15 Yamba Airbnbs for a blissful beach escape

The best way to immerse yourself in the laidback surf culture of Yamba? By renting one of the best Yamba Airbnbs in and around town.

Yamba’s hotels and motels attract year-round bookings, and its camping sites are consistently teeming with crowds. Sometimes, a private home away from home is just a better fit. Enter Yamba’s thriving Airbnb scene. From architecturally designed beach houses and apartments in the thick of the action, to pet-friendly retreats your pup will love, the best Yamba Airbnbs facilitate every style of holiday. With so many properties to search through, we’ve created your ultimate curated list.

1. The Beach House

the Beach House Yamba with ocean views — Admire the ocean from the comfort of your home.

Starting the list with absolute luxury, The Beach House  is treated to the most coveted location – on Pilot Hill, right between Main Beach and Lover’s Point.

Walking distance from everything, including the best beaches Yamba has to offer, the 1950s-restored white-washed marvel will prove almost impossible to leave, thanks to its Egyptian cotton bed linen, sweeping views of the ocean and cloud-like cushioned lounges. The sanctuary’s top floor is the only accessible space, but it can sleep up to six guests across two bedrooms so it’s never tight.

Laundry facilities, including a dryer, a dedicated workspace (not that anybody’s encouraging anything but R&R here) and a private balcony ensure every holiday haven box is ticked.

2. Little Angourie

the bedroom at Little Angourie, Yamba — Rest up in the earth-toned bedroom.

Less than 10 minutes’ drive south of Yamba, Angourie is another must-experience part of the NSW North Coast and Little Angourie is an idyllic place to launch your adventures. One of the most stylish options you’ll find, the ground-level space is part of a larger property but its luxurious self-contained presentation oozes covetable comfort.

Inside you’ll find a fully equipped gourmet kitchen with Fisher & Paykel appliances, a laundry, open-plan living, air-con, complimentary beach towels, a private patio, king bed, private bathroom with a waterfall shower, Aesop products and more.

3. Blue Back

the lounge area at Blue Back, Yamba — Blue Back offers a peaceful escape just moments from the Clarence River

This private guesthouse is 200 metres from the Clarence River, and while you’ll have to walk or ride to the centre of town, the location is peaceful and removed from the busyness of Yamba’s high season.

A renovated granny flat set amid bushland, its private courtyard is ideal for bird watching and relaxing, plus guests have full use of the main yard which features a BBQ and wood-fired pizza oven.

4. Cove House

the exterior and breezy deck at Cove House Yamba — This pet-friendly coastal retreat features a fully fenced yard.

If you’ve brought along the family dog, Cove House  is a dream Yamba Airbnb that’s close to town. A fully fenced yard means they can enjoy the summer sunshine while you relax on an expansive deck that extends from an open-plan kitchen. Those breezy, warm evening celebrations are just a booking away.

Three bedrooms mean up to five guests can rest their heads overnight, with two queen beds and one single providing ultra-plush accommodation.

5. The Old Clarence Brewery

the exterior of Old Clarence Brewery, Yamba — The heritage-styled Old Clarence Brewery dates back to 1881.

Looking for something different? The Old Clarence Brewery is a rustic, Instagram-perfect choice located in nearby Maclean, about 25 minutes from Yamba. Switching out water for rainforest vistas, the Yamba Airbnb promotes serious tranquillity, all while sleeping up to eight guests thanks to four beautifully styled bedrooms.

A historic property dating back to the 1881, the sandstone and brick structure’s facade looks like something out of a dusty old photo album. But loving attention to the little things — a vintage bathtub with striking silver tap wear, an outdoor French provincial table setting, character-filled light features — ensure it’s a standout of now.

6. Pippi Beach Apartment

the living room at Pippi Beach Apartment — Pippi Beach Apartment is designed with sleek timber.

A cosy loft studio perfectly situated on Pippi Beach, one of Yamba’s best beaches for a morning dip before crowds swarm, Pippi Beach Apartment is a charming pick.

The property has been created for lovebirds (although it does sleep up to four people), so the couch, dining table and kitchen are small. For what it lacks in size, however, it makes up for in comfort and prettiness as a coastal palette of timber and ocean blues instil instant calm and plush amenities ensure everything’s covered.

7. Sandrift Two

an apartment with beach views at Sandrift Two, Yamba — Admire stunning sea views from the balcony.

Yearning for a holiday with extended blue-on-blue vistas? Sandrift Two , an apartment with panoramic views of the ocean, is ready to scratch that itch.

Located smack-bang on Convent Beach, along Ocean Street, the major drawcard is angled entirely towards its private balcony where serious sloth sessions beckon. Open plan living and dining create easy holiday living, while the building’s location on the corner of the residential strip ensures those views extend to 270 degrees. It sleeps up to six very fortunate guests.

8. Pacific Lodge

the bedroom with windows that open up to sea views at Pacific Lodge — Wake up to the calming sound of the waves.

High up on Pilot Hill overlooking Main Beach is Pacific Lodge , one of the beach town’s original holiday homes, now refurbished and redesigned as a modern beach shack. With capacity to sleep eight people, this stay would utterly enchant a group of friends or two families.

Visitors rave about the sea breeze it catches through its ocean-facing windows, not to mention the property’s outstanding location – right next door to the Pacific Hotel, one of Yamba’s best restaurants.

9. Yamba Getaway

the living room interior at Yamba Getaway — This Yamba accommodation is styled with an eclectic mix of furnishings.

One of the town’s most accessible accommodation offerings, Yamba Getaway  is a modern and self-contained unit designed to be completely wheelchair-friendly. Even more conveniently, it’s located in the heart of Yamba.

Just 100 metres from the main shopping centre and enveloped in a maze of flat footpaths that lead to beaches and cafes, the Yamba Airbnb features access ramps, handrails installed in the toilet, a wheel-in shower, plus wide doorways with grab rails throughout. It’s also pet friendly, so the entire clan’s invited.

10. Mysa Yamba

a look inside the living room at Mysa Yamba — The white-washed room is styled for your ultimate comfort.

Tailored to family escapes, Mysa Yamba  is a four-bedroom renovated home positioned in a quiet neighbourhood just outside of Yamba’s main village.

Full of natural light and featuring its own pontoon and swimming pool (with giant daybeds for lounging with a good book), the open-plan design will satisfy anybody craving an action-geared escape, with thoughtful additions like kayaks dialling up the fun effortlessly.

11. La Ronde 2

a spacious apartment at La Ronde 2, Yamba — Settle into a spacious and peaceful retreat.

With three bedrooms and two bathrooms, there is enough space in La Ronde 2 to sleep up to six guests along the enviable strip of ocean-view apartment blocks on Pacific Parade. Equally, you’re treated to a peaceful lifestyle while remaining close enough to walk to shops and beaches.

A ground-floor apartment with stunning views of Pippi Beach, it’s also decorated beautifully and features undercover parking and internal laundry facilities.

12. Ocean Sounds

the balcony overlooking the sea at Ocean Sounds, Yamba Airbnb — A warm and homey experience by the sea awaits.

One of the few Yamba Airbnbs with its own private swimming pool, Ocean Sounds is the place for lovers of salty hair and sandy feet. Beach devotees will adore the proximity to Pippi Beach, which offers prime whale watching conditions if it’s whale watching season in Yamba (late May through October). Keep your eyes peeled and you’ll likely spot the majestic creatures from the lounge room.

The ground-floor apartment features private access and there are laundry facilities within the wider block.

13. Tecoma 3

the waterfront Airbnb at Tecoma 3, Yamba — Tecoma 3 is your ultimate waterfront holiday home.

Speaking of swimming pools, Tecoma 3  might have the most impressive pick of the local bunch. Perched on the edge of the Clarence River, it is the perfect place to unwind poolside.

Also a hit among boaties, the stay features a private pontoon for mooring your ride and a deep, wide waterway suited to larger vessels. Its three bedrooms are located on the upper level, with the downstairs dedicated to open plan living and dining, complete with a modern kitchen and large deck.

14. The Black Ace

the modern kitchen at The Black Ace, Yamba — A beautifully restored 110-year-old cottage nestled in the heart of the village.

This pet-friendly Yamba Airbnb is in the heart of the village and right next door to the town’s historic cinema, which itself is one of the best things to do in Yamba. The 110-year-old cottage, restored with a sleek, minimalist interior sleeps up to 12 guests and excels at luxe living – just look at it.

Carlotta + Gee linens cover all the beds, a Sonos wireless sound system pumps throughout and a SMEG drip coffee machine makes staying indoors a dream. Best of all, a separate bunkhouse sleeps six, serving as the perfect pick for families with older kids craving their own space.

15. Riverwood Lodge

the balcony at Riverwood Lodge, Yamba — Enjoy the elegant country styling at Riverwood Lodge.

It’s not a beach escape, but are you ready for something equally restorative? Riverwood Lodge , located in nearby Maclean which is 25 minutes from Yamba, is a stately spot close to the Clarence River. A historic three-bedroom masterpiece with generous living and dining areas, it’s the type of house you fall in love with while watching Escape to the Country – the character is spellbindingly unique, unlike the vast majority of Yamba Airbnbs.

Just add polished floorboards, French doors and a stunning country-inspired kitchen and reality will start to feel a million miles away.

This article was originally written by Melissa Mason with updates by Kristie Lau-Adams.

Aussies might think they know what Port Stephens is all about – but it’s time to take another look.

You might’ve driven through this NSW coast town. Maybe even stopped for fish and chips or a quick dip. But spend a long weekend in the new Port Stephens , and you’ll seriously regret not doing it sooner. We’re talking treks across beaches, reef dives and up-close time with rescued koalas.

All in all? It only takes a day before you see Port Stephens in a whole new light, and not much longer until it’s locked in as your favourite family destination.

1. Stockton Sand Dunes

Port Stephens incredible Stockton Sand Dunes are the largest moving sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere. They shift like an endless magic trick across the Worimi Conservation Lands , a 4200-hectare coastal co-managed by the Traditional Owners.

Tear over them in a 4WD. Rev through valleys soft as melting ice cream on a quad. Carve down 30-metre slopes on a sandboard. However you choose to cross them, you’re guaranteed a seriously wild ride.

Four rugged 4WDs kick up trails of golden dust as they charge across the sweeping desert landscape. — Chase thrills across shifting sands. (Image: Destination NSW)

2. Scale Tomaree Head Summit Walk

A short climb through bushland opens up to the coastal drama of Tomaree Head . Spot Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches. See the Fingal Island lighthouse and offshore rookeries where Australia’s rarest seabird, the Gould’s petrel, nests.

History buffs can’t miss the WWII gun emplacements. And if you’re hiking between May and November, bring binoculars. Travelling whales might just be breaching below.

Friends enjoying a scenic walk along the Tomaree Head Summit Walk in Tomaree National Park, Port Stephens. — Climb Tomaree Head for jaw-dropping coastal views. (Image: Destination NSW)

3. Watch out for whales

You’ve seen the spouts of migrating humpbacks and southern right whales from shore. Set sail from Nelson Bay to see them up close. Cruise straight into the action, with tail-slaps, barrel rolls and all.

And they’ve got competition from the local show-offs. Port Stephens bottlenose dolphins leap and play. Some tours even spot pudgy fur seals, spending lazy days soaking up the sun on Cabbage Tree Island.

A whale’s tail on the sea’s surface. — Watch for ocean tails. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

Pop into the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary to learn about the rescued koalas who climb, nap, snack and heal in this natural patch of bushland. Wander the immersive Sanctuary Story Walk to discover more about their habits, then head to the SKYwalk – a treetop platform constructed for spotting these eucalyptus-loving locals. Peek into the hospital’s viewing window, where sick or injured koalas may be resting in their recovery enclosures.

Not enough time around these adorable marsupials? Stay overnight in silk-lined glamping tents.

Koala sleeping in a tree at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, One Mile — See koalas in their natural habitat. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Diving Port Stephens

Port Stephens has some of NSW’s best dive spots. At Fly Point, float through sponge gardens and coral castles thick with nudibranchs (AKA sea slugs). Halifax Park has blue gropers and crimson-banded wrasse, while Shoal Bay’s seagrass meadows hide pipefish, cuttlefish and octopus.

Accessible only by boat, Broughton Island is home to a vast array of marine (and bird) life. Snorkel with blue devilfish and stingrays at sites like The Looking Glass and North Rock. More experienced divers can head out with one of the many PADI-certified operators.

At nearby Cabbage Tree Island, expect to see shaggy-faced wobbegongs cruising along.

A couple suited up and ready to dive into adventure. — Suit up and dive into Port Stephens’ vibrant marine life. (Image: Destination NSW)

6. Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters

Not quite ready to dive in? Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters is the perfect way to spot local marine life without getting too deep. But there’s no obnoxious glass tank tapping here. Instead, this interactive aquarium allows guests to wade into natural-style lagoons that mimic the real thing.

Gently pat Port Jackson and bamboo sharks, hand-feed rays, and feel their sandpapery skin with your fingertips. It is all under expert guidance. If you want to go deeper, pop on a wetsuit and swim alongside tawny nurse sharks, white-tipped reef sharks and zebra sharks in the lagoon.

Family enjoying an animal feeding experience at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, Anna Bay. — Meet the ocean’s friendliest faces at Irukandji. (Image: Destination NSW)

7. Fish the estuaries

Fishing fanatics will fall for Port Stephens hook, line and sinker. Here, one of the largest estuary systems in the whole state sees tidal rivers and mangrove ecosystems. Waterfronts are thick with oysters, and residential fish that might include anything from bream, whiting and flathead, to blue swimmer crabs, kingfish and longtail tuna.

If you prefer to choose your own adventure and fish offshore, you can hire a boat from one of the marinas and set your own course.

three men fishing on a boat in port stephens — Join a tour or chart your own fishing trip. (Image: Destination NSW)

8. Taste new Port Stephens flavours

With plenty of activity to fill your days, refuelling on delectable cuisine becomes equally important. And Port Stephens answers the call.

Pop into Holbert’s Oyster Farm for fresh-farmed Port Stephens rock oysters and Pacific oysters, Australian king and tiger prawns, as well as a variety of tasty sauces to try them with.

Take a group to Atmos for an authentic Greek experience over large shared dishes and Greek-inspired cocktails. Or feast on sea-to-plate, modern Australian dishes at the pet-friendly Restaurant 2317.

A plate of fresh oysters. — Slurp your way through the region’s best oysters. (Image: Destination NSW)

Start planning your Port Stephens getaway at portstephens.org.au .