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.

Warmer days call for slowing down and relaxing in nature. Discover why The Tweed is the ultimate destination to do just that.

As the end of the year draws near, the need for rest and restoration grows ever more prominent. For many, that means heading into nature – and there’s plenty of science to back up the benefits of doing so. It quite literally makes us happier as it reduces stress hormones, lowers our blood pressure and more. And what better place to lean into this feel-good effect than during summer in The Tweed (in the Northern Rivers region of NSW)? Blending sparkling beaches, riverside towns and hinterland villages, this area has nature covered, while also offering top activities and dining options.

And of course, pack your SPF. We Are Feel Good Inc’s Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is a lightweight and fast-absorbing formula that keeps your skin hydrated and shielded, thanks to nourishing Coconut Oil and Vitamin E. But it’s also helping preserve the natural beauty around you on your Tweed vacation, thanks to 30 per cent ocean waste packaging.

Discover eight experiences that make The Tweed the perfect place for summer.

1. Underwater worlds

two people swimming after turtle on the tweed — Get a chance to swim with the locals.

There’s something about the ocean that calls to us as humans, and what’s below the surface is even more magical.

Green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles (not to mention an abundance of other marine life) all use the protected waters around Cook Island, near Fingal Head, as their foraging ground, making it the perfect place to dive and snorkel to spot these adorable creatures.

Join Cooly Eco Adventures on a guided snorkelling tour that combines unforgettable turtle encounters with an inspiring look into marine conservation.

2. Farm-to-table dining

table spread at Potager restaurant — Treat your taste buds at Potager. (Image: Cara Sophie)

Respecting the land and nature also means appreciating its abundance of food. From farm-to-table cafes and boutique breweries to river cruises and restaurants championing local produce, dining around The Tweed often means engaging with the best local producers.

The award-winning Potager Restaurant , part of The Hinterland Collection , is the perfect example; beginning life as a kitchen garden, the passion to champion local producers is woven into every dish. Vegetables, fruit and herbs are picked from the garden or sourced from other local producers, the seafood comes from the Northern Rivers, and meat is sourced from ethical local producers. Even the cocktail list features local distillers.

Extend your stay with a night (or several) at boutique on-site accommodation, Potager House . This French-inspired country four-bedroom retreat boasts stunning views of the surrounding hills and nearby ocean, as well as a large pool, outdoor entertaining area and infrared sauna.

3. Water wellness

Waterguru Mindfulness in the Mangroves summer on the tweed — Find mindfulness in mangroves. (Image: Matt Johnson)

You’ll find mindfulness while floating around the mangroves of Kingscliff’s Cudgen Creek at any time, but Watersports Guru offers an immersive experience to help guests do so with more intent. Join a 90-minute guided session on a stand-up paddleboard to reconnect with nature and relax through breathwork, gentle movement and sensory awareness.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, Watersports Guru also offer Kayak fishing adventures or join a Sea Turtle Odyssey experience.

4. Restorative seaside stays

woman relaxing in spa at Halcyon Wellness, halcyon house — Unwind at Halcyon Wellness.

The Tweed encourages locals and visitors alike to slow down. To really indulge, a seaside stay is a must. Halcyon House has understood the assignment, blending a wellness philosophy centred on balance and self-discovery with luxurious surrounds. Stay in one of 22 rooms and suites (each individually designed by eclectic interior designer Anna Spiro) right on the beachfront. Book restorative treatments at the onsite spa, Halcyon Wellness, relax by the pool, dine at the hatted Paper Daisy restaurant and just let The Tweed work its magic.

While Blue Water Motel offers a relaxed coastal escape, just steps from Kingscliff Beach. Settle in stylish rooms, recently restyled by Jason Grant, nodding to the cool of Kingscliff with a fun retro vibe. Hire a bike from reception to explore the surrounding area.

5. Tasty drops

The owners at Husk Farm Distillery aren’t just about creating high-quality rum: they’re also farmers themselves. In fact, they create one of the world’s only single estate, farm-to-bottle spirits. Join a Farm to Bottle tour to discover the sustainable ‘full circle’ distilling practices used here, and even get hands-on with your own cane knife to help harvest and juice your own stalk of cane. And, of course, a welcome drink plus complimentary tastings along the way.

6. Rail trail adventures

Exploring the rolling green slopes and historic towns of the 24-kilometre Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is one of the best ways to connect with the region’s lush hinterland and interesting heritage. In this section of the trail, discover the area’s railway history at heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station, and traverse by 18 railway bridges and through two railway tunnels.

Linking vibrant towns and villages with the larger hub of Murwillumbah, this section of the trail is covered in asphalt or compacted gravel, making it accessible for all ages and abilities, from prams to adaptive bikes.

7. Linger longer

surfer at fingal heads the tweed — Enjoy beachside locations, like Fingal Heads.

Linger longer at one of the seven idyllic beach, river and creekside locations of Tweed Holiday Parks – including at Tweed Heads, Kingscliff Beach, Hastings Point and Pottsville South. All just steps from the water’s edge, they make the ideal base to unwind, or head out for exploration of The Tweed. Choose from luxury waterfront cabins, accessible cabins, surfari tents (yes, they are basically glamping tents) or spacious sites for caravans, motorhomes and campervans or tents.

Find your feel-good summer in The Tweed at visitthetweed.com.au .