The Ultimate Spring School Holiday Guide to the Northern Rivers
Quick Answers for Your Spring Getaway
What is the weather like in the Northern Rivers in spring?
Spring generally brings mild to warm days for beach visits, coastal walks and exploring. Pack a light layer for cooler evenings and check the forecast before heading out.
How many nights do I need to stay?
Selected Oceanstays homes offer a reduced three-night minimum, instead of the usual four nights, for selected dates from 26 September to 11 October 2026, subject to availability.
What can we do during the school holidays?
Explore beaches, enjoy local restaurants, look for migrating whales and make time for markets, rainforest walks and river adventures.
Where can we stay?
Oceanstays has holiday homes across Yamba, Angourie and other Northern Rivers destinations, with selected properties available for three-night stays.
Time for a Coastal Reset
Spring is here, and the school holidays are almost upon us. It’s time to stop postponing that getaway and picture a different morning: beach towels instead of school bags, sand between your toes and everyone together with somewhere new to explore.
We know finding time for a full week away isn’t always easy. That’s why selected Oceanstays homes are offering a reduced three-night minimum for selected dates from 26 September to 11 October 2026.
A few days to slow down. A few meals around the same table. Time to reconnect with your family and yourself.
Queensland state school holidays run from 19 September to 5 October, while NSW public school holidays run from 28 September to 9 October. The events below cover 21 September to 4 October 2026.
"Taking a holiday is about pressing pause. It gives you the unhurried time to slow down and reconnect with your family,
but just as importantly, to reconnect with yourself."
Coastal Dining Favourites
Where to Eat
The Northern Rivers is a true food lover's haven. Part of the joy of a coastal getaway is letting someone else do the cooking so you can simply enjoy the company of your loved ones.
For a perfect afternoon by the water, enjoy the family-friendly deck at Yamba Shores Tavern. For a cosy evening right in town, the menu at Sassafras is a local favourite.
If you take a scenic day trip to Byron Bay, we highly recommend the leafy, welcoming atmosphere of the North Byron Hotel. You can also relax under the palms at Treehouse in Belongil, or enjoy a fresh paddock-to-plate meal at Three Blue Ducks at The Farm.
Prefer a quiet night in? We make sure every Oceanstays pantry is thoughtfully stocked with everyday cooking essentials so you do not have to pack the basics. Simply visit the local markets to pick up fresh regional produce, and let your family's favourite cook prepare a beautiful meal to share on the deck as the sun goes down.
Spring Event Highlights
Where to Go
Spring in the Northern Rivers brings a fresh energy to the coast, with vibrant community events and natural spectacles taking center stage right across the region.
Head up to Yamba Lighthouse or Lovers Point to spot migrating humpback mothers and their newborn calves resting in the sheltered bays. For a lively taste of regional culture, take the family into the Clarence Valley for the J&J Rodeo to enjoy high-energy bull riding, barrel racing, and live country music.
If you love local markets, spend a relaxed Sunday morning wandering Ford Park during the Yamba River Markets to browse over 120 artisan stalls and food trucks along the foreshore. On local festival nights, watch Coldstream Street transform during Eat Street Yamba, where twilight food pop-ups, craft drinks, and street performers bring the town to life.
Events to Explore
Byron BaySpring whale-watching season Spring Whale Watching Read our guide ↗
Red Devils Football Club, Byron BaySaturday 3 October 2026 J&J Rodeo’s Western Series Explore the story ↗
Ford Park, YambaSunday 27 September 2026 Yamba River Markets Plan your market morning ↗
Coldstream Street, YambaSunday 4 October 2026 Eat Street Yamba See what’s on ↗
Outdoor Local Activities
What to Do
Slow, unhurried days are at the heart of any great Northern Rivers holiday. Whether you want to stay close to your doorstep or set off on a gentle afternoon outing, the region offers endless ways to unwind together.
Start your morning with a relaxing swim or surf at Yamba Main Beach, or head onto the water with a guided tour to kayak the calm reaches of the Clarence River. For an easy nature outing, take a short ferry trip across to explore the lush, shady canopy of the World Heritage-listed Iluka Rainforest Walk.
Heading slightly further north gives you even more effortless options for a memorable day out. Take a ride on the world-first Byron Solar Train near Bayshore Drive for a unique trip through the wetlands, or enjoy sweeping ocean views while strolling along the iconic Cape Byron Coastal Walk.
Coastal Adventures to Try
Featured Properties
The Riverside Spring Promo
While beachfront stays always draw a crowd, true tranquility is found along the water's edge of the Clarence River. Spanning 50 private acres, Riverside Ranch offers a unique blend of coastal riverfront beauty and hinterland freedom. It is an exceptional retreat, naturally sheltered from harsh coastal winds, where golden afternoons stretch across calm water views and wide open space gives your family room to truly breathe.
This Spring, we are thrilled to offer specially lowered rates on our Riverside properties. It is your opportunity to enjoy signature Oceanstays luxury, from crisp premium linen to our thoughtfully stocked pantries, at an unbeatable price point.
Featured Spring Stay
Riverside Ranch
A unique 50-acre coastal farmstay experience combining private river views, farm animals, and resort-style amenities minutes from the beach.
Selected dates, subject to availability. Check your dates for total pricing and stay terms.
Riverside Ranch reviews
4.93 / 5
Based on 14 guest reviews on Airbnb.
Get to know Riverside Ranch through the guests who have stayed here.
Read guest reviewsExceptional Value, Uncompromised Comfort
You never have to compromise on boutique luxury to plan a gentle, spontaneous break. Designed for seamless holiday living, our most accessible properties bring you the complete Oceanstays experience at a remarkably thoughtful price point. Homes such as The Link Yamba, Yamba Views 8, and Bayshore Bungalows offer front-row access to headland walks, ocean breezes, and lush gardens without missing a single luxury detail. It is the perfect invitation to stop postponing your downtime and enjoy a beautifully prepared coastal reset this season.
The Link Yamba
Make this Yamba home yours for beach days, coastal adventures and time together.
Yamba Views 8
An easy Yamba stay for beach days, headland walks and family time together.
Bayshore Bungalows
Your Belongil bungalow among tropical gardens, with a shared pool and tennis court.
Stay for the evening light
Daylight saving begins in NSW on Sunday 4 October, bringing later sunsets by the clock. Time for dinner outside, another walk by the water and saying yes to five more minutes.
Make it your spring school holiday in the Northern Rivers, with three-night stays available at selected Oceanstays homes.
Find your spring stay at
oceanstays.com.au
Three-night minimum stays apply to selected properties and dates during 26 September–11 October 2026, subject to availability. Check booking pages for total pricing and terms. Separate promotions have their own conditions. Confirm activity availability and venue hours before visiting.
Trusted Coastal Experiences
When planning a coastal getaway, peace of mind is everything. Oceanstays is built on genuine local care, hands-on expertise, and an unwavering commitment to your holiday experience.
From beautifully prepared homes and crisp linens to friendly, responsive service, we handle every detail so you can focus entirely on relaxing together.
Holidays worth talking about
Guest experiences from across Oceanstays homes.
Chris Diakiw
La Ronde One
“Booked La Ronde One (Unit 1) through ocean stays, beautiful spacious property just over the road from the beach. I manage a couple of properties myself and was impressed with how professional and efficient the staff at ocean stays were. Excellent communication and clear instructions. The property was incredibly clean as well.”
Guest review excerpt · Google
Dean Saffron
Surf Pad & Sunset Lodge
Where do I even start? Oceanstays are simply exceptional. Last week we were lucky enough to stay at two of their beautiful properties — Surf Pad at Angourie and Sunset Lodge in Yamba — and the entire experience from beginning to end was outstanding. Both places had their own personality and were absolutely beautiful...
Guest review excerpt · Google
Jack McCandless
Oceanstays.com.au
This is a long awaited review. Ocean stays were amazing we stayed near Yamba at the end of last year and had a last minute accommodation change and the Ocean Stays team was fantastic! Super fast communication and excellent customer service, we were very looked after, a huge thank you from me and my friends we all appreciate you guys a lot!
Guest review excerpt · Google
More holidays. More stories.
Discover what other guests have shared about their Oceanstays experience.
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