Ambassador Ethan Street - Evans Head Beach

Things to Do in Evans Head

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Discover Evans Head: Your ultimate things to do guide

Situated on the traditional lands of the Bundjalung people, Evans Head NSW is a charmingly laidback seaside town that less than 3,000 people call home. It’s a nature-lover’s paradise –not only is it blessed to have Bundjalung National Park on its south side and Broadwater National Park to the north – the township sits at the mouth of Evans River and is fringed with long, golden and white-sand beaches.

Outdoor activities

Scenic Walks and Lookouts

Joggly Point

For an easy walk around the coast, Joggly Point ticks all the boxes. From Evans Head, it’s a quick drive over the bridge, then a left into Ocean Drive. Make sure you stop at Razorback Lookout on the way for some of the best views back towards town, or if you feel like a picturesque lunch stop, it has picnic tables, restrooms, binoculars to check out the lush hinterland in the distance, and, it’s wheelchair friendly.

Follow the pathway from the end of Ocean Drive, then make your way through the coastal scrub and along a sandy path, down into a gully and then out on to the headland that is 250-million-year-old bedrock including a natural rock formation called Piano Rock.

Dirawong Reserve

According to the mythology of the Bundjalung Nation, the Dirawong (which is an unseen goanna spirit) is a creator of Dreamtime stories that taught the people about Aboriginal customs, culture and the land. To see and experience some of the ancient culture yourself, a few kilometres from the town centre of Evans Head you’ll find Dirawong Reserve – which is 300 hectares of native coastal bushland with walking tracks snaking through its interior. There are plenty of informative signs covering its remarkable history.

The reserve includes Goanna Headland, Snapper Rock, Snake Island in the Evans River, and the Iron Gates on both sides of the River and Bundjalung National Park, and it’s regarded as one of the last intact coastal cultural landscapes for Aboriginal people in NSW, with more than 24 archaeological sites having been identified around Goanna Headland.

Razorback Lookout

Visit Razorback Lookout for sweeping views of the coastline, ideal for photography and whale watching during migration seasons.

Explore Evans Head on Two Wheels

For those who love to cycle, the Mid Richmond Three Villages Cycleway offers a fantastic way to explore the region’s scenic landscapes at a relaxed pace. This dedicated shared-use path connects the charming communities of Evans Head, Woodburn, and Broadwater, creating a safe and enjoyable route for cyclists of all levels. Glide past lush farmland, peaceful bushland, and riverbanks teeming with birdlife, with plenty of spots along the way to stop for a rest or picnic. Whether you’re travelling solo, with friends, or as a family, this route is a wonderful way to soak in the natural beauty and small-town charm of the Northern Rivers.

Epic Surf & Beach Spots at Evans Head

Speak to any surfer or lover of fishing from the East Coast, and Evans Head will merit a mention. Surfing at Evans Head is an experience like no other. With its long stretches of beautiful beaches, there are loads of surfing spots in and around Evans Head – a local favourite being secluded Chinaman’s Beach, which is surrounded by Bundjalung National Park and Dirawong Reserve.

Top Evans Head surf beaches include:

Main Beach
Patrolled and beginner-friendly with consistent breaks. Great near the breakwall or further south for more challenge.
Airforce Beach
Long, open stretches with punchy beach breaks. Best for intermediate to advanced surfers. 4WD accessible.
Shark Bay
Small, protected bay with gentler waves — good for bodyboarding or beginner surfers on calm days.
Chinaman’s Beach
More remote and exposed. Uncrowded on a good swell but best suited to experienced surfers.

But if you don’t know your way around a surfboard, take a surfing lesson at Evans Head Surf Shack. You can also book a kayak or a stand-up paddleboard and set off on one-person cruise down the river.

A fisherman's haven

Speak to any angler from the East Coast, and Evans Head will merit a mention. From the banks of Evans River, you can fish for bream, flathead and whiting, while at its mouth on the rock walls, anglers can try their luck catching tailor, mulloway, and luderick. For more serious offshore missions, chase cobia, snapper, tuna and pearl perch, and jump aboard a fishing charter that’ll take you about 30 kilometres offshore for a fishing adventure on the high seas.

If you need some expert guidance and camaraderie while making your big fish dream come true, Evans Head Deep Sea Fishing Charters has been around for 20 years, with owner Mick operating his own commercial boats for even longer. He aims to ensure that you don’t come back empty-handed. But if you do, pop on down to Evans Head Fisherman's Cooperative at the marina for some of the tastiest, freshest seafood in the state.

4WD adventures

Credit: Ambassador Wandering Tribe of Five

Experience the thrill of driving along the expansive Airforce Beach, a popular spot for beach driving and fishing enthusiasts.

Local attractions

Family-Friendly Activities

If you’re travelling with kids, head for the beach, but if the weather is too cool for the beach, check out the Evans Head Aquatic Centre, which has a covered, heated pool with eight lanes, a kids’ splash pool, a BBQ area and even a gym that’s open 24-7.

Aviation History

For history buffs and aviation geeks, check out the Evans Head Heritage Aviation Museum, which features an impressive array of military, civilian and heritage aircraft. Two major drawcards are a RAAF Canberra A84-203 and an F-111 fighter bomber.

Evans Head Living Museum

Delve into local history with displays of photographs, artifacts, and stories that showcase the heritage of Evans Head.

More Evans Head attractions

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Attractions

Evans Head Living Museum

0.03km from park

The Evans Head Living Museum is located in Clarrie Kirkland Reserve on the Evans River foreshore adjacent to Reflections Holiday Park....

Things to Do in Evans Head

Discover Evans Head: Your ultimate things to do guide

Outdoor activities

Scenic Walks and Lookouts

Joggly Point

Dirawong Reserve

Razorback Lookout

Explore Evans Head on Two Wheels

Epic Surf & Beach Spots at Evans Head

A fisherman's haven

4WD adventures

Local attractions

Family-Friendly Activities

Aviation History

Evans Head Living Museum

More Evans Head attractions

Cafes & breakfast spots

Dinner and drinks

Love fresh seafood?

More food & drink near Evans Head

Markets

Seasonal events

Summer

Winter events in Evans Head

Evans Head Holiday Inspiration

Ways to stay in Evans Head