One of our favourite things about the town of Yamba is that there is something new to discover with each visit, and layer upon layer of hidden treasures, just waiting to be discovered.
Piere Kelly, our Community Sales Manager only recently moved and settled into Yamba so we thought it fitting that she shares all her local discoveries as a newbie with those contemplating a visit – or a move – to this special town.
Now, over to Piere for her favourite Yamba gems:
Gather Cafe – a funky cafe with the best coffee in town, where the locals meet after their morning yoga or dip in the ocean. I love their use of local and organic produce, freshly baked pastries to die for and freshly squeezed juices.
For lunch it’s says it’s hard to go past The Pacific Hotel – Boasting the best beach views in Yamba, this turn of the century hotel sits high on the hill with magnificent views over the surf club, main beach and ocean pool. With a contemporary menu of seafood and locally sourced fresh produce, this landmark hotel hosts live music with friendly service, and is “a great spot to watch the world go by over a drink.
My favourite weekend attractions are hard to choose. “We are spoilt by choice being surrounded by no less than 17 markets within an hour’s Sunday drive and I can’t resist a scenic trip to check these hidden treasures out! You have Yamba’s own local produce markets from sunrise, Byron, Uki, Bangalow, Maclean, Nimbin, Lennox Heads and more. The whole region is a shopping haven with a great variety of food, vintage and eclectic goods on offer!
With so much nature on our doorstep at Yamba, there are a myriad walking routes to choose from. I often like to park at the Yacht Club then stroll along the river side, past the ferry terminal which is alongside parkland, then out to the break wall checking out the dolphins, fishermen, surfers jumping off the rocks, and all the locals. I then climb a hill to my early morning cafes for a brew, before going down the newly developed walkway to the surf club… along Pipis beach. It’s a lovely spot for off-leash dog walking and to take in the morning sunrise.
As for swimming spots, it’s hard to imagine a better location in Australia than the Blue and Green Pools at Angourie. They are freshwater, made-by-nature swimming pools with water falls and a cliff face on one side, and a view out to the breathtaking Angourie beach on the other.
Sunsets over the Yamba River are heaven sent! You have the Yacht Club in the background, the local fishermen catching the last rays of light, lots of pelicans about and the red sunset mountains framing the background. It is a truly spectacular sight that must be experienced to be felt!
