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.

The laid-back beach town of Yamba has long been considered one of NSW’s best-kept secrets, and rightly so. It’s awash with gorgeous stretches of coastline, a blossoming food and wine scene, a long list of fabulous things to do and some rather lovely hotels, motels, Airbnbs and other places to stay. Presenting our guide to the best Yamba accommodation to get you on your way.

Yamba hotels, resorts and motels

Yamba has long been a beach holiday destination, and you’ll find plenty of its hotels and motels date back decades. Some Yamba accommodation picks keep the nostalgia alive with nods to quintessential 1980s Aussie beach accommodation, while others lean right into luxury, focusing on modern decor and spreading serene holiday vibes. The next level up? Finding an all-too-convenient resort that offers it all.

Il Delfino

Il Defino will transport you to the Italian coast.

Best for: Mediterranean summer vibes

Transport your mind and spirit to the sun-soaked shores of Italy with a stay at Il Delfino , a postcard-perfect Yamba accommodation standout. One of the top Australian hotel openings in recent times, the seaside inn is positioned to throw up panoramic views of the ocean — making for an effortless morning surf report.

Just five self-serviced stays are up for grabs, spanning four Instagram-friendly suites and one stand-alone bungalow, but every inch of this aesthetically brilliant stay is laced with plush furnishings including Aesop bathroom amenities, vintage vanities, handcrafted wall sconces, robes, fluffy slippers and Smeg kitchen appliances. Visitors should note that children under the age of 10 are sadly (or not so sadly, really) not allowed.

Address: 4 Ocean St, Yamba

The Surf Yamba

Best for: A touch of luxe

This boutique hotel  has become a bit of a local landmark. Its crowning glory, a sunlit rooftop terrace with striped sun lounges and a heated plunge pool, overlooks the golden crescent of sand that is Yamba’s Main Beach. But there’s plenty more to fall in love with at this 12-room property.

From its gorgeous whitewashed curved exterior to the retro feel of the interiors (hello terrazzo flooring, blush pink and muted turquoise accents and brushed brass fittings), it’s calm, cool and supremely covetable.

You’ll also find Australian-made, botanical-infused toiletries from Leif, luxury linen bathrobes from Bemboka and artworks from Victorian-based artists Elizabeth Barnett and Caroline Walls at this outstanding Yamba accommodation.

Address: 2 Queen St, Yamba

Pacific Hotel Yamba

Best for: Unbeatable location

Perched just on the northern edge on Main Beach, this adults-only Yamba hotel  offers Pacific Ocean views and smart guest rooms. You can pick from two styles of stays here, depending on your needs and budget. The nine rooms in its ‘northern wing’, renovated in early 2021, feature a modern, stylish and streamlined design — think white walls, blonde wood furnishings and matte black fittings and fixtures. They all feature ensuite bathrooms, and some have private balconies, too.

The older ‘pub rooms’ are more basic, featuring more dated white furniture and shared bathrooms, but equally, more appealing prices.

Guests at this Yamba accommodation pick don’t have to venture far for a feed. The downstairs restaurant dishes up your favourite pub classics (steak and chips, beer battered fish, schnitties and parmas) with a side of seriously stellar ocean and foreshore views.

Address: 18 Pilot St, Yamba

Angourie Resort

Best for: Day spa proximity

Craving total nature immersion? Angourie Resort , one of the best Yamba accommodation options, envelopes its guests in lush rainforest tranquillity. Fitted with self-contained apartments and a handful of villas, the stays are comfortable and clean, allowing their breathtaking surroundings to steal the spotlight.

Large balconies, outdoor dining settings, spa baths (in the one-bedroom Spa Apartments), air conditioning and fully equipped kitchens will keep everyone pleased before they head out to explore the resort’s facilities. An outdoor swimming pool, pool bar, the acclaimed Cunjevoi Restaurant, kids’ pool, jacuzzi and day spa will prove the perfect pit-stops between zips into the centre of town (you’re five minutes from all the action), ocean swims and a whole lot of Yamba’s signature sleepy lazing.

Address: 166 Angourie Rd, Yamba

Yamba Aston Motel

Best for: Budget-friendly accommodation

One of the most affordable accommodation options in Yamba that’s still walking distance from the main streets and beaches, Yamba Aston Motel  might feel a little no-frills to some folks. But with king-sized beds, freshly painted interiors and all your most desirable facilities, it’s a strong choice. Dip your feet in the Yamba accommodation’s outdoor swimming pool and spa or grab supplies and take advantage of the outdoor BBQ area. There’s also air-con, free wi-fi and smart TVs, so it’s very comfortable and convenient for groups and families.

Address: 37 Coldstream St, Yamba

Coast Yamba

Best for: Adults-only R&R

If you’re desperate for some peace and quiet and it’s just you and your better half (or you’re escaping with another couple), Coast Yamba ’s beachside apartments are just the ticket. Offering one or two-bedroom options, some are even treated to ocean glimpses, setting a romantic setting best appreciated by grown-ups.

Large private balconies, open-plan kitchens and fully equipped kitchens facilitate relaxed holiday living while the hot tub demands further attention. Beach towels are also on hand to get you seizing those beach days with minimal fuss.

Address: 14 Henson Ln, Yamba

The Carmel Yamba

Best for: A dose of nostalgia

A hipster haunt with bucketloads of charisma, The Carmel Yamba is modelled on the resort-style motels of yesteryear, exuding a strong surf-retro feel complete with a tropical garden setting and outdoor patios.

Stylish and modern while retaining the nostalgia of lazy beach days in the 1980s and 1990s, this Yamba accommodation also offers a surprising amount of leisure activities, spanning a saltwater pool and tennis court to vintage bikes you can take along the bike-friendly highway to nearby Angourie.

Address: 2-4 Yamba Rd, Yamba

The Stella Motel

the bedroom at Stella Motel, Yamba — For a comfortable stay, consider staying at Stella Motel.

Best for: Large groups

The Stella Motel is well-placed up on Yamba Hill near the Pacific Hotel, close to Convent Beach and Main Beach. Guests can choose from single, double or Family Junior rooms, with all featuring double beds, flat-screen TVs and air conditioning. If you’re keen for the pick of the lot, level up to the Ocean View Apartment which opens directly to the front of the motel (where ocean vistas splash you right in the face) and four guests can comfortably stay thanks to two ensuite bathrooms, two double beds and a sofa bed.

Address: 17 Clarence St, Yamba

Airbnb and Stayz in Yamba

If you’re after pet-friendly accommodation or the very best in self-contained living, Yamba’s extensive range of Airbnb and Stayz properties will suit you. Many have private pools, large backyards for the dog and open plan designs for al fresco dining. Can never have enough options? Take a look at our full wrap of the best Airbnbs in Yamba for Yamba accommodation to fit the whole family.

The White House Yamba

Best for: Large groups

A two-storey four-bedroom residence that sleeps up to eight, The White House Yamba is an ideal retreat for groups. Situated on the southern edge of town, just a 10-minute walk to all of Yamba’s best cafes and Yamba’s best restaurants, and a five-minute walk to its best surf beach, Pippi, you won’t be left wanting when it comes to location.

The house itself is modern and minimalist and there’s open-plan kitchen and dining, plus an outdoor entertaining and lounge area with a Weber BBQ and dining table.

You can also alternate between three different lounge areas, but it’s the little luxuries that make this Yamba accommodation a cut above the rest. The free-standing bathtubs, generous Smeg oven, smart TVs and Tempur mattresses add up to a super comfortable stay.

The Beach House Studio

Best for: A romantic weekend away

You’d be hard-pressed to find a more idyllic spot, or more immaculately styled space, than this Yamba accommodation . And what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for with thoughtfully curated spaces with all the mod cons and killer sea views to boot.

Design junkies will adore the luxe linens, glass bifold doors, whitewashed walls and reclaimed timber furnishings. It’s basically the ultimate ultra-chic beach shack and perfect for an escape for two.

Mysa Yamba

Best for: A home away from home

Bring the whole family along to Mysa Yamba , a four-bedroom renovated Airbnb in a leafy neighbourhood just outside of Yamba’s main scene.

The Yamba accommodation has its own pontoon and swimming pool, complete with pillowy day beds and an expansive deck. Kids will love the kayaks and a bunk room, as well as the vintage video games for rainy days.

Caravan parks in Yamba

Yamba’s caravan parks are renowned for their million-dollar positions right on waterfronts and beaches. Whether you’re setting up a swag, pulling your caravan in for the week, or just keen for a family-friendly spot to keep the kids smiling, choosing this style of Yamba accommodation is an affordable way to spend the summer season. Most are extremely pet-friendly too, so it’s just a choice of whether you prefer river frontage or being in the centre of town.

NRMA Blue Dolphin Yamba Holiday Resort

Best for: Families and anyone with pets

Travelling with the troop? The NRMA Blue Dolphin Yamba Holiday Resort has you covered. Situated just outside the centre of town, this Yamba accommodation features an abundance of family-friendly facilities.

Just try tearing the kids away from its onsite waterpark with slide, toys and fountains – or don’t. After all, there’s a swim-up pool bar located next door, perfect for weary mums and dads to keep an eye on little ones. Water babies can also enjoy the resort pool with its two waterslides, while tweens and teens might opt to while away the day in the tropical pool.

If you’d rather spend time getting closer to nature, pootle along the resort’s 300 metres of riverfront from where you can swim, fish, crab, water ski, jet ski, sail or kayak. Otherwise, there’s a pump track, climbing wall, snooker hall, games room, or go-karts — aka, plenty to keep everyone occupied.

Moreover, there’s an array of different accommodation categories to choose from, which can sleep up to eight. Choose from a dog-friendly villa, a camping or caravanning site, a spacious river-view unit, or one of the many options in between.

Address: Yamba Rd, Yamba

BIG4 Saltwater Yamba Holiday Park

Best for: Spoiled pups and active kids

This pet-friendly caravan park  is set in a great Yamba location across 130 acres of parkland, just 10 minutes from the centre of town. Kids are the priority, whether they’re two or four-legged. For the human variety, they’ll jump between the giant jumping pillow, two outdoor playgrounds, and the standout The Oasis waterpark, unveiled in November 2024, which is kitted out with water features, toddler-friendly shallow shores, water slides and more. Plus, there’s kayaking, fishing and paddle boarding gear available for hire.

Choose from powered and unpowered campsites, which offer some of the largest slab and grass sites in the Yamba region, according to Big4. Non-campers can stay in cabins, some of which are pet friendly. The largest, Tuckeroo, sleeps up to 10 people while the Casuarina is perfect for small families or couples.

One big plus for dog lovers is the dedicated off-leash dog play area, where your pup can enjoy ramps and tunnels. The rest of the Yamba caravan park is also dog-friendly, if your pal stays on-leash.

Address: 286 O’Keefe’s Lane, Yamba

Calypso Yamba Holiday Park

Best for: Centre-of-everything location

Calypso Yamba Holiday Park  is at the end of Yamba’s town centre, so you won’t be needing a car any time soon. There, you’ll find a mix of cabins (including an easy-access cabin that’s wheelchair-friendly) that sleep between two to four people.

In terms of caravanning and camping sites, the Yamba accommodation offers a mix of concrete slab and grass sites, all of which are conveniently placed near amenities. Facility wise, there’s even better news as a children’s playground, swimming pool, pontoon, bike path, BBQ area and dump point can all be found.

Address: Harbour Street, Yamba

Yamba camping spots

Most of Yamba’s best camping spots will involve a fee, and some are even found in the various caravan parks in and around town (so you’ll need to fork out for that access, too). No matter what you land on, it’s worth it, as you’ll score riverfront views, proximity to pristine beaches and easy access to clean amenities. Here are our favourites, and if you’re needing more inspiration, check out the top camping spots in Yamba and its surrounding areas.

Fishing Haven Holiday Park

Best for: Wildlife spotting

Out on Palmers Island (just minutes from Yamba) you’ll find the fisherman’s pick of camping spots – Fishing Haven Holiday Park . Right on the Clarence River, this park is all about family activity. You’ll play ‘I Spy’ with native critters, enjoy kayaking and swimming, and fish in the stunning Clarence River all day long.

Address: 35 River Rd, Palmers Island

Minnie Water Holiday Park

Best for: Old-school camping vibes

A family favourite of many locals, Minnie Water Holiday Park  is near the beautiful Yuraygir Coastal Walk, one of the best things to do in Yamba. There, you’ll find a range of cabins, van sites and campsites set among the beautiful beach bushland of peaceful Minnie Water.

You’ll be an hour’s drive out of Yamba, but if serenity and stripped back nothingness in the middle of nature’s splendour are entirely your speed, you can’t beat this Yamba accommodation.

Address: 646 Minnie Water Rd, Minnie Water

Woody Head Campground

Best for: Remote beachside stays

Thirty minutes out of Yamba, you’ll find the gorgeous Woody Head area, with an incredible campground run by the National Parks and Wildlife Service. You can take your caravan, camper trailer or tent to set up shop right by the beach, and there are even cute beach shack-style cabins if you’re needing four secure walls.

With 94 sites in total, you’ll need to book ahead. Factor $8 per vehicle, per night into your booking to cover your National Park fees, too.

Address: 92 Woody Head Rd, Woody Head

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

Aussies might think they know what Port Stephens is all about – but it’s time to take another look.

You might’ve driven through this NSW coast town. Maybe even stopped for fish and chips or a quick dip. But spend a long weekend in the new Port Stephens , and you’ll seriously regret not doing it sooner. We’re talking treks across beaches, reef dives and up-close time with rescued koalas.

All in all? It only takes a day before you see Port Stephens in a whole new light, and not much longer until it’s locked in as your favourite family destination.

1. Stockton Sand Dunes

Port Stephens incredible Stockton Sand Dunes are the largest moving sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere. They shift like an endless magic trick across the Worimi Conservation Lands , a 4200-hectare coastal co-managed by the Traditional Owners.

Tear over them in a 4WD. Rev through valleys soft as melting ice cream on a quad. Carve down 30-metre slopes on a sandboard. However you choose to cross them, you’re guaranteed a seriously wild ride.

Four rugged 4WDs kick up trails of golden dust as they charge across the sweeping desert landscape. — Chase thrills across shifting sands. (Image: Destination NSW)

2. Scale Tomaree Head Summit Walk

A short climb through bushland opens up to the coastal drama of Tomaree Head . Spot Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches. See the Fingal Island lighthouse and offshore rookeries where Australia’s rarest seabird, the Gould’s petrel, nests.

History buffs can’t miss the WWII gun emplacements. And if you’re hiking between May and November, bring binoculars. Travelling whales might just be breaching below.

Friends enjoying a scenic walk along the Tomaree Head Summit Walk in Tomaree National Park, Port Stephens. — Climb Tomaree Head for jaw-dropping coastal views. (Image: Destination NSW)

3. Watch out for whales

You’ve seen the spouts of migrating humpbacks and southern right whales from shore. Set sail from Nelson Bay to see them up close. Cruise straight into the action, with tail-slaps, barrel rolls and all.

And they’ve got competition from the local show-offs. Port Stephens bottlenose dolphins leap and play. Some tours even spot pudgy fur seals, spending lazy days soaking up the sun on Cabbage Tree Island.

A whale’s tail on the sea’s surface. — Watch for ocean tails. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

Pop into the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary to learn about the rescued koalas who climb, nap, snack and heal in this natural patch of bushland. Wander the immersive Sanctuary Story Walk to discover more about their habits, then head to the SKYwalk – a treetop platform constructed for spotting these eucalyptus-loving locals. Peek into the hospital’s viewing window, where sick or injured koalas may be resting in their recovery enclosures.

Not enough time around these adorable marsupials? Stay overnight in silk-lined glamping tents.

Koala sleeping in a tree at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, One Mile — See koalas in their natural habitat. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Diving Port Stephens

Port Stephens has some of NSW’s best dive spots. At Fly Point, float through sponge gardens and coral castles thick with nudibranchs (AKA sea slugs). Halifax Park has blue gropers and crimson-banded wrasse, while Shoal Bay’s seagrass meadows hide pipefish, cuttlefish and octopus.

Accessible only by boat, Broughton Island is home to a vast array of marine (and bird) life. Snorkel with blue devilfish and stingrays at sites like The Looking Glass and North Rock. More experienced divers can head out with one of the many PADI-certified operators.

At nearby Cabbage Tree Island, expect to see shaggy-faced wobbegongs cruising along.

A couple suited up and ready to dive into adventure. — Suit up and dive into Port Stephens’ vibrant marine life. (Image: Destination NSW)

6. Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters

Not quite ready to dive in? Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters is the perfect way to spot local marine life without getting too deep. But there’s no obnoxious glass tank tapping here. Instead, this interactive aquarium allows guests to wade into natural-style lagoons that mimic the real thing.

Gently pat Port Jackson and bamboo sharks, hand-feed rays, and feel their sandpapery skin with your fingertips. It is all under expert guidance. If you want to go deeper, pop on a wetsuit and swim alongside tawny nurse sharks, white-tipped reef sharks and zebra sharks in the lagoon.

Family enjoying an animal feeding experience at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, Anna Bay. — Meet the ocean’s friendliest faces at Irukandji. (Image: Destination NSW)

7. Fish the estuaries

Fishing fanatics will fall for Port Stephens hook, line and sinker. Here, one of the largest estuary systems in the whole state sees tidal rivers and mangrove ecosystems. Waterfronts are thick with oysters, and residential fish that might include anything from bream, whiting and flathead, to blue swimmer crabs, kingfish and longtail tuna.

If you prefer to choose your own adventure and fish offshore, you can hire a boat from one of the marinas and set your own course.

three men fishing on a boat in port stephens — Join a tour or chart your own fishing trip. (Image: Destination NSW)

8. Taste new Port Stephens flavours

With plenty of activity to fill your days, refuelling on delectable cuisine becomes equally important. And Port Stephens answers the call.

Pop into Holbert’s Oyster Farm for fresh-farmed Port Stephens rock oysters and Pacific oysters, Australian king and tiger prawns, as well as a variety of tasty sauces to try them with.

Take a group to Atmos for an authentic Greek experience over large shared dishes and Greek-inspired cocktails. Or feast on sea-to-plate, modern Australian dishes at the pet-friendly Restaurant 2317.

A plate of fresh oysters. — Slurp your way through the region’s best oysters. (Image: Destination NSW)

Start planning your Port Stephens getaway at portstephens.org.au .