Our guide to all of the best camping spots in Yamba
Camping in Yamba is becoming increasingly popular and with so many campgrounds available within the town and nearby, there’s bound to be one that will suit just about everyone.
The small coastal town has been popular amongst beach goers for years though in recent times it has transformed from a sleepy surf town into a bustling holiday village with tourists flocking to the area during the warmer months.
After speaking to some locals that have lived in the area for over 60 years, they cannot believe what the town has become, comparing it to what they once knew of Byron Bay prior to it becoming popular.
In saying that, as Byron Bay has become busier, the flow on to neighbouring beachside communities has occurred, with Yamba being one of those towns that has experienced this in recent years.
Despite the population almost tripling during the summer holiday months, with people visiting from all over the country, the town hasn’t lost it’s laid back charm and is one of the most popular places visited by Aussie travellers every year.
There’s a lot to love about Yamba, after all it was awarded the title of the “Best Town in Australia” by the Australian Traveller Magazine in 2009.
Please note: All research has been conducted independently by Wander. We are not affiliated with any of these businesses, nor do we receive payment or compensation to recommend them. Please be advised that any prices listed reflect off peak periods and may be subject to change at the businesses discretion. We have invested a lot of time into researching and creating this guide and we hope that you find it useful 🙂
Blue Dolphin Holiday Resort
Situated on the edge of the Clarence River in Yamba, the Blue Dolphin Holiday Resort is jam packed with facilities that the whole family will love.
With Putt Putt mini golf, a Pump Track, Water Park, Climbing Wall, Games Room with arcade games, Jumping Pillow, Water Parks and more, there’s countless options for family fun.
Located smack bang in the middle of Yamba, it’s around 2km from the town centre of Yamba. It’s roughly a 4 minute drive or a 30 min walk. It’s quite manageable with scooters, bikes, prams etc as the walk is mostly flat, unless heading up the steep hills over towards the beach!
The park has a number of camping options available including ensuite sites, powered and unpowered sites.
Pet friendly: Yes – More info
Camping options: Cabins, Ensuite sites, Powered and unpowered sites.
Location: Yamba Road, Yamba
Fees: Powered sites starting from $57 per night (off peak season)
Big4 Saltwater Yamba Holiday Park
Located in Palmers Island, the Big4 Saltwater Yamba Holiday Park is around a 10 – 15min drive from the town centre of Yamba.
Like all Big4 parks, the place is packed full of facilities for families to enjoy. It has a large splash pad/waterpark, swimming pool, pump track, playground with a flying fox, kids club and more. This is another great option for those camping with children. We found many reviews from families raving about how much their kids loved their stay.
For the anglers, the park itself is located along the riverfront of the Clarence River and has its own boat ramp! This stretch of water is known for producing decent flatties.
The park advises that the their boat ramp access may be restricted on low tide, which is worth keeping in mind prior to setting out for the day.
For those wanting to bring along their fur babies, some camping sites are also dog friendly. It is encouraged that you get in touch with the park prior to bringing them. You can find out more about their dog facilities here.
Pet friendly: Yes – More info
Camping options: Cabins, Powered and Unpowered sites.
Location: 286 O’Keefes Ln, Palmers Island
Fees: Powered sites starting from $57 per night
Calypso Holiday Park Yamba
Calypso Holiday Park Yamba is located right in the heart of Yamba and within walking distance to Main Beach, Turners Beach and Whiting Beach which is great for small kids. This park is perfect for those that want to be close to everything and not have to drive everywhere.
The park has a playground, pontoon along the river and swimming pool
Managed by Clarence Holiday Parks, they also have a number of other caravan parks in the area. Some of which are also featured in our guide.
All booking enquiries are made via email or phone 02 6646 8847 or [email protected]
Pet friendly: Yes – More info
Camping options: Cabins, holiday units, powered and unpowered sites.
Location: Lot 202 Harbour St, Yamba
Fees: Powered sites start from $49.
Fishing Haven Holiday Park
Another option located along the river front of Palmers Island, Fishing Haven Holiday Park is a little closer to Yamba with roughly a 5 minute drive into town.
This park has 2 jetties and a pontoon – great for fishing. They also offer boat hire.
We were unable to find any information about facilities for children.
Pet Friendly: Yes – contact the park for details
Camping options: Cabins, powered and unpowered sites.
Location: 35 River Road, Palmers Island
Fees: Powered sites from $49 per night
Campgrounds near Yamba
During the busy holiday months, accomodation within Yamba books out very quickly. If you’re unable to book a camp site in Yamba, there are some alternative options in nearby coastal towns such as Iluka, Angourie and Brooms Head.
Anchorage Holiday Park – Iluka
The Anchorage Holiday Park is located on the other side of the river from Yamba. With no direct way to access Yamba, it’s around a 30 min drive from Iluka.
Facilities at the park include a children’s playground, pool, fishing jetty, nearby boat ramp and hire options for kayaks, stand up paddle boards and bikes.
Pet friendly: Yes – Contact the park for details.
Camping options: Cabins, powered and unpowered sites.
Location: Marandowie Drive, Iluka
Fees: Powered sites start from $42 per night
Yuraygir National Park – Lake Arragan and Red Cliff campgrounds
Just south of Angourie, Lake Arragan and Red Cliff campgrounds are right next door to each other on the National Park’s northern coastline. These campsites provide a lower-cost alternative to some of the Caravan Parks located within Yamba and surrounds.
Lake Arragan is situated on a small coast lagoon and is a great spot for swimming, stand up paddle boarding and canoeing or kayaking.
Red Cliff has panoramic coastal views of the ocean and is located on the edge of isolated beaches.
There are a total of 89 grass campsites within both parks and all are a short walk away from the beach.
Available facilities include picnic tables, barbecue facilities, carpark, drinking water and toilets.
Visitor information can be found on the NSW National Parks website
Pet friendly: No
Camping options: Unpowered sites.
Location: Yuraygir National Park – Lake Arragan Rd, Yuraygir
Entry fee: $8 per vehicle per day + $24 per night (2 adults)
Brooms Head Holiday Park
35 mins south of Yamba is Brooms Head Holiday Park. Tucked away 20 mins from the Pacific motorway, this park is a hidden gem.
The park has a relaxed and friendly vibe and is located directly along the beachfront in Brooms Head – perfect for surfering, fishing and families.
There are a number of cabins and camping sites available.
All park enquiries are via phone or email (02) 6646 7144 or [email protected]
Pet friendly: No
Camping options: Cabins, villas, powered and unpowered sites.
Location: Ocean Rd, Brooms Head
Fees: Unable to find – phone for details.
Iluka Riverside Tourist Park
Another park managed by Clarence Coast Holiday Parks is Iluka Riverside Tourist Park. Located along the banks of the river in the centre of Iluka, the park offers a variety of accomodation options from cabins, to powered and unpowered sites.
Equipped with a pontoon along the river, and it’s own boat ramp, the park is perfect for keen anglers.
All park enquiries are via phone or email (02) 6646 6060 or [email protected]
Pet friendly: Yes – More info
Camping options: Cabins, powered and unpowered sites.
Location: 4 Charles Street, Iluka
Fees: Unable to find – phone for details.
Clarence Head Caravan Park
Clarence Head Caravan Park is located at the beach end of Iluka and is only a short walk to the Sedgers Reef Hotel, Iluka Bowling Club, Fishing Co-Op, and shops.
The park offers a large range of accomodation options from cabins, units, motel style rooms to powered and unpowered camp sites.
Pet friendly: Yes – More info
Camping options: Cabins, units, motel style rooms, powered and unpowered sites
Location: 113 Charles Street, Iluka
Fees: Powered sites from $37 per night
Website
Sandon River Campground
Another lower-cost option, located in the Yuraygir National Park, Sandon River Campgrounds. This small campground backs onto both the river and the beach and is the perfect location for fishing and kayaking/canoeing.
There is a boat ramp located within the campgrounds, as well as 4wd access to the beach.
29 camp sites available with access to basic facilities like picnic tables, barbecues and toilets. You will need to bring your own drinking water.
Visitor information can be found on the NSW National Park website
Pet friendly: No
Camping options: Unpowered sites
Location: Yuraygir National Park – Sandon River Road, Sandon River
Fees: Entry fee: $8 per vehicle per day + $24 per night (2 adults)
Things to do in Yamba
Visit the Pacific Hotel
Surrounded by Norfolk pines, The Pacific Hotel sits perched on top of the hill above Main Beach in Yamba. Built in 1934, the art deco pub offers 180 degree views of the Pacific Ocean. The view from this hotel is hard to beat.
Call in for a meal and take in the view while enjoying your favourite pub classics like schnitzel parmi, or beer battered fish.
Open for lunch between 12.00pm & 2.30 pm and Dinner from 6.00pm – 8.30pm
Offering accomodation in their recently renovated ‘Signature’ rooms from $179 per night. Pub style rooms start from $97 per night.
Visit Angourie
5km’s south of Yamba is the small coastal town, Angourie. The town is known for the historic ‘Blue Pool’ and it’s National Surfing Reserve.
The Blue Pool is an abandoned quarry from the late 1800’s which turned into a modern day popular swimming hole. Rumour has it that during excavation, an underground spring was disturbed which caused the quarry fill with water. There’s an urban myth that the mining machinery still remains underwater, though we haven’t found any evidence of this.
The National Surfing Reserve is located at Angourie Point and is known to have one of the best right hand point breaks in the country.
Check out the Yamba Lighthouse
Up on the headland of Pilot Hill, just near the Pacific Hotel, you’ll find the Yamba Lighthouse. The original lighthouse was demolished in the 1950’s to make way for the current one. Some history about the lighthouse can be found here.
The views from the Lighthouse take in the mouth of the Clarence river, as well as the nearby beaches. It’s worth stopping in briefly, purely just to admire the view.
There are two heritage-listed Lighthouse Keeper Cottages situated on site, which are able to be booked as holiday rentals through Reflections Holiday Parks.
Swim in the ocean pool at Yamba’s Main Beach
Situated at the south end of Main Beach, Yamba’s ocean pool is the northernmost ocean pool in the country. Despite being over 60 years old, the 30m pool is one of the most recently built ocean pools in Australia.
Open daily, the ocean pool is free to use by all.
(The pool is closed for cleaning every second Thursday during warmer months).
Grab breakfast and a coffee at The Kiosk at Yamba Surf Club
The Kiosk is located at Yamba’s iconic Surf Life Saving Club at Main beach.
Offering a variety of simple and delicious menu options such as Acai bowls, bacon and egg rolls, smoothies and fresh juices, all paired with friendly service.
The Kiosk is open Monday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 6:30am til 12:00pm
Walk along the Yamba Breakwall
Between Turners Beach and Whiting Beach is the Yamba Breakwall. It was built in 1862 from rock excavated from Pilot Hill.
You’re able to walk right up to the end of the breakwall. It’s great option for exercising or walking your dog.
The breakwall is known to produce quality fish like bream, whiting, jewfish and the occasional snapper.
If my memory serves me correctly, most of the breakwall is sealed with asphalt, though I recall the towards the end of it, it was gravel and wasn’t really accessible with a pram.
Watch the Dolphins at Convent Beach
The last time we visited Yamba, we stayed in some holiday apartments across the road from Convent Beach. Morning and night each day we were able to watch from the balcony as dolphins played and jumped around in the waves, with many people pulling up in their cars to also watch.
Sitting there eating dinner with my family watching the sun set and hearing the slaps of the water as they leapt out of the waves. It was absolutely beautiful to watch and is one of my most treasured memories from travelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Yamba?
Yamba is a coastal town located in the Northern Rivers region in New South Wales. It’s around a 3 hour drive south of Brisbane and approximately a 7 hour drive north of Sydney.
Where does the name Yamba originate?
The name Yamba is of aboriginal origin, though the exact meaning behind it is unknown.
There are two main theories known, one which is that it is the local aboriginal name for ‘headland’. Or the other is the aboriginal word ‘Yumbah’, which translates to “rough edible shellfish that clings to rock” (like an oyster).
Can you free camp in Yamba
From our research, we haven’t found any areas within Yamba where you’re able to free camp, however there are some lower-cost options such as the Yuraygir National Park.
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