Tags
Angourie, australia, Clarence River, Iluka, Northern Rivers NSW, NSW, Pacific Hotel, Pacific Ocean, Photography, travel, Yamba
Just across the river from Iluka is the township of Yamba. Yamba is located at the mouth of the Clarence River on the southern side. It is about a 3.5-hour drive from Brisbane.
From Woombah we drove around to Yamba via the Pacific Hwy and then along the Clarence River, which took about 25 mins. Sometimes we go across the river in the boat and you can also take the local ferry across from Iluka.
Our main reason for this visit to Yamba was to have lunch at the Pacific Hotel before doing a spot of shopping.
The Pacific Hotel Yamba is etched in to the escarpment of the headland by the river and provides the best views of the Pacific Ocean in Australia. This experience is one to be remembered. From the moment we stepped inside this charming old hotel the 180 degree views took our breaths away. Mind you, I have been to the Pacific Hotel many times over the past few decades and I never tire of these magnificent views.
Upon arrival, we needed to partake in all the Covid rules etc including signing in with the app, showing id’s and then being provided with wrist bands. Then we were advised that there was a waiting time of who knows how long before there would be a table available. We decided we could come back another time and left to find somewhere else to eat. So before departing I took a few photos of these gorgeous views.
What a great decision. We found a fantastic little café in Angourie.
Along the way to Angourie we stopped at several of Yamba’s world famous perfect beaches. With five options to choose from, Yamba has a beach to suit everyone; Main Beach, Whiting Beach, Pippi Beach, Convent Beach and Turners Beach
After our wonderful lunch there was enough time for us to return to Yamba to do some great shopping in the the local shopping centre.
With mild Winters and long, temperate Summers, Yamba is a perfect escape all year round. There are parks beside the river for picnics, a good golf course and walks to local landmarks, like the Yamba Lighthouse and the 1934-built Pacific Hotel. The town is built around a national park, too, and humpback whales put on breaching shows just off-shore during their annual migration between May and November.
Twenty years ago, if you were looking for a laid-back beach holiday in New South Wales, Byron Bay was your best bet. But with Byron Bay becoming increasingly overcrowded and overpriced, many have started to declare Yamba, 120 kilometres to the south, ‘the new Byron’. To me, it will always be ‘ Yamba’.
Bon Repos Gites said:
Byron Bay, yes was there about 20 years ago but not visited Yamba. Looks and sounds great!
Lyn Douglas said:
Byron has changed so much. I once lived close by and went there regularly. I was there last year for most likely my last time. I will hang on to my memories. Yamba is truly lovely, just hope it doesn’t change too drastically. Thanks, Lyn
Bon Repos Gites said:
It’s odd isn’t it? I have no desire for things to remain the same as I believe in the benefits of change but I just wish they wouldn’t change so fast and totally! ;-)
Mark Lanesbury said:
It is a beautiful area that section of the coast Lyn, still lovely and quiet in the off season but crazy during the holidays 😀
We didn’t stop long way back then, and I would love to go back up that way and ‘wander’. Must be time for me to become a grey nomad 😂 🤣
Thank you for sharing, it brings back memories 😀 ❤️ 🙏🏼 🦋
Lyn Douglas said:
Thanks Mark, it sure is. I love these places off the beaten track but with its beauty and great lifestyle Yamba will grow quickly. Lyn
JD and Andy said:
Yes, there is something special about Yamba and Angourie. It was a lovely lunch and we’ll have to do it again one day soon. More great pics. Jd.
Lyn Douglas said:
Thanks JD. It was a terrific day. I always enjoy Yamba and now that we have discovered Cafe Angourie, we must return. Lyn
3sistersabroad said:
What a beautiful place and thanks for sharing. I think I have visited Yamba many years ago. I used to live in Brisbane and we would often take trips down that way. We always found Byron Bay just overcrowded and too much of just tourists or wanna be’s lol…
Lyn Douglas said:
Thanks. Yes Byron Bay is not pleasant for me anymore. Yamba is gorgeous and so far, not spoiled. Lyn
katelon said:
It looks lovely!
Lyn Douglas said:
Thanks Katelon, it is. Lyn
LINDA M. said:
Stunning views! Was it Byron Bay where we met up with JD and Andy?
Lyn Douglas said:
Thanks Linda. Yes, we met up with them at Byron Bay. Lyn
Audrey Driscoll said:
Those are gorgeous beaches!
Lyn Douglas said:
Pretty nice hey Audrey. Thanks, Lyn
SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
I am sure I went to Yamba many (many) years ago Lyn…I love your pictures of the view from the Pacific Hotel. It’s funny you missed out on lunch there but then because of that you found a lovely cafe. As they say ‘when one door closes; another opens’!
Lyn Douglas said:
Thanks Sue, and quite honestly I always prefer a little local cafe over a pub anytime. We went for the view but found more our kinda food at the cafe. Will write about Angourie next time. Always good to hear from you, Lyn
Born to Travel said:
Hi Lyn, Yamba has always appealed to us far more than busier spots like Byron. Loved your photos. Brought back memories of stopping a few days there with our caravan as we returned from Queensland last year. Sadly covid19 has put a stop to caravanning this year. Must take the ferry across to Iluka when we next return to this part of NSW. Keep safe. Cheers, Mark
Lyn Douglas said:
Thanks Mark, yes, I once lived close to Byron and visited often but it is not for me now. Too crowded, too unruly, too expensive and just plain too much for me. Sounds like you must be in Victoria if you are not going caravanning. Anyhow, hope, things change for the better real soon. Warm regards, Lyn
Born to Travel said:
Hi Lyn, yes we live on the Mornington Peninsula, 80kms south of metro Melbourne. Not happy to be included as part of the city for covid19 lockdowns but it is what it is. At least we are fit and healthy. Hope you are too! Cheers, Mark
Lyn Douglas said:
Thanks Mark. My favourite cousin lives at Mt Martha so I know where that is. At least you are not in the city but still needing to comply. All the best with it, I pray that it does not last too much longer. Certainly, not till Christmas. Lyn
silkroad423513523 said:
Definitely a place to visit. I loved the photos Lyn…how lucky we are!
Lyn Douglas said:
Thanks Mary, it is a very special place for me, close to family and just simply gorgeous. Lyn
Sheree said:
Yet another gorgeous spot and it’s gone straight onto the list.
Lyn Douglas said:
Thanks Sheree. The entire area is gorgeous and so far not too spoiled by us humans. There is plenty of great accommodation available there also. Lyn
Sheree said:
Noted, thank you Lyn
boundlessblessingsblog said:
Wow awesome 👍👍👍 place Lyn and fantastic pictures too.
Lyn Douglas said:
Thanks Kamal, it sure is a lovely place both to look at and to experience. Lyn
boundlessblessingsblog said:
You are always welcome dear Lyn 💕💕💕
Kay said:
Covid has changed some things, but not that glorious seascape!
Lyn Douglas said:
Yes Kay. Such a beautiful escape from real life at the moment. Thanks, Lyn
thecapturingtraveller said:
Great post!
Kindly spread the word for my blog.
Thanks.
Lyn Douglas said:
Thank you, Lyn
Lynette d'Arty-Cross said:
It is so beautiful! I hope it doesn’t become a product of its own popularity.
Lyn Douglas said:
Thanks Lynette. I hope so also. Lyn
francisashis said:
Loved your photographs,fantastic .Thanks a lot for sharing.Take care.,🌹👍🙏
Lyn Douglas said:
Thanks. It really is very beautiful. I appreciate your comment. Lyn
francisashis said:
Most welcome.🌹👍🙏
gail said:
looks like the place to be for a relaxing break and unspoilt scenery. xx gg
Lyn Douglas said:
Thanks Gail. It definitely is. Lyn
rosemaylily2014 said:
Yamba looks a beautiful place – much prefer quieter less discovered places though for now have to stay put in Western Australia!
Lyn Douglas said:
WA is a very large and beautiful state that is not too hard to be “stuck” in. Yamba is definitely beautiful but off limits for me for now. Thanks, Lyn
rosemaylily2014 said:
Yes we are quite happy to stay put over here for now. There are plenty of places we haven’t seen here in WA should we want a break, best wishes with everything Rosemary
SaaniaSparkle 🧚🏻♀️ said:
Beautiful
Lyn Douglas said:
Thanks
gulfcoastpoet@gmail.com said:
Spectacular photos, Lyn! <3 All the best! Cheryl
Lyn Douglas said:
Thanks Cheryl, it is a very beautiful place. Lyn
DC/Seasons of Parenting said:
Your post compels me to visit! Thank you for the experience of traveling with you!
Lyn Douglas said:
Ah that is so nice. Thanks for reading and commenting. Lyn