Roadtrip around Yamba, NSW – Coastal Fun and River Life
Overview:
- Total Distance: Approx 150-170 km
- Drive Time: Approx 3 to 4 hours
Roadtrip around Yamba, NSW and you’ll be exploring its historic port, enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding beaches, or learning about its indigenous and colonial past, Yamba is a perfect destination for history buffs, nature lovers, and anyone looking to experience the charm of North Coast NSW.
Yamba is a picturesque seaside town on the New South Wales North Coast, rich in history that spans from the ancient heritage of the Yaegl Aboriginal people. Located at the mouth of the Clarence River, Yamba’s historical significance is tied to its role as a bustling port town in the mid-19th century, where timber exports and agricultural trade were key to its growth. A road trip around Yamba offers an unforgettable experience, where you’ll uncover the town’s maritime heritage and scenic landscapes. Key highlights include the iconic Yamba Lighthouse, which has been guiding ships since its construction in 1955, and remains one of the area’s most popular tourist attractions.
STOP 1: Yuraygir National Park
Head to Yuraygir National Park located between Yamba and Coffs Harbour with its spectacular coastal vistas. Hikers will love the 65km Yuraygir coastal walk and if you’re not so energetic or don’t have time, you might prefer whale watching, swimming and fishing, or pack a lunch as there’s no end of picnic places at Yuraygir National Park.
STOP 2: Angourie Blue Pool
About 40 km away, Angourie Blue Pool awaits—a natural freshwater pool nestled among coastal rocks, perfect for a refreshing swim or snorkeling among vibrant marine life.
STOP 3: Angourie Point and Beach
After a refreshing swim at Angourie Blue Pool, it’s just 1.5 km to Angourie Point and Beach, known for its waves and scenic views. While many people enjoy watching experienced surfers here, the steep sandy bay isn’t ideal for swimming. A rock shelf known as “Life or Death” extends 150 meters to Spookys, alerting surfers to potential dangers. The busy car park provides cold water showers.
STOP 4: Green Point
Up the road 4.5 km is Green Point, one of 3 headlands located northernmost of Angourie’s trio of heavenly headlands. Not recommended as a swimming spot, it’s he spot for whale spotting or dolphin diving, or if you are there at dawn or dusk, sunrise or sunset is astonishing along with your coffee flask, bakery buns, or fizzy and cheese snacks.
STOP 5: Yamba Lighthouse, Yamba NSW
Down the road, 5.5 kms, is Yamba Lighthouse located on Pilot Hill. It has guided seafarers for over 100 years, remaining visible from 6 nautical miles out at sea.The grounds are open all day and a climb to the top of the lighthouse for ocean views is just the thing along with your favourite beverage at sunset. The tower is not open. History of the lighthouse can be found here Yamba Lighthouse.
STOP 5: Illuka Nature Reserve
Travel 25 kilometers from the lighthouse to Iluka Nature Reserve, crossing the Clarence River via Harwood Bridge. Once there, bushwalkers can explore numerous tracks through coastal heathland, rainforest, and wetlands, discovering hidden waterfalls, tranquil creeks, and native wildlife. Birdwatchers will find over 150 species, so don’t forget your binoculars!
Anglers or amateur fisherman can cast a line from the banks of the Clarence River or one of the reserve’s many creeks and estuaries for bream, flathead, and whiting. For something unmistakably adventurous, try Yamba Fishing and Charter. Glynn is a passionate fisherman and has fished the Yamba, Evans Head and Wooli areas for the last 19 years. Glynn will take you on an unforgettable journey in his 9 metre 3100 Noosa Cat with twin Yamaha 250 motors which are more than enough to shoot across to the horizon and fill the esky with fresh fish. Yamba Fishing and Charters have more than enough room to accommodate comfortably up to 8 persons per trip. All fishing gear is supplied and made up of heavy duty rods with Penn and Shimano fishing reels all fitted with braid line to ensure you the very best chance on landing your catch.
Fancy canoeing or kayaking? Paddle through mangrove forests, tranquil creeks, and scenic waterways. If you haven’t brought your own equipment or want an introduction to the environs contact The Kayak Company; or Yamba Kayaks; Journeys Outdoors in Nature More stories about this extraordinary white water trail here Coast Beat.
Note, the Clarence Canoe and Kayak Trail is not a beginner’s river.
STOP 6: Fishing at Lake Wooloweyah (optional)
Try your luck at catching dinner and head to Lake Wooloweyah for some excellent fishing of bream, flathead, and whiting. The drive from Iluka Nature Reserve is about 10-15 min, or 10 km. Relax by the water’s edge, cast a line, or launch a canoe.
STOP 7: Maclean
8km away is the ‘wee’ Scottish town of MacLean where you can blink and almost miss it. Take a walk around to enjoy the town’s heritage buildings, some traditional Scottish fare, or simply take a stroll along the picturesque riverfront.
STOP 8: Drop into Ulmarra for Gourmet Dining with Accommodation
People and vehicles can cross the scenic and serene scenery across the Clarence River, and driving off at Ulmarra you will be utterly gobsmacked at landing almost on the doorstep of the famous Ulmarra Hotel, a Federation beauty where you can quench your thirst, wine and dine gastro pub style (no joke) gastro pub dining in buzzy surrounds or their award winning Beer Garden on a fine summer, spring, autumn or winters day. Serving lunch and dinner 7 days, the tireless publican, chef & their team welcomes you to enjoy a delightful selection of puddings and desserts and ice-creams – leave room for it you won’t regret it. Feeling totally fagged, then you can check into the Ulmarra Hotel’s accommodation clean, airy and super comfy, country hotel style digs. For more look up North Coast Accommodation
Roadtrip around Yamba, NSW and Eating Local
Throughout your road trip, be sure to sample the local cuisine, including fresh seafood, delicious fish and chips, and gourmet dining options. Travellarks has an eating out section within Things to do around Ulmarra, NSW or Things to do around Coffs Harbour
Yamba Beach and Ocean Pool:
Back at Yamba don’t forget the Yamba Main Beach and Ocean Pool which is your typical east coast ‘ocean pool’ built into the rocks at its southern end. Everyone feels safe within the confines of the rock pool and it’s warmer than the ocean, just a little. Nearby is the Surf Lifesaving club, and the iconic Pacific Hotel (pub meals are good here too) overlooking it all. It’s a classic beach scene, cherished for decades, filled with playful kids, bronzed Aussies, and families—both locals and visitors—enjoying all that Yamba has to offer. The beach is patrolled on weekends and during school holidays from September to Easter and features well-considered disabled access.
Remember to check for any travel restrictions, warnings around coastal safety and be alert to signage for your protection. Be conscious of the Australian Warning System. In NSW look up the latest information NSW Prepare and Alert and for live information, you can monitor FaceBook. Before travelling, ensure you have access to a geographical location finder that works via Australia’s national 000 (triple zero) emergency, eg. Emergency Plus or others which you can download.
Warnings in hot weather about fire or updates before embarking on your road trip, and always respect the natural environment and local communities along the way. Enjoy your adventure in Yamba!
If you think Yamba sounds like an amazing holiday destination, check out our north coast Stays with a WOW accommodation.
