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.

Thredbo in summer is a nature lover’s dream of show-stopping alpine beauty, cool mountain air and magical moonlit adventure.

For many of us, Thredbo calls to mind shimmering slopes and snow-dusted gums, but come summer, this Alpine resort transforms into a playground of an entirely different kind. A cool mountain retreat despite the season, Thredbo summer hikes are astonishingly beautiful, criss-crossing over dramatic peaks, pristine glacial lakes and abundant flora and fauna.

From approachable tracks for novice walkers to more challenging hikes across the Main Range and even journeys under moonlight, Thredbo puts on an unforgettable show of natural splendour all summer. Lace up your walking boots and take the chairlift from Thredbo village to embark on a self-guided exploration or a tour of the Snowy Mountains’ most compelling landscapes.

These eight unforgettable hiking experiences are only available in summer and offer an alpine adventure like you’ve never experienced before.

1. Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko

There’s something almost mystical about hiking by the light of a full moon. This guided experience begins with a 15-minute chairlift ride, where you’ll admire the Thredbo Valley below, bathed in the fading sun.

Once at the top, you’ll pass rivers, alpine lakes and spot nocturnal wildlife on your way to the Kosciuszko Lookout and Lake Cootapatamba. By the time you reach the summit, sunset is well underway as you watch day give way to night and the alpine landscape magically illuminated by the lunar glow. Enjoy a hot chocolate here before following the path back to Eagles Nest, brightened by the night sky.

This 13-kilometre hike will take place on 3 January, 2 February, and 2 April in 2026.

2. Super Full Moon Hike

Super Full Moon Hike in thredbo — Take in the might of a super full moon.

The only thing that could level up the celestial beauty of a full moon hike would be a super full moon hike . Following the same route, you’ll meet the moon when it is largest and closest to Earth by ascending to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko at an elevation of 2228 metres. From such a height, it almost feels as though you could reach out and touch its glowing surface.

Given the rarity and splendour of the super full moon, limited spots fill up fast for this awe-inspiring hike, so be sure to book the 5 December in advance.

3. Lunar Eclipse Hike

Thredbo Lunar Eclipse Hike — See dazzling celestial displays.

What could be more extraordinary than witnessing a lunar eclipse from Australia’s highest peak? Whether you’re a keen astronomer or simply revel in nature’s beauty, this guided 13-kilometre hike will place you on top of Mount Kosciuszko just as Earth passes between the sun and moon, throwing shade over the lunar surface before transforming it with a deep-red hue.

It’s an epic place to witness one of our galaxy’s most spectacular and rare light shows. Apart from the dazzling celestial display, you’ll also enjoy walking through the moon-bathed landscape, an evening chairlift ride, and a hot chocolate at the summit.

Book now for 3 March.

4. New Moon Hike

New Moon Hike Mt Kosciuszko — Catch the changing skies of a new moon.

A stargazer’s delight, the darkness of a new moon gives the Milky Way full permission to dazzle with its shimmering display. Both astronomers and photographers will relish this opportunity to observe and capture the starry skyscape from the lofty height of Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. Departing Thredbo Village at dusk and leaving its twinkling lights far below, you’ll arrive at the summit in time to see the sun slip away and the stars appear.

Catch this hike during the new moon lunar phase on 20 December, 19 January, 17 February, 19 March or 17 April.

5. Thredbo River Track

Embark on a gentle entry into the Snowy Mountain scenery with an amble along the Thredbo River. This self-guided hike hugs the river and wanders along the valley floor, revealing snow gum forests, swimming holes and little waterfalls that make for revitalising cold plunges in the summer heat.

6. Merritts Nature Track

Merritts Nature Track thredbo summer hikes — Stop at swimming holes along the way.

On warm summer days, venturing into the cooler air of Thredbo’s alpine tracks offers relief from the heat. Particularly if you set course for the four-kilometre Merritts Nature Track , where there are opportunities to take a refreshing dip in swimming holes along the way.

The two-to-three-hour self-guided hike meanders through towering ancient trees (dubbed the ‘Pixie Forest’ by locals), takes in stunning mountain vistas and is soundtracked by the melody of birdsong. Stop for a picnic and discover a hidden natural infinity pool, the location of which is given away by the roar of a cascading waterfall.

7. Mt Kosciuszko Summit Tour

Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko's summit. — Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko’s summit.

While you can easily steer yourself to Australia’s most iconic peak without a guide, following an expert guide to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko will colour your experience with a deeper knowledge of the landscape and its wild inhabitants. The 13-kilometre return trail puts the alpine scenery on display with 360-degree views from the highest spot in the country.

The walk begins at the top of the Kosciuszko Chairlift and takes around four to six hours to complete, but is gentle enough to be embarked upon by all ages.

8. Snowies Alpine Walk Experience

If you’re looking to truly untether from daily life and embark on a real immersion in Thredbo’s stunning alpine scenery, pack your hiking boots for the newest multi-day walk in the mountains. The Snowies Alpine Walk can be tackled over two or three days and includes nightly accommodation in the iconic Thredbo Alpine Hotel, daily buffet breakfast, packed lunch and dinner vouchers, plus daily transfers to and from trail heads in a brand-new Defender.

The two-day experience covers 24 kilometres, while the three-day experience almost doubles that at 44 kilometres. Along the way, explore barely trod landscapes, vast high-country plains and uplifting mountain horizons.

Discover the full offering of summer hikes in Thredbo at thredbo.com.au.