Ballina Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Ballina
Ballina
Ballina
Ballina
Ballina

Sitting astride the gentle waters of the Richmond River, this North Coast hub has fantastic beaches, great surf breaks, tropical rainforests and hinterland beauty.

Experience the coastal and hinterland charm of Ballina, a major town and region in the Northern Rivers area of New South Wales. With unbeatable beaches and superb waters of the Richmond River, Ballina is a favourite spot for family getaways and watersports adventure.

Go boating and fishing in the magnificent river to experience Ballina’s plentiful waters. Find out about the town’s history at the Ballina Naval and Maritime Museum. Relax in casual cafés or enjoy fresh produce direct from hinterland farms at Ballina’s restaurants and specialty stores.

Superb beaches are one of Ballina’s biggest draws. Investigate the patrolled waters of Shelly Beach or the popular Lighthouse Beach. Enjoy the tranquil shores and pretty surroundings of Shaws Bay Lagoon. Explore the coastline to find secret coves and excellent surf. Lennox Head is popular among surfing aficionados, while the waterslides at Ballina Water Park are a hit with younger visitors. From the shore or aboard a whale-watching charter boat, watch for humpback whales migrating along the coastline between June and November.

Make your way to Ballina’s main town to explore its laid-back streets. Have a meal in a waterfront café or check out the range of boutique stores. Explore the historic buildings and heritage charm of Wardell, Alstonville, Newrybar and Tintenbar. Knockrow is home to the family-friendly Macadamia Castle and the gateway to the Hinterland Way scenic route.

The cosy villages around South Ballina are ideal for experiencing the region’s natural beauty. Go birdwatching or ride on horseback along the beach. Cross the picturesque mouth of the Richmond River by taking the car ferry from Burns Point. River cruises provide an interesting insight into the Richmond River’s history.

Reach Ballina via the regional air hub of Ballina Byron Gateway Airport. Ballina has a wide variety of accommodation, including waterfront hotels. With Byron Bay about 45 minutes away by car, Ballina is a fantastic addition to your North Coast road-trip itinerary.

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Hotels

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Where to stay in Ballina

Lennox Head

Lennox Head

Travellers come to Lennox Head for its beaches, and you can see top attractions like Lennox Head Beach and Seven Mile Beach while you're in town.

Lennox Head
East Ballina

East Ballina

East Ballina is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Ballina Golf Club and Lighthouse Beach.

East Ballina
North Creek

North Creek

North Creek is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Lennox Head Beach and Seven Mile Beach, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Ballina.

North Creek
Ballina Central

Ballina Central

While visiting Ballina Central, you might make a stop by sights like Ballina Racecourse and Ballina Fair Shopping Centre.

Ballina Central
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Skennars Head

If you're spending some time in Skennars Head, Sharpe's Beach and Angels Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Skennars Head
Lennox Head, Far North Coast, New South Wales, Australia

West Ballina

Bars and shopping are notable features of West Ballina. You might consider stopping by Big Prawn while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

West Ballina
Ballina Byron Islander Resort and Conference Centre

Ballina Byron Islander Resort and Conference Centre

4 out of 5
1 Ronan Place West Ballina NSW
The price is NZ$192 per night from 5 June to 6 June
NZ$192
5 June - 6 June
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Ballina. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (681 reviews)
Great place to stay. Restaurant is really good and the rooms are well appointed and comfortable. Price is spot on and the location s very handy.

Reviewed on 3 May 2026

Ballina Byron Islander Resort and Conference Centre
Ramada Hotel and Suites Ballina Byron

Ramada Hotel and Suites Ballina Byron

4.5 out of 5
2 Martin Street Ballina NSW
The price is NZ$242 per night from 10 May to 11 May
NZ$242
10 May - 11 May
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Ballina. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews)
Best in Ballina

Reviewed on 6 May 2026

Ramada Hotel and Suites Ballina Byron
Comfort Inn All Seasons

Comfort Inn All Seasons

3 out of 5
301 River Street Ballina NSW
The price is NZ$188 per night from 10 May to 11 May
NZ$188
10 May - 11 May
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Ballina. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (404 reviews)
The property is in a good position, close to central Ballina and a short walk to the RSL club. The room itself was clean and comfortable, and we would be more than happy to stay there again.

Reviewed on 7 May 2026

Comfort Inn All Seasons
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Santa Fe Motel & Holiday Units

Santa Fe Motel & Holiday Units

3 out of 5
8 Byron Street Lennox Head NSW
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Ballina. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Lennox Head Beach and Seven Mile Beach ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (288 reviews)
The property needs maintenance, taps that didnt work or dripped constantly and no hot water the 1st night. The rooms smelt. Very disappointed.

Reviewed on 27 Apr 2026

Santa Fe Motel & Holiday Units
Dragon Tree House     Lennox Head / Byron Coast

Dragon Tree House Lennox Head / Byron Coast

Lennox Head NSW
Stay at this family-friendly holiday home in Ballina. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, private pools and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Lennox Head Beach and Lake Ainsworth ...
10/10 Exceptional! (97 reviews)
Our stay at Dragon Tree House was wonderful, the property itself is ansolutely stunning and easily one of the best accomodations I have used, giving our a

Reviewed on 3 Apr 2026

Dragon Tree House Lennox Head / Byron Coast
Lennox Beach Resort

Lennox Beach Resort

4 out of 5
7 Park Lane Lennox Head NSW
Stay at this aparthotel in Ballina. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Lennox Head Beach and Pat Morton Lookout are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (465 reviews)
Didn’t use the pool, we went to the beach

Reviewed on 11 Mar 2026

Lennox Beach Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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