Ballina Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Ballina which includes signage and street scenes
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

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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NZ$289 {hotelsHighestPrice}

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1458 {location.lodging.hotelCount}

2,048 {hotelsReviewCount}

8.9 {hotelsAverageReview}

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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 Ballina Golf Club.

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 Jockey Club.

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$289 per night from 4 Feb to 5 Feb
NZ$289
4 Feb - 5 Feb
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! (1,005 reviews)
Love river view, kind staffs, nice and comfy while I was staying.

Reviewed on 21 Jan 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$197 per night from 4 Feb to 5 Feb
NZ$197
4 Feb - 5 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly motel in Ballina. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (646 reviews)
Good service ,rooms nice and large.

Reviewed on 31 Jan 2026

Ballina Byron Islander Resort and Conference Centre
The Cubana Ballina

The Cubana Ballina

3 out of 5
329 River St Ballina NSW
The price is NZ$208 per night from 8 Feb to 9 Feb
NZ$208
8 Feb - 9 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Ballina. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (397 reviews)
We stayed one night on the way home from Sydney and it was clean and comfortable with the best shower pressure I’ve had in a long time. Need to drive for food and coffee but an easy stay.

Reviewed on 18 Jan 2026

The Cubana 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.
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! (92 reviews)
Bronwyn was a fantastic host, promptly getting back to our queries, providing us with plenty of info on the area. The house was a serine tranqual place to relax for our family holiday, and was so well equipt with not only kitchen appliances and pantry staples, but also with pool toys and bikes which ...

Reviewed on 26 Jan 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! (273 reviews)
Dave on check was very friendly, the room was clean and comfortable. Great location

Reviewed on 23 Jan 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! (461 reviews)
Beautiful place to stay. We got an upgrade to a 2 bedroom apartment. Lots of space big kitchen, dining and lounge area. Awesome pool. Our group had a great stay. Close to everything.

Reviewed on 31 Jan 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

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.

Cities near Ballina

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