Yamba, New South Wales - Dolphins, Beaches & Lighthouses

Yamba, New South Wales - Dolphins, Beaches & Lighthouses

Perched at the mouth of the Clarence River on the North Coast of New South Wales, Yamba is the kind of seaside town that makes you instantly relax. About 674 kilometres north of Sydney, it’s blessed with sunny headlands, beautiful beaches, and a laid-back village atmosphere that’s hard to beat. Life here revolves around the ocean, good coffee, and slowing the pace — exactly what a coastal escape should feel like.

First Impressions & Coastal Wanders

During our visit to Yamba, we spent our days wandering rather than rushing. We explored the town centre, walked along Main Beach and up to the lighthouse, strolled the breakwater, and soaked up the beach vibes at Pippi’s Beach. We also headed south to Angourie to check out its famous pools and beaches, and made time for the local farmers market.

Yamba’s compact town centre is easy to explore on foot, with a great mix of cafés, restaurants, boutique stores, and surf shops. Whether you’re after a long brunch, fresh seafood, or a sunset drink, you’re spoilt for choice.

Main Beach & The Lighthouse

Yamba is best known for its outstanding beaches, and Main Beach is the star of the show. Located just south of the Clarence River lighthouse, this wide sandy beach is ideal for swimming and surfing and is home to one of the oldest surf lifesaving clubs in New South Wales.

At the southern end of the beach, built into the rocky headland, you’ll find a 33-metre-long saltwater rock pool. Shaded by pandanus trees, it’s a favourite spot for a relaxing swim with ocean views — especially on calmer days.

Sitting high above it all is the Clarence River Lighthouse, perched on Pilot Hill. The current 18-metre lighthouse was built in 1955 to replace the original 1879 structure. Nearby, a replica of the original lighthouse — built by local volunteers — now houses the community radio station, adding a lovely local touch to the headland.

Angourie – Pools, Cliffs & Surf Culture

Just five kilometres south of Yamba lies Angourie, a world-famous surf spot with a rugged, natural feel. It’s home to some of the most unique swimming spots on the NSW coast — the Angourie Pools.

From the Crescent parking area, it’s a short, easy walk to the pools. The first stop is the Blue Pool, surrounded by shady trees with gentle access into the water. Nearby is the Green Pool, set between higher rock walls and reached by a short beach walk.

The Blue and Green Pools were formed when old quarries filled with water from an underground spring. Less than 20 metres from the ocean and around 15–20 metres deep, they’re incredibly popular on warm days. Just nearby is the natural saltwater rock pool, completing a trio of must-see swimming spots that make Angourie so special.

Markets, Breakwalls & Dolphin Watching

Midweek mornings in Yamba are perfect for a visit to the Yamba Farmers Market, held every Wednesday from 7:00am to 11:00am at the Whiting Beach carpark. With around 45 local and regional stallholders, it’s a great place to pick up fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade treats.

On the northern side of the lighthouse, Turner’s Beach is another popular spot for swimming and surfing. Patrolled during the summer months, it’s family-friendly and relaxed. From here, you can walk along the breakwater where the Clarence River meets the ocean — a fantastic vantage point for watching boats, seabirds, and often dolphins cruising past.

Long Walks & Ocean Breezes at Pippi Beach

For space and uninterrupted ocean views, Pippi Beach delivers. This long, white sandy beach stretches for around 2.5 kilometres and is perfect for walking, surfing, or simply finding your own quiet patch of sand. With so much room, it never feels crowded, even during busier periods.

Why Yamba Is So Easy to Love

Yamba has a way of getting under your skin. With its mix of surf beaches, ocean pools, headland walks, and easy-going town centre, it strikes the perfect balance between relaxed holiday vibes and everyday liveability. Whether you’re chasing beach days, scenic walks, or just a slower pace by the sea, Yamba invites you to settle in, stay awhile, and enjoy coastal life the way it’s meant to be.

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