Our first stop in New South Wales is in the coastal town of Yamba. It’s a quiet nook located at the mouth of the Clarence River and offers a range of options when it comes to water views and experiences. The river keeps fishermen busy and hopeful of a catch, the beaches are there to keep families entertained and then there are many options for surfers to find that perfect wave.

Yamba is also a great location as a base to explore the area. We are fortunate that our trip coincides with Grafton’s Jacaranda Festival with the trees in full bloom and the city buzzing with excitement. In places the tree lined streets present a tunnel of purple to walk or drive through and the parks are groomed for the week of fun.

We spend the day walking around enjoying the sights but are taken aback by the bridge joining the north and south of the city. I can’t remember ever crossing a bridge that has two sharp bends in it. It seems like two separate builders were constructing it from different sides and then had to align the span in the middle to suit. The local drivers know to allow trucks and trailers right of way as they need more than a single lane’s width to negotiate the corners. It’s an old bridge, so this is nothing new to the area but the new bridge is now under construction to resolve the issue.

We also spent a it of time wandering the coastline in the area, looking for those spots that are hidden treasures. Just south of Yamba is Angourie where there are surf beaches that are tucked away in little pockets.

It is also home to a number of natural pools formed by the tides and weather. The overcast conditions didn’t help much when trying to capture the Blue Pools but on a clear day they would be very pretty.

Off further down the coastline to Nambucca Heads next.