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.

Admin Use Only

Hotels

NZ$179 {hotelsLowestPrice}

NZ$242 {hotelsHighestPrice}

1,444 {hotelCount}

1444 {location.lodging.hotelCount}

1,691 {hotelsReviewCount}

8.9 {hotelsAverageReview}

{locationTopAffinity}

{hotel-description.shortDescription}

{hotel-room.leadPrice}

15%+ off winter escapes close to home

Book a getaway and you can save on select hotels and homes.¹

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 Lighthouse Beach and Ballina Golf Club.

East Ballina
Ballina Central

Ballina Central

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

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
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
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
Comfort Inn All Seasons

Comfort Inn All Seasons

3 out of 5
301 River Street Ballina NSW
The price is NZ$179 per night from 31 May to 1 June
NZ$179
31 May - 1 June
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 ...
Comfort Inn All Seasons
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 29 May to 30 May
NZ$242
29 May - 30 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! (1,008 reviews)
"Very comfortable hotel, excellent position and generous room size. The river view rooms have an exceptionally lovely outlook. No dishwasher but otherwise a very well equipped kitchen."

Reviewed on 17 May 2026

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$191 per night from 14 June to 15 June
NZ$191
14 June - 15 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! (683 reviews)
"Incredibly clean rooms with inbuilt access to wifi and streaming services. Incredibly friendly staff that are always happy to help. Great amenities, cute little fenced dog run area. Food at restaurant is delicious."

Reviewed on 16 May 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.
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! (98 reviews)
"We recently stayed at the Dragon Tree House in Lennox Head for 12 nights and absolutely loved the experience. The home has a beautiful Balinese-inspired feel, with stunning décor and landscaping that instantly makes you relax and unwind.The three large bathrooms were absolutely amazing and beautifully ..."

Reviewed on 15 May 2026

Dragon Tree House Lennox Head / Byron Coast
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! (289 reviews)
"Loved the location, so close to everything. Great parking spaces. The room was old, but clean and tidy. The kettle definitely needs replacing as the inside had flaky plastic bits coming off. The tea cups also need replacing as there were dark stains on the bottom and had a leaky tap in the bathroom, ..."

Reviewed on 12 May 2026

Santa Fe Motel & Holiday Units
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

Explore a world of travel with Expedia