With the archetypal east coast ‘ocean pool’ built into the rocks at its southern end, one of NSW’s oldest Surf Lifesaving clubs centre-stage, and the iconic Pacific Hotel overlooking it all, Yamba’s Main Beach is so quaint, lovely and Australian you can’t help but grin when you’re there.

Main Beach used to be called Wooli Bay and was also known as Andersons or Grahams Beach because of the boarding houses that overlooked it.

The beach is patrolled on weekends and during school holidays between September and Easter, and has well-considered disabled access.

Slightly more nestled into the bay than neighbouring Turner’s Beach, swimming and surfing here is a mellower affair, though the shore break can be heavy at times, particularly towards the northern end. As always, swim between the flags.

And if the ocean is a little too intimidating, the swimming pool is an absolute ripper, cleaned out like clockwork by the changing tides.