There's not much Aussie love to do more than make off for their nearest local seaside town over a long weekend and have themselves a seaside stay-cay. And for those in New South Wales (or even South East Queensland) there's a new golden child of the coast that's making waves for its scenic ocean baths, luxurious boutique hotels, and idyllic lifestyle of early morning surfs and into-the-evening whale watching. Yamba, the tiny town located in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales – just at the mouth of the Clarence River – is quickly becoming a hotspot for tourists wanting to find something a little further off the beaten track than Byron Bay (though we have plenty of recs for where to stay in Byron, too). It's only around an hour and a half from Ballina Airport, two hours from Coffs Harbour and around two hours from the Gold Coast (if you're flying into Coolangatta Airport).

The region sees summer highs and temperate winters (so you can find yourself beach-side year round). And most importantly, it's a premier surfing destination, offering a variety of waves, including famous right-hand point breaks at nearby Angourie. But if you're a first-timer to the region and are looking for some advice on where to stay (there are plenty of options), we've got you covered below with our pick of where to stay in Yamba.

1. The Surf

Best for: Location

Address: 2 Queen St, Yamba NSW 2464

Sleeps: There are eight rooms available, and each rooms accommodates two adults and 1-2 children.

The Surf is an eight-room boutique hotel perched directly across the road from Yamba's Main Beach, famed ocean pool and a public tennis court too. You won't be fighting for beach parking, and you can even duck home for a quick bathroom or snack break without having to trek across town (the hotel also offers complimentary surf board, beach umbrellas, beach chairs and eBikes to rent). If you feel like something more private, there's a stunning rooftop terrace with sun loungers and a heated pool (great for those May-September bookings) that looks out across the ocean. There's on-site dedicated parking for each guest (including EV chargers), and you can even bring small pets along for the stay. The rooms themselves are beautifully designed and functionally laid-out, each complete with private balconies, kitchenettes with complimentary in-room mini bars, teas and coffees, rain showers, smart TVs, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

2. Il Delfino

Best for: Luxury

Address: 4 Ocean St, Yamba NSW 2464

Sleeps: There are four suites in the main residence, and a fifth private bungalow. Each suite has 1-2 bedrooms sleeping 2-4 adults or children over 10. Or you can book the entire villa to accommodate up to 16 people.

This newly restored 1940s oceanfront cottage is one of Yamba's most talked about boutique accommodations – it was even awarded as a Michelin Key Hotel in 2025. It's perched on the rocky bluff above Yamba’s Convent Beach, which gives it more of a European feel (though it's only a quick 8-10 minute stroll down to the sandy main beach), and an added sense of privacy). Guests have access to the Lido Terrace – full of loungers, chess boards and outdoor dining spaces – and in-house laundrette (for when you run out of clean socks). They also have a dedicated concierge team who can organise in-room massages, private surf lessons, locally-sourced pantry boxes for your room, and – if you're flying to Yamba via Gold Coast, Ballina, or Coffs Harbour airport – can organise a private airport transfer. Or you can read our more detailed guide on what to do during your Il Delfino stay.

3. Sundowner Motel

Best for: Interiors

Address: Coldstream St, Yamba NSW 2464

Sleeps: Suite 1 sleeps six adults across three bedrooms, Suite 2 sleeps four adults across two bedrooms, and Suite 3 (pictured and linked above) sleeps two adults in one bedroom.

Recently opened and lovingly restored to its original mid-century era by owners Jamie and Ronnie Blakely, this 1960s Californian surf shack-inspired set of apartments can be found in the very centre of Yamba. Simply walk across the road for lunch at the Yamba Fisho, El Ocaso or for a drink at Paradiso wine bar. Each room comes complete with a convenient kitchenette (inclusive of a bar fridge and coffee and tea-making facilities – no cookware though), as well as post-beach facilities like a hot outdoor shower, surfboard storage, and a communal backyard with outdoor dining and festoon lighting for dreamy summer evenings. Linens throughout are C+G, toiletries from Sans Ceuticals and towels from Baina.

4. Suncrest 3

Best for: Views

Address: Corner of Clarence St and Church St, Yamba NSW 2464

Sleeps: Two adults.

Overhanging the ocean, this one-bedroom apartment has some of Yamba's most spectacular views – including across Yamba's iconic break wall, Main Beach & Lover's Headland (you might even be able to catch a few whales and dolphins from this vantage point). The apartment itself includes one bedroom, two bathrooms, a laundry, undercover parking, aircon and Wi-Fi, a smart TV to stream your favourite movies and an espresso machine. The beach and restaurants are a mere five minutes walk away, and there's a fully-equipped kitchen perfect for entertaining or creating lavish meals at home.

5. Pacific Hotel Yamba

Best for: Social butterflies

Address: 16 Pilot St, Yamba NSW 2464

Sleeps: 2-3 adults in private rooms, or four adults in a bunkbed room with shared bathroom (more of a hostel-style set up).

The iconic coastal pub also boasts newly-renovated, clean and modern suites overlooking the ocean, as well as hostel-style bunk bed accommodation for 3-4 people with a shared public bathroom. Situated on a cliff overlooking Main Beach, the rooms feature Queen beds, free WiFi, air conditioning, and some with direct balcony access. Downstairs you'll find local live music, pool tables, poker machines and a full-service pub and restaurant. It's a great spot if you're travelling solo, or looking to make a few friends either via a shared room or simply by heading down to the pub in the afternoon.

6. Angourie Resort

Best for: Budgets

Address: 166 Angourie Rd, Yamba NSW 2464

Sleeps: 2-5 adults across your choice of an apartment or villa room. There are also accessible apartments that sleep two adults available.

This is a peaceful rainforest retreat just five minutes from Yamba and just moments from Pippi Beach and Barri Beach. They have an on-site day spa, restaurant, pools and bars. It's one of the more family-friendly accommodations available in the area to – perfect for bringing the kids along with ample slides and pools and nearby beaches to entertain. The apartments and villas sleep up to five adults, and come with a kitchen complete with full-sized fridge, oven, stovetop and dishwasher, as well as

7. Beach House Studio

Best for: Surfing

Address: 1 Marine Parade, Yamba NSW 2464

Sleeps: Two adults.

This circa 1950s iconic beach house is tucked away on the most exclusive parcel of land on Pilot hill. It has a grand ocean vista from its expansive balcony – you might even catch whales breaching from the comfort of your Egyptian linen sheets. The apartment is the bottom floor of a two-level building, so there may be guests staying above you, however the space has been extensively sound-proofed to avoid noise transfer. There's direct beach access from the back porch, outdoor showers to rinse off after a swim or surf, and a fully-equipped little kitchen complete with electric stove top, oven, full-sized fridge and mini dishwasher. There's also free parking on premises for vehicles and the Pacific Hotel Yamba right next door for a pub feed, live music or pool tables.

8. Mysa Yamba

Best for: Larger groups

Address: 57 Witonga Drive, Yamba, NSW 2464

Sleeps: 10 adults.

For larger groups or multilple families hoping to holiday together, Mysa is where we'd suggest shacking up. It's a four-bedroom home backing onto one of the peaceful canals of Oyster Channel. It's got ample yard space and a decked-out alfresco entertaining patio (complete with BBQ, pool and fire pit), so you'll be readily entertained at home. There are also kayaks for use in the canal, or you can duck into town (it's a nine-minute drive to the main beach, or a short 15-minute stroll to the local Coles for supplies). If you've got a boat, you can also just leave it right outside.

9. Luxury Oceanfront Penthouse

Best for: Privacy

Address: Corner of Ritz St and Ocean St, Yamba, NSW 2464

Sleeps: Two adults.

Next door to Il Delfino, along the rocky bluff above Yamba’s Convent Beach, this luxury penthouse boasts uninterrupted views of the Pacific Ocean, Convent Beach, Lover’s Headland and the Yamba break wall. A luxuriously appointed kitchen is perfect for cooking up a storm, and with plenty of space to entertain in ample living room and balcony. It's got everything from bath tubs to BBQs to beach access and a sumptuous King Sized bed.