Yamba’s main industry is fishing (prawns and fish) and tourism with the towns population of approx 7,000 swelling to over 20,000 in holiday periods. Sugar Cane and sugar industry is also a feature of the area.

The area was occupied by the Yaygir/Bundjalang Aborigines at the time of European
Settlement. These Aborigines were less nomadic due to the abundance of food resources in the area. They were also adept at crafts producing quality utensils, fishing baskets and nets. European settlers described them as taller and healthier than inland groups of Aborigines.

In 1799 Matthew Flinders landed on the present southern headland at Yamba. However he thought he had found a shallow coastal bay and completely missed exploring the present Clarence river. He then decided to dismiss the area from further investigation

• 1830’s – Timber discovered and timber harvesting commenced
• 1939 – Governor Gipps names the ‘Clarence River’
• 1854 – Pilot Station was established
• 1861 – Townsite surveyed
• 1862 – Construction of the breakwater / Post office built
• 1864 – Govt records refer to the present day Yamba as ‘Clarence River Heads’
• 1874 – Harwood Sugar Mill established
• 1885 – The name Yamba officially proclaimed in 1885 / Population approx 340
• 1908 – Surf Life Saving Club formed
• 1946 – Prawn trawling commenced
• 2007 – Population approx 7,000