Beaches and brekkies: A dog-friendly escape to Yamba NSW

If your favourite family member (yep, I'm talking about the dog), doesn't get to come on holiday - did the holiday even happen at all?

Luckily, this doesn't need to be a concern when holidaying in Yamba on the far North of NSW. Long hailed as an ultimate family vacay spot (can anyone hum "Camel Train to Yamba"?), Yamba has undergone a revival and definitely re-trending as an epic, dog-friendly, holiday hotspot.

Ambassador Lauren recently headed up to Yamba with her 2 dogs to explore the best of Yamba and here's what happened:

"We recently decided to take the plunge and treat ourselves and our furry companions to a little getaway to this gem of a coastal town. And let me tell you, we couldn’t have picked a better spot for a dog-friendly escape. From breathtaking beaches to cosy cafés and relaxed walks, Yamba proved that it’s not just a haven for humans but for four-legged friends, too.

Our accommodation for the weekend was Reflections Yamba Pilot Cottages, located right next to the iconic Yamba Lighthouse. The perfect spot to base ourselves, with stunning views and just a stone’s throw from some of the best walking trails and beaches the town has to offer.

Muse Yamba Café: Coffee and conversation

One of our first stops in Yamba was Muse Yamba. The café has recently changed owners, and we were lucky enough to be welcomed by the new team who were beyond friendly. It instantly felt like we were just visiting old friends for a coffee! We hung out there with our dogs, browsed their gorgeous selection of local Aussie brands, and had a great chat with the owner, Lachie (I think! – apologies if I’ve got that wrong, but I swear his energy was unforgettable). The atmosphere was so inviting, and the coffee was top-notch. A perfect little stop to kick off our Yamba adventures.

Yum Yum Angourie Café & General Store: Quirky and delicious

Next on the list was Yum Yum Angourie Café & General Store, a pet-friendly café where we enjoyed an absolutely delicious fish meatball sub (sounds a bit wild, but trust me, it was amazing!). They’ve got a great little outdoor area out front where dogs are welcome, so we were able to hang out with the pups while sampling the yummy food and checking out the cute knick-knacks for sale. It’s a quirky spot with such charm.

Off-leash beaches: Dog paradise

For any dog owners, you know the importance of finding off-leash areas where your dog can truly run free. Yamba is a dog’s dream come true when it comes to off-leash beaches! We spent hours letting the dogs run wild on Pippi Beach, located south of Dolphin Park, where they could splash in the waves and roll in the sand. From there, we continued on the stretch to Flat Rock and Dump Beach, which are all off-leash areas. It was such a joy watching the pups burn off all that energy, and we couldn't have asked for a more scenic setting to do it in. There’s no shortage of dog-friendly beaches here – it’s a total paradise for your pooch.

Gather Yamba: Brekkie with the pups

Of course, no trip is complete without a leisurely breakfast, and Gather Yamba was the perfect spot. We enjoyed a delicious meal while our dogs rested peacefully by our feet. The café has such a relaxed vibe, and they’re more than happy to welcome furry guests. It’s an easy going and wonderful way to kickstart the day.

Dog-friendly Yamba: Easy and accessible

What stood out to us most during our stay was just how dog-friendly the entire town was. We took the dogs on walks through parks, down the breakwall, and all over the streets, and everywhere we went felt accessible and welcoming to our four-legged companions. Yamba is truly a place where dogs are not only tolerated but celebrated.

In addition to the places we visited, we also discovered that Angourie Café & Wine Bar, Bean Scene Café, Caperberry Café, and Sanctus Brewing Co are all pet-friendly spots, so there’s no shortage of options for grabbing a bite or a drink with your dog by your side.

Yamba proved to be everything we had hoped for and more. From the off-leash beaches to the pet-friendly cafes, it’s the perfect destination for anyone wanting to enjoy a holiday with their dog- we’re already planning our next trip back."

Sounds like an amazing trip Lauren!

Whether you're looking to relax, explore, or simply spend quality time with your furry friend, Yamba has it all.

It’s a town that embraces both the laid-back coastal lifestyle and a love for dogs. Ready to book your Yamba experience, checkout our Yamba accommodation here.