Yamba accommodation for every type of traveller  

Searching for the best accommodation in Yamba? You’ve come to the right place.

The laid-back beach town of Yamba has long been considered one of NSW’s best-kept secrets, and rightly so. It’s awash with gorgeous stretches of coastline, a blossoming food and wine scene, a long list of fantastic things to do and some rather lovely hotels, motels, Airbnbs and other places to stay to boot. Here are the best of the best, in our humble opinion.

Yamba hotels and motels

Yamba has long been a beach holiday destination, and you’ll find plenty of hotels and motel accommodation in town that date back decades. Some keep the nostalgia alive with nods to the accommodation of the 80s and 90s, while others are popping up that lean into luxury, with modern decor and a focus on relaxed surf culture.

The Surf Yamba

Best for: luxury accommodation

This boutique hotel has become a bit of a Yamba landmark. Its crowning glory, a sunlit rooftop terrace with striped sun loungers and a heated plunge pool, overlooks the golden crescent of sand that is Yamba’s Main Beach. But there’s plenty more beyond to fall in love with at this boutique, 12-room property.

The Surf is set to become a bit of a Yamba landmark.

From its gorgeous whitewashed curved exterior to the retro feel of the interiors (hello terrazzo flooring, blush pink and muted turquoise accents, and brushed brass fittings).

Inside the luxe rooms at The Surf Yamba. (Image: Elise Hassey)

Feel the sea breeze come through the curtains as you sleep. (Image: Elise Hassey)

You’ll also find Australian-made, botanical-infused toiletries from Leif; luxury linen bathrobes from Bemboka; and artworks from Melbourne-based artists Elizabeth Barnett and Caroline Walls.

Fall in love with the blush palette in the bathroom. (Image: Elise Hassey)

Address: 2 Queen St, Yamba, NSW, 2464

Pacific Hotel Yamba

Best for: location

Perched just on the northern edge on Main Beach, this adults-only Yamba hotel offers Pacific Ocean views and some smart – if cosy – guest rooms.

Find the Pacific Hotel etched into Yamba’s escarpment.

You can pick from one of two ‘wings’ here, depending on your needs and budget. The nine rooms in the northern wing, renovated in early 2021, feature a modern, stylish and streamlined design; think white walls, blonde wood furnishings and matte black fittings and fixtures. They also all have en suite bathrooms, and some feature private balconies too.

Enjoy ocean views from your room’s private balcony.

The remaining ‘pub rooms’ are a touch more basic, featuring slightly more dated white furniture and shared bathrooms, but equally, more appealing prices.

You’ll feel right at home in your cosy room.

Guests at the Pacific Hotel Yamba don’t have to venture far if they need a feed either: the downstairs restaurant features a roll call of all your favourite pub classics (steak and chips, beer battered fish, schnitties and parmas) not to mention stellar ocean and foreshore views.

Snug up in your comfy bed after a long day exploring Yamba.

Address: 18 Pilot St, Yamba, NSW, 2464

Aston Motel

Best for: budget-friendly accommodation

One of the most affordable accommodation options in Yamba that’s still walking distance from the main streets and beaches, Aston Motel might be a little more no-frills than some of the luxury Airbnb’s in Yamba – but with king-sized beds, freshly painted interiors and its own pool and spa, it’s still a strong choice. Looking for budget-friendly accommodation without losing proximity to all the best Yamba has to offer? This is the one for you.

Address: 37 Coldstream St, Yamba, NSW, 2464

The Carmel

Best for: a dose of nostalgia

One of the newer kids on the block, The Carmel is modelled on the resort-style motels of your youth – a strong surf-retro feel with its tropical garden setting and outdoor patios.

Laze by the pool on a lounger in the sun.

Stylish and modern while retaining the nostalgia of lazy beach days in the 80s and 90s, The Carmel has a surprising amount of leisure on offer, from a saltwater pool and tennis court to vintage bikes you can take for a spin along the bike-friendly highway to nearby Angourie.

The Carmel is your home away from home in Yamba.

Address: 2 – 4 Yamba Road, Yamba, NSW, 2464

The Stella Motel

Best for: large groups

Another recent addition to Yamba’s accommodation scene, The Stella is well-placed up on Yamba Hill near the Pacific Hotel, close to Convent Beach and Main Beach.

The cosy rooms are brightly decorated.

Choose from the Ocean View or Courtyard rooms, which feature double beds, flat-screen TVs and air conditioning.

All rooms are complete with a private bathroom.

Bigger groups can rent the Stella Apartment, a two-bedroom self-contained space that sleeps up to six.

Enjoy glistening sea views from your room.

Address: 17 Clarence St, Yamba, NSW, 2464

Airbnb and Stayz in Yamba

If you’re after pet-friendly accommodation or the ease of self-contained living, Yamba’s extensive range of Airbnb and Stayz properties will suit you. Many have private pools, large backyards for the dog and open-plan designs for al fresco dining. Take a look at our full wrap of the best Airbnbs in Yamba, from pet-friendly accommodation to luxury villas that fit the whole family.

The White House Yamba Luxury Retreat

Best for: large groups

A two-storey four-bedroom residence that sleeps up to eight, The White House Yamba is an ideal retreat for groups. Situated on the southern edge of town, just a 10-minute walk to all of Yamba’s cafes and restaurants, and a five-minute walk to Yamba’s best surfing beach, Pippi, you won’t be left wanting when it comes to location.

The house itself is modern and minimalist, and a true home from home. There’s an open-plan kitchen/dining room, plus an outdoor entertaining and lounge area with a Weber barbecue and dining table.

The White House Yamba is an ideal retreat for groups.

You can also alternate between three different lounge areas. But it’s the little luxuries that make this Yamba Airbnb a cut above the rest: the free-standing bathtubs, the generous Smeg oven, the Smart TVs and the Tempur mattresses that all add up to a super comfortable stay.

Let yourself sink into bed at the end of the day.

Beach House Yamba

Best for: a romantic weekend away

You’d be hard-pressed to find a more idyllic beachfront spot or a more immaculately styled space, than this Yamba Airbnb. And what the studio lacks in size, it more than makes up for with its thoughtfully curated spaces that feature all the mod cons, and killer sea views to boot.

You’d be hard-pressed to find a more idyllic beachfront spot.

Design junkies will adore the luxe linens, glass bifold doors, whitewashed walls and reclaimed timber furnishings. It’s basically the ultimate ultra-chic beach shack that’s perfect for a romantic weekend away for two.

Admire the ocean from the comfort of your temporary home.

Mysa Yamba

Best for: the ultimate home away from home

Bring the whole family along to Mysa Yamba, a four-bedroom renovated Airbnb set in a leafy neighbourhood just outside of Yamba’s main scene.

Have a restful staycation at Mysa Yamba.

The property has its own pontoon and swimming pool, complete with pillowy day beds and an expansive deck. Kids will love the kayaks and a bunk room, as well as the vintage video games for rainy days.

You can read a book or binge-watch TV.

Caravan parks in Yamba

Yamba’s caravan parks are renowned along the coast for immaculate positions right on waterfronts and beaches. Whether you’re looking to set up a swag or pull your caravan in to settle for the week, choosing a caravan park can be a really affordable way to spend the summer season in Yamba. Most are extremely kid-friendly and pet-friendly too, it’s really just a choice of whether you prefer river frontage or being in the centre of town.

Blue Dolphin Holiday Resort

Best for: families/pet-friendly

Travelling with the troop? The Blue Dolphin Holiday has you covered. Situated just outside the centre of town, this holiday resort has a wild abundance of family-friendly facilities.

Just try tearing the kids away from the onsite water park with its slide, toys and fountains – or don’t. After all, there’s a swim-up pool bar located right next door, where weary mums and dads can still keep an eye on little ones. Water babies can also enjoy the resort pool with its two waterslides, while tweens and teens might opt to while away the day in the tropical pool.

The Holiday Resort grounds are expansive, with plenty of room for families.

Or if you’d rather spend a bit of time together as a family getting closer to nature then simply pootle along the resort’s 300 metres of riverfront, from where you can swim, fish, crab, water ski, jet ski, sail or kayak. Otherwise, there’s a pump track, climbing wall, snooker hall, games room, or go-karts; aka, plenty to keep everyone occupied.

Moreover, there’s an array of different accommodation categories to choose from at this Yamba resort, which can sleep up to eight. Choose from a dog-friendly villa, a camping or caravanning site, a spacious river-view unit, or one of the many other options in between.

A swim-up pool bar will keep adults happy.

Address: Yamba Rd, Yamba, NSW, 2464

Big4 Saltwater @ Yamba

Best for: spoiled pups and active kids

This pet-friendly caravan park has a great location in Yamba, set just 10 minutes from the centre of town on 130 acres of parkland.

Kids are a priority here – yours will be spoilt for choice between the expansive water park, jumping pillow and two outdoor playgrounds, plus all the activities available like kayaking, fishing and paddle boarding.

Kids will adore the waterpark at BIG4 Saltwater @ Yamba.

Choose from powered and unpowered campsites, which offer both large slab and grass sites which are the largest in the Yamba region, according to Big4. Non-campers can stay in one of the cabins, some of which are pet friendly. The largest, Tuckeroo, can sleep up to 10 people, while the Casuarina cabin is perfect for small families or couples.

The amenities are clean and modern for all your camping needs.

One big plus for dog lovers is the dedicated off-leash dog play area, where your pup can enjoy ramps and tunnels. The rest of the Yamba caravan park is also dog-friendly, as long as your pup is on a leash.

Address: 286 O’Keefe’s Lane, Yamba, NSW, 2464

Calypso Holiday Park

Easily the best-situated caravan park in the Yamba region, Calypso Holiday Park is at the end of Yamba’s town centre, so you won’t be needing a car during your stay. Here, you’ll find a mix of cabins (including an easy-access cabin that’s wheelchair-friendly) that sleep two to four people.

Bed down in one of the cabins at Calypso Yamba Holiday Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

In terms of caravan and camping sites, unpowered start at $39 during low season per night, while powered start from $49. The holiday park offers a mix of concrete slab and grass sites, all of which are conveniently placed near amenities.

There is a range of accommodation to choose from during your stay. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: Harbour Street, Yamba, NSW, 2464

Yamba camping spots

Most of Yamba’s best camping spots will involve a fee – and are often found in the various caravan parks near town. The good news is camping might not be free, but it will involve riverfront views, staying on some pristine beaches and access to clean, modern amenities. Here are a few favourites, but check out some other great camping spots in Yamba and surrounds.

There are a number of sweet camping spots in Yamba.

Fishing Haven Holiday Park

Best for: wildlife spotting

Out on Palmers Island (which is actually just minutes from Yamba) you’ll find the fisherman’s pick of camping spots – Fishing Haven Holiday Park. Right on the Clarence River, this park is all about family activities – you’ll see wildlife, enjoy kayaking and swimming, and yes – fish in the Clarence River all day long.

Address: 35 River Road, Palmers Island, NSW 2463

Minnie Water Holiday Park

Best for: old-school camping vibes

A family favourite of many locals, Minnie Water Holiday Park is near the beautiful Yuraygir Coastal Walk, one of the best things to do in Yamba. Here, you’ll find a range of cabins, van sites and campsites set among the beautiful beach bushland of peaceful Minnie Water.

You’ll be an hour’s drive out of Yamba, but if serenity and old-school camping vibes are more your scene, you can’t beat the area.

Address: 646 Minnie Water Road, Minnie Water NSW 2462

Woody Head Campground

Best for: remote beachside camping

Thirty minutes out of Yamba you’ll find the gorgeous Woody Head area, with a really incredible campground run by the National Parks and Wildlife Service. You can take your caravan, camper trailer or tent and set up right by the beach – there are even cute beach shack-style cabins if that’s more your thing.

The campground sits right on the water. (Image: John Spencer/DPE)

With 94 sites, you’ll definitely need to book ahead, and there are costs although they’re very reasonable considering the proximity to the sand and surf.

Guests can opt for a cabin if they fancy it. (image: John Spencer/DPE)

Address: 92 Woody Head Road, Woody Head, NSW, 2466

Additional updates written by Chloe Cann

For more travel tips read our guide to Yamba.