Clarence holiday boom
EVERY year the Clarence Coast proves itself to be one of the most sought-after holiday destinations on Australia's east coast.
This Christmas it is no different.
Lower River real estate agents say holiday lettings during the peak period are completely booked and have been in many cases for the past year.
From late December to around January 13, Lower River locals can expect a flood of tourists from Queensland, Sydney, Glenn Innes, Armidale, Victoria and the Northern Territory.
LJ Hooker Yamba holiday property manager Russ Abbott said tourists tended to re-book accommodation a year in advance.
"A lot of the time you have re-bookings; most people who have booked this year will book the accommodation again for next year," he said.
Mr Abbott said Yamba continued to be one of the hottest locations for coastal holidays.
"Most definitely, because it's still affordable, we're not the Gold Coast which is at the top end of the market," he said.
"People can come here, have a fairly affordable holiday and that's why they keep coming back ... and the nostalgia of it.
"People who holiday here, came as kids with their parents and now they're bringing their kids as well."
PRD Nationwide's Grant Gillies said all of their almost 100 holiday lettings had been secured.
He said Yamba was a favourite destination for families.
"The comments we get from people with kids who are 12- or 13-years-old is that they feel safe in Yamba," he said.
"They can say to the kids go see a movie and we'll meet you for lunch. They don't have to watch them like a hawk as in Byron or Noosa."
Maclean First National real estate reported that its Brooms Head lettings were full from December 23 to January 7.