Author Archives: Gemma Heggie

Byron Bay shuttle bus services

Sunny, white sandy beaches, spectacular natural beauty, great food, entertainment and good vibes – Byron Bay has it all.

Our Byron Bay shuttle bus services provide easy, comfortable and cost effective transport for you and your group.

Whether you’re after transport to or from the airport, a private bus charter service or mini bus hire for transporting your group, BBAT have you covered.

Excellent value fares and best of all – you get the bus to yourselves!

Check out our Byron Bay shuttle bus services below.

Byron Bay Airport Transfers

Transport to and from Byron Bay and the Airport is made easy with our airport transfer service.

Our Byron Bay airport shuttle bus will pick you up from the airport and deliver you directly to the door of your accommodation in Byron Bay. We’ll also return you to the airport again when it’s time to fly home.

We provide a direct express Byron Bay airport shuttle bus service, no additional stops, and you get the bus to yourselves!

We cover all the major airports close to Byron, including Ballina Byron Airport, Gold Coast Airport and Brisbane Airport.

Our airport shuttle bus is convenient for visiting travellers and local residents of Byron Bay, who need transport to or from the airport. We take the stress out of getting to the airport on time and needing to worry about parking.

Booking is easy via our website and you can book your Byron Bay Airport Transfer online for a pickup time that suits you.

Even if your flight is early morning or late at night, we’ll get you to the airport and pick you up on time!

Our Byron Bay shuttle bus trailer has plenty of space to accommodate your luggage and our buses are modern, air-conditioned and comfortable. Sit back, relax and enjoy the drive.

Bryon Bay Charter Services

Is your group heading to a festival, an event or perhaps you’re after transport to and from a specific location?

Our Byron Bay private bus charter services are perfect for small to medium size groups, families or corporate groups.

Our transfers to music festivals include the return trip in the evening for safe and reliable transport for you and your friends.

With excellent value in fares, flexible booking times and personalised friendly service. Our Byron Bay charter bus service provides the ideal transport option for you and/or your group.

Byron Bay Group Transport & Mini Bus Hire

Our Byron Bay mini bus hire provides a convenient and affordable transport option for you and your group.

Sports groups, corporate groups, travellers, event transport, wedding transport and more. No matter the occasion, our professional drivers can pick you and your group up and take you to your destination on time. Enquire about our return pick up and drop off service!

Our mini bus hire provides the ideal Byron Bay group transport option. Our rates provide excellent value for your group members and you get the entire bus to yourselves.

We provide a friendly and personalised service to suit your Byron Bay min bus hire requirements.

Contact BBAT today to discuss your Byron Bay group transport needs and get a quote today.

Holidaying in Lennox Head

Lennox Head – a picture perfect seaside escape.

Nestled quietly between Ballina and Byron Bay, Lennox Head is an idyllic seaside destination to escape the hustle and bustle of busy life.

Lennox Head is a small township characterised by a large a beautiful headland (hence the name).

Here you will enjoy spectacular beaches for walking, swimming, surfing and fishing, great cafe’s and restaurants, boutique shopping and a pleasantly laid back coastal village atmosphere.

This guide to holidaying in Lennox Head will get you packing and planning your holiday in beautiful Lennox Head NSW.

 

Airport Transfers to and from Lennox Head.

The Ballina Byron Gateway Airport is the closest airport to Lennox Head with only a 20 minute scenic drive. The Gold Coast Airport is approx 1 hour’s drive and Brisbane Airport approx 2 hour’s drive.

BBAT provide direct express airport transfers for all three airports to/from Lennox Head with 24/7 service.  Our great value fares are perfect for families, groups and individuals. Best of all, you get the bus to yourselves!

We also offer Lennox Head charter mini bus hire services ideal for transporting groups on day trips and excursions.

Find out more about our Lennox Head airport transfers.

Lennox Head township

The vibrant seaside township of Lennox Head offers plenty to suit all tastes, ages and interests.

The main street is lined with an abundance of choice for dining. From tempting cafe’s serving quick fixes to scrumptious creations and award-winning restaurants.  In town you’ll find a bowls club, a Chinese restaurant, Thai food, Mexican, excellent fish and chips (best enjoyed down the beach), and of course classic pub grub with live music at Lennox Point Hotel.

If you enjoy a spot of shopping, you won’t be disappointed. From boutique clothing stores, a surf shop, op shops, bulk foods, newsagent, hairdressers, health and beauty stores, a hardware store and more. All your basic shopping needs will be covered here. If you’re after something specific Ballina is also only a 15 minute drive away.

Lennox Head locals are proud of their village and take pride in its reputation as a friendly destination.

Lennox Head – a surfer’s paradise without the skyscrapers!

Lennox Head is one of the iconic National Surfing Reserves.

The breaks at Lennox have been surfed since the late 1950’s when surfing gained popularity throughout NSW.

The world famous Lennox Point is revered for its powerful and impressive waves, best suited for experienced surfers. However the diversity of Lennox’s spectacular beaches cater for all surfing levels, including beginners.

Lennox Head also hosts a number of surfing competitions, including the Lennox Longboard Classic which is held every August.

Pat Morton Lookout

Watch the surfers carve the waves at Pat Morton Lookout located on the top of Lennox Point.

Pat Morton Lookout is an easy walk from town, along the oceanfront boardwalk.

The lookout boasts extensive views stretching out to the Pacific Ocean, north along Seven Mile Beach, with glimpses of the coastline up to Byron Bay. Pat Morton Lookout provides a great place to picnic and an ideal whale watching spot during whale season of May to November. Dolphins are also frequently spotted.

You can take a walk to the top of the lookout via stairs and stroll along the headland towards Boulder Beach. A new footpath is underway that will continue all the way to Sharpes Beach in Skenners Head.

The magnificent views of the eastern coastline are breathtaking and well worth the trek.

Tandem hang gliding over the cliff-side is also available from Pat Moreton Lookout.

Bikeway from Lennox Head, via Skenners Head to Ballina

A Coastal Recreational Pathway and shared footpath is currently being established to improve connectivity and access to the spectacular coastline between Lennox Head and Ballina.

The pathway will enable cyclists, joggers and walkers to meander from Pat Morton Lookout in Lennox Head through to Ballina. Once finalised, you will be able to ride safely from the RSL in Ballina all the way along to Lennox Head. The path is due to be finished before Christmas 2019.

You can download a copy of the Cycleways and Shared Paths map by clicking here.

Lake Ainsworth

The picturesque Lake Ainsworth to the north of town, is a popular place to cool off after a day of exploring the local sights.

The ‘Coca Cola’ coloured water comes from tanins of the tea trees surrounding the lake, and the waters are reputed to have therapeutic qualities.

For an exhilarating experience, you can cross the road and take a swim in the salty ocean and then cross back again to splash in the fresh water lake.

Surrounding the lake are pathways with excellent BBQ and picnic facilities.

Lake Ainsworth is appreciated by locals and visitors alike and is great for swimming, kayaking and stand up paddling. A great place for the entire family to enjoy.

Have you started packing yet?

With so much to see, do and enjoy Lennox Head really is an excellent choice for a holiday destination. It is a place you can really take some well needed R&R and be immersed in natural beauty.

Its central position also makes it an ideal location to base yourself to explore the wonderful Northern Rivers region

You can also find out more about what to do in nearby places such as Ballina and Byron Bay in our Blog.

We hope you have found our post to get you salivating for your holiday in lovely Lennox Head.

Of course our BBAT drivers are full of local info, feel free to ask for recommendations when we pick you up from the airport!

Flying in and out of Northern Rivers NSW

About the Northern Rivers

Northern Rivers is an ideal location to live, work and explore.

Renowned for it’s stunning natural beauty, the Northern Rivers region encompasses the catchments and fertile valleys of the Clarence, Richmond and Tweed rivers – hence the name.

The region extends from Tweed Heads in the north, Bangalow, Byron Bay, Lennox Head, Ballina, Kyogle, Lismore, Casino through to Grafton.

With spectacular natural attractions, world-heritage rainforests, beautiful white sandy beaches and an abundance of quality restaurants, markets, shops, great fishing, swimming, surfing, scenic walks and much much more.

Combined with a mild; sub-tropical climate, the Northern Rivers provides an ideal lifestyle and holiday location.

I’m a Northern Rivers local

For locals living in Ballina, Byron Bay, Lennox Head, Lismore or any other Northern Rivers location, if you’re heading overseas and need transport to and from Ballina, Gold Coast or Brisbane airport, we’ve got you covered! We take the stress and hassle out of traveling to the airport and paying airport parking fees whilst you go away on holiday.

Sit back and focus on planning your vacation. We’ll pick you up and get you to the airport on time and pick you up again from the airport when you return with door-to-door service.

We provide excellent value private airport transfers, for individuals, families and groups and you get our shuttle bus to yourselves!

Our airport transfer service covers all three main airports from the Northern Rivers – Ballina Byron Airport, Gold Coast Airport and Brisbane Airport.

I’m a visitor about to holiday in the Northern Rivers.

Welcome! You’re bound to enjoy your stay and there is so much to see and do!

Our Airport Transfer service will greet you at the airport and take you and your traveling companions directly to your accommodation in Byron Bay, Ballina, Lennox Head, Lismore or any other Northern Rivers destination.

Whether you’re flying in to Ballina Byron Gateway Airport, Gold Coast Airport or Brisbane Airport, our airport transfer service will get you to and from the airport on time and best of all – you and your group get the shuttle bus to yourselves!

Direct express airport transfers, no additional stops or additional passengers.

Have surfboards, additional luggage or equipment? No worries, just let us know what you’re bringing with you when you make a booking.

Not sure what to do or see during your stay in the Northern Rivers?

From the iconic and highly popular tourist destination Byron Bay, to smaller coastal towns of Suffolk Park, Lennox Head and Ballina, the lush green hill sides of the hinterland and all the gems in-between.

We suggest you stay somewhere central so you can explore all the sights this wonderful region has to offer.

Check out our guides on Holidaying in Ballina and our Top 10 things to experience in Byron Bay to help you plan your day trips during your stay.

Our airport transfer drivers also have a plethora of local knowledge and suggestions for must see’s and do’s – so feel free to ask questions during the drive!

Holidaying in Ballina NSW

Ballina is a picturesque coastal town located in the Northern Rivers region of NSW. Positioned alongside the beautiful Richmond River and stunning white sandy beaches, Ballina provides an ideal holiday location.

Iconic Byron Bay is just a 30 minute drive away and World Heritage-listed national parks and rainforests make a great day trip during your stay in Ballina.

With great fishing, surfing, shopping, parks, excellent seafood and more – Ballina will keep the entire family happy.

BBAT provides airport transfers from the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport, Gold Coast Airport and Brisbane Airport. We also offer Ballina charter mini bus hire services ideal for transporting groups on day trips and excursions.

This blog post provides highlights on some of our favourite Ballina activities and attractions to help you plan your holiday to this inviting destination.

Pack your sunnies, bathers, some flip flops and a hat and you’re on your way to beautiful Ballina…

Ballina’s Amazing Wildlife

Bird watchers and nature lovers alike will enjoy the many bushwalks, parks as well as beach walks, canals and riverside walks, all ideal locations for observing the natural world in action.

Large pelicans frolic in the water, gulls chatter along the shoreline, white bellied sea eagles and osprey fly overhead. If you’re lucky you might spot a pod of dolphins catching waves or a humpback whale on its migration along the pacific coast.

The diversity of wildlife in Ballina and the Northern Rivers region is sure to impress.

You can download a guide to Bird Watching in and around Ballina here.

A list of walking tracks and cycleways within Ballina can be found here.

Waterfalls and National Parks

The Northern Rivers region is blessed with an abundance of natural beauty. Lush subtropical rainforests, World Heritage Listed National Parks, incredible waterfalls and rare flora and fauna.

Ballina provides an ideal location to base yourself to explore all the region has on offer.

Some of the waterfalls to add to your must visit list include Killen Falls, Protesters Falls and the impressive Minyon Falls which descends more than 100 metres over huge rhyolite cliffs.

Mount Warning is another popular day trip with two walking tracks the Lyrebird track being a short walking route leading to a lookout set in the subtropical rainforest, and the Wollumbin summit track which is a much more challenging hike.

Make sure you wear comfortable walking shoes, take bottled drinking water and pack insect repellent just in case. You may also like to consider taking a picnic lunch to make the most out of your adventures with most parks offering picnic areas for this purpose.

SEAFOOD!

Ballina is well known for its fresh and delicious locally caught seafood. The name Ballina itself was adapted from the Aboriginal word ‘Bullenah’, which means a ‘place of many oysters‘.

You will find a number of great fish and chips shops all around Ballina to choose from. Why not get some takeaway and head down the beach to enjoy your lunch with a view. You may attract attention from some of the local seagulls though.

If you would like to cook your own, you will find two popular fresh seafood outlets in West Ballina will satisfy all your fresh seafood needs.

Or if you like to get salty – you can go fishing and catch your own!

Fishing in Ballina

Ballina has many great fishing spots, whether it is beach fishing, river fishing or along the banks of the creeks and canals.

There is a huge variety of fish to catch including bream, whiting, flathead, trevally, tailor and more.

If you need to purchase a fishing licence you can do so from the Ballina Visitor Information Centre (6 River Street), K-Mart (on Kerr Street) or Dolphin Bay in South Ballina.

For a list of fishing hot spots, bait shops and boat ramp locations visit the Discover Ballina website here.

You can find Ballina beach and river tide guides here.

Ballina War Memorial Pool and Waterslide

Feel like making a splash?! Ballina War Memorial Pool and Waterslide will keep the family entertained for hours.

The complex consists of a two sparkling swimming pools, a heated 25m learn to swim pool, a FINA compliant eight lane 50m pool, as well as a splash park for the kids.

There is also an exhilarating waterslide park with two watersides to experience. The green slide provides a shorter slide for a more gentle ride which can also be used as a dual person ride until the kids build up enough confidence to go solo.

The yellow slide provides a longer and much faster ride for the waterslide enthusiast.

The complex also offers undercover seating areas with BBQ facilities available.

When: The pools are open 7 days a week and the Waterslides are open weekends only as well as everyday during the NSW school holiday periods.
Address: 4 River Street, Ballina
More information:  https://sites.google.com/view/bmpw/home

Ballina’s Big Prawn

No visit to Ballina is complete without checking out the iconic Ballina Big Prawn.

Built in 1989, with a restoration in 2012 to add a tail, the Big Prawn stands 9 meters high and weighs an impresive 35 tonne.

Don’t forget to take a photo and add the Big Prawn to your list of Australia’s iconic “big” things.

When: The giant crustacean is available for public viewing (and photos) at all hours of the day and night.
Address:
Situated adjacent to Bunnings Warehouse, 507 River St, West Ballina NSW 2478 – you can’t miss it!

Flying in to Ballina

The Ballina Byron Gateway Airport is located just 5 minutes from Ballina CBD.

The second closest airport to Ballina is the Gold Coast Airport which is a scenic 1 hour drive.  If flying in to Brisbane Airport, the drive to Ballina is just over 2 hours.

Ballina Byron Airport Transfers (BBAT) provide low cost private airport transfers from the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport, Gold Coast and Brisbane airports. Ideal for transporting the family and groups on time to/from the airport with door to door service and you get the bus to yourselves!

Book your Ballina Byron Airport transfer online.

Byron Bay Festivals

Byron Bay offers an abundance of entertaining, colourful and quirky festivals all year round.

No matter your interests, Byron Bay has a festival that is sure to get you excited. From the famous Byron Bay Bluesfest that will get you tapping your toes and swinging your hips, the Splendour in the Grass festival that will get you rocking it out in the fields, the Byron Writers Festival for those who speak through the written word, an International Film Festival showcasing outstanding independent films and so much more!

You will find an overview of some of Byron’s greatest festivals below to get you planning your annual calendar.

 

BBAT – Transporting you to and from Byron Bay festivals

BBAT provides a safe and reliable Byron Bay shuttle bus transport service, to get you and your group to any of the festivals and home again. With excellent value fares and you get the bus to yourselves!

Byron Bay Bluesfest

2019 celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Byron Bay Bluesfest with a line-up that is sure to impress those who love everything blues, roots, folk and soul. With over 200 artist performances from around the world, playing over 60 hours of incredible live music.

The Byron Bay Bluesfest is held annually on the Easter long weekend and attracts an impressive audience of over 100,000. With multiple stages of live performance, 5 licensed bars, over 100 food and market stalls, food courts, beer gardens, and children’s entertainment. Byron Bay Bluesfest is renowned for being a fun, safe and family-friendly event.

Consider wearing your gumboots though as it can get muddy!

When: Thursday 18th April 2019 to Monday 22nd April 2019

Where: Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm – Byron Bay

To book your tickets and to view the line-up visit: https://www.bluesfest.com.au/

Splendour in the Grass

An Indie rock, hip hop, electronic and alternative music extravaganza.

Considered to be Australia’s biggest winter music festival, Splendour in the Grass boasts 3 days of awesome music and great festival vibes.

Get your squad organised and head to the fields for a blockbuster line-up!

When: Friday 19th July – Sunday 21st July 2019

Where: North Byron Parklands at Yelgun

To buy tickets and view the line-up visit: https://splendourinthegrass.com/

Splendour in the Grass Shuttle Bus Transport

Need transport to and from Splendour in the Grass for you and your pals? BBAT Shuttle Bus service provides a safe and reliable, home-to-festival-to-home transport for each day of the festival or to and from your camp site – great value fares and your group gets the bus to yourselves – how splendorous is that!

Byron Writers Festival

The annual Byron Writers Festival is Australia’s largest and leading regional celebration of storytelling, literature and ideas.

An engaging three day festival where writers and thinkers get together in a relaxed, open-air beachside location to share their stories, inspirations and insights.

The full program has been announced and all tickets including 3-Day passes, 1-Day passes, Feature Events and Workshops are now on sale.

When: 2nd – 4th August 2019

To purchase your tickets and to view the festival line-up visit: https://byronwritersfestival.com

Byron Bay International Film Festival (BBFF)

The BBFF showcases outstanding independent film talent from around the world.

Held across multiple venues in Byron Bay;  BBFF offers a rich and diverse program of unique, entertaining and thought provoking films.

Get your tickets to a world of artistry, education and innovation that is enhanced by the power and storytelling of film.

When: Friday 18th October – Sunday 27th October 2019

For more information visit: http://www.bbff.com.au/

The Falls Music & Art Festival – Byron Bay

Falls Festival is held annually on New Year’s Eve and its surrounding dates.

Falls is a multi day camping event; kicking off  in Lorne, Victoria + Marion Bay, Tasmania + Byron Bay, New South Wales. The festival hosts contemporary music performances, dance, comedy, theatre, circus, cabaret, and other art forms.

The festival organisers are yet to reveal the 2019/2020 lineup… but we have no doubts it will be massive!

When: TBC for 2019/2020.

Where: North Byron Parklands at Yelgun

For more information visit: https://fallsfestival.com.au/byron-bay

Byron Bay Festival Shuttle Bus Transport

Need transport for you and your group to and from a Byron Bay festival?

Whether you’re heading to the Bluesfest, Splendour in the Grass, The Falls Music Festival, or any other festival or event in Byron Bay, we have you covered for all your transport needs.

BBAT offers a private shuttle bus service with excellent value fares to get your group to and from the festival.

Our shuttle bus service provides a safe and reliable transport option, you can enjoy yourself at the festival, and not have to worry about driving home or having to find festival parking!

Booking our Byron Bay shuttle bus hire service is easy – just visit our booking enquiry page, fill out the form with your details and we’ll be in touch to confirm your booking.

Gold Coast Airport transport to and from Byron Bay & surrounds

Heading to or from the Gold Coast Airport and need transport?

Perhaps you’re taking the kids on a ski trip in New Zealand? Have a business conference in Singapore? Going on a surfing holiday to Bali with your mates and taking your boards with you? Or perhaps you’re heading to Japan for the Spring cherry blossom festival?… Or maybe you’re flying in to the Gold Coast for a holiday in beautiful Byron Bay, Ballina or another local destination.

If you’re flying in or out of the Gold Coast Airport, BBAT Ballina Byron Airport Transfers offer a direct express airport transfer service with best value fares to transport you and your group to and from the Gold Coast Airport.

Our airport transfers are private and convenient – you get the bus to yourselves!

We can pick you up with door-to-door service anywhere in Byron, Ballina or surrounding suburbs and get you to and from the Gold Coast Airport on time, with friendly and professional service. We also have plenty of storage space for your suitcases, skis and boards – just let us know what you’ll be bringing when you make your booking.

Traveling between the Gold Coast and Byron Bay

The drive to/from Gold Coast Airport to Byron Bay takes about 45 minutes – you can just sit back in the air-conditioned comfort of our bus and enjoy the view.

The drive takes you past ever-changing scenery from lush green rolling hills and hinterland, sugar cane fields, stunning rivers and pristine coastline.

Keep an eye out for Mount Warning – also known as ‘Wollumbin’ meaning ‘cloud catcher’, by the Bundjalung people who lived in the region before European settlement. Named Mount Warning by Captain Cook to warn future mariners of the offshore reefs he encountered in 1770.

If you turn your head to the side you might make out the profile of a face, complete with a crooked nose, mouth and chin.

What do I need to know when I get to the Gold Coast Airport?

All domestic and international flights operate from the same terminal. Check in for domestic and international flights is located at the northern end of the terminal building.

After checking in, you can proceed to the central security screening point and onto the lounge area and your boarding gate. For domestic flights, make sure you are in the vicinity of your boarding gate at least 30 minutes prior to your departure time. You will find Flight Information Display Screens located throughout the terminal for up-to-date flight information.

The Gold Coast Airport has a range of shops selling books, magazines, fashion, gifts and snacks for last minute shopping.

You will also find a range of cafés and fast food outlets if you’re feeling peckish before your flight.

For more information on the Gold Coast airport visit: https://www.goldcoastairport.com.au/

What do I need to know when I get picked up from Gold Coast Airport?

At Gold Coast Airport we pick up from The Transit Centre bus rotunda at the most northern end of the terminal building. The driver will call you and pick you up from there once all passengers are present with their luggage.

BBAT Gold Coast Airport Pickup Area

Going on a holiday to Byron Bay?

If you’re flying in to the Gold Coast Airport and heading to Byron Bay for a holiday, check out our guide on the Top 10 things to experience in Byron Bay to help you plan our your days. Our drivers can also provide you with local information and recommendations during the drive.

 

To book your Gold Coast Airport transfer to or from Byron Bay, Ballina and surrounds, visit our online booking page. We look forward to getting you and your group to and from the airport on time!