and Northern Rivers. The menu is somewhat cryptic, with only the key ingredients listed, making each dish a delicious surprise.

Menu at Karrikin in Yamba — The food at Karrikin is divine.

Further afield

If you’re looking for a change of pace, take a 20-minute drive to the quiet riverside town of Maclean. Fish off the wharf, head to the lookout for panoramic views of the Clarence Valley or simply sit and read a book on the riverbank before checking out some of these eateries.

Palmers Island General Store, Palmers Island

Stop by this unassuming roadside shop, located between Yamba and Maclean, to try one of their delicious house-made pies or load up on gourmet goodies like imported cheese, charcuterie and craft beers. Palmers Island is the second largest of the 100 islands dotted along the Clarence River.

Botero Roastery and Cafe, Maclean

Ask any local where to get the best coffee and they’ll proudly point you to Botero, Maclean’s very own roastery, which supplies beans to cafes throughout Australia. The floor-to-ceiling windows inside the cafe give you a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the roastery in action, while the outdoor seating offers a fenced in play-area so you can supervise your kids while enjoying your coffee.

People enjoying food and drink at Botero Cafe, Maclean — Get acquainted with Maclean’s very own roastery. (Image: Destination NSW)

On the Bite, Maclean

This tiny cafe in the centre of Maclean is run by a husband and wife team who serve up an inventive, diverse menu. Choose between signature dishes such as a rich lamb korma, light and refreshing Asian salad, or Turkish plate with fresh, crunchy falafels.

On the Bite serves up an inventive, diverse menu

Sanctus Brewery Co., Townsend

This craft brewery has become an instant hit with the locals the moment it opened its doors (you’ll notice a much younger, trendier crowd here than at the town’s pubs).

Entrance to Sanctus Brewery, Townsend. — Stop by Sanctus Brewery in Townsend for great pizza and craft beers to match. (Image: Destination NSW)

The venue offers wide, open spaces, live music and experimental brews like pineapple coconut sour and blueberry crush as well as pale ale, lager and XPA. The large fenced field also makes Sanctus perfect for kids and pets.

Pizza at Sanctus Brewery in Townsend — Depending on the time of day, Sanctus Brewery in Townsend is an excellent lunch stop. (Image: Destination NSW)

Looking for more attractions to squeeze into your day trip itinerary? Check out these incredible waterfalls near Yamba.

With more than 60 nationalities calling it home and a century of Italian influence shaping its paddocks and plates, Griffith is a regional Australian town with serious culinary cred.

It might feel surprising to learn that Griffith is one of Australia’s leading food destinations. In-the-know Italians have understood this for generations, drawn to the Riverina region’s fertile soils that reminded them of the terrain they’d left behind more than a century ago. These days, Griffith supplies much of the nation’s pantry: 95 per cent of Australia’s prunes come from the region, it’s the country’s largest citrus-growing area, and it’s a leading producer of almonds and walnuts. Even the pickles in every McDonald’s burger nationwide are produced in Griffith. This is not just a farming town; the Griffith food scene is leading the way.

Here, culinary confidence is rooted in migration. Italian families began arriving from 1913, with a second wave settling after the Second World War. Today, Griffith has the highest proportion of Italian ancestry of any Local Government Area in Australia. Add to that more than 60 nationalities represented across the community and you have a town where food is driven not by trends, but by tradition. Griffith’s motto, ‘Taste our culture’, isn’t marketing spin; it’s the reality.

Where the vines tell a story

A hand pouring wine into a glass, with a table filled with food. — Uncover the stories behind every glass. (Image: Destination NSW)

The Riverina has long been dubbed the food bowl of Australia, but it’s also a wine region that remains largely under the radar. What sets Griffith apart is that every one of its wineries is family-owned, many spanning generations.

Calabria Family Wines is one of the region’s standard-bearers. The Calabria story began in 1945 when Francesco Calabria planted his first vines; today, the family continues to shape the region’s identity while also stewarding the historic McWilliam’s Wines brand. McWilliam’s was the first winery to plant vines in the area, and its barrel-shaped cellar door – complete with a soaring stained-glass window – remains one of the most distinctive in regional NSW.

Yarran Wines, run by the Brewer family, showcases estate-grown fruit across Mediterranean varietals that thrive in the warm climate. Expect bold reds and textured whites that reflect both heritage and innovation.

Set inside the old ambulance station, Harvest HQ is owned and operated by the Riverina Winemakers Association and pours a rotating selection of local wines under one roof. It also features spirits from The Aisling Distillery, reinforcing the region’s collaborative approach to craft.

At the table

A flat lay of a steak. — Dine where tradition meets a bold new generation. (Image: Visit Griffith)

If the vineyards tell one story, the dining rooms tell another. Griffith’s restaurants are where tradition and next-gen confidence meet.

Zecca Handmade Italian occupies the former Rural Bank building, an imposing Art Deco landmark from the late 1930s. ‘Zecca’ means money print, and the name is a nod to the Zecca di Venezia in Venice. Here, find the Riverina’s only producer of dried artisan pasta and traditional Italian recipes. Importantly, the growers and producers supplying the kitchen are listed on the menu as a transparent expression of the region’s farm-to-table ethos.

Established in 1977 and still run by the Vico family, La Scala puts authentic Italian cuisine on centre stage. Expect handmade pasta, traditional wood-fired pizzas, slow-cooked sauces and dishes that follow recipes guarded like family heirlooms. For something more contemporary, Bull & Bell in Gem Hotel is a shrine to the Euro-style steakhouse that works closely with local farmers and artisans to showcase Riverina produce.

And then there are the institutions. Bertoldo’s Pasticceria, now in its third generation, draws locals daily for cannoli, biscotti, crostoli and house-made gelato, alongside classic sausage rolls and potato pies. La Piccola Grosseria feels like stepping into an Italian alimentari, its shelves lined with continental goods that wouldn’t feel out of place in Puglia.

Meanwhile, Limone celebrates local and seasonal produce across breakfast and lunch menus, enriched by the produce and stories of Piccolo Family Farm. Find pastries and sourdough baked daily, and pop into the onsite retail pantry for products from regional producers – including the Piccolo family’s own wine range, Caro Piccolo.

From the source

A plated Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod dish. — Taste world-renowned Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod, straight from its source. (Image: Visit Griffith)

Behind every menu is a producer. Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod is perhaps Griffith’s most high-profile export; the brand’s Murray cod and Aquna Gold Murray Cod Caviar have achieved global recognition. In October 2024, Aquna presented its products to King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the NSW Premier’s Community BBQ in Parramatta. Impressed by the producer’s sustainable farming practices, the King requested the cod be sent to Buckingham Palace – not bad for a fish farm in regional NSW.

Mandolé Orchard champions almonds grown on a family-run farm, transforming them into almond milk and value-added products. At Morella Grove, olives are pressed into premium olive oil and pantry staples that speak to Griffith’s Mediterranean heart. These producers are not peripheral; they are central to the town’s culinary ecosystem. Learn about local sustainable farming practices during a farm tour.

Mark your calendar

A woman walking past a food mural, something you can spot during A Taste of Italy Griffith. — Plan your visit around A Taste of Italy Griffith. (Image: Visit Griffith)

For a town that helps stock Australia’s supermarkets, Griffith has remained curiously absent from the national dining conversation. That’s beginning to change. If you’ve been searching for a regional food destination with substance, heritage and a clear sense of identity, you’ll find it here in the Riverina, right under your nose.

Time your visit to the Riverina region to coincide with A Taste of Italy Griffith, held every August. This week-long celebration of Italian heritage and culture offers a wide range of Italian-inspired events and experiences to enjoy. Expect long-table lunches, wine tasting experiences, cooking classes and a Makers in the Piazza market. The headline event is a ticketed long lunch – Festa delle Salsicce (Salami Festival) – where winners of the best salami are announced.

Start planning your foodie getaway at visitgriffith.com.au.

A local’s guide to Yamba, NSW

Twenty years ago, if you were looking for a laid-back beach holiday in New South Wales, Byron Bay was your best bet. But with Byron Bay becoming increasingly overcrowded and overpriced, many have started to declare Yamba, 120 kilometres to the south, ‘the new Byron’.

Where is it?