Yamba

Yamba is small, at least by Australian standards – it’s home to only 6,000 inhabitants. But, with its petite size comes a laid-back beach vibe that’s characteristic of sleepy surfer towns. Time moves slower, which should give visitors enough of a window to explore its 11 beaches, experience the world-class surf breaks, boat along the Clarence River (where sightings of bottlenose dolphins are common) and visit the Yamba water park. The camping sites here provide visitors with plenty of bonfire and stargazing opportunities, though there’s no shortage of nature-inspired accommodation elsewhere. This apartment, for example, sits directly on the oceanfront with unsurpassed views. Accommodating up to six guests, it has two levels – one cascading down onto the rocks and another with a deck where you can enjoy the scenery. Recommended by local insider Angharad Jones