Rodney Stevens

The accolades keep coming for the paradise we know is Yamba – much to the dismay of some long-term locals – after the town was announced in “The 10 best Australian destinations” Time Out magazine’s editors travelled in 2024.

This is the most recent recognition in a growing list of acknowledgements for Yamba, following the September 2024 announcement Yamba was the fifth most searched hidden gem in Australia in a study by worldwide luggage storage app Bounce.

In 2009, Yamba was named Best Town in Australia by a panel of tourism and travel experts in a survey conducted by Australian Traveller magazine.

And in the 2023 NSW Top Town awards, Yamba was a finalist in the Top Tourism Town greater than 5000 residents’ category.

While some locals dislike the idea of promoting Yamba as beautiful destination we know and love, the economy and businesses of the town, and to a degree, the entire Clarence Valley is reliant on tourism.  

Time Out’s Sydney Lifestyle writer, Winnie Stubbs visited Yamba and fell in love with the town, penning this review.

“The NSW coast has no shortage of magical beach towns, but there’s something special about Yamba,” Stubbs wrote.

“Sitting with an unpretentious air on the southern edge of the Northern Rivers, the laid-back beach town is home to just the right amount of everything.

“There are surfing spots for every ability, hidden coves and rockpools for dreamy summer days, a charming old-school cinema for rainy evenings, and a delightfully unintimidating range of must-try eateries and drinking spots.

“A pod of dolphins has made its home below the southern headland, punctuating the sparkling coastline beyond the ocean pool on quiet, sunny mornings, and during whale watching season you’ll see migrating humpbacks stopping to scratch off their barnacles at a rocky outcrop beyond the beaches.

“Now home to two super-luxe hotels, Yamba is on the up – get there before the crowds do.”