Ballina Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Ballina which includes a sandy beach

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 favorite 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 cozy 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 accommodations, 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 which includes a coastal town

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
Ballina which includes a beach

East Ballina

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

East Ballina
Lennox Head which includes a bay or harbour, surf and rocky coastline

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
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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
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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
Discovery Parks - Ballina
Discovery Parks - Ballina
4.5 out of 5
25 Fenwick Drive, East Ballina, NSW
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$163 per night from 16 May to 17 May
NZ$163
per night
16 May - 17 May
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury holiday park in Ballina. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the clean rooms and the property ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (597 reviews)
"Great for the family and location is great"

Reviewed on 11 May 2024

Discovery Parks - Ballina
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$186 per night from 19 May to 20 May
NZ$186
per night
19 May - 20 May
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Ballina. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a marina. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
"Great propert right on the Richmond River."

Reviewed on 12 May 2024

Ramada Hotel and Suites Ballina Byron
The Cubana Ballina
The Cubana Ballina
3 out of 5
329 River St, Ballina, NSW
The price is NZ$164 per night from 3 Jun to 4 Jun
NZ$164
per night
3 Jun - 4 Jun
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Ballina. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the clean rooms in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (201 reviews)
"We called this motel the one that you could walk in without motel or shower shoes. We were super impressed by the cleanliness and the furnishings in the motel. There are so many other motels that just have drab, dated decor with ancient bathrooms with years of mould ground into the silicon with carpets ..."

Reviewed on 6 May 2024

The Cubana Ballina
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 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Ballina. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Lennox Head Beach and Seven Mile ...
9/10 Wonderful! (220 reviews)
"Beautifully presented and fantastic location. Comfy bed and Dave was great."

Reviewed on 17 Mar. 2024

Santa Fe Motel & Holiday Units
Lennox Beach Resort
Lennox Beach Resort
4 out of 5
7 Park Lane, Lennox Head, NSW
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Ballina. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Lennox Head Beach and Pat Morton Lookout are ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (399 reviews)
Great place to stay in a spacious apartment
"Great location and excellent facilities. Lennox Head is a great location to explore the local area including Byron Bay."

Reviewed on 9 Apr. 2024

Lennox Beach Resort
Grandview Apartments Ballina
Grandview Apartments Ballina
4 out of 5
3-7 Grand View Street, East Ballina, NSW
Stay at this 4-star beach apartment in Ballina. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Shelly Beach and Lighthouse Beach are ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (116 reviews)
"Fresh and clean unit with modern fittings, friendly staff, view of the ocean and quiet. We would definitely stay again."

Reviewed on 18 Mar. 2024

Grandview Apartments Ballina
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.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Ballina

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
117
" "5 - Excellent 41.19718309859155%
4 - Good
137
" "4 - Good 48.23943661971831%
3 - Okay
28
" "3 - Okay 9.859154929577464%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 0.352112676056338%
1 - Terrible
1
" "1 - Terrible 0.352112676056338%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
20 Mar 2020

Just a lovely town to visit

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
20 Mar 2020

Very windy, excellent Chinese restaurant Hoisingh. Only overnight here so didn’t get to see much.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
15 Mar 2020

Wonderful place to stop. River, shops and places to eat.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
23 Feb 2020

Ballina is a lovely place to visit. It is a relaxed and laid back lifestyle with easy access to many activities.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
30 Jan 2020

As it was only a stop over on our way to our holiday we didn’t see much - didn’t realise the area had so much to offer. Will definitely have to come back and visit the area again ... just will book accommodation else where.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
26 Jan 2020

Nothing special in Ballina.

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