Forum Week 2024: Getting There

By plane

Ballina Airport services flights from Sydney, Newcastle, Dubbo, and Melbourne and is located just a short Uber or taxi ride away ($20-$30) from the various Forum Week 2024 accommodation options.

If you’re coming from elsewhere in Australia or from overseas, you will be better placed flying into Gold Coast Airport, which is about 90 km from Ballina, or Brisbane Airport, which is about 190 km away.

Byron Easy Bus operates a shuttle service that runs twice daily from both airports to Ballina. From the Gold Coast, the bus takes 2 hrs 20 mins and costs $63/pp: you can book here. (Otherwise, an Uber or taxi will likely cost around $150-200.)

From Brisbane, the bus takes about 4.5 hrs and costs $83/pp: you can book here.

Greyhound Australia also operates services between both the Gold Coast and Brisbane and Ballina: see timetables and pricing and book here.

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Driving

From the Gold Coast, Ballina is a 1 hr 20 minute drive (90 km); from Brisbane, it's a 2 hr drive (190 km). If you're coming from Sydney, the drive is about 8 hrs (730 km).

(Privately operated bus services are also available from the Gold Coast and Brisbane through Byron Easy Bus and Greyhound Australia – see above.)

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Parking

All three of the discounted Forum Week 2024 accommodation options – the Ramada Ballina, the Ballina Palms Boutique Motel, and the Ballina-Byron Islander Resort and Conference Centre – offer free on-site parking.

If you have arranged to stay elsewhere and require parking, CFA recommends inquiring directly with your host regarding options.

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If you have any queries or are experiencing difficulty sorting out transport options, CFA is happy to help – contact Rosie.