Getting around Evans Head
Plan your trip to Evans Head
Pack up the car, camper or book that flight – it's holiday time! If you need transport ideas, check out our guide on how to get to Evans Head. Whether you plan to travel by car, bus, plane or train, we've done the research and mapped out your best options.
With Reflections Evans Head as an ideal end point for your next far north coast NSW getaway, you can enjoy the journey of arriving with less stress and perhaps a bit of bonus sightseeing along the way.
How to get there
Evans Head is on the coast, south of other popular Northern Rivers destinations like Ballina, Lennox Head, Brunswick Heads and Byron Bay. The beautiful Evans River runs right through town out into the Pacific Ocean, making it the perfect place to go for water-based escapades.
Modes of transport
By Car
Bringing your car to Evans Head? That's a great idea – it can give you the freedom to get out and explore nearby coastal towns and natural playgrounds, like Bungawalbin or Bundjalung National Park. Whether you're road tripping up from the ACT or Victoria, or simply hopping over the Queensland border, arriving by car is a quick and efficient way to get here.
Here are a few popular departure cities and roughly how far from Evans Head they are by car:
- Ballina: 33 minutes / 41.5 km
- Lismore: 42 minutes / 45 km
- Byron Bay and Brunswick Heads: 48 minutes / 68 km and 73 km respectively
- Gold Coast: 1hr 40 minutes / 156 km
- Brisbane: 2hr 50 minutes / 220 km
- Sydney: 7 hr 45 minutes (no tolls) / 707 km
Also, if you're looking for car hire and car rental options, they're available at nearby airports in Byron Bay (Ballina/Byron Gateway Airport) and the Gold Coast, as well as in Evans Head when you arrive.
By Bus
The main bus stop is the Evans Head Coach Stop on Woodburn Street (near the library), which is a short walk from the town centre. You can access a range of different local and regional buses operated by Transport NSW to get to nearby spots, like Grafton and Lismore, or further afield to major capital cities, like Sydney and Brisbane.
By Plane
As for how to get to Evans Head by plane, there are no direct flights into town, but the main arrival airport is Ballina Byron Gateway (with Gold Coast Airport as a backup option). Qantas, Rex, Jet Star and Virgin operate flights into these major hubs, and you can book a regular shuttle or rideshare to take you down to Evans Head from the airport.
By Train
Hopping on a train is a wonderful way to see more of Australia's beautiful East coast. Depending on where you start, you might choose to travel overnight to save time or during the day for sightseeing.
For trains to Evans Head, NSW, you've got options:
- From Brisbane: Take a NSW TrainLink XPT train from Roma Street Station to Casino Station, also on the NSW North Coast line.
- From Sydney: Catch a NSW TrainLink Regional train from a major city, like Sydney, heading north towards Grafton, Casino or Brisbane (that's the North Coast Line).
- From Melbourne: NSW TrainLink train can take you to Sydney (approx. 11 hrs), and from there you can connect with regional trains and coaches to get to Evans Head.
By Bike
Biking to Evans Head is very doable, but there are mostly rural roads, not dedicated bike paths. If you’re coming from nearby towns like Ballina or Yamba, these are great regional cycling routes with gorgeous scenery and easy terrain. For longer journeys (like from Brisbane or Sydney by bike), it's best to break your trip up into smaller chunks and map your route ahead of time to avoid heavy traffic.
By Foot
The town centre is compact and mostly flat, making it ideal for getting out on two feet to explore. Most of the cafés, shops, supermarkets, pubs, RSL, and Reflections Evans Head are within a few minutes’ walk of each other in the main streets around Woodburn Street and Oak Street. You'll also find shared paths and walkways to access local beaches and headlands for short to moderate walks and hikes.
Top things to do in Evans Head
Sunnyboy offers a brilliant corner store, plants, coffee and a number of other goodies - a space filled with good vibes. Perfectly situated in the main street of Evans Head and serving Allpress Coffee, they've now joined forces with Wild Flower Evans Head for all your flower needs.
After years spent living abroad, Adventure.com writer, Emily Barlow goes looking for a way to reconnect with her home state of NSW, Australia. On an electric-powered journey from Sydney to Byron Bay, she stops for surfs, SUP-adventures and lessons from the land.
Discover heritage aviation at the exciting Evans Head Memorial Aerodrome Heritage Aviation Museum, which thousands of magnificent men and women called home while undergoing bombing training during World War ll.
The museum features military and civilian aircraft and artefacts collected from across Australia.
Get up close to real, military and civilian aircraft heritage aircrafts. Take the driver's seat of the F-111 fighter bomber. Take a personalised tour with passionate volunteers who remember the stories, the history, the tragedies and the triumphs of Northern Rivers aviation.
Explore the museum, complete with interpretive signage, tour desk, free parking. The major attraction to the museum is a RAAF Canberra A84-203 and takes pride of place next to the F-111 fighter bomber.
Pick up a souvenir of your visit in the museum gift shop or arrange a personalised photo session. Browse the handicrafts in the Evans Head Men's Shed annexe.
The Evans River is located in the heart of the seaside village of Evans Head. It is the ideal setting for on-water activities such as canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and boating. Barbecue facilities are just a stones throw away from the sandy banks of the river, and a walking track lines the edges of this pristine waterway.
Two boat ramps are located at the southern end of the Evans River, along with fish cleaning facilities and pontoon moorings.
It’s always nice to put your feet up when you’re on holiday, but it’s also fun to get out and discover unventured territory.
Surf, kayak, or stand up paddle board at Evans Head Surf Shack during the warmer months in Evans Head.
Evans Head Surf Shack has hire and group tour options available. Take on the ocean during a group tour or, if the seas aren't your style, go on an eco-friendly river tour.
The Northern Rivers of New South Wales is a paradise for dog lovers. With its stunning landscapes and friendly communities, it's the perfect place to explore with your furry friend. Whether you're near Ballina, Evans Head, Brunswick Heads, Lennox Head, or Byron Bay, there are plenty of dog-friendly parks and beaches to enjoy.
Situated along the banks of the Evans River, Club Evans RSL is a family-friendly venue catering to all ages with great food, free entertainment, a kid's play area, and an upstairs bar overlooking the pristine river.
The River Bistro is open seven days for lunch and dinner. It offers a range of bistro-style meals with river-view seating and live music events.
Frequently asked questions
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What is the closest airport to Evans Head?
The Ballina Byron Gateway Airport is the closest airport to Evans Head. It's a 40-minute drive north via the M1, just near Ballina's town centre.
How far is Evans Head from the highway?
Evans Head is around a 14-minute drive off the M1, taking the Tuckombil Road exit. You'll detour via Woodburn and head east down Woodburn Evans Head road, which will bring you right into town.
How far from Evans Head is Casino?
To get to Evans Head from Casino, you'll need to travel around 60km southeast via local roads. That route will take you through Tatham, Codrington, Coraki and Woodburn before landing you in Evans Head.
Plan your trip
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Attractions
Airforce Beach
1.5km from park
Airforce Beach, north of Evans Head Main Beach, is an ideal location for fishing, walking, horse riding and swimming....
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Jul 03 - Jul 10
Events
Evans Head Fishing Classic
0.35km from park
The annual Evans Head Fishing Classic is held each year during the winter school holidays.
Evans Head offers a unique holiday...
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Food and Drink
Rod N Reel Hotel
10.01km from park
Woodburn's Rod 'n' Reel Hotel on the far North Coast of NSW is a popular stopover for travellers due to its convenient location on...
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Tours
Evans Head Deep Sea Fishing Charters
0.09km from park
Mick McGillivray has been operating his own commercial boats off Evans Head for over 20 years.
By popular demand, Mick purchased a...
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Attractions
Chinamans Beach Evans Head
2.07km from park
Bound by the native bushland of Bundjalung National Park and Dirawong Reserve, Chinamans Beach is a secluded beach a short drive...
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Feb 20 - Dec 18
Events
Evans Head Farmers Markets
0.28km from park
Evans Head Farmers Market aims to support local farmers, bakers and makers and provide access to fresh, locally sourced produce....
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Food and Drink
Riverview Cafe and Takeaway
10.04km from park
Call in after days of travelling for a quick bite to eat. Dine-in or takeaway options are available. Why not grab some takeaway and...
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Tours
Arrow's Fishing Charters
1.37km from park
Arrow’s Fishing Charters offer tailored fishing and whale-watching experiences.
For adventure seekers, book into a six-hour fishing...
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Attractions
Evans Head Main Beach
0.48km from park
Main Beach is ideal for inexperienced surfers because it enjoys protection from the big southeast swells that get the local big-wave...
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Oct 02 - Oct 05
Events
Evans Head Malibu Classic
1.37km from park
Come along to the 34th annual Evans Head Malibu Classic at Evans Head Main Beach.
Enjoy the long weekend spectating a range of aged...
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Food and Drink
Wurlitzer Bakery Woodburn
10.07km from park
Wurlitzer Bakery is an award-winning bakery that offers freshly baked products and delicious coffees. Try the cakes, rolls, pies,...
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Attractions
Goanna Headland
1.4km from park
In the mythology of the Bundjalung Nation, the Dirawong (a goanna) is the Creator Being that taught the people various aspects of...
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Events
Evans Head Christmas Party
0.28km from park
Join the Rotary Club of Evans Head for the annual Evans Head Christmas Party.
Head to Oak Street from 4pm to join the festivities....
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Food and Drink
The Sandbar and Restaurant
0.5km from park
Cold beers, cocktails and delicious food, paired with the best ocean view in town! After a day out exploring Evans Head, come and...
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Ways to stay in Evans Head
You can stay in beach houses, villas, cabins, tiny homes and campsites at Reflections Evans Head. You'll love our Evans Head camping grounds, which have a range of amenities and activities so you can set up and unwind while you're here. No matter your appetite for the outdoors, there are options here for the whole family.
