How to get to Red Rock

Getting around Red Rock

The perfect holiday hideaway

Just north of Coffs Harbour is where you’ll find the secluded haven of Red Rock. Peaceful, tucked away off the highway, and ready to welcome you for a relaxing and memorable seaside holiday.

Here’s what you need to know for how to get to Red Rock NSW, whether that’s by car, plane or more. The journey, they say, is the destination – but they weren’t heading to one of Australia’s most beautiful locations!

Plan your travel

Red Rock NSW

By Car By Bus By Plane By Train By Bike By Foot

How to get there

The best way to get to Red Rock, NSW, is to drive, taking the Pacific Highway and turning off near Corindi Beach. It’s a little over 6 hours from Sydney and just under 4 hours from Brisbane. If you’re coming via public transport, you can fly into Grafton or Coffs Harbour (both are around 50 km away) and hire a car or connect to transfers into the village.

Modes of transport

Here are key transport options for car, bus, plane, train, bike and on foot. Whatever your preferred transport method, you'll find options to reach Red Rock and explore the area.

By Car

The most flexible way to visit Red Rock, NSW, is by car. You'll have easy access to the surrounding area, including coastal drives and Yuraygir National Park. Take the Pacific Highway (A1) and turn off at Corindi Beach near Grafton and follow the signs into the village.

Wondering how long it will take to get here? Here are a few popular starting points and their approximate driving times and distances:

Nambucca Heads: 1 hr 12 minutes / 93 km
Ballina: 1 hr 50 minutes / 176 km
Grafton: 42 minutes / 56 km
Yamba: 1 hr 15 minutes / 103 km
Woolgoolga: 16 minutes / 17 km
Coffs Harbour: 35 minutes / 43 km
Brisbane: 3 hr 40 minutes / 355 km
Sydney: 6 hr 10 minutes / 576 km

By Bus

If you’re looking into how to get to Red Rock, NSW by bus, it’s going to require some planning around connections. Greyhound and Premier Motor Service coaches can get you into either Grafton or Coffs Harbour, but you’ll need to book a shuttle, taxi or rideshare to do the last leg into town as no bus/coach that stops stops in Red Rock.

By Plane

There are no direct flights into Red Rock, NSW, but you can come via either Coffs Harbour Airport (around 50km south) and Clarence Valley Regional Airport (in Grafton, about 45km west). These airports both connect to Sydney and Melbourne, but there’s no direct public transport that will take you to Red Rock, so you’ll have to hire a car or book a transfer.

By Train

Train travel into Red Rock isn’t a straight shot, but it sure is scenic and relaxing! The NSW TrainLink North Coast line stops in Grafton, which is the closest station to get you here. After you arrive, you can rent a car or grab a rideshare to travel the remaining 45 km into Red Rock.

By Bike

If you’re planning on bringing your bicycle to Red Rock, you’ll find that the town is perfect for cycling around. It’s relatively flat, and the roads are quiet, meaning you can cycle to your heart’s content to check out the beach, headland and national park (without too much effort).

By Foot

Once you’ve locked in how to get to Red Rock NSW, getting around on foot while you’re here is easy – it’s very walkable. The popular Yuraygir Coastal Walk passes through the village, offering one of Australia’s greatest multi-day hikes for those who love to walk. Local trails are well-signposted – don’t miss the headland at sunrise and sunset, which is definitely a highlight you won’t soon forget.

Top things to do in Red Rock

Wooli to Red Rock Walk

Wooli to Red Rock is the most strenuous and remote section of Yuraygir coastal walk. Enjoy the challenge of crossing rocky platforms when the tide’s out and crossing rivers using boat transport. The route can be tackled as a challenging day walk or part of a multi-day trek.

Hike long stretches of rocky shoreline interspersed with high-energy pebbly beaches, find the way across a tidal creek and walk along sandy beaches fringed with lush pandanus palms. You can even stop wherever you like and try your hand at fishing.

You’ll see protected habitat for the endangered little tern at both the northern and southern ends of Station Creek Beach, near Pebbly Beach campground and Red Rock town. Keep your binoculars handy for spotting these tiny migratory seabirds with distinctive black, white and grey markings. Breeding has been increasingly successful due to management action and visitation control of this part of the national park.

Chasing Waterfalls on the Coffs Coast: Nature’s Best Day Trips

If you love nature, fresh air, and the sounds of moving water, the Coffs Coast is a no-brainer. This lush corner of NSW is home to some seriously stunning waterfalls, from easy roadside lookouts to some hidden gems worth the hike. So grab your walking shoes, pack a picnic, and hit the road.

Yarrawarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre

Yarrawarra is situated in the homelands of the Garby Elders and the Gumbaynggirr people. Surrounded by tranquil bushland, pristine beaches and abundant wildlife. The Yarrawarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre boasts a first-rate Bush Tucker Cafe, an exceptional Indigenous art gallery, cultural programs, accommodation and a conference centre. Special events include Aboriginal art classes, Gumbaynggirr history and story sessions, dance and music classes, clay modelling, traditional basket weaving, and tours of Aboriginal sites.

The gallery features a keeping place with a variety of Indigenous artefacts and historical treasures, as well as an extensive display of regionally produced traditional and contemporary arts and crafts, books, CDs and giftware.

Coffs Coast in spring: things to do, where to go and what to see

Discover the best of the Coffs Coast in spring, from coastal walks and beach days to hinterland escapes, wildflowers and fresh seasonal experiences.

Best Coffs Harbour Beaches

Most people know Coffs Harbour as the coastal paradise on the NSW Coffs Coast. It’s where the forest meets the sea and there are over 30 incredible beaches to explore and enjoy. Coffs Harbour beaches are next level beautiful, boasting that truly iconic laid-back Australian vibe with perfect conditions for swimming, surfing and just doing a whole lot of nothing much.

Red Rock Store

The Red Rock Store, formerly the Red Rock Shop, is your one-stop shop, located at Reflections Red Rock and run by friendly local staff. Grab a hot coffee, tea, smoothie or milkshake, and pair it with fresh cakes, biscuits, or a hearty sandwich or burger.

There's also a wide variety of hot takeaway food, fried favourites, and sweet treats like lollies and chips to keep everyone happy. The store is stocked with fresh local produce, groceries, and fishing gear for those planning a day by the water. You'll also find a fun selection of souvenirs like Red Rock T-shirts, jumpers, stubby holders, sunnies, towels, swimming toys, and hats—perfect for remembering your holiday or gifting to friends.

The store also serves as the local post office.

Red Rock Beach

Red Rock is named for its beautiful red rock formations. The area is about 40 kilometres north of Coffs Harbour and is the northernmost beach in the Local Government Area.

The beach is patrolled by our Lifeguards in the peak of the summer holidays. The local Surf Life Saving Club also patrols.

The tranquil estuary reserve offers shady picnic areas, a playground, and access to the water for swimming and fishing. Explore Red Rock Island at low tide or take in the sensational views up and down the river by SUP, kayak or boat.

Red Rock is the starting point for the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk. Plan ahead for a day hike or camp overnight at one of the many villages along the way.

For a bite to eat visit the nearby Red Rock shop for great food with a view.

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Frequently asked questions

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Where is Red Rock NSW?

Red Rock NSW is a coastal village about 6 hours north of Sydney and 2 hours south of Byron Bay. It sits on the beautiful Coffs Coast and is accessible via the Pacific Highway (A1), right near other popular destinations like Corindi Beach, Coffs Harbour and Grafton.

How do I get to Red Rocks NSW without a car?

If you don’t have a car, you can take a combination of plane, train, bus and rideshare to get to Red Rock (depending on your departure point). Grafton and Coffs Harbour are the closest major hubs with transport options, but you will need a car when you get here, as public transport doesn’t come directly into town.

Are there flights to Red Rock NSW from Melbourne?

There aren't any direct flights between Melbourne and Red Rock, but you can fly into Coffs Harbour Airport. Once you’re on the ground, you can hire a car, book a shuttle or take a rideshare into the village.

Can you get flights to Red Rock NSW from Sydney?

Yes, but not directly – you’ll need to fly into either Grafton or Coffs Harbour first, then connect to other transport to take you the rest of the way.

Is there a Coffs harbour bus to Red Rock NSW?

No, there isn't a direct Coffs Harbour bus to Red Rock, NSW. You can catch the CDC NSW 393 route towards Grafton and get off at Corindi Beach instead. It only runs Monday to Friday, so if you’re arriving on the weekend or want to travel on those days, you’ll need to book a taxi or rideshare.