Yamba

Beach

Between Clarence Head and Yamba Point is a 700 m wide northeast-facing bay containing two small beaches (NSW 42 & 43). The first, Yamba Beach (NSW 42), has long been one of the most popular beaches on the north coast. Even before the road was built, holidaymakers came down the... Read more

Between Clarence Head and Yamba Point is a 700 m wide northeast-facing bay containing two small beaches (NSW 42 & 43). The first, Yamba Beach (NSW 42), has long been one of the most popular beaches on the north coast. Even before the road was built, holidaymakers came down the river by steamers to stay and swim at Yamba. In fact its popularity and some well-publicised rescues led to the formation of Yamba SLSC in 1908, one of the oldest in the State. The beach itself is only 250 m in length, but its location below the hotel and what used to be the camping reserve, plus car access right to the beach have ensured its continued popularity. The beach is protected from southerly waves by Yamba Point and usually has a moderate swell breaking over an attached bar, which is cut by two permanent rips against the rocks when waves exceed 1 m. A rock pool is located on the southern rock platform (Fig. 4.31).

Swimming

Yamba is a popular beach, but with an average of 37 rescues each year one must use some caution. Stay between the flags and avoid the rips, particularly against the rocks. These should be clearly visible as you go down to the beach.

Surfing

Variable quality beach breaks at Yamba Beach, with the best break usually forming off the southern rocks, with only a low shorebreak at Convent.

Fishing

Bream, tailor and jewfish are caught both off the beach in the permanent gutters against the rocks, or off the rocks at each end.