Visit
YAM presents a dynamic annual program of exhibitions, workshops, artist talks and events that activate our five galleries and our extensive collection for diverse audiences. Our programming is designed to be inclusive, hands‑on and accessible – transforming exhibitions into lived cultural experiences.
Plan your visit today.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Opening Hours
Tuesday to Friday 10am – 4pm
Saturday and Sunday 10am – 2pm
Closed on Mondays and all NSW Public Holidays
Entry
Entry to YAM is free. This includes most exhibitions. Some exhibitions and special events may have an entry fee. Please check individual exhibition details.
Location
27 Gordon Street, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450
Get directions on Google Maps
Contact
Getting Here
TRAVELLING BY CAR
Coffs Harbour is located halfway between Sydney and Brisbane, situated on the major east coast M1 highway.
Yarrila Arts and Museum is located just 400 metres from the M1 highway, positioned between Gordon Street and Riding Lane.
TRAVELLING BY TRAIN
The Coffs Harbour Railway Station is located 2.5km from YAM.
The station has services connecting Coffs Harbour to several major cities, including Sydney, Brisbane, Newcastle, Grafton, Port Macquarie, Taree, and Newcastle. For detailed information, visit Transport NSW.
TRAVELLING BY BUS
The Coffs Harbour CBD is serviced by several bus routes, including 360, 360m, 361, 366, 367, and 368.
For detailed information on bus services, visit busways.com.au
FLIGHTS
Coffs Harbour Airport is located 4km from YAM.
Offering direct flights to and from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, the airport is serviced by a variety of airlines.
For detailed information on flights visit: Coffs Harbour Airport
TAXI
Coffs Harbour Taxis services the Coffs Harbour and the surrounding area. They have vehicles available for 1-11 passengers.
Phone 132 227 or visit coffstaxis.com.au
Parking
CAR PARKING
A 7-level parking station is located behind YAM and can be accessed from Castle Street or Vernon Street. All-day car parking is available on levels 4 and above.
Coffs Harbour CBD also offers ample street parking options.
BUS PARKING
A designated bus drop-off point is located on Gordon Street directly in front of Yarrila Place.
Bus parking is available at the Coffs Harbour Showground.
Accessibility
Yarrila Arts and Museum (YAM) is committed to providing an inclusive, welcoming and accessible experience for all visitors. We aim to remove barriers to participation and ensure everyone can engage with art, history and culture in ways that feel comfortable, respectful and meaningful.
If you have specific access needs or questions before your visit, our friendly team is happy to help. Please contact us or speak with staff at the YAM Front Desk when you arrive.
Physical Access
YAM’s open layout has been designed to support visitors of all ages and abilities, including older visitors, families and people with mobility needs.
- Fully ground‑floor layout with step‑free access throughout all exhibition and circulation spaces
- Wide circulation paths to support wheelchair access, mobility aids and prams
- Clear wayfinding and open sightlines to support easy navigation
- Lift access available within Yarrila Place to other public areas and facilities
Sensory and Neurodiversity Supports
We recognise that busy or unfamiliar cultural spaces can be challenging for some visitors. To support neurodiverse visitors and those with sensory sensitivities, YAM offers:
Sensory Support Box
Available free of charge from the YAM Front Desk, our sensory support box includes calming tools designed to help reduce overstimulation and support visitors with autism, ADHD or sensory processing sensitivities.
Quiet and Flexible Visiting
- Open, uncluttered gallery spaces support calm movement
- Staff are happy to suggest quieter times or spaces within the building
- Visitors are welcome to take breaks and move at their own pace
Tactile and Multi-Sensory Experiences
YAM provides free, self‑guided tactile tour kits, available from the YAM Front Desk. These kits are designed to support visitors who are blind or have low vision and anyone who benefits from hands‑on engagement.
Tactile tour kits allow visitors to:
- Explore textures and materials inspired by featured artworks
- Engage with exhibitions through touch‑based interpretation
- Experience exhibitions independently and confidently
Exhibition Design for Diverse Visitor Needs
Accessibility is embedded into how exhibitions are developed and displayed. Our exhibition design considers:
- Readable font sizes and strong colour contrast in exhibition text and wayfinding
- Managed lighting and sound levels to reduce sensory overload
- Considered heights of showcases, plinths and artworks
- Clear circulation routes to support mobility and comfortable visitor flow
- Multimedia elements including oral histories, exhibition soundscapes, descriptive audio guides for some exhibitions
This approach supports multi‑generational audiences, families, older visitors, neurodiverse visitors and people living with disability.
Staff Support and Training
YAM offers welcoming and accessible experiences for families, including:
- Family‑friendly gallery layouts
- Free drop‑in creative activities in The Workshop during opening hours
- Accessible programs such as Teeny Tours designed specifically for young children and carers
Need Assistance or Have Access Requests?
If you have specific access needs, questions or would like to discuss supports in advance of your visit, please contact us or speak with staff at the YAM Front Desk when you arrive.
We are always open to feedback and continually review our accessibility offerings to ensure Yarrila Arts and Museum remains a place where everyone feels welcome.
Things To Do
ExhibitionS
YAM presents a vibrant and dynamic program of internationally and nationally recognised contemporary art and social history exhibitions across five galleries.
This includes major touring and in-house curated exhibitions, nationally recognised awards such as STILL: National Still Life Award, and a dedication to featuring Mid North Coast artists.
PUBLIC PROGRAMS
Yarrila Arts and Museum (YAM) offers a range of programs designed to ignite your imagination by providing unique opportunities to engage with arts and culture.
Be inspired by artist talks and creative wellbeing sessions, join a group tour, engage with free family activities or explore your creativity in hands-on workshops.
SCHOOL and GROUP VISITS
We welcome school groups, community groups, individuals and bus tours to visit our exhibitions and participate in educational programs, which are specially designed to enhance your visit to Yarrila Arts and Museum.
Book a visit today and deepen your appreciation of the contemporary culture and history of Coffs Harbour.
YAM SHOP
The YAM Shop features a curated selection of hand-made jewellery, ceramics and homewares by Mid North Coast artists and designers.
The offering is thoughtfully tailored to complement current exhibitions and celebrate the contemporary culture and history of the Coffs Harbour region.
PUBLIC ART
Take a journey through the colourful and diverse world of public art in Coffs Harbour.
After your visit to Yarrila Arts and Museum, venture out to explore the myriad of sculptures, murals, and installations that adorn the city, the coast, and the hinterland.
SSILO
Visit the most valuable and unique object in the YAM collection, the South Solitary Island Lighthouse Optic (SSILO), now located on the Jetty Foreshore, once again in sight of the ocean where it belongs.
EXPLore The COffs Coast
Proudly NSW’s first ECO Destination, the Coffs Coast offers beaches, hinterland walks, local dining and attractions to fill your day, or your whole stay. Discover places to eat, stay and play in this relaxed coastal destination.
LIBRARY
Yarrila Place is home to the expanded and exciting Harry Bailey Memorial Library (HBML). Spread across 3 floors, HBML is equipped with the latest resources and technology, providing an ideal space for learning, reading and research.
CAFE
Take a break from exploring YAM and head to Peach & Wolf. Located on the ground floor, enjoy a bite to eat or a refreshing drink under the shade of the magnificent, 150 year old, Hills Weeping Fig tree.