Chinamens Beach

For casual beachfront dining, Sandbar and Restaurant serves Australian classics with ocean views and emphasizes inclusivity as a women-owned LGBTQ+ friendly venue. JK Thai earns consistent praise for authentic flavors like pad Thai, while Japxican stands out for its innovative Japanese-Mexican fusion tacos in a trendy, family-friendly space. Riverfront Kiosk draws breakfast crowds with strong coffee and waterside picnic vibes.

Illawong Bistro caters to pub-style cravings with live music and hearty meals, whereas Evans Head Pizza by the Beach offers quick wood-fired pies perfect for sunset takeouts. Most venues prioritize accessibility, with wheelchair-friendly entrances and seating available across multiple establishments.

Hotel Illawong provides budget-friendly rooms with shared kitchens and an onsite pub, though guests note its basic amenities reflect its economical pricing. Evans Head Pacific Motel offers modernized accommodations with a seasonal pool and BBQ area, frequently described as clean and functional for families.

The nearby Evans Head Holiday Park and Reflections Holiday Parks provide cabin and camping options closer to the beachfront, though specific website links aren't available in provided data. Hotel Illawong's central Oak Street location makes it a practical base for exploring both culinary offerings and coastal trails.

Essential facilities include restrooms, cold-water showers, and picnic tables near the car park, with shaded seating areas ideal for family gatherings. No lifeguard services or rental equipment are available, emphasizing self-sufficiency. Limited signage and basic infrastructure maintain the beach's rugged charm while requiring visitors to bring supplies like drinking water and first-aid kits.

The absence of commercial vendors preserves the undeveloped character, though this means no on-site food services or water sports rentals. Portable trash bins encourage a pack-in/pack-out ethic among frequent visitors who value the pristine environment.

Low-tide exploration dominates here, with rock pools between Chinamans Beach and New Zealand Beach teeming with marine life. Snorkelers frequent calmer northern sections, while anglers cast lines from Snapper Rocks' grassy headlands. The unpatrolled waters invite cautious swimming, with stronger surfers venturing further offshore.

Walking trails through Dirawong Reserve offer birdwatching and cultural insights via Aboriginal heritage signs. Seasonal whale migrations (May-November) create impromptu viewing opportunities from elevated coastal paths. Nighttime brings exceptional stargazing away from light pollution.

The car park and picnic area feature flat, compacted surfaces suitable for wheelchairs, though no specialized beach wheelchairs or boardwalks exist. Restrooms include ADA-compliant stalls, but the beach itself lacks ramp access - entry requires navigating soft sand steps. Many nearby restaurants (Sandbar, JK Thai, Japxican) offer step-free entrances and wheelchair-friendly seating.

Walking trails on Goanna Headland have moderate slopes with occasional bench rest points. Those with limited mobility often enjoy views from the cliffside paths rather than venturing onto the beach proper. No formal accessibility programs or rental equipment services currently operate at the site.

A free dirt car park at the beach entrance accommodates 20-30 vehicles, often filling by mid-morning during peak seasons. Overflow parking spills onto adjacent streets without restrictions. No formal lighting or security exists, though theft risks appear minimal according to regular visitors.

Access involves a descending gravel path unsuitable for low-clearance vehicles. Larger RVs typically park at street level due to space constraints. Early arrival is recommended on weekends, particularly when rockpool exploration tides align with daylight hours.

The beach's name likely originates from 19th-century Chinese migrant workers in the timber industry, though no formal records confirm this. Aboriginal stories describe Goanna Headland as the resting place of a mythical goanna spirit after a legendary battle with a giant kangaroo. During WWII, the area served as a training ground for Australian commandos preparing for Pacific theater operations.

Marine life here includes rare blue dragon sea slugs and migratory humpback whales. The adjacent bombing range (established 1939) makes this one of Australia's few beaches where military aircraft regularly practice coastal bombing runs visible from safe distances.

Goanna Headland's walking trails provide panoramic coastal vistas and Indigenous cultural interpretations through storyboard installations. Bundjalung National Park's eastern border begins just north, offering dense bushwalking routes to secluded coves. Evans Head Heritage Aviation Museum (15-minute drive) appeals to history enthusiasts with WWII aircraft displays.

The nearby Evans River invites kayaking and estuary fishing, while New Zealand Beach (accessible via low-tide rockpool traverse) serves as a quieter alternative for shell collectors. Military history buffs can view the active bombing range perimeter from Snapper Rocks' southern vantage points.