Yamba Cinema — Local services in Yamba

On a recent trip to the Clarence Valley the bad weather caused the cancellation of whale watching trips. So what to do instead?

Think, think, Google, Google …… We discovered the existence of the Yamba Cinema. Fortunately there was an interesting movie showing so we headed off to Yamba.

Country cinemas have had a very hard time. There seems to be a growing renaissance for small regional cinemas. This little cinema seems to be propelled by an owner who creates a lovely atmosphere and has invested in good quality projection and sound. Looking at their program they show current movies and specialist showings for example of French Film Festivals - these movies are current French films. During school holidays I am sure they pack in the kids with appropriate movies.

There is nothing glitzy about this cinema. It is a very basic building. The interior is a little old world however the general seats appear fairly new. Their version of Gold Class are the couple of old sofas at the back of the theatre available for $5 extra per ticket. They might be old but what a lovely way to see a movie. We loved them.

A cheese box is available if you pre order. It is a little 1970s in content but enjoyable nonetheless. The other refreshments include little bottles of sparkling wine. We did not try them, however the word is they have the best choc tops in Yamba. The little LED lamp to help you deal with the cheese box is a nice touch.

I hope they do OK. The world of commercial cinemas is so bland. I am a bit over the horrible snack offerings.

Well done Yamba Cinema. We love the movie we saw by the way, The Critic. Highly recommended - this is not the place for a movie review. We enjoyed our visit. Not all change is good....

Whilst this cinema is old, that is no excuse for uncleanliness and poor hygiene. The place smells like mouldy carpet, and cat pee. Cockroaches can be seen running up the walls of the cinema whilst the movie is on. The popcorn is cold and stale, and although I was told it was made fresh on site, judging by the amount that was pre-bagged and sitting in the machines first thing in the morning, and the fact that you could not smell fresh popcorn, it had clearly been sitting there all night, if not all weekend. The overcrowded candy bar counter needs a good clean out. Some of the items look like they have been sitting under the lights for many months, and the dust on some of the lolly packets is another indication of old stock. Dead bugs in the candy bar counter is never a good look either. Some of the staff are cheerful and well presented, others are abrupt, surly, tired and loud. Don't sit up the back, you will hear them talking the whole way through the movie. At $8.00 a ticket, the prices are cheap, but for the condition of the seating and the uncleanliness of the theatre, you would not want to pay more than that. I now understand why a lot of locals drive to Grafton to go to the movies. It is hoped once the much talked about upgrade and renovations are complete, the cinema will once again be well loved, well looked after and well managed so that it is well...

Update and deletion of my original review.... Originally, (2yrs ago) I left this business a really harsh review. To be honest the place was gross. I am very pleased to delete that review and write this one. The owners of Yamba Cinema have really made this place somewhere great to visit! Credit where credit Is due. Everything is fresh and clean… The staff are polite and happy, the snacks are above standard and the seating is super comfy. I can now highly recommend this place as somewhere that was a pleasure for my kids and I to visit! I never like leaving a bad review so I'm more than happy to change my original review, after the owners making such great improvements in every aspect of their business. Go here, spend your money and show the owners some appreciation for making the place great for their...