From lively Byron Bay to relaxed Ballina and Lennox Head, the quiet Tweed Coast, surfy Yamba and the peaceful hinterland — here's how the region's areas compare and the best base for your trip.
The liveliest, most central base, with the widest choice of stays — see our Byron Bay accommodation guide for the detail.
Relaxed, often better value and handy for the airport — Lennox is a renowned surf town just south of Byron.
Quiet northern beaches near the Gold Coast — Kingscliff, Cabarita and Pottsville suit a low-key beach stay.
A laid-back surf town to the south, with the fishing village of Iluka across the river — relaxed and uncrowded.
Retreats and guesthouses around Bangalow, Mullumbimby and Nimbin — peaceful, green and close to the waterfalls.
The region's inland hub, practical for services and central for exploring the hinterland.
Base in Byron or Ballina for the famous coast, then spend a night or two in the hinterland for the villages, waterfalls and a quieter pace.
It depends on your trip — Byron Bay is the liveliest and most central base, Ballina and Lennox Head are relaxed and good value, the Tweed Coast suits a quiet beach stay near the Gold Coast, and the hinterland is best for retreats.
Byron Bay, Lennox Head and the Tweed Coast around Kingscliff offer the best beach bases in the north, while Yamba is the standout surf town in the Clarence Valley to the south.
The hinterland around Bangalow, Mullumbimby and Nimbin offers retreats and guesthouses among the hills and rainforest, while Yamba and Iluka in the south are laid-back coastal alternatives.
Byron is livelier and more central to the famous sights; Ballina is quieter, often better value, and handy for the airport. Many visitors base in Byron and day-trip out, or stay in Ballina to save.
Very — basing in one or two spots and driving the coast and hinterland is the classic way to see it, taking in Byron, Lennox, the Tweed Coast, the villages and the Clarence Valley.
Cooee Tours acknowledges the Bundjalung and Yaegl peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the Northern Rivers, and pays respect to their Elders past and present.