15 Yamba Airbnbs for a blissful beach escape

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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Melissa Mason
Melissa Mason is a freelance journalist who loves road tripping and car snacks. Previously holding Editor roles at ELLE, marie claire, Broadsheet and Pedestrian.TV, she now writes travel and lifestyle content for a wealth of Australian titles like SMH, Mamamia and Urban List, as well as copywriting for international brands. Outside of writing, she loves walks with her dog Ted, a great Sunday afternoon with friends, and op shopping. If she could be anywhere right now it would be lounging on a hammock at a tropical resort with a great romantic fantasy book.
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8 reasons Moree should be on your next road trip itinerary

    Lucy Cousins Lucy Cousins
    Discover what makes this country town the perfect place to slow down, switch off and recharge.

    At first glance, the country town of Moree may look like just another charming highway town, with heritage buildings, a leafy town centre and classic pubs the locals love. However, this regional New South Wales town is Australia’s Artesian Spa Capital, a wellness hub with a rich Indigenous cultural history and a growing reputation as a destination for slow travel.

    Moree is ideally located at the crossroads of the Gwydir and Newell highways (and is also easily reached by train and air), making it a refreshing destination, or stop, on any road trip. And these eight experiences show why.

    1. Taste Moree on a Plate

    Westpac Helicopter Rescue Service team with their Seafood Paella at the 2019 Moree on a Plate Festival
    Taste the best of regional produce and culinary talent. (Credit: Destination NSW)

    Time your trip for Mother’s Day weekend in May, and you’ll find yourself in the middle of the popular annual food and wine festival, Moree on a Plate, celebrating regional produce and culinary talent from the region’s fertile plains.

    Browse the stalls and sample olives, pecans, citrus fruits, honey, boutique wines and handmade condiments. You can also enjoy live cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs, a local barbecue competition, plein-air art, live music and a dedicated children’s activity area.

    2. Experience artesian waters

    woman at the Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre
    Chill out in Moree’s famous artesian waters.

    Moree’s famous artesian waters have attracted visitors for over 130 years. First discovered by accident in 1895, this mineral-rich, naturally heated water is drawn from deep within the Great Artesian Basin. Soak and slow down in the recently renovated pools at the Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre, where you can choose between the active pool with massaging water jets or the passive pool for a more relaxing experience.

    For a longer soak, stay at one of the many motels within walking distance of the aquatic centre. Or book a stay with its own artesian pools.

    Gwydir Thermal Pools Motel & Caravan Park has five on-site thermal pools and a broad range of accommodation, while the Phoenix Resort offers both indoor spas and outdoor thermal pools as well as recently upgraded self-contained apartments and motel rooms. Meanwhile, the Artesian Spa Motel is set on five acres of landscaped gardens and features swimming and thermal pools, including an indoor artesian spa and an on-site restaurant.

    3. Enjoy an arty experience

    Bank Art Museum Moree
    Step inside the gorgeous Bank Art Museum Moree. (Credit: Destination NSW)

    To connect with Moree’s artistic side, head to Bank Art Museum Moree (BAMM), an independent contemporary art gallery housed in a beautifully preserved, Federation-era bank dating back to 1910. Inside, a nationally significant collection celebrates the art and culture of the Gamilaroi/Kamilaroi people and other First Nations artists alongside regional Australian art, while changing exhibitions offer something new.

    Follow the Moree Art Mural Trail through the CBD, and you’ll pass large-scale murals and small galleries reflecting stories of the town’s people, history and culture. While you’re exploring this open-air gallery, look out for the eclectic mix of Art Deco and early 20th-century architecture, including the Moree Courthouse and the striking Capitol Theatre facade.

    4. Discover cotton country

    Aerial overlooking cotton farming in progress on the Newport Cotton Farm, Moree
    Learn more about Moree’s cotton industry. (Credit: Destination NSW)

    Surrounded by the black-soil plains of the Gwydir Valley, Moree is at the centre of one of Australia’s major cotton-growing areas. Visit between March and May, and you’ll see fields covered in the distinctive fluffy white cotton bolls being harvested by huge machinery.

    Trace the cotton from paddock to fabric on the Cotton Farm and Gin tour, running from April to September. You’ll visit a cotton farm and a working cotton gin up close, where you’ll see the cotton fibres separated from the seeds. Tours run weekly and include transfers.

    5. Explore the Moree Plains

    care driving around moree
    Head out of town to explore the plains.

    Outside of the city centre, Moree is surrounded by charming rural villages dotted around the plains. The quiet village of Boomi, around 90 kilometres north-west of Moree, offers historic early 20th-century architecture, its own artesian thermal waters at the Boomi Artesian Baths and vast outback skies.

    Further west, the pioneer border town of Mungindi straddles the Barwon River between New South Wales and Queensland. Follow the 2.5-kilometre sculpture trail to take in the outdoor public art, and you’ll cross the state border twice.

    6. Relax by the water

    bird at Gwydir Wetlands in moree
    Spot the locals at Gwydir Wetlands.

    Just a short drive away, the peaceful Tareelaroi Weir Recreation Area makes the most of the meandering Gwydir River. Set up camp along the riverside and enjoy picnicking, fishing and swimming.

    A little further afield, the Gwydir Wetlands are home to 75 recorded waterbird species, including brolgas, magpie geese, egrets, spoonbills, ibis and black-necked storks, also known as jabirus. Watchers can settle into the hide at Waterbird Lagoon, or follow a short walking trail through the wetlands, keeping an eye out for rare species.

    7. Immerse in local Indigenous culture

    Terry Hie Hie Aboriginal Area
    Learn about the history of the Gamilaroi People.

    Moree lies on the traditional lands of the Gamilaroi People, whose connection to the land stretches back thousands of years. Today, visitors can learn about this history at Terry Hie Hie Aboriginal Area, which includes the 3.5 kilometre Yana-y Warruwi Walking Track.

    Back in town, the Open Space Aboriginal Art Trail allows you to enjoy the Mehi River with a free, self-guided public art trail of work from local Indigenous artists and their personal connection to Country. Finish with a visit to the remarkable Dhiiyaan Aboriginal Centre, where more than 110,000 family genealogies are recorded. Browse artefacts, art and over 15,000 photographs. There are also changing exhibitions of historical photographs and local art.

    8. Local cafe culture

    Barista making a coffee order at 61 Balo Cafe, Moree
    Get amongst’s Moree’s vibrant cafe scene. (Credit: Destination NSW)

    From relaxed country cafes to stylish modern eateries, Moree’s CBD has a surprisingly vibrant foodie scene. There are plenty of spots to choose from for a freshly brewed coffee, long lunch or tasty dinner, featuring menus showcasing local produce and loads of country charm.

    If you’d rather dine in the great outdoors, grab a takeaway coffee or a picnic and head to leafy Jellicoe Park, a riverside oasis just a short walk from the centre of town. Pick a spot under the trees, enjoy the park’s art installations and keep watch for waterbirds along the river.

    Start planning your Moree retreat at visitmoreeplains.com.au.