Ballina Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Ballina which includes signage and street scenes
Ballina
Ballina featuring street scenes
Ballina featuring street scenes and an administrative building
Ballina featuring a bay or harbour

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 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
Ballina which includes a bay or harbour

Ballina Central

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

Ballina Central
Lennox Head featuring rocky coastline, a bay or harbour and surf

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, Angels Beach and Sharpe's 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
The Cubana Ballina

The Cubana Ballina

3 out of 5
329 River St, Ballina, NSW
The price is NZ$177 per night from 12 Nov to 13 Nov
NZ$177
12 Nov - 13 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Ballina. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (358 reviews)
Fresh decor, clean room, friendly reception. Walls aren’t very sound proof though, can hear neighbours talking.

Reviewed on 2 Nov 2025

The Cubana 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$223 per night from 1 Dec to 2 Dec
NZ$223
1 Dec - 2 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Ballina. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,020 reviews)
Nice room with a spa bath and a shower

Reviewed on 30 Oct 2025

Ramada Hotel and Suites Ballina Byron
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 12 Nov to 13 Nov
NZ$192
12 Nov - 13 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly motel in Ballina. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (621 reviews)
Was a little disappointed with the all you can eat buffet. We dined at 6.45 and the food on offer was very minimal and not restocked.

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2025

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 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Ballina. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Lennox Head Beach and Seven Mile ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (255 reviews)
We have stayed here several times and it's always been very good.

Reviewed on 27 Oct 2025

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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (453 reviews)
Brilliant location. Rooms had everything in them. Great overnight stay

Reviewed on 2 Nov 2025

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! (121 reviews)
Felt very privileged to be upgraded to the penthouse. Spacious, clean, well equipped with a great view!

Reviewed on 6 Oct 2025

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.

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