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Urunga camping setup

How to get to Urunga

Getting around Urunga

A coastal oasis on the Coffs Coast

This part of Australia has some of the most pristine stretches of coastline and tranquil beachside towns. Easily accessible by the Pacific Highway, one such place is Urunga: make it the destination for your next break to swim, surf, stroll or simply unwind.

Let's make the least stressful part of your next trip the planning for how to get to Urunga. Here's a detailed guide of your transport options, including travel times and potential departure cities.

How to get there

At the southern end of the Coffs Coast in NSW, you'll find Urunga sitting at the meeting point of the Bellinger River and Kalang River, right before they tip into the Pacific Ocean. It's about 25 minutes south of Coffs Harbour and 5 hours north of Sydney, occupying a sweet spot on the coast, perfectly positioned for your next holiday.

Urunga Region Map

Modes of transport

Here are key transport options for car, bus, plane, train, bike and on foot. No matter how you choose to travel, there are ways to arrive and get around with less stress and more fun!

By Car

Urunga is easy to reach by car, sitting right off the Pacific Highway. From Sydney, it's a little over 500 km north (5.5 hours' drive), while from Brisbane it's roughly 470 km south (4.5 to 5 hours). Once you exit the highway, you're basically already there: it's one of those rare spots where arrival feels effortless and the relaxed pace kicks in almost immediately.

If you're driving to Urunga, here's where a lot of people travel from, with approx times and distances:

  • Valla Beach: 13 minutes / 13 km
  • Bellingen: 14 minutes / 15 km
  • Coffs Harbour: 26 minutes / 27 km
  • South West Rocks: 53 minutes / 74 km
  • Yamba: 1 h 53 minutes / 159 km
  • Ballina: 2 h 33 minutes / 232 km
  • Armidale: 2 h 34 minutes / 178 km
  • Byron Bay: 2 h 48 minutes / 259 km
  • Brisbane: 4 h 21 minutes / 411 km
  • Sydney: 5 h 12 minutes / 505 km

By Bus

You can hop on a long-distance coach to Urunga, with Greyhound and Firefly running regular routes between Sydney and Brisbane. The nearest major coach interchange is Coffs Harbour, just 20 minutes north, though some services do stop directly in Urunga (it's worth checking current timetables when booking). Busing it into town is a relaxed and affordable way to explore the coast – the scenery through this stretch of NSW makes the journey part of the adventure.

By Plane

Coffs Harbour Airport is the closest airport, just 25 km north, with regular flights from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. After landing, you can hire a car, grab a taxi, or book a shuttle for the easy 20-minute drive down to Urunga. Flying into Coffs and cruising south along the Pacific Highway is honestly a pretty dreamy way to start your escape.

By Train

NSW TrainLink's northbound and southbound services stop at Urunga station, connecting the village to Sydney, Coffs Harbour, and destinations further north toward Brisbane. The train journey from Sydney takes around 7 to 8 hours, so pack a good book or line up the podcasts, settle in, and enjoy the journey.

By Bike

For the lycra-clad and the adventurous, the Pacific Highway cycling route is the path to take to get to Urunga. Experienced riders, however, tend to plan carefully given the highway's traffic. Once you arrive, the village itself is very bikeable, with flat terrain, the iconic estuary boardwalk, and easy access to surrounding nature – it's a cyclist's delight!

By Foot

Once you're in town, getting around on foot is simple. It's small and easy to find your way around, with Reflections Urunga located on the eastern side. There are also lots of local walks and hikes to explore to get your steps in, especially the very popular Urunga Boardwalk, which is undergoing a renovation set to launch in 2026.

Top things to do in Urunga

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Frequently asked questions

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Where is Urunga NSW?

Tucked along the Coffs Coast of New South Wales, Urunga sits at the scenic junction where the Bellinger and Kalang rivers meet the Pacific Ocean. It's a laid-back coastal village that punches well above its weight for natural beauty, with a stunning ocean boardwalk, surf beach, and sheltered estuary all within easy walking distance of each other.

What LGA is Urunga in?

Urunga is in the local government area of Bellingen Shire. Along with two other major towns – Bellingen and Dorrigo – and a bunch of smaller towns – Fernmount, Mylestom, Raleigh, and Repton – it's a region known for its hinterland, river, and coastal landscapes.

Is Urunga worth visiting?

Absolutely! Urunga is one of those under-the-radar spots that locals love, and visitors happily discover. Between the famous 800-metre boardwalk over the estuary, the patrolled surf beach, great fish and chips, and a genuinely peaceful vibe, it's the kind of place that's hard to top.

How far is Urunga from Coffs Harbour?

Urunga is just 25 kilometres south of Coffs Harbour, roughly a 25-minute drive down the Pacific Highway. It's an easy and scenic day trip from Coffs, or a lovely first (or last) stop if you're road-tripping along the coast.

How long from Urunga to Kempsey?

The drive from Urunga to Kempsey is around 100 kilometres south via the Pacific Highway, which is about one hour if there's no traffic. It's a straightforward shot down the coast, and there are plenty of worthy pitstops – like Nambucca Heads – worth detouring for along the way.

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Ways to stay in Urunga

For a spot to kick back and enjoy all that the Coffs Coast has to offer, make Reflections Urunga your home away from home. With a range of different-sized and styled cabins and campsites available – as well as thoughtful amenities designed to keep the whole crew happy – our holiday park has everything you need for your next restful getaway.