Yamba is located in the The Clarence Valley, at the southern end of the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales. It’s a place of astonishing beauty and extraordinary cultural diversity, beyond Yamba’s famous golden beaches.
Teeming marine parks, ancient rainforests and thriving rural communities are nourished by the vast, winding Clarence River. Yamba offers families the chance to get outdoors on the NSW North Coast and explore a diverse range of environments, from bush to the beach.
Here are 12 of the best things to do with kids in Yamba, NSW:
1. Enjoy Yamba's best beaches
Yamba’s beaches are beautiful. Main Beach has an ocean pool at its southern end, while Turner’s Beach (between the South Break Wall and the lighthouse) and Pippi Beach are worth checking out. A bit further south, watch surfers in action at Angourie Beach, or go beach combing at Red Cliff Beach in Yuraygir National Park.
2. Learn to surf at Yamba-Angourie Surf School
Learn to surf with a school founded by three-time Australian surfing champion Jeremy Walters, at Yamba-Angourie Surf School. It offers both group and private lessons, as does Surf Camp Down Under.
3. Take a whale watching cruise
Book a whale-watching cruise to see giant humpbacks passing by during their annual migration. Fishing Yamba operates two whale-watching cruises per day from early June until late October, weather permitting. They depart from Yamba Marina on weekdays and Yamba Shores Tavern, on The Mainbrace, on weekends.
4. Go kayaking on the Clarence River
One of our favourite things to do in Yamba with kids is explore the islands, mangrove bays and beaches inside the mouth of the Clarence River with Yamba Kayak. Keep an eye out for dolphins, sea eagles and other birdlife. No experience is necessary, but children must be at least six. You can also do a sunset tour or a full moon paddle once a month on or near, a full moon.
5. Eat sweet treats at Yamba Icecreamery
Holidays and ice cream go hand in hand, so make sure you pop into Yamba Icecreamery on Coldstream Street during your visit. It makes Italian-style gelato, ice cream, sorbet and ice cream cakes. Dairy and gluten-free options are also available.
6. Get active at Yamba Bowlo Leisure Centre
Yamba Bowling Club has a range of activities to keep the littlies entertained, including a state-of-the-art four-lane ten-pin bowling alley, an 18-hole mini golf course with sand bunkers and water traps, an indoor rock climbing wall, arcade games and a soft play area with mazes, slides and padded obstacles.
7. Head out on a scenic cruise with Clarence River Ferries
Take a scenic river cruise on the Clarence River. Cruises are offered every Wednesday by Clarence River Ferries, with a live music cruise on Sunday. Both are approximately a 30km round trip.
8. Ride along Yamba's many cycling trails
Hire a bike from Bike Shop Yamba to explore the town. Ride along the Ford Park Cycleway beside the river along to Whiting Beach and Turners Beach. You can also take your bikes on the ferry to Iluka on the northern side of the river for a great day trip or follow the cycleway south to Angourie Point and check out the blue and green pools en route.
9. Discover the Yamba Historical Walks
Follow in the footsteps of explorer Matthew Flinders along the Yamba Historical Walks, visiting landmarks including Flinders Well, Yamba Lighthouse, and the Yamba Museum. Two self-guided walking tours are available, starting and ending at the museum, next to the Yamba Golf and Country Club.
The 4km Up Down and All Around walk takes you to the historical sites on Yamba Hill, while the easy 5km Sea Level Stroll covers the flatlands. Pick up a copy of the Yamba Historical Walks guide from the museum before you leave, or scan a QR code or DCM code from the museum postcards to access historical photos and information.
10. Go fishing at Yamba's angling hotspots
There are loads of great spots for beach, river and rock fishing throughout Yamba, with flathead, jewfish (mulloway), bream, snapper and tailor among the main catches. Or book a deep sea fishing tour with Yamba Fishing and Charters or Reel Time Fishing Charters.
11. Indulge the kids at Yamba Fudge
Indulge in everything from fresh fudge to retro lollies, UK bon bons and Dutch liquorice at Yamba Fudge, located on Yamba Street. It also sells gifts, such as NRL beanies and scarves.
13. Explore the Clarence Valley's national parks
Nearly 60% of the Clarence Valley is undeveloped, with eleven national parks and many state forests to explore. Both Iluka Nature Reserve and Washpool National Park have World Heritage Listed status.
Where to stay in Yamba with kids
Looking for the ideal accommodation? Book a stay at family favourite NRMA Blue Dolphin Yamba Holiday Resort. Rated as one of the top 10 New South Wales holiday parks in our annual Readers’ Choice Awards, facilities include a water park, pump track and mini golf, plus a pool with swim-up bar for the grown-ups.
Browse more Yamba hotels and holiday homes below to find your perfect stay:
Keep exploring the NSW North Coast
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Not sure where to start? Dive into our ultimate family-friendly guide to the NSW North Coast and get inspired for your next trip.
