You’ve been up and down the coast many times and you know what you like. You don’t like tourists or too many people between the flags. The parking games at Bryon is a more traumatic version of the Hunger Games and dials up your chill to kill. Ballina is nice but too big and you’re on your way to Yamba. And then you see it, the sign for Evans Head. It’s smaller, quieter but has all the ingredients you crave. River, beaches and the right amount of civilisation… I mean cafes… I mean coffee.
It’s the gem worth a look if you don’t want to fight for space but still want all the must haves for a family beach holiday.
It’s just 1 and a quarter hours from the Queensland border on the M1 or 40 minutes from Byron Bay. The M1 turns into a blissful experience once you’ve crossed the Tweed River. It’s 10 minutes off the Pacific Highway from Broadwater going South and Woodburn if coming from the South.
For your dining pleasure you have the Aussie bistro holy trinity (RSL, Bowlo and Surf club) all eminently qualified to satisfy your dining requirements.
Thai restaurants are still to penetrate (nearest a quick drive to Ballina) and it speaks to Evans Head being a little bit of a time capsule but in a good way. I doubt Byron Bae types could survive in this environment.
Beaches
Besides Main Beach which is flagged, there is Airforce Beach, popular with 4×4 owners, which extends for miles to the North until the coffee rocks impede your progress. It is also the local off leash dog beach.
For a quieter time you can visit Chinamans Beach a couple of km’s to the South. So named for the Celestials that mined the black beach sands for gold. Adjoining Chinamans beach is New Zealand beach and you guessed it, where the Kiwi miners looked for gold.
At the southern end you’ll see Goanna Headland and worth a visit.
Razorback Lookout
High on Evans Head, it overlooks the mouth of the river and is essential viewing for boaties and surfers. It features recently upgraded picnic facilities (covered tables, BBQ’s and toilets) and makes a great spot for lunch with a view.
It’s also compulsory to visit once a day when in town.
Evans Head Heritage Aviation Museum
The Evans Head Aerodrome is an old RAAF base that was developed in World War 2. The museum houses a serious collection including F-111C, Caribou and Canberra aircraft. The RAAF connection continues today with the Evans Head Weapons Range.
Map
For directions click directions to Evans Head.