Major city · Australia
Evans Head
Give Evans Head 2 nights if you want the beach and river at walking pace; 1 night is enough if you are breaking the drive between Ballina and Grafton.
Evans Head is a small Northern Rivers town of about 2,800 people, roughly 40 km south of Ballina, sitting where the Evans River meets the ocean. It is compact enough to walk end to end, with a surf beach on one side and a calm river beach on the other, plus a heritage aviation museum on the old airfield. There is no nightlife to speak of and the shops are basic, so treat it as a slow beach stop or a one-night break on the Pacific Highway rather than a base for the region.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- AUD
- Best months
- Sep–Nov, Mar–May
- avoid Dec–Jan (school holidays, packed and pricier); Feb–Mar can bring heavy rain
- Airports
- BNK · OOL · CFS
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 7
- Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
- Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
- Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
- Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
- Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
- Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
- Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Evans Head000 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Evans Head, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Australian dollar (AUD, A$).Australia-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelstra has the widest outback coverage; Optus and Vodafone (TPG) are cheaper and fine in cities and along highways.Australia-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in cities and towns; in remote places use signed drinking taps.Australia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: Not expected; 10% for very good service in a nice restaurant if you wish.Australia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets I. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Australia-wide
- SafetyA quiet beach town, not a dangerous one.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets in parks, beaches, shopping centres and petrol stations (servos); the National Public Toilet Map app lists them.Australia-wide
- Emergency numbers000 police, fire, ambulance · 112 From a mobile · 132 500 NSW SES (floods and storms)
- Sundays & holidaysChristmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 15:00; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Christmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 3:00 PM; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Australia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportBNK Ballina Byron Gateway (About 45–55 min by road south; the closest airport with regular flights).
- Getting aroundThe town is small enough to walk or cycle everywhere; bring or hire a bike if you want to reach the airfield museum without a car.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeA$5–7 (≈ US$4–5)
- Budget bedHostel or caravan-park cabin bed, a night, per personA$45 (≈ US$30)
- Mid-range bedMotel or pub double room, a night, per roomA$190 (≈ US$130)
- High-end bedMotel or pub double room, a night, per roomA$320 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget A$90 (≈ US$60) · Mid A$160 (≈ US$110) · High A$280 (≈ US$190)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- BNK Ballina Byron Gateway (About 45–55 min by road south; the closest airport with regular flights) · OOL Gold Coast (About 2 h by road south via the Pacific Motorway; larger choice of flights) · CFS Coffs Harbour (About 2 h 30 min north; useful if you are driving the coast northbound)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Feb
Avoid
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Mar
Care
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Apr
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
May
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Jun
not flagged
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Jul
not flagged
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Aug
not flagged
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Sep
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Oct
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Nov
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Dec
Avoid
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Best: Apr–May, Sep–Nov. Mixed: Mar. Avoid: Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)), coolest Jul (9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C) low), wettest Mar (15 rain days), driest Jul (8). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Evans Head: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
13 rd
Feb
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
14 rd
Mar
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
15 rd
Apr
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
12 rd
May
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
11 rd
Jun
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
9 rd
Jul
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
8 rd
Aug
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
8 rd
Sep
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
8 rd
Oct
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
10 rd
Nov
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
11 rd
Dec
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
12 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The town is small enough to walk or cycle everywhere; bring or hire a bike if you want to reach the airfield museum without a car. A car is needed for the highway, Ballina, Grafton and the national park road to Broadwater. NSW TrainLink coaches connect Evans Head with Grafton (for the XPT) and there are limited Buslines services to Lismore and Ballina — check timetables before you rely on them.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 45 min
Drive north on the Pacific Highway, about 40 km (25 mi)Drive north on the Pacific Highway, about 25 mi (40 km)
Bigger town for supermarkets, a wider choice of restaurants and the Richmond River mouth.
Door to door: About 1 h 15 min
Drive south via Woodburn and the Pacific Highway, then the Iluka turn-off
Rainforest walk, ferry across to Yamba and a calmer river beach.
Door to door: About 1 h
Drive north past Ballina on the coast road
Headland walk and a long surf beach; good half-day with Ballina.
Door to door: About 1 h
Drive via Woodburn and the Bruxner Highway
Regional town with markets and services; not a beach day, and the road floods in heavy rain.
Door to door: About 1 h 15 min
Drive via Woodburn and the Summerland Way
Beef and rural town; only worth it if you are heading inland anyway.
Door to door: About 1 h 45 min
Drive via Lismore, then the road north
Long for a return day from Evans Head; better as an overnight in the hinterland.
Door to door: About 2 h
Drive north on the Pacific Motorway
Doable as a long day; traffic on the motorway can add an hour each way.
Murwillumbah
overnightDoor to door: About 2 h
Drive north via Ballina and the Tweed Valley Way
Too far for a comfortable return day; sleep one night in the Tweed Valley.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Oak Street and town centre
Walk to shops, pubs and both beaches; motels and the pub with rooms are here.
River and south-side streets
Quieter holiday rentals, short walk to the river beach and the lookouts.
Woodburn
About 10 km (6.2 mi) inland on the highway; cheaper motels if the town is full.About 6.2 mi (10 km) inland on the highway; cheaper motels if the town is full.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- A$90–140 (≈ US$60–95) excl. bed
- Mid
- A$150–230 (≈ US$100–160) excl. bed
- High
- A$250 (≈ US$170)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel or pub double room1 × 2 nights × A$190 | A$380 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × A$160 | A$640 |
| Fish and chips for two1 × A$45 | A$45 |
| Coffee, one a day4 × A$6 | A$24 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × A$25 | A$50 |
| Fuel, Ballina return1 × A$20 · check | A$20 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | A$116 |
| Trip total≈ A$319 per person per day, bed included | A$1,275≈ US$850 |
2026 estimate in Australian dollars; flights and fuel excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | A$5–7 (≈ US$4–5) |
| Fish and chips | A$15–25 (≈ US$10–17) |
| Pub meal (RSL or hotel) | A$25–40 (≈ US$17–30) |
| Scoop of ice cream at a milk bar | A$5–8 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Motel double room, off-peakcheck | A$130–200 (≈ US$90–140) |
| Fuel, per litrecheck | A$1.80–2.10 (≈ US$2) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- The Broadwater–Evans Head road is driven fast by locals; slow down if 100 km/h (62 mph) feels uncomfortable.The Broadwater–Evans Head road is driven fast by locals; slow down if 62 mph (100 km/h) feels uncomfortable.
- The road to Broadwater passes through national park and has wildlife on the road at dusk and after dark — drive slowly or go via Woodburn.
- Weekend nights can bring groups of bored teenagers around town; violent crime is rare but petty theft and vandalism happen — lock your car and don't leave gear on the beach.
- Ocean beach patrols are occasional, not guaranteed; swim between the flags when they are up.
- Petrol in town is limited and often dearer than on the highway — fill up in Ballina, Grafton or Woodburn.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 000
- From a mobile
- 112
- NSW SES (floods and storms)
- 132 500
Pocket card
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Evans HeadEvans Head
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Can you take me to this address, please?To this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance000
- From a mobile112
- NSW SES132 500
Embassy
No consulates in Evans Head. The US consulate-general is in Sydney; the UK, Canada and New Zealand have consulates or high commissions in Sydney and Canberra.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- NSW TrainLink coach, Evans Head → Grafton: about A$20–30 (≈ US$14–20), about 1 h 30 min (check)
- Buslines, Evans Head → Ballina: about A$10–15 (≈ US$7–10), about 1 h (check)
- Taxi, town centre → airfield museum: about A$15–20 (≈ US$10–14) (check)
Say or show
- Thanks — Thank you
- Where's the beach? — Where is the beach?
- How much? — How much is it?
- Card ok? — Can I pay by card?
- Where's the loo? — Where is the toilet?
- Are the flags up today? — Is it patrolled today?
Patrols on the ocean beach are occasional, not daily — check the flags before you swim.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Evans Head. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Sep–Nov, Mar–May · avoid Dec–Jan (school holidays, packed and pricier); Feb–Mar can bring heavy rain · month by month →
- 3 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 8 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contracts for BNK, OOL and CFS: last coach and shuttle times field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: Oak Street shops, the river beach, the ocean beach and the airfield museum.
- Place pages with verified opening hours (F111 Museum, RSL, pubs) and eat pages with last orders.
- Flood and storm fixtures for the Northern Rivers so the drive-in decision can go green or red.