Ballina Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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
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
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
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
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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
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$235 per night from 20 Mar to 21 Mar
NZ$235
20 Mar - 21 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)
A Really nice & relaxing place to stay

Reviewed on 17 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! (95 reviews)
A beautiful and thoughtfully curated home that feels extra extra special! We loved our stay at Dragon Tree House. The moment you enter the front door you can tell Bronwyn has put so much effort into making the home unique, welcoming and visually stunning. The bedrooms are all generously sized, the ...

Reviewed on 15 Mar 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$201 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
NZ$201
30 Mar - 31 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Ballina. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a conference centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (658 reviews)
We were very comfortable in our accommodation, the food was very nice and prices good. The breakfast could be improved. For a small cost they could have real coffee, sachet instant is a poor offering. Fruit salad too, not uncut fruit. The staff were very friendly, helpful and efficient.

Reviewed on 14 Mar 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! (281 reviews)
Convenient location, helpful staff. The apartment had everything we needed for our stay

Reviewed on 9 Mar 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! (95 reviews)
A beautiful and thoughtfully curated home that feels extra extra special! We loved our stay at Dragon Tree House. The moment you enter the front door you can tell Bronwyn has put so much effort into making the home unique, welcoming and visually stunning. The bedrooms are all generously sized, the ...

Reviewed on 15 Mar 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.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Cities near Ballina

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