Evans Head Beach

The surf at Evans Head is ideal for inexperienced surfers because it enjoys protection from the big southeast swells that get the local big-wave riders excited. The river estuary that divides the town attracts lots of ocean wildlife and there's great fishing in the river itself off the beach. Other fixtures in Evans Head are an osprey's nest near the tiny boat harbour that's home to the state's first prawn-fishing fleet. The beach is more exposed and the rips more variable the further north you go. This quiet town of around 3,000 people is home to the largest caravan park on Australia's East Coast, so the population swells whenever school's out. Bordered by National Parks on three sides, Evans Head is brilliantly situated and the caravan park/campground's beachside and river-front location means that once you arrive, you can park your car and leave it for the duration of your stay.