15 Yamba Airbnbs for a blissful beach escape

The best way to immerse yourself in the laidback surf culture of Yamba? By renting one of the best Yamba Airbnbs in and around town.

Yamba’s hotels and motels attract year-round bookings, and its camping sites are consistently teeming with crowds. Sometimes, a private home away from home is just a better fit. Enter Yamba’s thriving Airbnb scene. From architecturally designed beach houses and apartments in the thick of the action, to pet-friendly retreats your pup will love, the best Yamba Airbnbs facilitate every style of holiday. With so many properties to search through, we’ve created your ultimate curated list.

1. The Beach House

the Beach House Yamba with ocean views — Admire the ocean from the comfort of your home.

Starting the list with absolute luxury, The Beach House  is treated to the most coveted location – on Pilot Hill, right between Main Beach and Lover’s Point.

Walking distance from everything, including the best beaches Yamba has to offer, the 1950s-restored white-washed marvel will prove almost impossible to leave, thanks to its Egyptian cotton bed linen, sweeping views of the ocean and cloud-like cushioned lounges. The sanctuary’s top floor is the only accessible space, but it can sleep up to six guests across two bedrooms so it’s never tight.

Laundry facilities, including a dryer, a dedicated workspace (not that anybody’s encouraging anything but R&R here) and a private balcony ensure every holiday haven box is ticked.

2. Little Angourie

the bedroom at Little Angourie, Yamba — Rest up in the earth-toned bedroom.

Less than 10 minutes’ drive south of Yamba, Angourie is another must-experience part of the NSW North Coast and Little Angourie is an idyllic place to launch your adventures. One of the most stylish options you’ll find, the ground-level space is part of a larger property but its luxurious self-contained presentation oozes covetable comfort.

Inside you’ll find a fully equipped gourmet kitchen with Fisher & Paykel appliances, a laundry, open-plan living, air-con, complimentary beach towels, a private patio, king bed, private bathroom with a waterfall shower, Aesop products and more.

3. Blue Back

the lounge area at Blue Back, Yamba — Blue Back offers a peaceful escape just moments from the Clarence River

This private guesthouse is 200 metres from the Clarence River, and while you’ll have to walk or ride to the centre of town, the location is peaceful and removed from the busyness of Yamba’s high season.

A renovated granny flat set amid bushland, its private courtyard is ideal for bird watching and relaxing, plus guests have full use of the main yard which features a BBQ and wood-fired pizza oven.

4. Cove House

the exterior and breezy deck at Cove House Yamba — This pet-friendly coastal retreat features a fully fenced yard.

If you’ve brought along the family dog, Cove House  is a dream Yamba Airbnb that’s close to town. A fully fenced yard means they can enjoy the summer sunshine while you relax on an expansive deck that extends from an open-plan kitchen. Those breezy, warm evening celebrations are just a booking away.

Three bedrooms mean up to five guests can rest their heads overnight, with two queen beds and one single providing ultra-plush accommodation.

5. The Old Clarence Brewery

the exterior of Old Clarence Brewery, Yamba — The heritage-styled Old Clarence Brewery dates back to 1881.

Looking for something different? The Old Clarence Brewery is a rustic, Instagram-perfect choice located in nearby Maclean, about 25 minutes from Yamba. Switching out water for rainforest vistas, the Yamba Airbnb promotes serious tranquillity, all while sleeping up to eight guests thanks to four beautifully styled bedrooms.

A historic property dating back to the 1881, the sandstone and brick structure’s facade looks like something out of a dusty old photo album. But loving attention to the little things — a vintage bathtub with striking silver tap wear, an outdoor French provincial table setting, character-filled light features — ensure it’s a standout of now.

6. Pippi Beach Apartment

the living room at Pippi Beach Apartment — Pippi Beach Apartment is designed with sleek timber.

A cosy loft studio perfectly situated on Pippi Beach, one of Yamba’s best beaches for a morning dip before crowds swarm, Pippi Beach Apartment is a charming pick.

The property has been created for lovebirds (although it does sleep up to four people), so the couch, dining table and kitchen are small. For what it lacks in size, however, it makes up for in comfort and prettiness as a coastal palette of timber and ocean blues instil instant calm and plush amenities ensure everything’s covered.

7. Sandrift Two

an apartment with beach views at Sandrift Two, Yamba — Admire stunning sea views from the balcony.

Yearning for a holiday with extended blue-on-blue vistas? Sandrift Two , an apartment with panoramic views of the ocean, is ready to scratch that itch.

Located smack-bang on Convent Beach, along Ocean Street, the major drawcard is angled entirely towards its private balcony where serious sloth sessions beckon. Open plan living and dining create easy holiday living, while the building’s location on the corner of the residential strip ensures those views extend to 270 degrees. It sleeps up to six very fortunate guests.

8. Pacific Lodge

the bedroom with windows that open up to sea views at Pacific Lodge — Wake up to the calming sound of the waves.

High up on Pilot Hill overlooking Main Beach is Pacific Lodge , one of the beach town’s original holiday homes, now refurbished and redesigned as a modern beach shack. With capacity to sleep eight people, this stay would utterly enchant a group of friends or two families.

Visitors rave about the sea breeze it catches through its ocean-facing windows, not to mention the property’s outstanding location – right next door to the Pacific Hotel, one of Yamba’s best restaurants.

9. Yamba Getaway

the living room interior at Yamba Getaway — This Yamba accommodation is styled with an eclectic mix of furnishings.

One of the town’s most accessible accommodation offerings, Yamba Getaway  is a modern and self-contained unit designed to be completely wheelchair-friendly. Even more conveniently, it’s located in the heart of Yamba.

Just 100 metres from the main shopping centre and enveloped in a maze of flat footpaths that lead to beaches and cafes, the Yamba Airbnb features access ramps, handrails installed in the toilet, a wheel-in shower, plus wide doorways with grab rails throughout. It’s also pet friendly, so the entire clan’s invited.

10. Mysa Yamba

a look inside the living room at Mysa Yamba — The white-washed room is styled for your ultimate comfort.

Tailored to family escapes, Mysa Yamba  is a four-bedroom renovated home positioned in a quiet neighbourhood just outside of Yamba’s main village.

Full of natural light and featuring its own pontoon and swimming pool (with giant daybeds for lounging with a good book), the open-plan design will satisfy anybody craving an action-geared escape, with thoughtful additions like kayaks dialling up the fun effortlessly.

11. La Ronde 2

a spacious apartment at La Ronde 2, Yamba — Settle into a spacious and peaceful retreat.

With three bedrooms and two bathrooms, there is enough space in La Ronde 2 to sleep up to six guests along the enviable strip of ocean-view apartment blocks on Pacific Parade. Equally, you’re treated to a peaceful lifestyle while remaining close enough to walk to shops and beaches.

A ground-floor apartment with stunning views of Pippi Beach, it’s also decorated beautifully and features undercover parking and internal laundry facilities.

12. Ocean Sounds

the balcony overlooking the sea at Ocean Sounds, Yamba Airbnb — A warm and homey experience by the sea awaits.

One of the few Yamba Airbnbs with its own private swimming pool, Ocean Sounds is the place for lovers of salty hair and sandy feet. Beach devotees will adore the proximity to Pippi Beach, which offers prime whale watching conditions if it’s whale watching season in Yamba (late May through October). Keep your eyes peeled and you’ll likely spot the majestic creatures from the lounge room.

The ground-floor apartment features private access and there are laundry facilities within the wider block.

13. Tecoma 3

the waterfront Airbnb at Tecoma 3, Yamba — Tecoma 3 is your ultimate waterfront holiday home.

Speaking of swimming pools, Tecoma 3  might have the most impressive pick of the local bunch. Perched on the edge of the Clarence River, it is the perfect place to unwind poolside.

Also a hit among boaties, the stay features a private pontoon for mooring your ride and a deep, wide waterway suited to larger vessels. Its three bedrooms are located on the upper level, with the downstairs dedicated to open plan living and dining, complete with a modern kitchen and large deck.

14. The Black Ace

the modern kitchen at The Black Ace, Yamba — A beautifully restored 110-year-old cottage nestled in the heart of the village.

This pet-friendly Yamba Airbnb is in the heart of the village and right next door to the town’s historic cinema, which itself is one of the best things to do in Yamba. The 110-year-old cottage, restored with a sleek, minimalist interior sleeps up to 12 guests and excels at luxe living – just look at it.

Carlotta + Gee linens cover all the beds, a Sonos wireless sound system pumps throughout and a SMEG drip coffee machine makes staying indoors a dream. Best of all, a separate bunkhouse sleeps six, serving as the perfect pick for families with older kids craving their own space.

15. Riverwood Lodge

the balcony at Riverwood Lodge, Yamba — Enjoy the elegant country styling at Riverwood Lodge.

It’s not a beach escape, but are you ready for something equally restorative? Riverwood Lodge , located in nearby Maclean which is 25 minutes from Yamba, is a stately spot close to the Clarence River. A historic three-bedroom masterpiece with generous living and dining areas, it’s the type of house you fall in love with while watching Escape to the Country – the character is spellbindingly unique, unlike the vast majority of Yamba Airbnbs.

Just add polished floorboards, French doors and a stunning country-inspired kitchen and reality will start to feel a million miles away.

This article was originally written by Melissa Mason with updates by Kristie Lau-Adams.

Whales breaching, fires crackling and slow-cooked feasts that make the cold so cosy, one might wish it lasted longer. Winter is no time to stay at home in NSW.

When the mercury drops, winter in NSW comes into its own. Beaches are quieter, the air is crisper and hearty food tastes even better when there’s ice on the windows.

Winter here isn’t for hiding away. It’s for long walks, deep baths, deeper reds and the kind of fireside lounging that feels simultaneously indulgent and entirely deserved after a day of exploring. From whale-watching up north to moodily lit bushwalks and pastry pilgrimages, we’ve mapped out your new favourite season.

a beach winter in nsw — From coastal walks to tasty delights, winter in NSW is a time to get out and about.

The Tweed

In winter, the NSW north coast has a front-row seat to one of nature’s greatest migrations. From May to November, humpbacks cruise past the Tweed coast between Antarctica and the Great Barrier Reef. Spot them from the Cabarita Beach headland or get up closer with a boat cruise.

Inland, find the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre , which is home to a rotating cast of big-name exhibitions (including Monet).

Later, grab a table at Bistro Livi , where the modern Spanish menu features whipped salt cod on toast and spanner crab with curry butter and spelt flatbread. Stick around to poke through the artist studios and indie boutiques of M|Arts Precinct .

visitors at Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre — Browse the art. (Image: Destination NSW)

The next day, jump aboard the Indigenous Lunch Cruise with Tweed Escapes. You’ll cruise upriver listening to yarns from local Indigenous guides, stop at the Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Museum and tuck into lemon myrtle-crusted snapper.

Next, drive out to Farm & Co to pull apart some juicy smoked lamb shoulder with green olive tapenade while gazing out over the macadamia fields and avocado groves of this working farm.

End the day at Mantra on Salt Beach where you’ll enjoy beach access, a heated rock spa and a lagoon pool.

dining room at Bistro Livi — Taste modern Spanish at Bistro Livi.

Blue Mountains

The cold season is hands down the best time to visit the Blue Mountains. Temperatures are perfect – sunny enough for hikes, and crisp enough at night for snuggling up.

For a trip that equally soothes and stirs, start with a meditative meander through the national park’s eucalypts and Australian wildflowers. Brave the steepest passenger railway in the world, Scenic Railway , then hop the Skyway aerial cable car for unrivalled Three Sisters views.

Thaw out at the Japanese Bath House in South Bowenfels. Soak in steamy outdoor onsens filled with natural mineral water and mountain views, wander the rose and zen gardens, or sip hot drinks in the tea house.

group leader at Blue Mountains Stargazing — Rug up for Blue Mountains Stargazing. (Image: Destination NSW)

Afterwards, head to Ates in Blackheath, where everything revolves around a 150-year-old ironbark-fuelled oven – like the wood-roasted duck with nectarines and Szechuan spice. Or visit Tempus Katoomba , which leans experimental and sustainable, serving up dishes like braised fennel with cumin, spiced yogurt and Aleppo pepper.

Rug up and head into the night with Blue Mountains Stargazing . Sessions are guided by astrophysicists, helping you understand what you’re looking at as you look into deep space.

Wrap it all up at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains – MGallery Collection . There’s a whiskey bar in the basement (and crackling fires that make a dram taste even better), indoor and outdoor pools and a day spa. Kids will love the mirror maze and ice rink, too.

dishes laid out on table at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains — End the day with delicious meals at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains. (Image: Destination NSW)

Southern Highlands

Good food and wine by the fire, experienced between sifting through second-hand treasures, is a winter vibe in Bowral.

Start with a lap around Dirty Janes , an antique and vintage market. Recover from your shopping frenzy at Bendooley Book Barn , where floor-to-ceiling shelves and a roaring fire set the tone for an afternoon of red wine or hot coffee.

When it’s time to eat, head to Hickory’s Restaurant & Bar , Peppers Craigieburn Bowral’s onsite restaurant. Try the crispy pork belly with Granny Smith crisps and apple gel, or ocean trout with wakame, lemon gel and pickled radish.

couple looking through Dirty Janes in bowral — Wander the antiques at Dirty Janes. (Image: Destination NSW)

Another option, Onesta Cucina , does Italian with flair. For something more casual (with cocktails), Flour Bar swings between brunch and dinner, with an onsite bakery, over 400 wines and a hidden deli in the old bank vault.

Later, clamber Mt Gibraltar , where trails wind through eucalypt forest to views over Bowral and Mittagong.

Stay at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral , a century-old estate with open fires, elegant lounges and a nine-hole golf course.

woman and her dog winter in nsw at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral — Stay cosy at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral.

Penrith

Shake off winter inertia with an adrenaline boost out in Penrith. Kick things off with a kayak paddle on the Nepean River with Horizon Line, or head to Cables Wake Park , where cold-weather wetsuits take the edge off a wipeout.

For something a bit more cruisy, opt for the Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler for slow-floating views and a hot cuppa.

kayakers on the nepean river in penrith — Head out on the Nepean River. (Image: Destination NSW)

Refuel at Marcel Bar & Bistro , where reimagined European comfort food – like seafood risotto in bisque with little neck clams and Moreton Bay bugs – is king. Then check in at the Pullman Sydney Penrith , the area’s first international five-star hotel, to enjoy your well-earned rest.

Start planning your NSW winter getaway at all.com.