EVANS HEAD Evans Head is a destination resort town that is just of the Pacific Hgy and east of Woodburn. Evans Head could easily be by-passed, but the short diversion is worth the effort. Evans Head is that type of place that an overnight or extended stay would not disappoint. Evans Head is probably named after a marine surveyor, Lt Evans, RN who carried out the first marine survey of the coastline in the area. It is possible that this is not correct. There is a map in the two volume diaries of Charles Sturt on which the Evans River is marked with the map being dated 15 Feb 1832 and compiled from information supplied to the Colonial Office in 1828, 1829, 1830 and 1832. A possible and alternative source could be George William Evans who accompanied John Oxley to explore the Macquarie Marshes in 1817. Oxley spoke highly of Evans' abilities as a surveyor. In 1823, Oxley with Phillip Parker King in the "Mermaid" explored the coast from Port Macquarie to Port Curtis but there is no reference to citing a river or naming one. There is a wide curved beach that is popular for fishing, surfing and swimming. The 1874 wreck of a timber schooner, Pilot, is visible on the beach north of the town.  There is a prawn fishing fleet permanently moored in the estuary. Other industries include tourism, bushwhacking and there is some sugar cane and beard growing further inland. The town's airport, the Evans Head Memorial Aerodrome can be found to the north of the town and is a former RAAF base. The Hotel Illawong is the single pub in the town and is an early thirties type hotel. The main congregational churches are represented. The Catholic is a really nice mid-century church. Solid timber and well kept. There is a living Museum in the town. This is an unsolved mystery as the museum was closed when visited. The Evans Head War Memorial is located near ‘the can’t be missed’ RSL. Evans Head is relatively new town so there are no heritage buildings in the town. Evans Head is a fishing port and has an ‘interesting’ entrance to the harbour. There is a lot to enjoy at Evans Head and an overnight or longer is recommended.