A long weekend means it’s time to get away, so last week I drove south to Yamba – I’d heard a lot of good things and was keen to explore.
It was a beautiful drive, and on the way I stopped at Bangalow for lunch at Choux Choux Patisserie.
I crossed the Clarence River several times on some rather striking bridges, including Harwood Bridge which lifts up to let boats pass underneath.
The Clarence snakes its way through the region, finally meeting the sea between Iluka and Yamba. It supports a large prawn trawling and fishing industry and even has its own islands.
In Yamba I stayed at Blue Dolphin Holiday Resort, a few minutes from town. Located right on the river it was lovely to wander along the water’s edge, watching paddle boarders, and chuckling at the absurd-looking pelicans.
Blue Dolphin was fully booked for the long weekend and I noted there were as many cabins as tents. It made me wonder if camping is losing favour – are time poor holiday makers putting tents in the too hard basket? I love camping and reckon it’s worth the hassle to spend time under canvas.
The swim up bar was popular with the adults, and the water slides and jumping pillow were popular with the kids. Everything you need is available on site so you don’t actually need to leave! But I spied a brochure for a foodie tour and couldn’t resist making a booking 🙂
After a leisurely bike ride out to the beautiful beaches and light house, we cycled to the industrial part of town to Nicholson Fine Foods. The unassuming factory didn’t look like much from the outside, but inside there were plenty of delicious treats!
Our wonderful host was Peter Nicholson, a former chef with a huge passion for food. His unique artisan products have won top gongs at food shows across the country.
He told us all about his products and offered lots of tasting samples, some of which were rather unusual, like beetroot vinegar with ice cream!
The highlight was Belgian Chocolate Burgers – chocolate mousse filled chocolate biscuits coated in, yes, chocolate, and stored in the freezer. Incredibly delicious!
I left the factory with divine new pantry treats; Cajun spice mix, porcini mushroom seasoning, essence of hibiscus flowers (great for champagne), Belgian chocolate mousse, and spiced beetroot finishing vinegar.
Peter has just started his factory tours and I’m keen to help him spread the word because the experience was so fantastic. He even went out of his way to do a tour on his day off! And he managed to keep a group of adults and kids interested – no mean feat!
If you ever head to Yamba make sure you call Peter for a fantastic foodie experience. And if you’re looking for great recipes or foodie gift ideas for Christmas look no further than his website.
Watch Peter’s short video Yamba Prawn Road Trip for some beautiful Yamba scenery and a demo of his cooking skills.
My Yamba list for next time:
- Visit nearby Angourie and Iluka
- River cruise to see beautiful scenery and learn local history
- A swim at Pippi Beach
- Yamba historical walk
- Stand up paddle boarding on the Clarence River
- Lunch at Irons and Craig Café (recommended by a local, these guys won Best new business 2015)
- Yamba Farmers Market (every Wednesday)
- A cooking class at Kitchen to Table could also be on the list!
Port of Yamba Historical Society also contacted me to recommend their Storyhouse Museum
I’m super keen to get back to Yamba again, and definitely see potential for a weekend foodie tour –let me know in the comments if you’re interested in a girl’s weekend away to Yamba…
I’m definitely interested in a girls weekend. You had me sold at Belgian Chocolate Mousse Burgers and Prawns! Thanks for sharing your holiday 🙂
LOL, the chocolate burgers are awesome – I’ll save you a seat on my tour 🙂
I love Yamba
Definitely would be keen for a weekend away
Fantastic, I’ll count you in Melissa!
Yamba is an amazing get away spot. River, beautiful beaches and the perfect little village. We always visit from California. Get away for a blissful holiday.
Thanks Kelly, I’m so glad I decided to explore Yamba, maybe you have some more tips for me?
dont forget to visit the restaurant at the top of the hill. Their lentil burgers are exquisite. Hire a personal surf lesson with Jeremy. He will guarantee you will be surfing by the end of the session.
A surf followed by a lentil burger – sounds good to me! Thanks Keala 🙂
So happy you enjoyed your weekend in Yamba.
I am a retail lifestyle clothing and homewards store in Yamba and would love to meet you and your friends next time your in Yamba.
Regards Tracy
The corner store Yamba
Hi Shannon. I’m president of the Port of Yamba Historical Society and I’d be very grateful if you could include a visit to our Storyhouse Museum on your list of things to to next time.
Cheers!
Margot Scott
Done!
Make sure you add the Yamba Cinema to your list of to do’s next visit…. An independent old fashioned family owned cinema for 3 generations which is an icon of Yamba
Oooh I’m a sucker for old fashioned movie theatres, thanks for the tip, I will check it out next time!