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 Ballina Golf Club and Shelly 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
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$275 per night from 19 Aug to 20 Aug
NZ$275
19 Aug - 20 Aug
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! (1,000 reviews)
"Loved the Ramada! The staff were so friendly and helpful and upbeat! It was a great vibe. The room was beautifully appointed and clean and spacious. Easily the nicest place we have stayed at for some time on our travels!"

Reviewed on 5 Aug. 2025

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$178 per night from 22 Aug to 23 Aug
NZ$178
22 Aug - 23 Aug
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! (321 reviews)
"Very consistent quality and cleanliness. It’s the third time I’ve stayed there as part of a stop on a trip north. Would happily stay again."

Reviewed on 4 Aug. 2025

The Cubana Ballina
Ballina Palms Boutique Motel

Ballina Palms Boutique Motel

4 out of 5
Cnr Owen Street & Bentinck Street, Ballina, NSW
The price is NZ$173 per night from 18 Aug to 19 Aug
NZ$173
18 Aug - 19 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star motel in Ballina. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (797 reviews)
"Well located and clean tidy and spacious rooms"

Reviewed on 14 Aug. 2025

Ballina Palms Boutique Motel
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.
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! (437 reviews)
Close to everything
"Close to the main street, dining options great. Beach close. Nice & clean. Chinese restaurant onsight lovely."

Reviewed on 11 Aug. 2025

Lennox Beach Resort
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! (240 reviews)
"We have stayed here previously, older property but well maintained, clean and spacious, good value for money and close to everything."

Reviewed on 14 Jul. 2025

Santa Fe Motel & Holiday Units
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! (120 reviews)
"Spacious and secure apartment, close to Shelley Beach cafe."

Reviewed on 22 May 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

Cities near Ballina