Aborigines

Aboriginal tribes were the sole inhabitants of the Yamba region for about 60,000 years. The Yaegl tribe are the traditional custodians of the coastal areas around Yamba, Illuka and Maclean.

Matthew Flinders

Matthew Flinders came ashore in July 1799 to replenish water supplies and repair his sloop HMS Norfolk. He named it Shoal Bay which eventually became Yamba, 11 years after Port Phillip was established. He took sightings from Pilot Hill, but it was not until the 1830's that it was realised that the Clarence River's entrance was nearby.

Of particular interest in the display is the replica model of the Norfolk and a sextant. There is also a publication for sale - Matthew Flinders and the Discovery of Shoal Bay (Yamba). Please click here for more information and to order the book.

Francis Freeburn

Francis Freeburn was appointed to establish the first Pilot Station in 1854 and was to write his name in local history.

This display features photographs of the original lighthouse and Pilot Station and his original telescope from the 1860's. A publication is for sale - Francis Freeburn and His Family. Please click here for more information and to order the book.

The Breakwaters

The story of the construction of the Clarence Heads entrance works between 1862 and 1971 is a fascinating story of governments responding to demands by the local people for help in developing the river.

Photographs of the quarry workers extracting and transporting the stone are on display. There is also a relief map and illustrated chart depicting the three stages of construction.