Yamba - The Hidden Jewel Of New South Wales

Yamba is one of my favourite places to visit, and tucked away like a hidden jewel of northern New South Wales, it offers something for everyone with its blend of panoramic scenery and perfect weather. Word is spreading as more and more visitors search out the beaches, relaxing walks and fantastic fishing spots so common to this area. It’s the ideal destination for a campervan holiday, with many great spots to stop for a while and perhaps set up home for a week or two.

Located at the top of the Clarence River, just north from Coffs Harbour or three hours south from Brisbane on the Pacific Highway, Yamba is still far enough away to keep its unique, relaxed atmosphere. There is so much to love about this destination, one of them being the view as you drive to the lookout of the beaches and jetty below. Easy to find, you just head to the end of the road, past the local shops, until you see the blue coastal waters stretching out to the horizon. There are plenty of grassy spots to set up a picnic and just enjoy the sea air while the kids stretch their legs. Then of course it’s time to explore and head down the beach, jetty and rock pools.

This is the place to visit even if just for the incredible climate. Temperatures range from approximately 20 to 30 degrees in summer down to 10 to 20 in winter. Any time is a great time to come here, although in the summer months it is harder to find a place to stay so you will need to book early. Another plus is that you can swim in the beaches all year round.

There are eleven beautiful beaches to choose from, each with a diversity of its own. Turners Beach is great for the family, with rock pools, picnic tables, amenities and rock fishing. Whiting is protected so just as good although not patrolled. Main Beach is popular, with a huge salt water pool, picnic tables, café and patrolled beach ideal for the kids. My favourite is Convent beach, tucked away from view and a great location to set up for the day. There is great snorkelling here and plenty of rock pools to explore. Turners and Pippis are the only other patrolled beaches in Yamba, so always keen a close eye on the kids wherever you go.

Shelley Beach is a fantastic destination if you are looking for some adventure. Taking close to two hours walk along the coast you will need to pack well and bring your camera for the stunning views along the way. Bring your fishing rod or line as the fishing is great here. Surfers will love Angourie Point, with the rolling waves drawing pros and amateurs to test their skill in the breaking waters. It is also a beautiful place just to walk along the beach, enjoy the stunning views and numerous rock pools.

Whale watching is another popular attraction. The two most common whales are the Southern Right Whale and the popular Humpback, normally seen between August to September. Head to the Yamba Lighthouse and Angourie for a better chance to watch them on their journey along the coast.

The Yuraygir National Park is a few minutes drive away in your campervan hire New South Wales, with incredible vegetation and bushwalking available. There is abundant birdlife and wildlife here, and raw beauty unequalled in other coastal regions. Being on the world heritage list, this stunning national park makes up many of the beaches and lake systems unique to Yamba.

My choice of caravan park is the Blue Dolphin Holiday Resort, ideal for so many reasons. There is everything you need here, and more. It is the perfect base for the family, with an organised activity program, sites along the Clarence River, swimming lagoons, spa and toddler town. The list goes on. Once you are settled, you have the choice to go fishing, play tennis, hire a boat and explore the water ways, or head down to the beach to enjoy time with the family. In other words, it is the best environment to finally recharge those batteries and have some quality time with your favourite people. Powered grassed sites start from $40/night or $280/week.

Yamba is a perfect idea for a campervan hire holiday. Ideal for water lovers, there are so many activities to choose from, or you can while away the time just reading and relaxing. You can set up your home away from home and head in any direction for adventure, great family fun and wonderful holiday memories. Make sure you start planning a holiday here soon.

Jenny Brewer