Richmond Valley
Richmond Valley, NSW

From rivers and beaches to hinterland beauty in NSW's Northern Rivers.

The Richmond Valley in northern New South Wales is a diverse region of rivers, coastline and rolling countryside. It offers beaches at Evans Head, riverside towns like Woodburn and Coraki, farming communities, scenic drives, festivals, heritage sites and nature adventures—from rivers and national parks to hidden rural gems. The area celebrates country hospitality, rich natural assets, and cultural experiences for travellers to explore.

1tour46 kmavg drive100%offline

Frequently asked questions

What does the Evans Head Coastal Loop (Drive 26) actually cover?

The 46 km circuit starts at Evans Head township, follows the coast past the headland lookout above Evans Head Beach, then tracks inland along the Richmond River flats toward Woodburn and Coraki before returning to the coast. Audio commentary covers the WWII airfield history, the local fishing industry, and the estuary ecology.

Why is this tour called Drive 26?

Drive 26 is the regional touring route designation for this loop in the Richmond Valley visitor network. QuokkaGuide built the audio tour around the existing Drive 26 corridor, which was already signposted for self-drive visitors exploring northern NSW.

Is Evans Head far from Ballina or Lismore?

Evans Head is approximately 30 km south of Ballina and around 45 km east of Lismore, making it an easy detour from either town. The Coastal Loop tour can be done as a half-day add-on if you are travelling along the Pacific Highway between Byron Bay and Coffs Harbour.

What is the WWII history mentioned in the Evans Head tour?

Evans Head was the site of one of Australia's largest WWII Royal Australian Air Force training stations. The airfield ruins and some original structures still exist near the Evans Head aerodrome, and the audio commentary on Drive 26 covers the site's wartime role and its legacy for the local community.

Are there more Richmond Valley tours planned beyond Evans Head?

The current Richmond Valley hub has one tour — The Evans Head Coastal Loop (Drive 26). The valley's interior towns (Coraki, Casino) and the Richmond River corridor are logical candidates for future routes. Check the QuokkaGuide app for new releases covering this region.

Self-guided audio tours in Richmond Valley at a glance

Richmond Valley's city hub centres on The Evans Head Coastal Loop (Drive 26) (AUD $4.99, 46 km) — a circular GPS audio driving tour that explores the coastal village of Evans Head and the surrounding Richmond River lowlands in northern New South Wales. Evans Head is known for its WWII airfield history, its sheltered estuary where the Richmond River meets the sea, and a compact town centre with a strong fishing and surf culture. The loop takes in the headland lookout above Evans Head Beach, the river flats toward Woodburn, and the back roads connecting the coast to Coraki in the valley interior. At AUD $4.99 it is QuokkaGuide's most affordable tour. Audio commentary fires automatically via GPS as you drive the circuit — no guide required, no fixed start time.