News & lifestyle

Palm Lake Resort

Downsizing is Better by the Sea

Few places in Australia perfectly blend untouched, authentic paradise with the essential services of a big city. Yamba is one of those rare gems. We love Yamba so much as a haven for over-50s considering retirement or downsizing that we’re building our second Palm Lake Resort there.

Heaven on Earth

Nestled along the stunning coastline of New South Wales, Yamba is one of the state’s best-kept secrets. Beloved by many—especially over-50s seeking a quiet coastal oasis that doesn’t compromise on essential amenities—Yamba offers the perfect balance between serene coastal living and convenient access to modern services, making it an ideal place for retirement and downsizing.

At Palm Lake Resort, we’ve been designing, constructing, and operating over-50s communities for more than 47 years. We know what makes a location ideal for our homeowners, and Yamba ticks all the boxes. With its unspoilt beaches, vibrant community, and relaxed atmosphere, it’s no wonder we’ve chosen to expand our footprint in this idyllic town.

Introducing Palm Lake Resort Yamba Cove

Our new development, Palm Lake Resort Yamba Cove, is more than just a place to live—it’s a lifestyle perfect for those considering retirement or downsizing. Sales Manager Monique Lee, who recently moved to Yamba from the Sunshine Coast, shares her excitement about the area.

“I’m originally from Toowoomba and have sold homes at Palm Lake Resorts in Toowoomba, Caloundra, and Pelican Waters,” Monique explains. “When the opportunity came up to move to Yamba, it didn’t take long to get excited. My partner, John, didn’t hesitate either. Yamba was where he spent family holidays, and he knew how laid-back and stress-free life is here—a perfect setting for our retirement years.”

For Monique—and the thousands of others who are lucky to call this unassuming paradise home—the beauty lies in Yamba’s small-town feel, making it ideal for those downsizing and seeking a simpler life.

“There are no traffic lights here,” Monique smiles. “It’s so easy to get around because there’s so little traffic. And the people here are really friendly. I feel like I’m on a working holiday most days!”

Monique and John love to walk their toy poodle, Sadie, on Pippi Beach and swing by the weekly farmers’ market to collect fresh local produce. They’ve been exploring the area and highly recommend Brooms Head and taking the Clarence River ferry to Iluka. Monique says the dining scene here was an unexpected bonus, adding to the appeal of retirement living in Yamba.

Foodie Paradise

It’s plain to see that the Yamba area offers immense natural beauty,” Monique says. “But what surprised us was the impressive foodie scene. The food here is so good! Yamba has so many great venues—everything from amazing Asian fusion to Indian to Mexican, and it’s all the best we’ve tasted. We’re loving the food scene here.”  


Some of Monique’s top picks include:

Karrikin (above): Celebrating the region’s local seafood industry and suppliers, Karrikin offers a native cuisine experience you’ll return for.

El Ocaso: Utilizing the best local produce and seafood on its Mediterranean-inspired menu.

Paradiso: Serving delicious modern Asian share plates and botanical cocktails.

Playa Bodega: Offering authentic Mexican meals with a fun atmosphere.

Thai Payu Restaurant: Great Thai food is presented by friendly staff in a casual, welcoming venue.

Sassafras Pasta & Pizza: Your go-to for an extensive menu of delicious pizzas, hearty pastas, and salads

For coffee lovers, Yamba doesn’t disappoint:

The Kiosk Yamba: Your post-swim caffeine hit under navy-striped umbrellas at Yamba SLSC on Main Beach.

Gather Café: Celebrating the flavours of the Clarence Valley and beyond, this is the place to slow down and enjoy quality coffee and food.

Muse: According to our sales team, Muse offers the best coffee in town, along with fashion and art.

“Yamba Cinema is another gem,” Monique adds. “It’s reminiscent of small-town cinemas from years gone by, with great staff and affordable ticket prices. It’s another great night out.”

A Perfect Blend of Serenity and Convenience

While Yamba’s charm is in its small-town feel, it doesn’t lack essential services—an important factor for those considering downsizing or retirement. There’s a reputable doctor’s surgery only one minute from the resort, with Maclean District Hospital just 25 minutes away and Grafton Hospital 40 minutes away. You can reach Ballina Byron Gateway Airport in just over an hour, providing easy access to Sydney and Melbourne.

“Yamba honestly ticks loads of boxes for over-50s,” Monique says. “It’s quiet enough to ensure you feel relaxed and on holiday every day, but it has so much culture and life. And you can’t go past this area’s natural beauty. It really is heaven on earth—a perfect place for retirement and downsizing.”

Join Us at Palm Lake Resort Yamba Cove

We invite you to discover Yamba Cove, our newest Palm Lake Resort community—ideal for those considering retirement or downsizing. With over 47 years of experience, we understand what over-50s look for in a lifestyle resort. Yamba Cove offers architecturally designed homes, world-class facilities, and a welcoming community set in one of Australia’s most beautiful coastal towns.

Whether you’re taking strolls along pristine beaches, enjoying the vibrant dining scene, or simply relaxing in your luxurious new home, life at Yamba Cove is all about embracing the best life offers during your retirement years.

Ready to Make the Move?

If you’re considering downsizing to a place where every day feels like a holiday, we’d love to show you what Palm Lake Resort Yamba Cove offers.