Ballina Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A tattoo clinic, a cafe, and a clothing store on a sunny street.
A beach with waves, a rocky breakwater, and people walking along the shore.
A street with shops, including Wigmore Arcade and Budget Eyewear.
A courthouse with a clock tower, surrounded by trees and a clear blue sky.
A waterfront with a pier, a modern building with a dome, and a clear sky.

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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Our guide on where to stay in Ballina

Find the best Ballina areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Ballina
Learn more about Ballina

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.

East Ballina

East Ballina is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Shelly Beach and Lighthouse Beach.

Ballina Central

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

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.

Skennars Head

If you're spending some time in Skennars Head, Sharpe's Beach and Angels Beach are top sights worth seeing.

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$292 per night from 20 Sept to 21 Sept
NZ$292
20 Sept - 21 Sept
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. ...
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$169 per night from 20 Sept to 21 Sept
NZ$169
20 Sept - 21 Sept
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! (730 reviews)
"Very clean, comfortable bed. Lovely staff."

Reviewed on 13 Sept 2026

Ballina Byron Islander Resort and Conference Centre
Comfort Inn All Seasons

Comfort Inn All Seasons

3 out of 5
301 River Street Ballina NSW
Fully refundable
The price is NZ$174 per night from 27 Sept to 28 Sept
NZ$174
27 Sept - 28 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Ballina. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (426 reviews)
"Handy location, welcoming staff. Room and amenties were more than adequate for a quick weekend away. Ample parking, however it is sometimes difficult to get a space in front/near your unit as they are not numbered or reserved by room."

Reviewed on 18 Sept 2026

Comfort Inn All Seasons
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 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! (471 reviews)
"P"

Reviewed on 5 Sept 2026

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 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! (294 reviews)
"Really well positioned location. Service from Brian was excellent. A bit disappointed when we informed him our blind was broken to which his reply was I know I get on a stool to roll it up. It wasn’t booked out so I don’t understand why you’d give us a room with faults? But excellent location and ..."

Reviewed on 15 Sept 2026

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 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! (140 reviews)
"The property is walking distance to Shelly beach. Great overall spot to stay. Since the place does have a kitchen the supermarkets does require a drive back into Ballina city center which is about 5-10mins away."

Reviewed on 11 Sept 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.

Stay near popular Ballina attractions

Activities

Cities near Ballina

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