Local Escapes

Check In And Chill Out At Yamba’s First-Ever Boutique Hotel

By Sammy Preston

As if we ever needed another reason to flock to NSW North Coast in the summertime—Yamba's first-ever boutique hotel, The Surf Yamba, will open this Friday 24 September. And, with travel restrictions within the state due to ease at that all-important double vaccination target, this news couldn't be sweeter.  

If you're not familar with Yamba—this once sleepy fishing village is quickly becoming Sydneysiders' Byron Bay alternative of choice. Located somewhere between Coffs Harbour and Byron, it's an easier seven-hour drive from Sydney, and packs far fewer crowds, tourists, and backpackers into the holiday season, without skimping out on beautiful beaches and an up and coming foodie scene too. So, really—The Surf Yamba couldn't have arrived sooner.

Pitched on the southern headland of Yamba's Main Beach, the 12-room boutique hotel has a Palm Springs meets Santorini vibe, with sweeping views of the ocean, timber decks, and, the best part, a rooftop terrace complete with sapphire-blue plunge pool that peers over the beach below. 

Designed by Sydney-based Design King Company, details throughout the mini-hotel include limited edition artworks by Macedon Ranges artist Elizabeth Barnett and Melbourne visual artist Caroline Walls, designer furniture from Muuto, Tait, and Hay Bella, Leif Products, bathrobes by Bemboka, and picture-perfect yellow and white striped sun loungers too. 

“From the outset, our team wanted The Surf Yamba to be relaxed yet sophisticated, with just a hint of nostalgia and romanticism," said Design King Company director, John King. "Our aim was to create a special place from which to experience Yamba and its beautiful surrounds.”

The unspoken tagline of The Surf Yamba is a Sunday afternoon vibe all year long. During your stay, you'll be able to order breakfast hampers and platters from local cafe Gather—which you can then enjoy from your ocean view room, the rooftop terrace, or on the sand at Main Beach. 

Rooms at the Surf Yamba start at $295 per night, and you can book here

All booked? Prep for your trip to Yamba with our full guide to the town here

Image credit: Elise Hassey

Editor's note: Urban List editors independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. Urban List has affiliate partnerships, so we get revenue from your purchase.

Get our top stories direct to your inbox.

Get our top stories direct to your inbox.