This mighty River, also known as the "River of Islands", is the largest river on the east coast of Australia, and can be enjoyed in so many ways; it is up to you to take advantage of all the activities available. 

You could do a spot of fishing. Good spots include lovers point, the break wall, Whiting Beach, middle wall, Oyster Channel or Lake Wooloweyah (you will need a boat to access some of these spots). Motor boats are available for hire at quite a few places. 

You could take a paddle on a Sea Kayak with Action Adventure Tours. They run half day and full day tours, which include refreshment breaks with cakes and brewed coffee, Australian tea and seasonal fruits.

For the slightly less adventurous, the Yamba Iluka Ferry runs daily from River St wharf. The Ferry company also runs River cruises to Harwood Island on Wednesday and Friday, BBQ cruises on Wednesday and trips to the Tavern in school holidays (Sunday). Great time Cruises- River Explorer 2 run lunch and dinner cruises. 

Recreational hire equipment is available from the Hire Shack at the Blue Dolphin Holiday Resort. They hire catamarans, canoes, paddle boats, motor boats and yabbie pumps. The public are welcome to use these facilities.

You could also bring your own Windsurfer, as there are many spots on the river or out in the ocean, to suit the skill levels of all.

People with Ski boats and Personal Watercraft are sure to find some fantastic locations for a day of fun on the River.

The Main Beach, below Flinders Park and the Pacific Hotel, is patrolled during summer season. This is where the Rock Pool is located. Turners Beach is found between the break wall and the lighthouse (patrolled in summer). Whiting Beach, a still water river beach, just inland of the break wall, is ideal for children even when seas are high elsewhere. Convent Beach, between main beach and Lovers Point is also calm in most conditions. Pippi Beach runs from Lovers Point to flat rock and further south to Angourie. It is a very good walk for the fitness fanatics. Small sections are patrolled in summer (flags).

The lighthouse sits atop the highest hill in Yamba. The view from here is expansive and takes in Iluka to the north, Angourie and Clarence Peak to the south, the Clarence River and its many Islands to the west and of course the Pacific Ocean to the east. The sunrises and sunsets from this vantage point are simply stunning. Most evenings, at dusk, you can see the deep-sea fishing fleet heading out of the mouth of the River.

At the northern tip of Pippi beach lies Lovers Point. The best starting point is near the Breakers Units. From here it is only a short walk down onto the beach. If you head north along the beach it will lead you to the point, where you can easily climb up to the top of the grassy knoll and eventually around to the rock shelf.

The views extend around approximately 240 degrees and are magnificent. Often, in the correct season, Whales can be seen passing by. Dolphins are plentiful all around Yamba and can be observed swimming, surfing and fishing quite close to shore. Fishermen (and Women) have found the rock shelf to be a fantastic fishing spot. Please be sure to take care at all times, especially if seas are high. You can continue on around the point to convent beach, which is a lovely, quiet, protected beach. From this beach it is only a short walk up the hill and back along the road to the Apartment.

Picnic facilities can be found at Flinders Park (overlooking Main Beach); Agar Park (overlooking Lovers Point); Dolphin Park (Pippi Beach at 4WD track); at Whiting Beach and at the old rock pool below the lighthouse. Another great picnic area with free BBQ’s is at the Witonga Rd Boat ramp.

AROUND AND ABOUT ANGOURIE

Immediately south of Yamba along Angourie Road, lies Angourie Point and Township. You may wish to drive or ride (5km) the bike track out to the point (hire bikes are available at Yamba squash and Cycles). The Village is quaint and the Point is famous, worldwide, as one of Australia’s very best surfing spots.

Angourie is also famous for its Blue Pool, which was originally a rock quarry. During quarry works, an underground spring was disturbed and the quarry filled with fresh water. It is a great swimming spot, lying just metres from the ocean in a beautiful bush setting. After viewing the pools it is also possible to walk over the rocks to Angourie Point. You can then head up the well-marked sand track to the lookout. Once this section is completed it is an easy walk (downhill!) along the road, back to the Blue Pools parking area.

Don’t miss Spooky’s beach while you are looking around, as it is one of the most beautiful and most scenic beaches in the area. Green Point, just one km north of Angourie is also worth a look. Beachcombers would do well to keep their eyes peeled at all of these locations as some fantastic shells have been found in the past.

Just south of the Angourie Township, is certainly one of the finest coastal walks in Australia. The track meanders along the coastline and leads to lookouts, Shelley beach and caves and ultimately to Lake Arragan. Many people walk the track daily. Shelley Beach and return should take approximately two hours at a steady pace. But give yourself more time as you may wish to spend the day at gorgeous and secluded Shelley Beach. The caves at the end of Shelley beach are also worth a look.

Picnic facilities can be found at Green Point, Spooky Beach, the Blue Pools, Angourie Point, Mara Creek and Lake Wooloweyah. The Lake is very pretty at sunset and is a great place for fabulous photo opportunities (see photo page).

WEATHER
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