Where?

Yamba, New South Wales, Australia.

Why now?

Slotted between Queensland and Victoria, New South Wales is located on
Australia’s east coast. Founded in 1788, it was originally the home
to Aboriginal tribes. Today, its population stands at around eight
million, making it the country’s most populous state. Though NSW is
often recognised for the breathtaking Bondi Beach and the sparkling capital of
Sydney, there’s a whole bevy of lesser-trodden
towns to discover.

Enter, Yamba. Sitting in the north of NSW and at the mouth of
the Clarence River, this sleepy fishing town remains virtually
undiscovered. But what it lacks in tourist footfall, it makes up
for in community spirit. Take the Yamba Surf Lifesaving Club.
Formed in 1908, making it one of the oldest surf clubs in the
world, it continues to go from strength to strength today. In the
same way, the town’s centuries-old sugar cane and oyster industry
remain Yamba’s beating heart.

With that in mind, we’re pegging Yamba as an ideal base for
those who prefer to go off-grid and lose themselves within a local
lifestyle. Thrill-seekers should carve out time to swing by
Angourie’s Blue and Green Pools: the former
quarry-turned-freshwater lagoon is the perfect rock-diving
spot.

Don’t miss

Foodies should keep their Wednesday morning free for a
(taste-testing) ramble around the Yamba Farmers and Producers Market. With farmers,
bakers and artisans as stallholders, this place is flooded with
seasonal produce, elevating your picnic basket to heavenly hamper.
Prefer something a little more challenging? Make the 45-minute
drive to Iluka Nature Reserve, where you’ll find plenty of trails
on offer for a scenic hike around New South Wales’ largest coastal
rainforest.

Where to stay?

Bed down at The Surf Yamba. The brainchild of brothers David,
Andrew and Phillip Mayne, this intimate 12-room boutique hotel
oozes a stylish Scandi-style aesthetic. Picture wicker chairs,
earth-toned furnishings, hints of blush detailing and a smattering
of Italian terrazzo tiles. Mornings should start with a gentle
paddle in its plunge pool on the rooftop terrace, where, with each
lap, you’ll soak up sweeping views across Main Beach.

Where to go for breakfast?

Just a four-minute stroll from the sandy shore of Spooky Beach,
you’ll find Angourie Café & Wine Bar. Offering espresso
shots alongside a delicious brunch selection – crushed peas, basil
and poached eggs on sourdough toast, anyone? – this is Yamba’s
tastiest and best-loved breakfast spot. Come before midday to snag
one of the fresh muffins. You’ll soon burn off the extra calories
bobbing about in the waves.

And for a drink…

No place does it like Paradiso.
Inside, an impressive bar takes centre stage, framed by
floor-to-ceiling windows, reclaimed timber and lantern-like pendant
lights. To enjoy its lively but laid-back atmosphere, come for 8pm.
We recommend the Stormy Paradiso cocktail – a potent blend of
spiced rum and ginger beer. And, a heads-up, if you’re feeling
peckish, the handmade dumplings are seriously worth shouting
about.

Who to take with you

Someone who’s been counting down all 703 days to Australia’s
borders reopening.

When to go

You’d be hard-pressed to visit Australia on a bad day, but we’re
pegging March to May as its picture-perfect time, when temperatures
are enjoyable and crowds remain minimal.

Essentials to pack

This Pendleton multicoloured cotton-velour towel is
the perfect partner for beach-hopping.

How to get there

Take a direct flight from London Heathrow to Sydney Kingsford
Smith International Airport with Qantas. From there, hop on a
flight to Grafton Regional Airport, from where it’s a drive of
around an hour-and-a-quarter to Yamba. If the thought of a 19-hour
flight makes you nauseous, look to book a flight with a stopover
and enjoy a whirlwind city break. Singapore and Abu Dhabi: we’re
looking at you.