At peak holiday times the local population is often outnumbered by visitors who come to enjoy the sunny climate and clean sandy beaches. Scenic drives can be taken in the surrounding forestry plantations where there are plenty of picnic spots and bushwalking is excellent.

The district was first explored in 1825 by noted surveyor John Helder Wedge who, along with later travellers, found the river a real barrier to his journey. A number of unsuccessful wooden bridges were built, only to be swept away, before success was achieved with a steel bridge in 1936. Even that bridge has recently been replaced with a new one.

• Name origin: Initially known as Yarmouth, George Franklin a scholar with an interest in Greek culture officially named the town.