Yamba's Playtime

Yamba's Playtime

Company type	Television series
Industry	Children's television
Founded	1995
Headquarters	Australia
Area served	Australia
Products	Preschool television programming

Yamba's Playtime is an Australian preschool television series created and aired by Imparja Television since 1995, with broadcasts on the Nine Network beginning in 2010. Each half-hour installment centers on Yamba the Yerrampe (honey ant), notable as the first indigenous-themed preschool show to earn a "P" Classification.

Set against the backdrop of Central Australia, Yamba is characterized as lively, inquisitive, and approachable. Prominent supporting characters include his closest companion Jacinta, Grandpa and Grandma Honeyant, Cecilina the Ballerina (Yamba’s sister), and Miss Honeypot, who teaches Cecilina ballet.

The series blends educational content with entertainment, emphasizing distinctive elements of the Australian red centre. It resonates with both indigenous and non-indigenous young viewers, as demonstrated by robust ratings during its initial series in January 2012.

Cameron Clarke, formerly a writer for Hi 5, observed that the show’s dynamic energy, musical elements, and storytelling extend its appeal well beyond its core indigenous audience.

Building on the program’s success, Yamba has been utilized to advocate for healthy lifestyles through the Yamba Roadshow. Launched in 2011, this touring stage production visited remote communities throughout the Northern Territory and Queensland, delivering health-focused performances. During these appearances, Yamba enjoys notable celebrity status and receives enthusiastic community engagement.

Yamba the Yerrampe

Yamba is a honey ant native to Central Australia, brought to life by an actor in a honey ant costume. As described on the Imparja website, he embodies curiosity, friendliness, and high energy.

Jacinta

Jacinta serves as Yamba’s best friend and is portrayed by Jacinta Price, representing a human character.

Chabba and Flopp

Chabba and Flopp are two fictional sock characters imagined by Robbie.

Cecilina the Ballerina

Cecilina, Yamba’s older sister, enjoys ballet, fruit salad, and visiting both Yamba and Jacinta.

Grandma & Grandpa Honeyant

Grandpa Honeyant features in 'Grandpa Honeyant's Storytime' during Series 1 and 2 and is the grandfather of Yamba and Cecilina. Grandma Honeyant is depicted as a wise matriarch devoted to her grandchildren.

Miss Honeypot

Miss Honeypot acts as Cecilina’s ballet instructor.

Series 1

Originally broadcast in January 2012 on both Nine Network and Imparja Television, Series 1 was slated for repeat airings later that year.

PGM1 3 Wishes Yamba uncovers a magical lamp and makes three ANTastic wishes.

PGM2 The Holiday Yamba invites Jacinta on an imaginative trip to Yambaland.

PGM3 Superheroes Yamba misplaces his Superant X-Ray vision glasses; Jacinta assists in recovering them.

PGM4 Robots Yamba tries to imitate Robbo the Robot but Jacinta eventually tires of his jokes.

PGM5 It's Hot Today With temperatures soaring, Yamba wants to play outside; Jacinta demonstrates ways to stay cool.

PGM6 Magical Day Cecilina vanishes mysteriously; Yamba wonders if a magic trick caused her disappearance or duplication.

PGM7 The Treasure Map Grandpa Honeyant presents Yamba with what is believed to be a treasure map; Yamba and Jacinta eagerly follow it.

PGM8 Communication When Yamba needs to quickly send a message to Cecilina, Jacinta helps find effective methods.

PGM9 Wheels Go Round Jacinta aids Yamba in selecting the correct shape for a toy train wheel.

PGM10 Birthday Party To celebrate Grandma Honeyant’s birthday, Yamba organizes a surprise party theme that delights everyone.

PGM11 Yamba Gets a Pet Yamba dreams about having a pet and shares this aspiration with Jacinta.

PGM12 The Desert Preparing for preschool, Yamba must sing about the desert; Jacinta collaborates on writing the song.

PGM13 A Home Feeling cold, Yamba learns from Jacinta how various homes keep animals warm by constructing examples in their Playroom.

PGM14 Sports Day After enjoying races at Preschool Sports Day, Yamba unexpectedly ends up with a bandaged head.

Holiday Specials

Broadcast on the Nine Network and Imparja Television, these festive episodes include:

Yamba's Easter Adventure A seasonal Easter tale following Yamba the Honeyant and Jacinta as they explore Yambaland.

Yamba's Christmas Surprise A captivating holiday narrative unveiling the special Christmas surprise of Yamba the Honey Ant.