A guide to every picturesque Yamba camping hot spot

Carla GrossettiBy Carla Grossetti
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From spectacular sites with million-dollar water views to places to pull up your motorhome, the best Yamba camping and Yamba caravan park picks always dazzle.

Whether you’re a camping newbie or hard-core about sleeping under canvas, there’s a Yamba camping or Yamba caravan park to get you excited. Spanning old-school camping grounds, RV sites, glamping grounds and holiday parks, the best spots in and around the idyllic NSW North Coast town encourage ample time spent lazing about the water (or flying off bouncing pillows). Conveniently located to provide easy access to the top things to do in Yamba, these sites offer fishing, surfing, bush walks, beach hangs and so much more.

NRMA Blue Dolphin Yamba Holiday Resort

It’s a beautiful thing to have a mess of different families come together in communal spaces where they instantly have something in common. The NRMA Blue Dolphin Yamba Holiday Resort is like a cruise ship run aground and it’s all action stations with pedal karts, mini golf, a bike pump track, a climbing gym, arcade games, a water park and free wi-fi. The Yamba camping holy grail, which is just minutes from the heart of town, has cabins and villas as well as sites for tents and RVs.

Price: $-$$$ — it ranges from unpowered sites to three-bedroom waterfront villas.

Facilities: Where to start? A pool bar, equipment hire, boat ramp, pedal kart hire, multiple swimming pools, mini golf, a bouncing pillow, playground, kiosk, camp kitchen, laundry, kids activities during the school holidays, cafe, a dump point and even more.

Accessibility: Yes, it actively welcomes visitors with access needs and features wheelchair ramps and a quiet space.

Dog-friendly?: Yes, and you can choose from one-bedroom villas or powered sites.

Address: 31-45 Yamba Rd, Yamba

Big4 Saltwater Yamba Holiday Park

a caravan site at Big4 Saltwater Yamba Holiday Park
Sleep soundly in camper trailers and caravans at Big4 Saltwater Yamba Holiday Park.

Comfort is key at the Big4 Saltwater Yamba Holiday Park , where the appeal lies in a collective commitment to family fun and relaxation. The other draw card at this Yamba caravan park hot spot is The Oasis, a ridiculously lavish, totally thrilling lagoon-style water park that was unveiled in November 2024. Think palm trees, shallow bub-friendly waters, water slides and even a swim-up bar. Cue a soundtrack of children squealing as you walk around the perimeter of the park, which also features a jumping pillow, pump track, flying fox and pedal karts. The camping ground has campsites for tents and RVs, as well as cabins that are dog-friendly.

Price: $-$$$ — it ranges from unpowered sites to a five-bedroom cabin

Facilities: That sprawling Oasis waterpark, a jumping pillow, two playgrounds, a boat ramp, two camp kitchens, equipment hire, a flying fox, a pump track, pedal kart hire, four barbecue areas, amenities block, a dog wash, EV charging station, DVD hire, outdoor movies, volleyball, school holiday activities and, seriously, plenty more.

Accessibility: Yes, it actively welcomes visitors with access needs and features wheelchair ramps and accessible bathrooms.

Dog-friendly?: Yes, and you can choose from various sites and cabins.

Address: 286 O’Keefe’s Lane, Yamba

Pebbly Beach campground

Those setting off on the popular multi-day Yuraygir Coastal Walk will need somewhere to rest their head along the way. Stop overnight at the Pebbly Beach campground at the end of day one to carve off and wander along the Freshwater Track. There you’ll find towering pandanus palms that the local Gumbaynggirr people used to weave neckbands, dillybags and baskets. Please note that this much-loved camping hot spot, located within Yuraygir National Park, is only accessible at low tide and about a 1.5-hour drive from the centre of Yamba.

Price: $ — just unpowered sites are available, and you’ll need to pay $8 per vehicle per day for entry into the National Park.

Facilities: Non-flush toilets and you can buy firewood at the campground.

Accessibility: No

Dog-friendly?: No

Address: Freshwater Track, Barcoongere

Brooms Head Holiday Park

Brooms Head Holiday Park
Brooms Head Holiday Park is a great base camp for surfers. (Image: Clarence Coast Holiday Parks)

Embrace the region’s natural surroundings at Brooms Head Holiday Park , one of the most popular Yamba caravan parks come sunny season. Located less than 40 minutes from Yamba proper, the spectacularly positioned grounds instil instant calm as the views stretch across a golden beach and lagoon rockpools. You’re also within walking distance from Lake Arragan and Redcliff, so nature steals the spotlight every way you tackle your days. Book early to score a cabin or villa right on the beach.

Price: $-$$ — it ranges from unpowered sites to two-bedroom ocean-fronting villas.

Facilities: BBQ area, playground, multiple dump points, amenities block, laundry and a boat ramp.

Accessibility: Yes, it actively welcomes visitors with access needs and features wheelchair-accessible cabins, ramps and free hire of beach wheelchairs.

Dog-friendly?: No

Address: 35 Ocean Rd, Brooms Head

Calypso Yamba Holiday Park

a scenic view of the Clarence River at Calypso Yamba Holiday Park
This Yamba camping spot is nestled in an idyllic spot overlooking the Clarence River. (Image: Destination NSW)

Arrive at the Calypso Yamba Holiday Park in the early afternoon and you will find a nostalgic scene reminiscent of all our childhood memories smooshed into one. There’s a chessboard of figures moving slowly around the park: a father lifting his son onto a swing, a young family shuffling back from the beach and a salty-haired grom cooking snags on the BBQ. Pitch a tent, park your RV or rent a cabin at this soothing Yamba camping delight.

Price: $-$$$ – it ranges from unpowered sites to waterfront two-bedroom cabins.

Facilities: BBQ area, playground, amenities block, ice, laundry, a swimming pool, a bike path, a pontoon and a camp kitchen.

Accessibility: Yes, it actively welcomes visitors with access needs and features wheelchair-accessible cabins, ramps and free hire of beach wheelchairs.

Dog-friendly?: Yes, across various sites during off-peak periods.

Address: 8A Harbour St, Yamba

Anchorage Holiday Park

The grounds at Anchorage Holiday Park are impeccably maintained, making it a tranquil spot to rest your head in the surrounding areas of Yamba. Positioned on the North Arm, near the Clarence River, just a 30-minute drive from Yamba, the park is full of parents who come here with one single purpose: to keep the family tight. And the park provides the means to do that each day with a dedicated social calendar of fun activities.

Price: $-$$ — it ranges from unpowered sites to two-bedroom Spa Cabins

Facilities: Free wi-fi, a convenience store, swimming pool, playground, laundry, gas BBQs, fishing jetty, kids’ activity programs during school holidays, DVD hire, equipment hire, a wading pool for littlies, camp kitchen, book loans and more.

Accessibility: Yes, it actively welcomes visitors with access needs and features cabins with accessible bathrooms.

Dog-friendly?: Yes, but only across select sites within off-peak periods.

Address: Marandowie Drive, Illuka

Fishing Haven Holiday Park

an outdoor deck facing Clarence River at Fishing Haven Holiday Park, Yamba
The park is perfect for active families who like to fish, spot wildlife, kayak and swim.

This popular Yamba caravan park draws repeat visitors who spend the year yearning for their annual holiday. Located on Palmers Island, just minutes from Yamba, Fishing Haven Holiday Park on the Clarence River is for active families who like to fish, spot wildlife, kayak and swim. There are powered and unpowered sites, river-view cabins as well as space for RVs. The park has kayaks, boats and mooring for hire.

Price: $-$$$ — it ranges from unpowered sites to a three-bedroom holiday house.

Facilities: Three jetties, electric BBQs, a camp kitchen, boat mooring, kiosk, ice, bait and tackle.

Accessibility: Yes, it actively welcomes visitors with access needs and features wheelchair ramps and accessible toilets and showers.

Dog-friendly?: Yes, across select stays

Address: 35 River Rd, Palmers Island

Higher Ground Coastal Bush Retreat & Permaculture

Romantics will thrill in glamping in fancy vintage-styled tents at Higher Ground Coastal Bush Retreat & Permaculture at Shark Creek, behind Yuragir National Park. The off-grid glamping tents are furnished with a comfortable double bed and the option of a single and guests can also rent out the 146-acre property’s homestead (enquiry via the booking page). Higher Ground is a working permaculture farm located 25 minutes from Yamba.

Price: $-$$ — glamping tent bedding ranges from single to double varieties.

Facilities: Solar power, tank water, a water hole for swimming, camp kitchen with a fridge, fire pits, nearby hot showers and composting toilets.

Accessibility: No

Dog-friendly?: Yes, as long as your pooch is well-managed and quiet.

Address: Shark Creek on the Clarence River

Minnie Water Holiday Park

campers dining outside their tent at Minnie Water Holiday Park, Yamba
Minnie Water Holiday Park is a popular stop-over for adventurers. (Image: Clarence Coast Holiday Parks)

Fans of retro family holidays will love Minnie Water Holiday Park ,  a popular stopover for adventurers on the Yuraygir Coastal Walk, one of the best things to do in Yamba. The Yamba caravan park is like a small village furnished with cabins, vans and camper sites in quiet, natural surrounds. The pet-friendly park has a tennis court, pool and open campfires and is located near beaches and bushland.

Price: $-$$ — it ranges from unpowered sites to one-bedroom cabins.

Facilities: A swimming pool, camp kitchen, BBQ area, car and boat wash bay, amenities block, laundry, convenience store and tennis court.

Accessibility: Yes, it actively welcomes visitors with access needs and features free hire of beach wheelchairs.

Dog-friendly?: Yes, and you can choose from sites, cabins and safari tents as long as you’re visiting in off-peak periods.

Address: 646 Minnie Water Rd, Minnie Water

Sandon River Campground

The Sandon River campground is sandwiched between the Sandon River on one side and the protected ocean on the other. As well as offering caravan sites, this lesser-known campground within Yuraygir National Park has picnic tables, barbecue facilities, a boat ramp and toilets. Find out about the remote campground’s rich Indigenous heritage from the informative panels positioned around the campground. Visitors should note that sites are suitable for caravans, camper trailers, campervans and tents, but large caravans and motorhomes are not welcome.

Price: $ — just unpowered sites are available, and you’ll need to pay $8 per vehicle per day for entry into the National Park.

Facilities: Wood BBQs, picnic tables, non-flush toilets, tank water (no drinking water), a waste point, boat ramp and coin-operated public phone.

Accessibility: No

Dog-friendly?: No  

Address: Sandon River Road, The Sandon

Secret Lake Retreat

two chairs by the lake at Secret Lake Retreat, Yamba
The quiet lakefront campground is an ideal spot to laze the day away.

This family-run lakefront campground has communal fire pits fashioned out of old truck rims, complimentary kayaks and canoes (though numbers are limited so get in early) and bushwalking trails that lead off into woodland. It’s set across 800 glorious acres and features a 60-acre private lake, but while the site feels remote, it’s just 10 minutes from the general store in nearby Lawrence. This Yamba camping highlight, just 20 clicks from its town centre, also features a swimming platform moored in the lake.

Price: $ — just unpowered sites are available

Facilities: BBQ area, camp kitchen, dining area, amenities block, dump point, tank water, communal and private fire pits, swimming platform, lawn games and more.

Accessibility: Yes, it actively welcomes visitors with access needs and features an accessible bathroom within the amenities block.

Dog-friendly?: Yes, as long as they’re well-behaved.

Address: 45 Ryries Rd, Lawrence

Iluka Riverside Holiday Park

an aerial view of Iluka Riverside Holiday Park, Yamba
Many holiday parks in Yamba are graced with a view of the Clarence River. (Image: Clarence Coast Holiday Parks)

Designed for carefree holidays centred on ample sun and surf, Iluka Riverside Holiday Park is flanked by the Clarence River and Yuragir National Park. The Yamba camping standout is about a 40-minute drive from the centre of town and positioned on the riverbanks, so fishing (there’s even a pontoon to help lend a hand) and general sun-seeking is highly encouraged. Spend every magical sunset gazing out yonder as BBQs set right off the river facilitate dream holiday memories.

Price: $-$$ — it ranges from unpowered sites to basic cabins

Facilities: Amenities block, camp kitchen, playground, dump point, gas refills, laundry, pontoon, boat ramp and boat kitty, BBQ facilities and free wi-fi.

Accessibility: No

Dog-friendly?: Yes, across the sites as long as you’re visiting in off-peak periods.

Address: 4 Charles Street, Iluka

Originally written by Carla Grossetti with updates by Kristie Lau-Adams

Carla Grossetti
Carla Grossetti avoided accruing a HECS debt by accepting a cadetship with News Corp. at the age of 18. After completing her cadetship at The Cairns Post Carla moved south to accept a position at The Canberra Times before heading off on a jaunt around Canada, the US, Mexico and Central America. During her career as a journalist, Carla has successfully combined her two loves – of writing and travel – and has more than two decades experience switch-footing between digital and print media. Carla’s CV also includes stints at delicious., The Sydney Morning Herald, and The Australian, where she specialises in food and travel. Carla also based herself in the UK where she worked at Conde Nast Traveller, and The Sunday Times’ Travel section before accepting a fulltime role as part of the pioneering digital team at The Guardian UK. Carla and has been freelancing for Australian Traveller for more than a decade, where she works as both a writer and a sub editor.
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Why winter is the best time to be on the New South Wales coast

    Kate BettesBy Kate Bettes
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    NSW’s beach towns take on a new kind of magic when the cooler months hit.

    Autumn and winter cast a whole new light on the New South Wales coastline. The sun hangs lower, the shadows stretch longer and the air is crisp and fresh. The frenetic summer crowds are gone, and the rhythm slows to the pace of a leisurely winter bush walk through still, damp quiet. From wineries pouring winter reds to the annual whale migration up the ‘humpback highway’, here’s why winter on the New South Wales coast is better.

    Winter on the NSW South Coast

    Winter down south means misty dawns, sipping a flat white on the beach. The thrill of a whale spotting from the headlands and evenings spent slowly savouring Shoalhaven’s wines by the fire.

    Start in Kiama, where waves crash into the famous Blowholes. This natural spectacle is achieved when underground pressure and swell unite, sending sea spray soaring above the basalt cliffs. This means, due to larger waves, you’re even more likely to see an explosive display in winter.

    two people standing in front of kiama blowhole
    See Kiama’s blowholes in full force. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Inland, the Minnamurra Rainforest Walk in Budderoo National Park is all subtropical forest and trilling lyrebird song. Make sure to walk silently along the elevated boardwalks, past winter-swelled creeks and the tangled roots of fig trees. You might just hear one of the musically talented birds mimicking your footsteps.

    Feeling adventurous? Book a session at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures for a wobbly walk through the canopy on Australia’s highest zipline.

    Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures on the new south wales south coast
    Walk among the tallest trees. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Next, it’s time to take the speed down a notch with a drive over to the historic village of Berry. It’s been a beloved stop for generations of Sydneysiders heading south, as has the obligatory stop at its famous doughnut van for crisped, cinnamon goodness. If you’re ready for something a little more chunky, stroll right past the boutiques (okay, go on, just one quick peek) to Milkwood Bakery . Their flaky pastries and all-day breakfasts are best enjoyed under cream-coloured fringed umbrellas.

    Back in Kiama, you’ll also find modern Middle Eastern share plates at Miss Arda , and next-level burgers on The Hungry Monkey ‘s extensive menu: an ode to everything pattie-shaped.

    End the day at The Sebel Kiama on the harbour. The apartment-style rooms come with full cooking facilities — a welcome addition for families looking to test out the local produce they picked up along the way. Including, but not limited to, vintages from nearby Crooked River Wines .

    The Sebel Kiama exterior
    Sleep by the harbour.

    Winter on the Mid-North Coast

    A trip up north is a gentle one at this time of year. You’ll still feel that sunshine warming your shoulders, but the lower temperatures make space for rainforest walks, vineyard lunches and long coastal hikes. All without that pesky humidity.

    First stop? It has to be the town of Port Macquarie. Start by marking out a stretch of the nine-kilometre coastal walk you want to tackle (or do the whole thing), which winds from Town Beach to the lighthouse along rugged headlands and quiet beaches. Hot tip: binoculars. Don’t forget them if you want to partake in some close-up sightings of dolphin pods or whales migrating up the ‘humpback highway’.

    Port Macquarie Coastal Walk, winter on the New South Wales coast
    Wander the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Swap sea for canopy at the Sea Acres Rainforest Boardwalk , one of the last remaining pockets of coastal rainforest in the state. The accessible elevated trail passes under climbing ferns and tangled strangler figs, and is alive with scarlet robins, goannas and diamond pythons – if you’re lucky, you might see one slipping through the leaf litter.

    Afterwards, lunch is sorted at Cassegrain Wines , where crisp whites and elegant reds are grown using a blend of French winemaking tradition and Australian innovation. After a tasting, saddle up for a horse ride through the estate.

    port macquarie koala hospital
    Meet Koala Hospital inhabitants at their temporary home. (Image: Destination NSW)

    The beloved Koala Hospital is rebuilding, so meet its furry patients in their temporary bushland abode at Guulabaa – Place of Koala . Here, you can see rehabilitation up close and learn how one of Australia’s most iconic animals is being carefully rewilded and protected.

    Back in town, Whalebone Wharf  serves up fine dining with serious views to go with your oysters. Prefer something breezier? Bills Fishhouse + Bar does everything from blue swimmer crab toast to zucchini noodles drizzled in basil and wattleseed pesto. Down by the waterfront, Little Shack slings ceviche, mushroom burgers and fish tacos with casual aplomb.

    At the end of it all, check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie , right in the heart of town. From here, everything’s walkable. Just park the car, pop your keys in your pocket, and stroll down to the beach.

    bed at Mercure Centro Port Macquarie
    Check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie.

    Winter on the Central Coast

    On the Central Coast, expect to explore oyster farms that sit on estuaries, beaches that stretch empty for miles, and the kind of surprise sightings of whale sprays that can stop a hiker in their tracks.

    The best way to settle into this slower rhythm is with the Bouddi Coastal Walk , an 8.5km trail that dips through rainforest and eroding cliffs. It’s made for unhurried walkers and long-lens photographers.

    Up the coast in Terrigal, it’s prime time to spot humpbacks on the move. Join a cruise or find your own perch — Crackneck Lookout and Norah Head Lighthouse are both local favourites.

    a humpback whale breaching on the central coast
    Spot migrating humpback whales. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Travelling with kids? It would be sacrilege not to visit the Australian Reptile Park . Here, Elvis the saltwater crocodile reigns supreme, and the venomous snake talk somehow manages to be simultaneously terrifying and fascinating.

    If that isn’t enough to wear them out, zip and climb your way through Treetops Adventure Central Coast , a ropes course in the canopy of Ourimbah State Forest. Afterwards, steady your nerves with a garden tasting at Firescreek Botanical Winery , where fruit- and flower-infused wines are served under the trees.

    Switch earth for sea and hop on a boat tour with Broken Bay Pearl Farm . Once you’re out on the water, you’ll learn how pearls are cultivated and have a hands-on lesson in grading and shucking.

    woman holding a pearl at Broken Bay Pearl Farm
    Get a hands-on pearl lesson. (Image: Destination NSW)

    As the day winds down, grab a seat at Yellowtail in Terrigal , which takes seasonal native produce and presents it with Asian flair. Prefer something simple? Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination. Find an impressive breakfast and lunch menu, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce.

    Stay the night at Pullman Magenta Shores , between the ocean and the lake. There are plenty of ways to relax, with a massage at the day spa, a poolside beanbag and a round or two at the golf course.

    restaurant at Pullman Magenta Shores central coast
    Eat well at Pullman Magenta Shores’ restaurant. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Winter in Wollongong

    Wollongong does contrast pretty well. One moment you’re walking beneath an enormous Buddha, the next you’re ordering soju a few blocks from the surf. It’s a town where skydivers land on beaches, trails lead to paddocks and winter days stretch long and clear beneath the Illawarra cliffs.

    If you’re coming from the north, start by crossing over the Sea Cliff Bridge. Curving dramatically out like a jutting ‘C’ out above the water means you won’t be able to resist pulling over (safely, in designated lookouts) to gaze down at the waves crashing on the cliffs below.

    Just inland is the serenity of the Nan Tien Temple , the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere. You can trace the prayer path, explore the temple gardens and sip delectable Kam Quat Tea in the quiet light at the Dew Drop Inn Tea House.

    monk teaching tai chi at Nan Tien Temple
    Learn about Buddhist practices. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Next, dust off that cowboy hat. It’s time for the Darkes Forest Riding Ranch . Take a guided canter via trail rides among peppermint gums and paddocks. If you’re happier to look at animals than ride them, Symbio Wildlife Park has red pandas dozing in trees, kangaroos that hop up to you and lessons on conservation.

    The brave among you shouldn’t miss Skydive Australia – Wollongong . A free fall over the coast via tandem jumps before tumbling down to the sand is a breath-stopping thrill. Prefer to keep your feet on the ground? Check out the program at Wollongong Art Gallery , which delivers contemporary and Aboriginal exhibitions in the centre of town.

    monkey at Symbio Wildlife Park
    Hang out with the locals at Symbio Wildlife Park.(Image: Destination NSW)

    As evening settles in, nab a table at Baby Face Kitchen . It has an ever-changing set menu, with dishes like hand-picked mud crab with white asparagus and salty brown butter, to sheep’s milk and honey ice cream. For something more casual, Dagwood Bar + Kitchen brings the fun with Korean fried chicken, sake cocktails and weekly all-you-can-eat bao buns.

    Check in to Novotel Wollongong Northbeach , right by the sand. With a beachfront pool and ocean views, it’s an ideal base for whatever pace you choose.

    Novotel Wollongong Northbeach
    Fall asleep listening to the waves.

    Winter on the New South Wales coast starts with a cosy place to stay. Start planning your adventure at all.com.