4WD and Dog Beach Entry

The short version. The 4WD and dog beach entry at Airforce Beach, off Terrace Street in Evans Head, is a firm-sand driving beach with a long off-leash stretch running north from the access point. The one fact that decides your day: dogs are welcome north of Terrace Street, but banned south of it toward the river.

The rules. Dogs are off-leash northwards of the Terrace Street entry, roughly a 1.3km run of open sand. Heading south of the 4WD access, toward the river reserve and Chinamans Beach, dogs are not permitted at all. The vehicle entrance at Terrace Street is the only legal access point, motorbikes are banned, and posted speed limits apply. Boundaries and seasonal conditions shift, so read the council signage at the entry before you let your dog off.

The driving surface. The soft entry dune firms up to a hard driving surface at low tide across roughly 4.6km. Aim for the outgoing or low tide when the sand carries weight and navigation is easy. The coffee rocks at the northern end are a protected feature, so keep off them.

What is there. Beach parking sits at the Terrace Street entrance and fills fast at peak times. Public toilets and showers are nearby for the post-beach clean-up. The stretch is a well-known fishing and walking beach, so expect company on weekends.

Getting there. Drive to the end of Terrace Street in Evans Head for the entry. It is about 30 to 35 minutes south of Ballina via the Pacific Highway and Woodburn-Evans Head Road, or roughly 50 to 60 minutes south of Byron Bay.

Nearby with the dogs. Hotel Illawong welcomes leashed dogs in its outdoor beer garden, and Reflections Evans Head Holiday Park has dog-friendly cabins and powered sites a short drive away for an overnight base.

When to go. Low tide for firm sand, mid-week for space. School holidays and summer weekends pack the beach with families and 4WDs, so an early or mid-week run gives your dog the most room to stretch out.

Sources

• Reflections Evans Head Holiday Park · reflectionsholidays.com.au
• Hotel Illawong: Hotel and Pub in Evans Head, NSW · hotelillawong.com.au

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.