A guide to every picturesque Yamba camping hot spot

Carla GrossettiBy Carla Grossetti
hero media
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.
See all articles
Yamba airbnbs
Yamba

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.

Read more
Yamba accommodation
Yamba

The best Yamba accommodation for a coastal getaway

Whether you’re poised to splurge or pinching every penny, the best Yamba accommodation will sort every traveller out.

Read more
hero media

The ultimate new summer guide for the Sutherland Shire

    Gemma KaczerepaBy Gemma Kaczerepa
    Continue
    Sunshine, sea breezes and sand-speckled locals: the Sutherland Shire is perfect for an idyllic Sydney summer.

    The Sutherland Shire is one of Sydney’s most dynamic regions. Home to an eclectic mix of top-notch eateries and drinking holes, a flourishing arts scene, and striking land and seascapes, it’s a haven for foodies, culture seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

    It’s also an ever-evolving destination with a constant wave of new places to eat and drink, and under-the-radar pockets to explore – many of which are dog-friendly.

    If you’re venturing to this gorgeous part of the world this summer, here’s your guide to what’s new and worth discovering.

    Savour the summer dining scene

    Fred’s After Hours on the sutherland shire
    Pop into Fred’s After Hours.

    The Shire’s buzzing dining scene is one of its biggest drawcards, and many of the region’s culinary highlights can be found in the sun-soaked beachside hub of Cronulla. A bunch of newcomers have recently set up shop, making the area ripe for culinary adventure.

    Homer Rogue Taverna is exactly as its name suggests: a cheeky take on classic Greek food. Expect meze and mains bursting with bold flavours and a wine list packed with standout Greek drops.

    Freds Providore – a Cronulla favourite for casual cafe fare and excellent coffee – is now open late from Thursday to Sunday. Come sundown, it morphs into Fred’s After Hours, serving a refined European-inspired menu, wines, cocktails and a laid-back yet polished vibe.

    Bobbys is a slick destination right on Cronulla Beach, where you can grab a plate of freshly-caught seafood and a summery cocktail while cooling off in the sea breeze.

    And if you’re after a bit of everything, the sprawling and multifaceted Parc Pavilion is a melting pot of dining experiences. It blends a cafe, bistro, bar, Italian restaurant and a host of regular events, all tied together in a cool coastal setting.

    Got a Saturday morning to spare? The Shire Farmers Market in Sutherland is a must-do ritual, letting you (and your four-legged friend) browse fresh produce, flowers and gourmet treats against a backdrop of live music and local chatter.

    Dive into ocean pools

    ocean pool on the sutherland shire
    The ocean pools beckon.

    Given its prime coastal positioning, the Shire teems with crystal-clear ocean pools and enclosed bathing spots. Silver Beach Tidal Baths offers a netted
    swimming experience in Botany Bay. Tucked beside a small sandy beach, the tidal baths at Gunnamatta Park are calm and shallow – making them an ideal setting for less confident swimmers.

    Just a hop and a skip away is Shelly Park Ocean Pool, a magical rock pool carved in the ocean. It’s well-suited to young kids and offers sweeping views towards the open sea.

    Experience local arts and culture

    Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience
    See the art at Hazelhurst Arts Centre, then enjoy a picnic with or without your pooch.

    Hazelhurst Arts Centre in Gymea is elegantly positioned within a lush garden landscape, serving as the Sutherland Shire’s premier destination for arts and culture. This summer, experience the Art on Paper Award 2025 – a celebration of innovation and creativity through the versatile medium of paper.

    Set within the leafy surrounds of Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience. Think abundant cheese platters, artisan charcuterie boards, fresh OJ and a thoughtfully chosen wine list, all available to take away and enjoy in the art-filled gardens just beyond the restaurant. Best of all, four-legged friends are welcome to join the fun.

    Next, venture south to the artsy village of Bundeena for the monthly Bundeena and Maianbar Art Trail . This self-guided journey through local artists’ studios offers a glimpse into their work and creative spaces.

    Relish the dog-friendly atmosphere

    a dog on Greenhills Dog Beach sutherland shire
    Let the dog off-leash at Greenhills Dog Beach.

    The Sutherland Shire is a bona fide playground for pups and their humans. Find a string of dog-friendly beaches popular with locals, visitors and pups alike. Silver Beach in Kurnell is a peaceful pocket, allowing dogs off-leash without restriction. While Horderns Beach in Bundeena and Greenhills Beach in Cronulla are equally serene and provide off-leash access (be sure to check times and seasonal restrictions before you go).

    If you’re planning to make a weekend of it, book yourself and your pooch into Quest Cronulla . With stylish and spacious pet-friendly accommodation, thoughtful amenities, and a prime location just steps from Cronulla Esplanade and a variety of dog-friendly cafes, it’s the perfect spot to rest after a full day of exploring.

    Get into nature

    Sunrise at Curracurrong Falls and Eagle Rock in the Royal National Park, Sydney.
    Find natural beauty in Royal National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

    You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor escapes: imagine rugged bushwalks, breezy beachside tracks, meandering cycling trails and lookouts galore. The best part? Many of them are perfectly suited to dogs.

    Take your canine to Cronulla Esplanade – the Shire’s version of the famed Bondi to Coogee Walk. This eight-kilometre route takes you past the region’s most picturesque beaches, offering panoramic vistas and an electric energy. It heaves with locals every morning and weekend, getting their steps in with a coffee in one hand and a dog leash in the other.

    If you’re travelling without furry friends, stop by the Royal National Park. You’ll be engulfed in ancient bushland, craggy cliffs, towering rock formations, diverse wildlife and twisting tracks. The Jibbon Loop Track is a highlight, with spectacular views over the sea. Alternatively, the Karloo Track forms a loop that winds through untamed bush, freshwater pools and waterfalls. Re-lace your walking shoes or grab a bike to follow The Bundeena Drive to Marley  Walk  past freshwater pools and creeks, on to scenic beach views of Little Marley Beach.

    Hit up the beautiful beaches

    aerial of cronulla beach and esplanade
    Enjoy postcard-perfect beaches. (Image: Destination NSW)

    The stretch along Cronulla bursts with postcard-perfect beaches, each offering a different flavour. With rolling waves, regular patrol and a steady stream of beachgoers, Cronulla Beach and North Cronulla Beach are buzzy and built for all kinds of swimmers. Elouera Beach is a quieter option, attracting early-morning surfers hoping to catch the perfect wave.

    If you prefer a side of dramatic scenery, visit Wanda or Greenhills – in addition to ocean panoramas, both are backed by towering golden dunes and wild scrub. Looking for something more subdued? Shelly Beach Ocean Pool is a relaxed – yet no less captivating – retreat.

    Start planning your Sutherland Shire summer at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.