Yamba Main Beach, North Coast, New South Wales © Destination NSW
Guide to the Northern Rivers
Embrace the Northern Rivers’ slow pace, where surf towns and green farmland sit between the rainforest and the Pacific Ocean.
The Northern Rivers stretches across the border of New South Wales and Queensland, and encompasses beautiful beach towns, fertile farmland and World Heritage-listed Gondwana rainforest. Days here start in the surf – often alongside resident dolphins or migrating whales – and end with a long lunch in the hinterland, made with produce grown around the corner.
The Northern Rivers is around a two-hour drive south of Brisbane and stretches from the Tweed coastline to the Clarence Valley. The easiest gateways are Gold Coast Airport and Ballina Byron Bay Gateway Airport.
- Ballina Byron Gateway Airport (BNK) is around 35km (22mi) from Byron Bay and services domestic arrivals
- Gold Coast Airport (OOL) is around 66km (41mi) from Byron Bay and services domestic and international arrivals
- Lismore Airport (LSY) is around 105km (65mi) from Byron Bay and services domestic arrivals
- Hire cars are available from all airports
- Shuttle transfers operate between airports and major towns, including Byron Bay
After landing into one of the nearby airports, hiring a car is the best way to explore the region’s beaches, hinterland villages and national parks.
Autumn brings mild temperatures, the start of whale-watching season, and the peak surfing conditions to the Northern Rivers. Spring is another great time to visit, with warm days and the Grafton Jacaranda Festival, when trees bloom purple across the town each October.
- High season: Spring and summer (September to February)
- Low season: Winter (June to August)
The Northern Rivers welcomes everyone to experience its great outdoors, with surf lessons catering to different abilities, wheelchair-friendly coastal walks and accessible ocean access at Byron’s Main Beach.
- Arrival: Gold Coast Airport (OOL) and Ballina Byron Gateway Airport (BNK) both offer accessible facilities, including accessible parking, bathrooms and assistance services for travellers.
- Getting around: Accessible taxis and private transfer services operate throughout major towns, including Byron Bay and Ballina.
- Accessible experience highlights: Enjoy an ocean dip with accessible beach access at Byron’s Main Beach, and join a guided wildlife walk with Vision Walks Eco Tours.
- Helpful resources: Browse the Byron Bay Accessible Travel Guide, Tweed Accessible Guide and Ballina’s Accessibility Guide for accessible accommodation, touring, beach access and travel planning information across the region.
