We didn’t exactly nail the timing on a north coast road trip to visit the coastal town of Yamba. Whilst the weather has been tricky and the surf unworkable, it was nice to see Byron’s quieter cousin, a town based on the Clarence River.

Yamba’s got that unpolished charm, a pub with a view, a short main drag close to empty beaches and an unhurried vibe. It’s a really great ‘Aussie’ beach town, popular in the holiday season.

It is surprising to find Il Defino, a tiny 5-room boutique Seaside Inn inspired by Italian timeless styling. If you woke from a deep slumber, you might think you’re in Positano or Capri, for a second.

All the recent cyclone action has also affected the beaches here. Sand seems to be missing on most beaches, the ocean pool shut and constant onshore flow seem to put the junk on the bump. Angourie, a surfing reserve was even suffering a little. Maybe Friday’s enormous new swell will shake things up? Hope so.

The Bondi Aquabumps Gallery Easter hours are:
Good Friday – Shut
Easter Saturday – 10am to 6pm
Easter Sunday – Shut
Easter Monday – 11am to 5pm

My family and I are incredibly humbled to be awarded SurfAid’s Humanitarian of the Year 2025. This is a true honour after 20 years of being associated with Surfaid. Remember that the Bondi SurfAid Cup is on soon, and we’re starting to raise donations, which is our one time of the year. Can you help us out?

Alla spiaggia! (‘to the beach’)

:: uge