Airports

Visitors travelling to the NSW North Coast have a choice of airports to fly into, depending on which area they choose to visit and where they are coming from.

For Byron Bay

Byron Bay is serviced by three main airports, giving a wide range of arrival options. The closest is Ballina Byron Airport (known as the 'Gateway Airport' to Byron Bay), just a quick 20 minute scenic drive away. Many domestic visitors arrive here, with daily flights from Sydney.

Byron Bay is also only 45 minutes' drive from Queensland's Gold Coast Airport (Coolangatta). This is a really convenient arrival point to Byron Bay for visitors coming from all around Australia and also arriving from international destinations like New Zealand, Malaysia and China.

Brisbane International Airport is much larger and is 165km from Byron Bay, with domestic flights arriving from all over Australia, as well as international flights coming in from across the globe.

For the Mid North Coast

Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie both boast regional airports, offering quick flights into the coast for those who don't fancy road-tripping. Ideal for short breaks and weekends away in the Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie areas.

For Newcastle, the Hunter Valley and Port Stephens

Newcastle has an airport which services the city and is a useful arrival point for those who are keen to explore the surrounding area (which includes the Hunter Valley wine country and the Port Stephens area). Flights come in from major cities across the east coast of Australia.

Details of airports can be found below...

Ballina Byron Airport

A small regional airport which is the gateway to beautiful Byron Bay.

Flights to/from: Sydney, Melbourne. Click on the airline links below for flights.

Airlines: Jetstar , Virgin , Regional Express (Rex)

The airport is run by the Ballina Shire Council. Though small, the airport does offer a licsensed cafe. There are several car rental desks in the arrivals area, though it is wise to book ahead, especially in busy times.

Website: ballina.nsw.gov.au/cp_themes/default/page.asp?p=DOC-QHR-23-23-57&c=53

Gold Coast (Coolangatta) Airport

A busy regional and international airport with flights full of holiday-makers arriving every day.

Flights to/from: Across Australia, New Zealand and Asia, including China, Thailand, Malaysia and Japan. Click on the airline links below for flights.

Airlines: Jetstar , Virgin , Air Asia , Tiger Airways , Air New Zealand , Pacific Blue

Website: http://goldcoastairport.com.au/

Brisbane International Airport

A large international airport offering a wide range of facilities and duty free shopping.

Flights to/from: Across Australia and worldwide.

Airlines: Major international and domestic carriers, including Qantas (the national carrier)

Website: http://bne.com.au/

Lismore Airport

Small regional Airport at Lismore, 40 minutes inland from Byron Bay. Run by the Lismore City Council.

Flights to/from: Sydney. Serviced by Regional Express. Click on the airline link below for flights.

Airlines: Regional Express (Rex)

Website: lismore.nsw.gov.au/cp_themes/default/page.asp?p=DOC-PEB-32-52-04&c=226