Why Yamba is the Easiest “Yes” You’ll Say These Holidays
School’s out. The kids are humming “Are we there yet?” in the back seat. You’re staring at two weeks and wondering how to turn them into magic instead of mayhem. Here’s your answer: Yamba in the Spring school holidays. Equal parts energy-burner, memory-maker and sanity-saver.
This is your guide to surviving (and secretly loving) the holidays by the sea.
What’s On
Eat Street Yamba
Coldstream Street shuts down and lights up with global flavours, live music and enough food stalls to keep even picky eaters happy. Think pad thai, barbecue, dumplings and donuts — all eaten under fairy lights with the whole town out to play.
Yamba Bowlo Entertainment
Live music, comedy, family fun days and rainy-day saviours like indoor climbing, soft play and tenpin bowling. The Bowlo is the ultimate “I’m bored” antidote.
Yamba River Markets
Held on the fourth Sunday of the month at Ford Park, with 120+ stalls of local produce, crafts and music. A proper wander, a proper feed and a proper community vibe.
Things to Do Every Day:
Walks with wow factor
The Yuraygir Coastal Walk is world class but you don’t need to tackle the whole thing. Do it in slices. Add the Angourie Blue and Green Pools for a dip that feels like magic.
Beach days x 5
Five beaches facing five directions means one will always be perfect for swimming, surfing or simply lying still while the kids dig holes.
Get on the water
Hire kayaks with Yamba Kayak, rent a BBQ boat for a floating picnic, or catch the ferry across to Iluka for the day. Add a fishing charter or a sailing trip if you’re feeling adventurous.
Parks, clubs and climbs
The skate park is so good it makes teenagers smile, the surf club adds soul and history and the golf course delivers views that might ruin your scorecard (worth it). Indoors? See: Bowlo. Climbing walls, soft play, bowling — sorted.
Coffee & food (for the adults’ survival)
Every corner in Yamba seems to pour good coffee. Restaurants punch well above their weight with seafood so fresh it was basically a neighbour yesterday. Don’t skip the Wednesday farmers market for produce, colour and conversation.
Evenings That Glow
A sunset beer at the Pacific Hotel, gelato in town, or a quiet balcony with snacks and card games always hits the mark. But when the kids are hungry and you’d rather not cook, try:
The Mex: Tacos, nachos and margaritas that keep everyone smiling.
Sassafras: Yamba’s answer to family-friendly Italian with pizzas flying out of the oven.
The Wobbly Chook: A crowd-pleaser for casual dining with plenty of space for little legs to wriggle.
Tips for Sanity
* Mix free beach hours with a couple of “booked” things so the days have shape.
* Lock in the big wins early: Eat Street, charters, dinners out.
* Save blustery days for markets, climbing, bowling or ferry rides.
* Leave room for nothing — naps, books, aimless paddling. It’s part of the magic.
This isn’t just about getting through the school holidays. It’s about creating the kind of stories your kids will still laugh about years later. Yamba has the beaches, the bites, the walks, the rides and the soul to keep everyone happy — including you.
Pack your patience (just in case), but chances are you won’t need it.
Yamba is ready. You should be too.