Ballina to Evans Head: Beyond the Highway
This half-day drive from Ballina to Evans Head takes you beyond the highway and into the heart of the Northern Rivers. Travel through historic riverside villages, fertile sugar cane country and the untouched landscapes of Broadwater National Park before arriving in one of the region’s most relaxed seaside towns. Along the way you’ll uncover local cafés, country pubs, fascinating history and spectacular coastal lookouts that many travellers simply drive past.
Ballina to Evans Head
Ballina CBD – Breakfast, Boutiques & River Views
Ease into the morning with breakfast at one of Ballina’s popular cafés in the town centre. Choose from a waterfront café or a local favourite, then spend some time browsing the boutique shops, galleries and specialty stores throughout the CBD before enjoying a stroll along the picturesque Richmond River.
Ballina CBD, River Street, Ballina
Big Prawn – A Ballina Classic
A photo with the Big Prawn is the perfect way to kick off your road trip. Standing 9 metres tall, this iconic Australian roadside attraction was almost demolished in 2013 before being saved and restored by Bunnings, giving it a fresh new lease on life.
Big Prawn
Ballina Historical Museum - Local Stories & Heritage
Take a journey through Ballina’s past at the Ballina District Museum, where local history comes alive through engaging displays, treasured memorabilia and historic photographs. The museum is open on Fridays and Sundays or by appointment.
Wardell
Set on the banks of the Richmond River, Wardell is a quiet village with rich history and country charm. Stop for a fish off the jetty or grab a bite from the beloved Wardell Pie Shop, famous for its buttery pastry and generous fillings. Cross Wardell’s historic lift span bridge – the last operating bridge of its kind in Australia – before continuing south past sweeping sugar cane fields towards Broadwater, where country hospitality awaits.
Broadwater Hotel - Country Hospitality
Enjoy a cold drink or a meal from the all-day menu at the Broadwater Hotel. Known for its warm country hospitality and welcoming atmosphere, this much-loved local pub has been a community gathering place for generations. After extensive flood recovery following the 2022 floods, the hotel has reopened its doors and once again offers live music, free pool and classic country charm.
Broadwater Hotel
Broadwater National Park
Broadwater National Park is located between Broadwater and Evans Head. Just outside of Broadwater, a short walk leads to the Broadwater Inland Lookout, where sweeping views stretch across the vast sand dunes, coastal forests and the Pacific Ocean. It’s a fantastic place to pause, take in the ever-changing landscape and, during the cooler months, keep an eye out for migrating whales offshore.
Evans Head - Beaches & River Adventures
Nestled between Bundjalung and Broadwater National Parks, Evans Head is a laid-back seaside gem where river and ocean meet. Spend time relaxing on the beaches, paddling the calm waters of the Evans River or exploring the walking trails and lookouts of Dirawong Reserve.
Evans Head
Razorback Lookout
Make time to visit Razorback Lookout on the south side of town. Perched around 45 metres above sea level, it offers spectacular views across the coastline, Evans Head township and north towards Ballina. Grab some fish and chips from the co-op on your way to enjoy with a view.
Razorback Lookout
Evans Head Aviation Museum
Step back in time at the Evans Head Heritage Aviation Museum, located on the site of one of Australia’s largest World War II RAAF training bases. Explore an impressive collection of military and civilian aircraft, aviation artefacts and interactive displays, including the chance to sit in the cockpit of an iconic F-111 fighter bomber. (Open Saturday & Sunday 10am–4pm and Tuesday 9am–12pm)
Evans Head Aviation Museum
Woodburn - Riverside Town
If you’re not quite ready to head home, continue another 15 minutes to Woodburn. This peaceful riverside town provides the perfect finale to your journey. Stretch your legs along the waterfront, let the kids loose at the adventure playground, or settle in for dinner and a locally brewed beer at the Rod & Reel Hotel & Brewery.
Rod n Reel Hotel
Ballina to Evans Head: Beyond the Highway
Leave the Pacific Highway behind and take the scenic route from Ballina to Evans Head, travelling through sugar cane country, past historic villages and into the natural beauty of Broadwater National Park before reaching this relaxed seaside town.
Ballina District Historical Museum
Learn about places of interest in the Ballina area as well as stories, memorabilia and photos from the past.
The history of Ballina is of interest to many people and the newly formed Historical Society has worked hard to bring it all to life at the Ballina and District Museum.
They are happy to organised tours. offer morning tea and admission to groups.
Wardell
In the 1850s, the charming riverside village of Wardell, then known as ‘Blackwall,’ was a bustling cedar-getter settlement, home to two sawmills and a thriving river trade. As the cedar supply dwindled, the fertile lands gave way to sugarcane farming, which has since become the heart of Wardell’s economy.
Today, Wardell offers a delightful escape steeped in history and natural beauty. Anglers will relish the excellent fishing opportunities, while history enthusiasts can embark on the ‘Wardell Walkabout,’ a self-guided tour of the village’s historic buildings that whisper tales of a bygone era.
Situated upstream on the picturesque Richmond River, Wardell is a serene retreat surrounded by rolling sugarcane fields. It’s the perfect starting point for your journey along Tourist Drive 28. Don’t leave without sampling a famous Wardell pie – a treat as warm and welcoming as the village itself!
Wardell is more than a destination; it’s an experience to discover its unique charm!
Broadwater National Park
Broadwater National Park is a great place to visit with friends and family, especially if you enjoy birdwatching. The swamps and marshlands of Broadwater are home to many waders such as ibis, herons and brolgas. The rare black-necked stork, commonly known as a ‘jabiru’, is occasionally sighted around Salty Lagoon.
There’s also a great diversity of animals in Broadwater so keep an eye out for swamp wallabies, red-necked wallabies, echidnas, bandicoots, bush rats, blossom bats and ringtail possums. Early mornings and early evenings are the times when you’re most likely to see these creatures when they’re feeding or hunting.
There are some short walking tracks in Broadwater that lead to beaches where you’ll be able to see examples of the large sand dunes and swale gullies that were formed between the ice ages some 60,000 years ago. In spring and winter, take a look out to sea while you have a picnic and enjoy some whale watching.