Evans Head NSW — Things to Do, Where to Stay & Why It's Worth the Trip
- Apr 14
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 19
Tucked between the Richmond River and the protected wilderness of Bundjalung National Park, Evans Head is one of the North Coast’s most underrated gems. With its sweeping beaches, tranquil riverside setting, and peaceful pace of life, this relaxed seaside town makes a refreshing alternative to busier destinations like Byron Bay or Ballina.
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Whether you’re chasing waves, casting a fishing line, camping beneath the stars or simply craving salty air and space to breathe, Evans Head delivers that unpolished, barefoot holiday vibe that’s getting harder to find.
Where to Stay in Evans Head
Evans Head keeps it relaxed when it comes to accommodation like riverside cabins, beachside campgrounds, and pet-friendly motels.
Evans Head Accommodation
Set beside the river and walking distance to everything. Pet-friendly.
Why Visit Evans Head?
Evans Head offers something many coastal towns have lost a sense of calm and simplicity. Evans Head is a calm coastal town, surrounded by nature including long sandy beaches, crystal-clear waterways, and ancient paperbark forests.
Beach days without the crowds
Laid-back family holidays
Pet-friendly escapes
Fishing and boating enthusiasts
Nature walks and national park adventures
You won’t find mega resorts or high-rises here just friendly locals, great seafood, and a strong connection to the surrounding land and water.
Top Things to Do in Evans Head
Relax on Evans Head Main Beach
Backed by sand dunes and a grassy foreshore, Evans Head Main Beach is patrolled in summer and perfect for families. The surf is gentle enough for a dip, and there’s plenty of space to stretch out without bumping elbows.
Explore Bundjalung National Park
Evans Head is the southern gateway to Bundjalung National Park, home to walking tracks, remote beaches, and culturally significant sites for the Bundjalung people. The Gummigurrah walking track offers a peaceful stroll through coastal heath and woodland, while the Chinaman’s Beach access leads to a quiet, secluded bay framed by rocky cliffs.
Go Fishing or Boating on the Richmond River
If you love to fish, you’re in luck. The Richmond River and offshore reefs are teeming with bream, flathead, whiting, and tailor. There’s a boat ramp on the river, a breakwall for land-based fishing, and even local charters for serious anglers. Evans Head Coastal Bar Webcam.
Visit the Evans Head Living Museum
This volunteer-run museum captures the town’s local stories, including its WWII aviation history when the RAAF No.1 Bombing and Gunnery School was based here. It's small but full of character, and a great way to learn about Evans Head’s unique past.
Watch the Sunset from Razorback Lookout
Just a few minutes' drive from town, Razorback Lookout gives panoramic views over the Pacific Ocean, the breakwall, and the river mouth. It’s a brilliant spot for whale watching in winter or catching golden skies in the late afternoon.
Take a Surf or Swim at Chinaman’s Beach
Located south of Main Beach, Chinaman’s Beach is a more rugged, less-developed stretch of coast. It's popular with surfers and those seeking a quiet spot to swim or sit with a book, backed by dramatic headland cliffs and native bush.
Where to Eat & Drink in Evans Head
For a small coastal town, Evans Head has a surprisingly solid mix of casual dining, fresh seafood and relaxed cafés.
For breakfast or a laid-back lunch, head to Sandpit Café beneath the surf club for coffee with ocean views, or try Vespas on Oak for consistently good café fare in town. Stray Café and Sunnyboy are also popular with locals for an easy start to the day.
Head to the Evans Head Fishermen’s Co-op, where you can pick up fresh local prawns and fish straight from the source. For something quick and classic, Chippa and the Evans Head Fish Centre both deliver the kind of no-fuss fish and chips that belong by the coast.
If you’re after something more substantial in the evening, The Sandbar & Restaurant offers a slightly more polished dining experience with a focus on fresh, local ingredients, while the Illawong Hotel is a reliable option for a relaxed pub meal and a drink in the beer garden.
The Sandbar & Restaurant – a relaxed modern Australian menu with fresh seafood
Illawong Hotel – a classic pub with a good bistro and beer garden
Wurlizter Bakery - award winning bakery
Getting to Evans Head
Evans Head is:
45 minutes south of Byron Bay
33 minutes from Ballina Airport
Easily accessed via the Pacific Highway through Woodburn
It makes a great stopover or slow-paced base for a longer North Coast road trip.
Other Places to Visit Nearby
While you’re in the region, consider exploring:
Iluka – where the Clarence River meets the sea
Yamba – for boutique shopping, cafes, and epic surf
Ballina – for river cruises, local seafood, and aviation history
Broadwater – a tiny sugar town surrounded by wetlands and cane fields
Evans Head may not scream for attention, but that’s exactly what makes it special. It’s a place where you can breathe, reset, and connect with nature. Whether you’re pitching a tent, heading out on the boat, or simply looking for a quiet place to walk barefoot by the sea, Evans Head is worth investigating.