Ballina Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Ballina showing a sandy beach

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 favorite 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 cozy 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 accommodations, 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 which includes 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
Lennox Head which includes a bay or harbour, surf and rocky coastline

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
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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
The Cubana Ballina
The Cubana Ballina
3 out of 5
329 River St, Ballina, NSW
The price is Rp1.613.942 per night from 30 Jun to 1 Jul
Rp1.613.942
per night
30 Jun - 1 Jul
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Ballina. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the clean rooms in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (208 reviews)
"It was finr"

Reviewed on 4 Jun 2024

The Cubana 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 Rp1.813.509 per night from 23 Jun to 24 Jun
Rp1.813.509
per night
23 Jun - 24 Jun
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Ballina. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a marina. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
"Spacious. Comfortable."

Reviewed on 2 Jun 2024

Ramada Hotel and Suites Ballina Byron
Ballina Beach Resort
Ballina Beach Resort
3 out of 5
Compton Drive (Corner Cedar Crescent), East Ballina, NSW
The price is Rp1.717.184 per night from 19 Jun to 20 Jun
Rp1.717.184
per night
19 Jun - 20 Jun
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Ballina. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the clean rooms in their reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (493 reviews)
Great room
"Great room with interesting decor. Handy pool and easy access to the beach"

Reviewed on 22 May 2024

Ballina 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.
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Lennox Head Beach and Seven Mile ...
9/10 Wonderful! (220 reviews)
"Beautifully presented and fantastic location. Comfy bed and Dave was great."

Reviewed on 17 Mar 2024

Santa Fe Motel & Holiday Units
Leisure Lee Holiday Apartments
Leisure Lee Holiday Apartments
3.5 out of 5
6 Easton Place, East Ballina, NSW
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Ballina. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Lighthouse Beach and Ballina Golf Club are located ...
7.6/10 Good! (96 reviews)
"For the price this is a lovely apartment . It was large and bright"

Reviewed on 22 Feb 2024

Leisure Lee Holiday Apartments
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Lennox Head Beach and Pat Morton Lookout are ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (402 reviews)
"In a great location, close to the beach & shops. A lovely apartment."

Reviewed on 3 Jun 2024

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

Things to do

Reviews of Ballina

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
2
" "5 - Excellent 40%
4 - Good
2
" "4 - Good 40%
3 - Okay
1
" "3 - Okay 20%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Alex
10 Feb 2019

Ballina is a convenient place to stay in the Byron Bay area if you can’t get a place in Byron Bay itself, but other than that it’s not the greatest tourist destination in the world