You're invited.

Yamba
Getaway 2027

A weekend in Yamba with a few of our favourite people. Two dinners, surf lessons for the kids and the adults, a film and a backyard BBQ at our favourite Cinema with a private concert from our favourite artist – Kyle Lionhart. Activities and events are on us, as our thank you to you all! Come to all of it, or just the bits that suit you!

— Tom & Bec

RSVPSee the plan
Fri 5 – Mon 8
March 2027
The weekend

The plan,
eight things over three days.

Pick what you want to join. RSVP so we know how many seats and boards to book.

  1. Dinner at Playa Bodega
    Friday 5th March
    01

    Dinner at Playa Bodega

    Playa Bodega, Yamba · everyone

    Cocktails, wine and modern Mexican down one long table. Kids come too — a simple, loud start to the weekend.

    • 5:30pmEveryone
  2. Surf lessons
    Saturday 6th March
    02

    Surf lessons

    Surf Camp Downunder · kids and adults

    Group lessons with Surf Camp Downunder — boards and wetsuits provided. Kids go first thing, adults get their own session. Everyone else watches from the sand.

    • 9:00amKids' surf lessonKids only
    • Time TBCAdults' surf lessonAdults only
  3. Sunset drinks at Sunset + Wine
    Saturday 6th March
    03

    Sunset drinks at Sunset + Wine

    Sunset + Wine · adults only

    Wine and cocktails on the water as the sun goes down, then on to dinner at El Ocaso.

    • 4:30–6pmAdults only
  4. Dinner at El Ocaso
    Saturday 6th March
    04

    Dinner at El Ocaso

    El Ocaso · adults only

    A slow dinner with wine and no kids. Our night to actually finish a conversation.

    • 6:15pmAdults only
  5. Surf lessons, round two
    Sunday 7th March
    05

    Surf lessons, round two

    Surf Camp Downunder · kids and adults

    Another go for anyone who caught one and wants more, or missed out on Saturday. Kids and adults again in separate sessions.

    • Time TBCKids' surf lessonKids only
    • Time TBCAdults' surf lessonAdults only
  6. Kids movie, BBQ and Kyle Lionhart
    Sunday 7th March
    06

    Kids movie, BBQ and Kyle Lionhart

    Yamba Cinema · everyone

    A kids' film at Yamba Cinema and a BBQ in the backyard, then a private concert from Kyle Lionhart to close out the weekend.

    • 3:00pmKids movie at Yamba Cinema + backyard BBQEveryone
    • 5:00pmPrivate Kyle Lionhart concert in the backyard of Yamba CinemaEveryone
    Kyle Lionhart

    Byron Bay singer-songwriter Kyle Lionhart is playing a private concert in the backyard of Yamba Cinema to close out the weekend.

    Have a listen before you come:

    SpotifyYouTubeThe playlist
Where to stay

A few places we love.

We've curated and pre-booked a collection of places in good spots near the village, to take some of the coordination off you. Here's what we're holding for that weekend — pick whatever suits, whether that's child-free or with the kids. Hit Book now on the one you'd like, and we'll take care of the booking.

Sundowner Surf Lodge

Sundowner Surf Lodge

Retro-chic surf shack with a brand-new pool

A newly renovated surf shack that embodies Yamba, with a newly installed in-ground pool.

Owned by ex-pro surfer and sports commentator Ronnie Blakey, and his wife Jamie Blakey, fashion designer and creative director.

  • Suite 103
    Sleeps 2 · Ground floor · 1 bedroom · King bed
    $1,368 totalIncludes $120 cleaningSold out
  • Suite 201
    Sleeps 6 · Upstairs · 3 bedrooms · King / Queen / Double
    $2,582 totalIncludes $220 cleaningSold out
  • Suite 202
    Sleeps 6 · Upstairs · 3 bedrooms · King / Queen / Double
    $2,582 totalIncludes $220 cleaningSold out
Il Delfino

Il Delfino

1948 oceanfront inn · 1 MICHELIN Key 2025

A 1948 oceanfront inn where laid-back Australian surf culture meets Mediterranean charm.

Owned by creative director and fashion designer Sheree Commerford, and her husband Sam Elsom — former fashion designer, now climate solutions innovator.

  • Portofino Suite
    Sleeps 4 · 2-bedroom suite
    $3,700 for 3 nightsSold out
  • Scopello
    Sleeps 2 · Single suite
    $3,250 for 3 nightsSold out
The Surf Hotel

The Surf Hotel

Metres from Main Beach, with a rooftop pool

A boutique hotel just metres from Main Beach, with stunning ocean views and a rooftop pool.

No restaurant or food service on site — plan your breakfasts elsewhere.

  • The Pippi
    Sleeps 4 · 1 king bed · 1 bathroom · room for a double rollaway
    $1,560 for 3 nightsSold out

We'll probably add a few more places, including rental houses — this is where we're at for now. If nothing here suits, message us and we'll help you sort something out.

Getting here

How to actually get to Yamba.

Yamba is a little out of the way, which is most of its charm. Here's the honest version of every route, and which ones we'd actually recommend.

🚙 Driving

Melbourne17 hours

Not for a weekend

Melbourne to Yamba is a long drive — 17 hours. For a short weekend, it's a no go.

Sydney7 hours

Doable if you're keen

Sydney to Yamba is very doable if you're keen. Seven hours door to door.

🛫 Flying

All three airports have car rental on site if you want the freedom of your own car. Flight counts and times below are the current schedule for that weekend and will shift, so check before you book.

Ballina Airport

1 hr 15 min drive

The closest airport to Yamba, and the easiest run down the coast.

Yamba Airport Transfers ↗

From Melbourne

One Jetstar direct flight a day, and that's it — no other airline flies it direct.

  • Depart Melbourne 10:50am → land Ballina 12:50pm
  • Return: depart Ballina 1:30pm → Melbourne 3:50pm

You can go via Sydney, but of course, it's more annoying. If you tell us in your RSVP that you're on this flight, we're arranging a bus for anyone who'd rather not hire a car.

From Sydney

Safe to say Sydney wins — six flights a day across Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin, spread right through the day.

Coffs Harbour Airport

1 hr 40 min drive

The next closest, and a straightforward drive up the highway.

From Melbourne

Again, one direct flight a day, with Qantas.

  • Depart Melbourne 10:10am → land Coffs Harbour 12:05pm
  • Return: depart Coffs Harbour 12:45pm → Melbourne 2:50pm

I've done this once and our plane got downgraded to a QantasLink — a much smaller twin-engine plane. It took triple the time in the air, because those planes are slower. It's a regional airport, so it's a possibility.

From Sydney

Safe to say Sydney wins again — seven direct flights a day between Qantas and Rex, throughout the day.

Gold Coast Airport

2 hr drive

Far more flights to choose from, at the cost of a longer run down the Pacific Highway.

Heads up · Watch the daylight savings difference — Yamba is NSW and Gold Coast Airport is QLD, so you gain or lose an hour crossing the border. It catches people out.

From Melbourne

Eighteen direct flights a day across all airlines, both ways. Much more selection — just a longer drive.

From Sydney

Twenty-four direct flights a day across all airlines, both ways. Plenty of choice, same longer drive.

Need to knows

A few things about Yamba.

None of this is a problem — it's just Yamba being Yamba. Worth knowing before you turn up.

01

The lay of the land

There's a hill.

The main village is right by the beach, but it has a Lorne-style hill to get the legs going.

Totally fine for kids, but it can be a little challenging with prams. If you're staying near Main Beach and the village you won't need a car — just know the walk down from the beach, and back up, is a reasonable workout.

02

Getting around

No ubers. No taxis.

It's walk or car hire — there is no rideshare and no taxi service in Yamba.

If you're staying near Main Beach and the village, you genuinely won't need a car for the weekend.

03

Opening hours

'Yamba time' is a real thing.

Restaurants and cafés will close if there's good surf, or bad weather, or if they simply decide to have a break. They don't work for the weekend — they live out their days, their way.

So don't be shocked if Instagram says somewhere is open and delicious, and you arrive to a sign reading "Gone surfing!" In the case of the incredible Turkish café Beachwood, run by the beautiful Sevtap, "Gone to Turkey" is a recurring sign.

04

Food shopping

Groceries are village-sized.

In the village you have the Mini Grocer, Yamba Deli and Organic Whole Foods. That's your lot, and it's mostly enough.

Coles is 15 minutes inland at Yamba Fair Shopping Centre — but it's not a must-see location, so maybe get a Coles delivery instead.

The guest list

Who's coming.

Updates the moment someone replies — so you can see who you'll know, and whose kids will be there.

  • Pagliocca-McClures+2 kids
    Sat · Kids surfSat · Adults surfSat · El OcasoSun · Kids surfSun · Adults surfSun · Cinema & BBQ
  • Sullivans+2 kids
    Fri · Playa BodegaSat · Kids surfSat · Adults surfSat · El OcasoSun · Kids surfSun · Adults surfSun · Cinema & BBQ
  • The Aurel-Smith+3 kids
    Fri · Playa BodegaSat · Kids surfSat · Adults surfSat · El OcasoSun · Kids surfSun · Adults surfSun · Cinema & BBQ
  • The Bells+3 kids
    Fri · Playa BodegaSat · Kids surfSat · Adults surfSat · Sunset drinksSat · El OcasoSun · Kids surfSun · Adults surfSun · Cinema & BBQ
  • The Blythes+3 kids
    Fri · Playa BodegaSat · Kids surfSat · Adults surfSat · El OcasoSun · Kids surfSun · Adults surfSun · Cinema & BBQ
  • The Burrows+2 kids
    Fri · Playa BodegaSat · Kids surfSat · Adults surfSat · El OcasoSun · Kids surfSun · Cinema & BBQ
  • The Finns+2 kids
    Fri · Playa BodegaSat · Kids surfSat · Adults surfSat · El OcasoSun · Kids surfSun · Adults surfSun · Cinema & BBQ
  • The Guptas+1 kid
    Fri · Playa BodegaSat · Kids surfSat · El OcasoSun · Kids surfSun · Cinema & BBQ
  • The Habersbergers+3 kids
    Sat · El OcasoSun · Kids surfSun · Adults surfSun · Cinema & BBQ
  • The Heines+3 kids
    Fri · Playa BodegaSat · Kids surfSat · Adults surfSat · El OcasoSun · Kids surfSun · Adults surfSun · Cinema & BBQ
  • The Keanes+4 kids
    Fri · Playa BodegaSat · Kids surfSat · El OcasoSun · Kids surfSun · Cinema & BBQ
  • The Koidls+2 kids
    Fri · Playa BodegaSat · Kids surfSat · El OcasoSun · Kids surfSun · Cinema & BBQ
  • The Lenaghan’s+2 kids
    Fri · Playa BodegaSat · Kids surfSat · El OcasoSun · Kids surfSun · Cinema & BBQ
  • The Lonsdales+1 kid
    Fri · Playa BodegaSat · Kids surfSat · Adults surfSat · El OcasoSun · Kids surfSun · Adults surfSun · Cinema & BBQ
  • The McConnells+1 kid
    Fri · Playa BodegaSat · Kids surfSat · El OcasoSun · Kids surfSun · Cinema & BBQ
  • The Messengers+3 kids
    Fri · Playa BodegaSat · Kids surfSat · El OcasoSun · Kids surfSun · Cinema & BBQ
  • The Nankervis family+3 kids
    Fri · Playa BodegaSat · Kids surfSat · Adults surfSat · El OcasoSun · Kids surfSun · Adults surfSun · Cinema & BBQ
  • The Watsons+3 kids
    Fri · Playa BodegaSat · Sunset drinksSat · El OcasoSun · Cinema & BBQ
  • The Weirs+2 kids
    Fri · Playa BodegaSat · Kids surfSat · Adults surfSat · El OcasoSun · Kids surfSun · Cinema & BBQ
  • The Woodfords+1 kid
    Sat · El OcasoSun · Kids surfSun · Adults surfSun · Cinema & BBQ
Fri · Playa Bodega
33 adults · 40 kids
Sat · Kids surf
36 kids
Sat · Adults surf
17 adults
Sat · Sunset drinks
4 adults
Sat · El Ocaso
40 adults
Sun · Kids surf
40 kids
Sun · Adults surf
20 adults
Sun · Cinema & BBQ
40 adults · 45 kids
RSVP

Tell us you're coming.

One RSVP per family. Turn on the parts you're joining.

Your family

The activities

Flip a toggle for anything you're joining. Nothing is compulsory.

Getting here

One per family · takes about a minute

A locals' guide

Where we eat, swim and chill.

Everything below is walkable from the village unless we've said otherwise. Book where we've told you to – and remember a sign might say ‘Gone surfing’.

Note: Best to check their Instagram pages as they update their opening days and hours regularly, weather (and surf) pending!

Food and coffee

Book ahead where we've said so — and remember Yamba time is real.

  • Muse Kitchen & Espresso

    A short walk up High Street for your morning coffee.

  • The Kiosk Yamba

    Walk to Main Beach, enjoy a sunrise swim in the iconic ocean pool, and sip your coffee as you warm up.

  • Beachwood Café

    A must-visit for Turkish-inspired brunch and lunch. Walk-in only.

  • El Ocaso

    Mediterranean bar and restaurant. Book ahead.

  • Paradiso

    Contemporary Asian with beautiful styling. Book ahead.

  • Playa Bodega

    Cocktails, wine and modern Mexican. Book ahead — and it's where we're all having dinner on Friday.

  • Drift Pizza

    Great pizza with a lively local vibe. Book ahead.

  • Sassafras Pizza

    Casual indoor-outdoor dining, open nightly except Tuesdays. Walk in or book.

Beaches and walks

  • Main Beach

    Swim in the ocean pool at sunrise, then grab a coffee at The Kiosk.

  • Pippi Beach

    Off-leash and dog friendly.

  • Surf spots

    Main, Pippi, Convent and Turners.

  • Yuraygir National Park

    Scenic walks, along with the Lighthouse trail closer to town.

Wellness

Hire

Things to do

Two of these are the answer to a rainy day, and one is a must — more than once.

  • Yamba Bowlo

    Outdoor lawn bowls, or ten-pin bowling inside on bad weather days.

  • Yamba Golf Club

    A round of classic golf, or the indoor simulator for adults and kids alike when the weather turns.

  • Yamba Cinema

    A must visit. More than once.