Evans Head

Evans Head is a small town in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales.

Understand

Evans Head is a small town about 40 km south of Ballina.

Get in

The town is serviced by a daily NSW Trainlink coach from Casino, connecting with the XPT train. There are also infrequent commuter buses provided by Buslines group to Grafton, Lismore and Ballina. If entering by road there are two ways into the town, both leading from the Pacific Highway. One leaves the small village of Woodburn, the other leaves from the small village of Broadwater. All 3 are approximately 10 km away from each other. In effect the roads form a triangle facing the Pacific Ocean, with Evans head at its apex, the Broadwater-Evans Head road forming the northern side, the Evans Head-Woodburn road forming its southern side and the Pacific Highway forming the western side.

Note that the locals travel quickly along the roads into town-particularly Broadwater–Evans Head Road. Feel free to slow down somewhat if you don't feel comfortable doing 100 km/h. Woodburn–Evans Head Road has an 80 km/h speed limit and is more residential.

Get around

The town itself is very compact so walking or a bicycle should suffice.

See

There are some nice lookouts on the south side of town.

• 1 F111 Museum (Evans Head Heritage Aviation Museum), 61 Memorial Airport Dr, ☏ +61 2 6682 6756. Heritage aviation museum. (updated Sep 2021)

Do

Swim at the beach. There is a beach on both the river and ocean. The ocean beach is occasionally patrolled.

Buy

There are basic shops at the town, including 2 groceries, several takeaway food shops and a smattering of other shops and services. The shops are mainly utilitarian in purpose however. There is a service station in town however cheaper petrol can probably be had elsewhere.

Eat

There are many take away hot food shops who do fish and chips, burgers etc. The RSL also has a restaurant attached.

• 1 The Fish Centre (Evans Head Fish Centre), 14 Oak St, ☏ +61 2 6682 4366. Every coastal town in NSW usually has one local fish and chips shop – this happens to be Evans Head's local fish and chip shop. (updated Oct 2023)
• 2 Japxican, 1/6 Oak St. Australian-Japanese restaurant. (updated Sep 2021)
• 3 Muzza's Milk Bar, 1/5 Oak St, ☏ +61 420 857 852. Local ice-cream parlor. (updated Oct 2023)

Drink

There is an RSL club and several pubs in town, however there isn't really much nightlife in general.

Sleep

There are several options for accommodation. Holiday rentals are popular-see the local real estates for more information. There are several motels in nearby Woodburn and Evans Head that may also be of interest

• 1 Evans Head Pacific Motel, 38 Woodburn St, ☏ +61 2 6682 4318. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 10AM. (updated Sep 2021)
• 2 Hotel Illawong, 15-19 Oak St, ☏ +61 2 6682 4222, info@hotelillawong.com.au. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 10AM. (updated Oct 2023)

Stay safe

The town has some problems with gangs of bored youth roaming the town on weekend nights. Most of them are bored-not looking for trouble however be mindful of where you are and who is around. Whilst violent crime is rare there is occasionally vandalism and petty theft perpetrated by these groups.

Go next

The road to Broadwater passes through a national park and may have wildlife on it during the evenings and nights so caution is advised. Take it slow and you should be alright, or alternatively travel via Woodburn. There is still a risk of some wildlife however the road passes through farmland and is fenced at least.

Routes via Evans Head

Brisbane ← Gold Coast ← Ballina ←

N M1 (at Woodburn) S

→ Yamba → Coffs Harbour