Your Coastal School Holiday Survival Guide

School holidays can be chaos, but they don’t have to be. Along this stretch of coast you’ll find three towns that turn the break into something far simpler: Saltwater days, good-everywhere coffee and just enough activity to keep the whole family smiling.

Yamba

Five beaches facing five directions (so one is always perfect), the Yuraygir Coastal Walk, and the magical Angourie Blue and Green Pools make Yamba a natural playground. The skate park is world class, and when the weather turns the Bowlo comes through with indoor climbing, soft play and tenpin bowling. On the water, hire kayaks, rent BBQ boats or ferry across the river. Evenings are easy at The Mex, Sassafras or The Wobbly Chook, with sunsets at the Pacific Hotel a non-negotiable.

Lennox Head

Just north, Lennox carries the same coastal soul with its own rhythm. Lennox Point is legendary for surfers, while Pat Morton Lookout delivers endless ocean views. Lake Ainsworth offers calm waters for paddling and picnics, and nearby Killen Falls and Newrybar add rainforest walks, boutique shopping and long lunches. Boulder Beach’s rock pools keep kids busy, and town cafés like Williams Street and The Kiosk keep everyone fuelled. Stay at La Luna, where direct beach access makes holidays feel effortless.

Iluka

Across the river from Yamba, Iluka is slower still, but no less special. The Iluka Nature Reserve offers one of the last littoral rainforests in NSW, with walks that wind to Bluff lookout and long quiet beaches. Fish off the breakwall, launch a boat or simply exhale in a place that feels like time forgot. Stay at La Concha for a luxurious family holiday everyone will remember.