Ballina Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Ballina which includes signage and street scenes
Ballina which includes signage and street scenes
Lighthouse Beach showing a sandy beach
Ballina featuring street scenes
Ballina featuring street scenes and an administrative building

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.

Admin Use Only

Hotels

NZ$164 {hotelsLowestPrice}

NZ$478 {hotelsHighestPrice}

1,413 {hotelCount}

1413 {location.lodging.hotelCount}

1,750 {hotelsReviewCount}

9.2 {hotelsAverageReview}

{locationTopAffinity}

{hotel-description.shortDescription}

{hotel-room.leadPrice}

The Annual Holiday Sale

Members save up to 40% on hotels and homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save.

Where to stay in Ballina

Lennox Head featuring 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 Lighthouse Beach.

East Ballina
Lennox Head featuring a sandy beach

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
The ultimate adrenalin rush!
To do a tandem skydive with the guys at Skydive the Beach and Beyond Byron Bay is an unforgettable memory :) 

These take care of you and make the experience the best :)

Ballina Central

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

Ballina Central
Default Image

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
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$233 per night from 6 Mar to 7 Mar
NZ$233
6 Mar - 7 Mar
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. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
Clean room and good location.

Reviewed on 2 Mar 2026

Ramada Hotel and Suites Ballina Byron
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! (93 reviews)
Nothing this place was awesome and the condiments provided were great . Not cheap but actually worth the

Reviewed on 19 Feb 2026

Dragon Tree House Lennox Head / Byron Coast
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$221 per night from 12 Mar to 13 Mar
NZ$221
12 Mar - 13 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly motel in Ballina. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a conference centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (655 reviews)
The staff is friendly. Room is clean.

Reviewed on 28 Feb 2026

Ballina Byron Islander Resort and Conference Centre
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! (278 reviews)
Carpet in the room between beds was soaking wet from a leaking shower that had been repaired. Room should not have been available for stay until the carpet had completely dried and room aired for damp carpet smell.

Reviewed on 28 Feb 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! (93 reviews)
Nothing this place was awesome and the condiments provided were great . Not cheap but actually worth the

Reviewed on 19 Feb 2026

Dragon Tree House Lennox Head / Byron Coast
Grandview Apartments Ballina

Grandview Apartments Ballina

4 out of 5
3-7 Grand View Street East Ballina NSW
Stay at this beach apartment in Ballina. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Shelly Beach and Lighthouse Beach are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (130 reviews)
The apartment was large, clean and had a well equipped kitchen. It was a nice quiet location close to the beach.

Reviewed on 3 Mar 2026

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%
4 - Good
137
4 - Good 48%
3 - Okay
28
3 - Okay 10%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Just a lovely town to visit

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

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

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

Nothing special in Ballina.

Cities near Ballina

Explore a world of travel with Expedia