Things to do in Evans Head

A nature-lover’s paradise

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.

Indigenous Heritage and 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.

Scenic walks and lookouts

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.

Enjoying the great outdoors

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. 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 comradery 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 Fishermans Cooperative at the marina for some of the tastiest, freshest seafood in the state.

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.

Dining and entertainment in Evans Head

Cafes & breakfast spots

There are plenty of great places to eat and have a bevvie in Evans Head. For a great coffee and a bacon and egg roll, stroll down the road to Vespas on Oak on the main street, or settle in at Sunnyboy for an awesome coffee and a range of delicious café treats, surrounded by a gallery-like space of homewares.

Stray Espresso Bar is also vying for your ‘best coffee’ vote, and here they whip up amazing pancakes with banana, strawberries and ice cream. They regularly have live music, and the work of local artists is always on show.

If you have a sleep-in (you deserve it!), there’s a delicious all-day breakfast and lunch menu at Sandpit Café, which is a local hotspot under the Evans Head Casino Surf Life Saving Club.

Dinner and drinks

For dinner, at Club Evans RSL you can watch a band or enjoy a meal while drinking in the views of Evans River, with a beer, wine or cocktail in hand.

If you’re after a relaxed hotel/pub kind of feel, tuck into a meal at Rod n Reel Bistro in the nearby town of Woodburn, which has weekly specials including pizza night on Thursdays and is a ten-minute drive from downtown Evans Head. It’s super kid-friendly, with a dedicated kids’ play area.

Markets and events

There are plenty of events, festivals and markets to keep everyone busy in and around Evans Head, no matter what the season may be.

Seasonal Events

In October, surfing is celebrated at the Evans Head Malibu Classic, with a popular event being the retro competition, honouring all things surfing from the past. For lovers of fishing, in the winter school holidays, the Evans Head Fishing Classic draws people of all ages to the region in search of a rewarding catch. The entertainment and daily prizes only add to the fun and thrill-seeking. In the nearby town of Woodburn, an annual raft race is held on the Richmond River as a part of the Woodburn Riverside Festival.

For lovers of flowers and fresh produce, there’s the Woodburn Spring Orchid Show in September, and there’s always a great produce market to be explored at Evans Head Rotary Monthly Markets held the last Saturday of every month, and Evans Head Farmers Markets held every Friday.

Family-Friendly Activities

If you’re travelling with kids, and 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.

Ready to explore Evans Head?

Evans Head is a coastal paradise that blends rich cultural heritage, breathtaking natural beauty, and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast eager to explore its stunning landscapes, a history buff keen on uncovering its Indigenous and aviation past, or simply looking for a place to unwind with great food and friendly locals, Evans Head has something to offer everyone. With its unspoiled beaches, vibrant markets, and community-driven events, this charming town is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. So pack your bags and experience the magic of Evans Head for yourself!