If you feel like discovering somewhere a little quieter during your stay at Tallaringa Romantic Cottages, Evans Head makes an easy and rewarding day trip.
Around 40 minutes from Tallaringa, this small Northern Rivers coastal town has a very different atmosphere from Byron Bay. Life feels slower here. The Evans River runs through the centre of town, beaches stretch in both directions and national parkland surrounds much of the coastline.
It is the kind of place where couples can arrive without a complicated itinerary, wander beside the river, find somewhere for lunch, explore a headland and spend a few hours by the water before heading back to the peace of the hinterland.
Here are five good reasons to put Evans Head on your Northern Rivers itinerary.
1. Enjoy the Evans River
The river is one of the things that gives Evans Head its distinctive character.
Rather than being simply a beach town, Evans Head sits around the Evans River estuary, with grassy foreshore areas, sandy edges, boats and plenty of places to stop and enjoy the water. The river is popular for swimming, fishing and paddling, while the foreshore is ideal for a relaxed stroll.
It also gives the town much of its laid-back feel. You can buy coffee or lunch, find a spot near the water and simply watch the boats come and go.
For couples looking for something slower than a packed sightseeing day, this is part of Evans Head’s appeal.
2. Discover Some Beautiful Beaches
Evans Head has more than 15 kilometres of coastline, ranging from the accessible Main Beach to quieter coves and more secluded stretches of sand.
Main Beach sits close to town and is protected from some of the larger south-easterly swells, making it one of the more approachable beaches in the area.
For somewhere quieter, head south towards Chinamans Beach, a peaceful beach bordered by Bundjalung National Park and Dirawong Reserve. Walking tracks lead towards Goanna Headland and surrounding coastal viewpoints.
Another pretty option is Shark Bay, a small protected beach beneath Razorback Lookout on the southern side of the river mouth.
3. Take in the Views from Razorback Lookout and Goanna Headland
Evans Head has some excellent coastal viewpoints.
Razorback Lookout
At around 45 metres above sea level, Razorback Lookout has panoramic views across Evans Head, the coastline and surrounding hinterland. There are picnic facilities, parking and binoculars that are particularly useful during whale migration season.
It is one of the easiest places to get a broad view of the whole area and is worth visiting even if you are only in Evans Head for a few hours.
Goanna Headland and Dirawong Reserve
For a more natural experience, continue towards Goanna Headland, also known as Dirawong Reserve.
The headland has great cultural significance to Bundjalung people and contains walking trails through coastal heath and along dramatic stretches of coastline. Visitors may also spot dolphins or migrating whales from the headland.
This is a place to explore respectfully and stay on designated tracks, particularly given its cultural and archaeological importance.
4. Stop for Coffee, Lunch or a Drink
One of the nice things about Evans Head is that it still feels like a small coastal town, but there are plenty of options when you want something to eat or drink.
For seafood, Evans Head Fishermens Cooperative is an obvious local stop. Evans Head has a long fishing history, and fresh seafood remains part of the town’s identity. Visit NSW particularly highlights the local fish and chips.
If you would prefer a pub-style meal or a drink, Illawong Bistro is located in the heart of town, while Evans Head Bowling Club offers another relaxed local option.
For something right by the beach, Sandpit Cafe sits beneath the surf club at Main Beach – or for a great ocean view, try their Sand Bar restaurant above the SLSC.
There is no need to over-plan this part of the day – Evans Head is compact enough to wander through town and decide what appeals when you arrive.
5. Enjoy the Mellow Small-Town Atmosphere
Perhaps the best reason to visit Evans Head is the hardest one to describe.
It simply feels relaxed.
The river and ocean are always close by, the town centre is compact and the surrounding national parks stop the area feeling overdeveloped. Visit NSW describes Evans Head as a quiet coastal town bordered by national parks on three sides.
For couples staying in the Northern Rivers, that makes it a refreshing contrast to some of the region’s busier destinations.
You can walk by the river, visit a lookout, have lunch, spend an hour on the beach and never feel as though you are rushing from one attraction to another.
Make Evans Head a Day Trip from Tallaringa
Evans Head is roughly a 30-40 minute drive from Tallaringa Romantic Cottages, making it very manageable as a relaxed day trip.
A simple itinerary might look like this:
- coffee in Evans Head
- walk along the river
- Razorback Lookout
- Chinamans Beach or Goanna Headland
- seafood or lunch in town
- one last stop beside the river before driving home
Then return to Tallaringa for a quiet evening, a private outdoor spa and the peaceful surroundings of the Byron Bay hinterland.
It is a good example of why staying in the hinterland gives couples so much choice. Byron Bay may be the region’s most famous destination, but there are plenty of smaller Northern Rivers towns worth discovering too.
Plan Your Northern Rivers Escape
From quiet coastal villages and riverfront walks to national parks, local food and scenic lookouts, the Northern Rivers is full of places that reward a little exploring.
Tallaringa Romantic Cottages offers couples a peaceful adults-only base from which to discover them.
Explore our romantic cottages and start planning your next Northern Rivers getaway.