Uniquely Different Yamba Experiences
Yamba is one of Australia’s best towns thanks to it’s incredible beaches, sunshine, summer and sand. If you’ve visited Yamba you will know the nostalgic Australian summer holiday just like we used to enjoy with our parents all those years ago. But the secrets behind Yamba’s sunny, smiling facade are Yamba’s incredible, unique and different experiences hiding around every corner. So we’ve curated the best local secrets and uniquely Yamba experiences into the ultimate list of things to do in Yamba NSW.
Botero Roastery & Cafe
Nestled in nearby Maclean just 15 minutes’ drive from Yamba is the jewel of the Clarence Valley for coffee lovers. City style blends a fantastic cafe and espresso bar with a full roastery which is entirely visible behind full glass walls for you to enjoy with your cup. Botero also operates roastery tours for organised groups to walk you through the story behind every cup lovingly roasted and brewed by caffeine addicts. Find Botero https://botero.com.au/
The Peach Farm
No matter what the season, there is always something amazing taking place at The Peach Farm. They proudly offer a full farm experience. Relax in the Cafe, choose a shady picnic spot, check out The Peach Store for local produce and locally made products or take a leisurely stroll through the peach orchards. Enjoy all of this for free! If you would like to get up close to their gorgeous farm animals (there are plenty of sheep, goats, pigs, dogs, chooks, ponies, turkeys, alpacas, peacocks and more) – simply purchase a day pass. Great discounts for families. The Cafe and Farm is open 6 days a week from 9am-2pm (closed Wednesdays). Find The Peach Farm https://www.thepeachfarm.com.au/
Nicholson Fine Foods Tasting Tours
If you’re a food fanatic, then a tasting tour is a ‘must do’ when visiting Yamba. Peter is a highly awarded, experienced, and innovative Chef who takes out national awards for his unique food products every year. This guided tour will take you through the Nicholson Fine Foods product ranges and local factory where guests are able to sample and purchase specialty food products at cellar door prices. A tour and taste experience can be organised by calling the factory on the phone number provided and making a booking. The ‘tour and taste’ will take about 60 minutes and is available late afternoon on weekdays and some Saturdays by appointment. Find Nicholson Fine Foods https://www.nicholsonfinefoods.com.au/
Yamba Gourmet Picnics
An outdoor picnic in Yamba is the perfect way to enjoy the beautiful outdoors all year round. We are perfectly located to accommodate your winter, summer, spring or autumn picnic on the coast, in the rainforest or along the Clarence River with incredible food, wine and comfort so you can simply turn up and enjoy your picnic with your loved one or close friends. The team at Angourie have picnics down to a fine art. Proven to be a wonderful element to a romantic proposal, or simply a fun way to enjoy a lunch date. All enquiries phone Angourie Resort on (02) 6646 8600 or via our website. Contact Angourie Resort about their Gourmet Picnics https://angourie.wpengine.com/contact/
Yamba Poolside High Tea
A high tea is not your average afternoon tea. Experience true fine dining with specialty teas, scones, biscuits and more, prepared by the Angourie Resorts’ Head Chef. Host your event poolside and surrounded by our luxurious rainforest. Minimum 20 guests per booking. Contact the Angourie Resort Event Coordinator about our High Tea celebrations https://angourie.wpengine.com/contact/
Boutique Shopping
Shopping is never a bad idea! And Yamba is home to an array of unique and stylish boutique stores. From quality home-wares, impressive labels and brands, quirky collectibles & books. You can spend hours wandering through Yamba Street & Coldstream Street and you will not be disappointed.
Featured Boutique! Island Collective is Yamba’s vibrant and original bohemian lifestyle store. From exclusive island style home-wares and contemporary art to eclectic furniture and beach accessories, you can browse luxe gifts and beautiful treasures for your island-inspired home. Owned and operated by Contemporary artist Fleur Yorston (pictured above), born in New Zealand but now resides in Northern New South Wales, Australia. She has completed a Master of Fine Arts through RMIT University in Melbourne as well as attaining a teaching diploma in Secondary education. Her work is held in many private collections as well as award winning restaurants. She is interested in creating dialogues that surround the fragility of human existence and thought. Experimentation and physicality of materials has long been in her repertoire as has pattern and repetition. She works in both painting and sculpture from her studio at ‘Island Collective’ which incorporates designer home-wares with cultural art events and workshops. https://www.islandcollective.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/islandcollective/?hl=en
Kitchen to Table; Yamba’s one-stop shop for quality kitchenware, tableware and cookware who also run regular cooking classes in store. If you’re in the mood for food and would like to go home with a new dish in your cookbook, make sure to check in with Meredith for the next class. https://kitchentotable.com.au/
One Country Mouse is a local Yamba clothing and accessories store that caters to every season from Crocs and dresses in summer to stylish alpaca, merino, angora, and cashmere for winter. There’s something here for all ages and you’ll get home with a unique piece of Yamba in your wardrobe. Check out One Country Mouse Kids located directly across the Street, and sister store “The Corner Store” located on the corner of Little High Street. https://www.onecountrymouse.com.au/
The Shoe Boutique Yamba; If shoes are your weakness, The Shoe Boutique in Yamba stock a great range of modern, classy, casual, and funky shoes and accessories sure to find their way into your collection. Local’s tip… Don’t forget the “sale” table out the front, you’ll be sure to score a bargain! https://www.instagram.com/theshoeboutiqueyamba/?hl=en
The Nook Yamba, known as “The Reader’s Corner” in Yamba with a vast selection of second hand, unique, rare and popular books covering almost every possible interest and niche. A quiet place to explore the shelves and find your next written adventure. https://www.thenookyamba.com/
Flots & Jets is the perfect place to shop for home stylists and treasure hunters. Flots & Jets stock a range of recycled, upcycled and collectable clothing, home decor and decorations for the hard-to-find gift or picky partner. https://www.instagram.com/flots_n_jets/?hl=en
A few of the other local gems include: Totalook Clothing, Beachside Bargains, Shack Yamba, Revival, Country Style, Birdscage Yamba, Embella, Podium Boutique. Located on either Yamba Street or Coldstream Street, Yamba.
Yamba River Markets
The Yamba River Markets are on the fourth Sunday of the month, located at Ford Park on the foreshores of the beautiful, scenic Clarence River. There’s always something new at the Yamba River Markets, which feature around 120 stalls, and more in the peak seasons. It’s the best way to spend a Sunday morning in the beautiful coastal town of Yamba. The stalls range from fresh fruit and vegetables, plants, plenty of food stalls including Asian foods, second-hand furniture, books, jewellery, clothing, arts and craft among many others. The market features local and regional food and provides free live entertainment, showcasing local emerging talent as well as touring bands and musicians in a village atmosphere. To check dates and learn more about the Yamba monthly markets head to the website https://www.yambarivermarkets.com.au/about. Image courtesy: visitNSW.com
Yamba Farmers & Growers Market
The weekly farmers and producers market have over 40 permanent stall holders to tempt you with their amazing local and regional gate to plate produce. This weekly Wednesday farmers and producers market is located at Yamba, next to the mouth of the mighty Clarence River and operates between 7:00am and 11:00am at the Whiting Beach Carpark next to Turners Beach. It is an inclusive market and through the language of food they offer a safe, open, friendly space for connecting with the Yamba community, family, friends or visitors. Being an agri-food gateway to the Clarence Valley where they share with you their sensational food and farming experiences, culture, events and go to food destinations. This market is located in the fertile rich Clarence Valley which is the eastern gateway to Australia’s food bowl, the Liverpool Plains in North West NSW. Our coastal and country region is the southern gateway to the Northern Rivers of NSW, between Byron Bay and Coffs Harbour. https://www.yambafarmersandproducersmarket.com/*image courtesy: Ashby Wood Fired Organic Sourdough
Grafton Jacaranda Festival
The world-renowned Jacaranda Festival is held nearby Grafton in late October to early November every year. This is the oldest floral festival still celebrated in Australia and brings the local community together in celebration of the Jacaranda trees, the joy of spring and the heritage and tradition of community carnivals. We always like to think of Jacaranda Season as an opportunity to connect with a sense of wonder – seeing the trees do their purple freeze-frame fireworks display; a tree-lined avenue looking like something out of an impressionist painting; or just glancing up and seeing the sky through a curtain of purple blooms – there’s nothing like these moments to plug us into a sense of gratitude for the here and now. Image and info courtesy: https://www.myclarencevalley.com/jacaranda
Maclean Highland Gathering
Grab your kilt and get to Maclean, the ‘Scottish Town in Australia’ a short 15 minutes drive from Yamba. Walk among the clans that invade the town for the Highland Gathering every Easter from around the country and enjoy the piping competitions that take place non-stop at different venues. A parade along the main street of all participating bands takes place on Easter Saturday and is followed by traditional Scottish games and dancing – tossing the Caber and hammer throwing, food stalls and Scottish products await the bands and visitors at the Maclean Showgrounds before a Grand Scottish Concert at the Civic Hall. An association established way back in 1893, learn more about the unique cultural event that is the Maclean Highland Gathering by heading over to their website. http://www.macleanhighlandgathering.com.au/
Grafton Show
The annual Grafton Show brings the Clarence Valley community together in showcasing the region’s rural activities and interests. You can enjoy an impressive display of Arts & Crafts, Cooking, Preserves, Floral Art, Pot Plants, Cut Flowers, Home Brew along with sideshows, show rides, food stalls, exhibitions, farm displays, equestrian events, and the Grafton Showgirl Competition. An Easter activity the whole family can enjoy. https://graftonshow.com.au/
Experience the Golf Courses of the Clarence Valley
Known for its relaxing and friendly atmosphere, complete facilities and golfing equipment, Maclean Golf Club is a prime destination for seniors who want to enjoy outdoor sports and compete with their fellow elderly. Veterans play a medley 18 hole competition on every second Monday of the month, while a nine hold “chook run” operates on Mondays and Tuesdays, for a small entry fee. Similarly, Yamba Golf & Country Club offers families and group bookings, even competitions, for seniors, veterans, and ladies. For golfing accessories, The Pro Shop will readily assist you.
Iluka Golf Club is likewise nearby and closes at 10 PM. Situated on the Far Coast of NSW, Iluka Golf Club gives the elderly a rewarding experience with its nine-hole “all weather” golf course, poker machines, and billiards. The golf course is surrounded by the majestic blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, the Clarence River, and National Parks. *Image courtesy visitnsw.com.au
Angourie Resort offers great golf packages for groups or “his & her” stays with day spa treatments included! Follow the link to enquire about our Yamba golf packages: https://angourie.wpengine.com/contact/
http://yambagolf.com.au/
http://www.macleangolfclub.com.au/
http://www.ilukagolf.com.au
Yamba Tours and Charters
Yamba Tours and Charters is a family owned and operated local business who conduct tours and local charter services for social clubs, travel and organised groups in and around the Clarence Valley. http://www.yambatoursandcharters.com.au/
Yamba Cafe & Bar Crawl
The Clarence Valley is known to many as having some of the best cafes on the North Coast, some of which have cleverly incorporated intimate bar settings as an evening venue option. And for the lovers of coffee out there, Yamba offers an array of stylish little coffee houses to enjoy your morning brew accompanied with a variety of tasty treats or freshly baked pastries. Many of the locals choosing to support other locals by sourcing coffee beans from Maclean’s Botero Café & Roastery (see #1). Located within Yamba and Angourie, some of our favourite cafés to breakfast, brunch, lunch & wine are listed below. If you can’t choose one, try them all!
The Kiosk on Main Beach https://www.instagram.com/thekioskyamba/
Angourie Cafe & Wine Bar https://www.instagram.com/angouriecafeandwinebar/
Yum Yum Angourie Cafe & General Store (now located on Coldstream Stree in Yamba) https://www.facebook.com/yumyumangouriecafegeneralstore/
Caperberry Café https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/628902710873077/caperberry-cafe/
The Sandbar Café https://www.instagram.com/sandbar_yamba/
Good Day’s Yamba https://www.instagram.com/good.days.yamba/
The Bakehouse https://www.instagram.com/thebakehouseyamba/
The Wobbly Chook Brewing Co. https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/112578280453646/wobbly-chook-brewing-co/
Drift Yamba https://www.instagram.com/driftyamba/
Bowens Deli https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/109887480385656/bowens-delicatessen-and-fine-foods/
Dunes’ Café https://www.instagram.com/dunescafeyamba/
Little Warriors Jungle Gym & Cafe https://www.facebook.com/LittleWarriorsJungleGymCafe/
* Image courtesy Yum Yum Angourie Cafe & General Store
Indulge in a Pamper Day at the Yamba Day Spa
Located at Angourie Resort, you will find the Essential Elements Day Spa. When you’re on holidays you definitely want to relax. Rediscover your senses, rest your mind and breathe freely as you step in our temple of touch and exquisite aromas. Each treatment is designed for maximum therapeutic results and to respect the bodies complex physiology. This is Yamba’s only Day Spa with a steam room, therapy pool and combined relaxation room, and you can also relax on the deck and take in the lush surrounds of the beautiful rainforest. Pamper Day upgrades are also available to include lunch, fruit and cheese platters with a glass of bubbly. Enjoy with a group of friends or take some time to yourself because you deserve it. The Essential Elements Day Spa is located at Angourie Resort and open to the public (bookings essential) phone 6646 8600 to enquire. www.angourieresort.com.au https://angourie.wpengine.com/contact/
Clarence River Kayaking
Kayak and boat hire is available to explore the Clarence River from the nearby Blue Dolphin Holiday Resort. With easy river access via a private riverside beach, private jetty and all the kayak and hire gear you need for a day on the water, it’s the perfect way to explore Yamba from a different perspective. To find out more about day visitor passes and kayak hire visit the Blue Dolphin website https://bluedolphin.com.au/facilities/
Yuraygir Coastal Walk
Stretching 65 kilometres along the most undeveloped part of the NSW coastline between Yamba and Coffs Harbour is Yuraygir National Park. And local guides from Yuraygir Walks offer fully supported 1 day, 2 day or 4 day walks for the more adventurous of us who want to see more of nature. These walks are best done during the cooler seasons but day trips can be arranged any time of the year. You’ll find an abundance of places for whale watching, snorkeling and swimming, with overnight stops at beach campgrounds. Head to the Yuraygir Walks website for details on bookings: http://www.yuraygirwalks.com.au/explore-yuraygir/
https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/walking-tracks/yuraygir-coastal-walk
Clarence River Ferry Cruise
The best way to experience fully the beauty of the might Clarence River is by ferry! The passenger ferry service operates between the beautiful Yamba and Iluka on the mouth of the Clarence River each day along with scenic river cruises Wednesday and Friday nearby Harwood Island. The Ferry is also available for hire for private charters, parties and functions while you float down the might Clarence. https://www.clarenceriverferries.com.au/
Grafton Regional Gallery
The Grafton Regional Gallery aims to stimulate, develop and enhance the diverse visual culture of the region through viable, dynamic and relevant exhibition, education and collection programs. It is the largest and oldest gallery in the Clarence Valley and exhibits works from locals and internationally acclaimed artists throughout the year. https://graftongallery.nsw.gov.au/
Visit a local Art Gallery or Museum
Along with the Grafton Regional Art Gallery, The Clarence Valley also boasts a number of smaller, quaint galleries and studios that you really must spend some time exploring. Discover truly original, local and regional art showcasing the beauty, history and culture of the local area from those whom have lived breathed it.
https://www.facebook.com/ferryparkgallery/
https://www.coldstreamgallery.com.au/
https://www.facebook.com/cowperartgallery/
http://www.harwoodhotel.com.au
Macrame Workshops
The fine art and skill of knotting string in patterns known as Macrame can also be experienced through workshops right here at Angourie Resort. Our local Macrame artist can show you how to get started and understand the intricacies of this unique and beautiful skill. Workshops are a great add-on to the Girls Getaway Package, find out more by following the link https://angourie.wpengine.com/packages/
Yaegl Country Mini-Tours
Uncle Ron Yamba Aboriginal Tours Local Aboriginal Elder Uncle Ron Heron occasionally runs very popular and education Aboriginal Cultural Tours throughout Yamba, Angourie and the surrounding area. Uncle Ron’s tours gives visitors a glimpse into what life was like for the local Aborigines in the area both before and after white settlement. The best way to contact Uncle Ron is through Yuraygir Walks who have helped with logistics for recent tours. Book a mini-tour with Uncle Ron via Yuraygir Walks https://yuraygirwalks.com.au/contact/ to read more about this wonderful follow the link https://yuraygirwalks.com.au/yaegl-country-mini-tours/
Sights of Yamba
Explore Yamba on your own time (referred to locally as Yamba Time) and experience the sights, smells and sounds of local life along the coast. Take the Yamba bike path walk along the Clarence River from the Yamba Marina to Turner’s Beach, then walk up the hill to see Yamba Lighthouse. From here you can walk back down Coldstream Street to do some shopping or grab some lunch before driving or riding out to Angourie, Pippi Beach or even upriver to Maclean. The team at Angourie Resort’s front desk can offer an array of information, brochures and provide local recommendations and insight into the best experiences available during your time in Yamba. Simply ask or send them an enquiry with your questions! https://angourie.wpengine.com/contact/
Whale Watching Charters
Yamba, Angourie and nearby Brooms Head are all fantastic vantage points for keen whale watchers or dolphin whisperers. But if you want to get up really close and personal, you’ll need to head out with Reel Time Charters in Yamba between June and October each year to see the true size and beauty of our lovely whales in the wild. https://fishingyamba.com.au/whale-watching/
Annual Yamba Hot-Rod Run
Every year the small coastal town of Yamba at the mouth of the Clarence River plays host to hot rod enthusiasts from up and down the Australian east coast. Some splendidly restored modern and vintage rods can be seen tootling around Yamba streets, adding an extra layer of colour to the sun and surf. The hot rods usually start to roll into the CBD from around 8am to line up in Coldstream Street and Yamba Streets in Yamba, which will be closed to traffic for the annual static display. This colourful display of hot rods is definitely an event for the whole family and one not to be missed. Confirmed dates for the 2022 event have been announced for the 11th 12th & 13th of November. Follow http://@BorderlineStreetRodders for the latest updates.
Sugar Cane Burns
Sugar cane farming is still a major industry throughout the Clarence Valley and you likely drove past many of our local cane farm on your way here. Some of our local farmers offer farm tours for organised groups, while if you’re visiting Yamba in the cooler seasons you’ll be able to keep your eyes open for glowing red on the horizon and make your way out to watch as farmers burn their cane fields long into the night before harvesting.
Harwood Sugar Mill Tour
The Harwood Sugar Mill sits on the banks of the Clarence River between Maclean and Yamba and is the oldest continuously operating Sugar Mill in Australia. The Harwood Mill has been crushing cane since 1874 and it’s possible to organise a site and mill tour if you’ve got an interest in the sweeter things. https://www.sunshinesugar.com.au/contact-us/#sites *Image courtesy @myclarencevalley
Yamba Cinema
Everyone loves a good movie, and even beautiful Yamba gets the odd rainy day which is the perfect excuse to head into town to our one and only picture theatre. Yamba Cinema also run speciality movie days for pensioners, mothers, families and more with the classics and newest releases making it one of the best things to do in Yamba NSW when the weather excludes other activities in this list. Check out the latest timetable http://www.yambacinema.com.au/yambacinema/
Clarence Distillery
The Clarence Distillery (est 2020) endeavors to capture the essence and pride of the Clarence. Sourcing local botanicals we are making Gins that fit into the lifestyle of the Clarence Valley. Slow down and take the time to enjoy life and start with a Duke & Tonic. See you soon! Tasting times: Friday – 1.30pm – 6ish & Saturday – 12pm-6ish. If you have a group of 5 or more or would like to arrange another time please book directly on the website or call us on 0414 690 427 to arrange a time that suits you. https://www.clarencedistillery.com/welcome
Wow!
And you thought Yamba was all sand and salt water?
While Yamba is very popular because of it’s coastal activities and beaches, the quaint shops, surrounding villages and artistic culture do set it apart from many other coastal holiday destinations. Yamba is well received as the ideal holiday and retirement destination for pensioners and the elderly, so many activities are evolving to cater to mature visitors and families.
Whether you plan to taste its offers of unique beer and champagne, specialty food and shops, or experience it’s river and beach side environment, Yamba – the best town in Australia – is the perfect place to unwind and relax.
Phone Angourie Resort on 6646 8600 to book your accommodation or check out our latest packages https://angourie.wpengine.com/packages/
