The Evans River flows between the Coral Sea at Evans Head and Tuckombil Canal at Woodburn on the NSW North Coast, running through the northern tip of Bundjalung National Park. The river is a tidal estuary, ebbing and flowing with the ocean, and its water carries a characteristic murky brown colour from tannins leached by nearby tea trees and minerals from mangrove mud — a natural quality rather than a sign of pollution.

The most established paddle route begins at the Gummigurrah picnic area, where paddlers head upstream through a landscape of river islands, mangroves, rainforest, heathland, and coastal banksia. The return distance from Evans Head is approximately 23 kilometres, typically taking around 4.5 hours. The route passes through two national parks, offering a sustained immersion in coastal wilderness.

Wildlife is a prominent feature of the experience. Birdwatchers may encounter eastern whipbirds, the rare barred cuckoo-shrike, white-faced herons, and pied oystercatchers. At dawn and dusk, eastern grey kangaroos, red-necked wallabies, and swamp wallabies are commonly seen feeding along the banks, and koalas have been spotted resting in the tree canopy. One guided tour operator, Evans River Kayak Adventures, has historically offered tours on this river system.

In the Evans Head township itself, two boat ramps are located at the southern end of the river on Elm Street, along with fish cleaning facilities, pontoon moorings, and nearby barbecue facilities. A walking track also runs along the riverbank. The area actively caters for people with access needs, including those who use wheelchairs or have hearing loss.

Paddlers should be aware that crocodiles have been reported in the river, particularly in the mangrove creek sections. This is an important safety consideration and warrants caution about entering the water. The river is tidal, so paddlers should factor tidal conditions into trip planning, particularly when timing upstream or downstream travel.