Yamba is a laidback coastal town on the Far North Coast of NSW, about a 90 minute drive south of Byron Bay. It’s the ideal destination for a chilled out beach holiday with your pup. Find out more about visiting Yamba with your dog, including dog-friendly beaches and where to stay.
Dog-Friendly Beaches in Yamba
Yamba is home to many beautiful beaches, including a great off-leash dog beach. For off-leash fun with your pup head to the southern end of Pippi Beach.
While dogs are prohibited from the northern end of Pippi Beach, including Dolphin Park, head south of the Dolphin Park 4WD entrance, where dogs are allowed off-leash on the sand all day long. At the southern end of Pippi Beach, dogs are also allowed off-leash south of Flat Rock along the remote Dump Beach (also known as Barri Beach) – perfect for long beach walks!
Within Yamba, dogs are also allowed on-leash on Whiting Beach. Access the beach along the track at the western end of the Hickey Island carpark. The on-leash area extends west to the navigation marker.
Note that dogs are prohibited from Main Beach, Convent Beach and Turners Beach in Yamba, as well as the previously mentioned northern end of Pippi Beach.
If you head outside of Yamba, there are a few more off-leash and on-leash beaches to choose from. In nearby Angourie, dogs are permitted on-leash at Green Point Cove, but are prohibited from Spooky Beach.
If you cross the Clarence River to Iluka, dogs are allowed off-leash on the northern end of Iluka Beach, north of the 4WD access and car park until just before Iluka Bluff. (Note that behind the beach lies Iluka Nature Reserve where dogs are not allowed.)
Dogs are also allowed on-leash at Moriarty’s Wall Beach. However, dogs are prohibited on Iluka Beach south of the 4WD track, at Illuka Bay and at Charlie Ryan Memorial Park.
If in doubt, check the signs at the beaches or the latest updates on the council website.
Dog-Friendly Sightseeing in Yamba
As well as having a great time on the local dog-friendly beaches, there are a number of other fun things that you can do with your dog in Yamba.
#1 Visit Yamba Lighthouse
The Yamba Lighthouse is located on Pilot Hill, in between Yamba Main Beach and Turners Beach. While it’s not possible to climb up inside the tower, it’s still a great place to visit with your dog. The surrounding park is a wonderful spot for a picnic, to watch for whales or enjoy the sunset.
The current lighthouse, also known as the Clarence River Light, was only built in 1955. It replaced an earlier, shorter lighthouse that was built in 1879 but demolished to make way for the reservoir. A partial replica of the old lighthouse has recently been built – head to the Clarence River Lighthouse Replica at the rear of the park.
#2 Explore the Town’s History
To find out more about the history of Yamba, including visiting the lighthouse and the replica, follow one of the two Yamba Historical Walks.
The Yamba Hill Walk is a 3km long walk that starts and ends at the Yamba Museum. It loops around Yamba Hill, passing multiple beaches and exploring the history of many of the sights that you’ll see along the way. Just skip going onto the sand of the beaches and into Dolphin Park where dogs are prohibited.
The Yamba Flat Walk is also 3km long and starts and ends at the Yamba Museum. But it’s an easier walk that sticks to the flatter land alongside the Clarence River.
#3 Taste Local Spirits and Beers
To taste some locally distilled spirits and have a fun afternoon, head to the Yamba Distilling Co. This locally-owned and operated distillery is located in the industrial estate of Yamba, just west of the main town.
The Gin Garden is generally open for tastings and bar service from 1-6pmish on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday afternoons. Order a tasting paddle, seasonal cocktails or a picnic platter to enjoy on the lawns. Pets and children are welcome, although it’s requested to respect that it is an adult venue.
Another popular venue in the centre of town is Wobbly Chook Brewing. Producing a range of craft beers onsite, the restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and/or dinner depending on the day of the week (with the bar serving from 10am). Dogs are welcome to join you at the outdoor tables, with water bowls provided on request.
#4 Take the Ferry Across to Iluka
On the opposite bank of the Clarence River from Yamba lies the even quieter small town of Iluka. It’s a lengthy 40 minute drive to reach Iluka from Yamba, necessitating a journey out to the highway to cross the wide river. But you can also visit Iluka by ferry.
The Clarence River Ferries operates multiple crossing daily, taking about 30 minutes in each direction. Check the latest timetable online, with tickets available onboard.
In Yamba, the ferry departs from the new wharf facility at the end of River Street. In Iluka, the ferry arrives and departs from the Iluka Boatshed. And dogs are welcome to join you on the ferry – just keep them leashed when onboard.
In Iluka, you can visit the off-leash dog beach, but it’s a long walk from the boatshed. Alternatively, head to Chez Basho Boatshed Cafe, right next to the boatshed. This cafe serves up Japanese fusion food (including sushi) and some highly praised coffee. Dogs are welcome at the outdoor tables. Double check the opening hours online, as it’s not open everyday.
#5 Visit the Farmers Markets
Every Wednesday, Yamba is home to the Yamba Farmers and Producers Market. The market operates between 7am and 11am at the Whiting Beach carpark, just behind Turners Beach. Each week there are 45 permanent stalls, including local farmers, bakers and makers.
Dogs are welcome to join you at the market. It’s just requested that you keep them on a leash, pick up after them and are respectful to others at the market. It’s also best to bring your own bags, as the markets are plastic bag free.
Dog-Friendly Parks in Yamba
In addition to off-leash beaches, there are a number of off-leash parks in and around Yamba. Right in Yamba, head to Wattle Park with your dog, located at the end of Wattle Drive and adjacent to Park Avenue.
Another off-leash exercise area is located at Angourie. Turn off Angourie Road to Green Point Road, opposite Lakes Boulevard. At the end of the road is a carpark, with dogs allowed off-leash on the grassed area to the north of the carpark.
Dog-Friendly Dining in Yamba
There’s plenty of cafes and restaurants in Yamba with outdoor tables where your dog is welcome to join you, and luckily the weather is nice enough to sit outside for most of the year.
Yum Yum Angourie Cafe & General Store is now located in Yamba on Coldstream Street and is rated as extra dog-friendly by many of its customers, thanks to its backyard that is also popular with kids. The cafe is open from Thursday to Monday for breakfast and lunch.
Alternatively, head to the other end of town to Gather Yamba, close to Main Beach. Open daily for breakfast and lunch, the coffee is highly praised as the best in town and dogs are welcome at the outdoor tables.
Wobbly Chook Brewing (see above) is also a great spot to dine with your dog. It’s open daily except Wednesday for breakfast, daily for lunch and from Thursday to Saturday for dinner. The lunch and dinner menus consist of pub favourites, burgers and salads. Plus the bar is open daily from 10am, pouring the craft beer made onsite.
Don’t also miss the chance to eat some local seafood – Clarence River prawns are particularly renown!
Dog-Friendly Accommodation in Yamba
There’s plenty of pet-friendly accommodation options in and around Yamba, although your options are more limited during the peak school holiday periods.
Caravan Park & Cabins: BIG4 Saltwater Yamba Holiday Park
The most dog-friendly accommodation option around Yamba is the BIG4 Saltwater Yamba Holiday Park. Pets are welcome at this caravan park year round, even during school holidays, plus there’s an off-leash dog agility park (fully fenced with ramps and tunnels), a K9000 dog wash and a dog-friendly washing machine for dog towels and bedding.
As well as allowing pets on pet-friendly campsites, pets are also welcome inside the majority of the cabins. Choose between the Figtree, Illuka, Banksia and Casuarina Cabins. Both the Banksia and Casuarina cabins feature a fully enclosed deck.
Most dog breeds and sizes are accepted in the park. Note that there is a limit of two dogs per cabin or site, with a small additional charge applying per dog per night – $10 in the cabins, $5 on sites. Also note that the park is not in the town – it’s a 10 minutes drive upriver, back towards the highway.
Caravan Park: Calypso Yamba Holiday Park
If you’re looking to stay in town, there are two dog-friendly caravan parks available. The Calypso Yamba Holiday Park is located at the end of the main street, close to the on-leash Whiting Beach.
However, pets are only allowed at Calypso during the low season, outside of school holidays. Pets are also only allowed on sites, not in cabins, with a limit of one dog per site. Generally only small dogs under 10kg and at least 6 months old are permitted, with manager discretion applying for larger and younger dogs.
Caravan Park & Cabins: NRMA Blue Dolphin Yamba Holiday Resort
At the western end of town is the NRMA Blue Dolphin Yamba Holiday Resort. Pets are allowed at this park on selected powered and ensuite sites, plus in the one-bedroom pet-friendly villas.
A maximum of two pets are allowed per site and bookings need to be made directly. However, pets are not allowed during peak and premium seasons – contact the park to find out the exact dates.
Hotel: The Surf Shack
A more luxurious option if you don’t have your own caravan or campervan is The Surf Yamba. This luxury twelve-room hotel overlooks Main Beach and has its own heated rooftop plunge pool.
Small dogs and cats up to 8kg in weight are allowed to stay with you, for an additional non-refundable fee of $45 per stay. Note that you’ll need to supply your pet’s own bedding, bowls and litter trays.
Holiday Homes
There’s also a wide range of holiday homes available in Yamba, some that are pet-friendly. Make sure you find out the full pet rules in advance, including whether pets are allowed inside.
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About the Author
Shandos Cleaver is the founder of Travelnuity: Dog-Friendly Travel. She has travelled extensively with her Miniature Dachshund, Schnitzel, including to 33 countries across Europe, every state and territory of Australia except Tasmania, and 10 of the United States. She’s passionate about providing inspiration and information to others wanting to travel with their dogs, whether close to home or internationally.