Explore: Yamba, Clarence River
General Info
Yamba is located along the tropical New South Wales coast, about 120 miles south of Brisbane and 60 miles north of Coffs Harbour.
Situated at the mouth of the Clarence River, Yamba lies on the southern shore and Lluka on the northern shore. This means there is an ample sheltered anchoring area and depending upon the wind direction, two options to rest-over.
The Clarence River system provides an attractive and sheltered sailing area, well worth exploring even for masted vessels well up to its upper reaches. There is a ‘platform lifting’ bridge which provides access for masted vessels up to approx. 35 metres with 24 hours (generally) notice.
Location 29° 26’S, 153° 20′ 45″E.
Clearance
Yamba is not a clearance port. The nearest authorized clearance port is Coffs Harbour, 60 nm south.
Docking
Yamba
Yamba Marina has a travel lift and ramp facilities together with anchorages/mooring on the Yamba main channel. It also has fuel, Yamba fleet fish co-op outlet, and a small chandlery.
In addition to the marina, there is a small public wharf at the far end of Yamba Channel (29°,25.994’S 153°,21.577’E) which is suitable for shallow draft vessels and tenders.
There is plenty of space to anchor here depending on the wind direction.
Illuka
The north side boasts a very large protected anchoring area behind a large sea wall and like Yamba has good floating pontoons for dinghies. Illuka also has a fish co-op on site and they can be contacted for fuel and berthing options (limited).
See local tourist websites for details or Alan Lucas’ Cruising the NSW Coast for details.
The Sedgers Reef Hotel is 50m from the dinghy pontoon adjacent to the Lluka fleet Fish Co-op. Both have a variety of fresh food, grocery, and shopping within walking distance of the dingy wharf.
When using the public wharves at both locations be mindful of the ferry which uses the same wharf and provides a convenient way to travel between the two sites if desired.
Upstream
Upriver there are floating docks and excellent pub meals at Harwood, McLean, Lawrence, Bushgrove and a short dingy ride to Grafton where low wires stop masted vessels just before the town.
The Clarence River can be explored well upstream. There is a ‘platform lifting’ bridge which provides access for masted vessels up to approx. 35 metres with 24 hours (generally) notice.
If continuing up the river, there are floating docks and excellent pub meals at Harwood, McLean, Lawrence, Bushgrove and a short dingy ride to Grafton, where low wires stop masted vessels just before the town.
An excellent guide to the river is the Sailing and Cruising Guide .
Last updated: April 2017.
