Ballina Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Ballina showing signage and street scenes
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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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 Ballina Golf Club and Shelly Beach.

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
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 £99 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
£99
includes taxes & fees
3 Nov - 4 Nov
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Ballina. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a marina. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"We had a fabulous 2 nights stay at Ramada Ballina. My husband and i had been in a campervan accident in Yamba and decided to have 2 relaxing nights there. The staff on reception couldn’t have been more accommodating. Also the staff in the restaurant were wonderful. Thank you to all for what was a ..."

Reviewed on 31 Oct 2024

Ramada Hotel and Suites Ballina Byron
The Cubana Ballina
The Cubana Ballina
3 out of 5
329 River St, Ballina, NSW
The price is £99 per night from 7 Nov to 8 Nov
£99
includes taxes & fees
7 Nov - 8 Nov
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 helpful staff and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (259 reviews)
"Nice clean and modern apartment. Only stayed one night but will return when I’m back in the area."

Reviewed on 24 Oct 2024

The Cubana Ballina
Ballina Homestead Motel
Ballina Homestead Motel
4 out of 5
Cnr Cherry Street & Fox Street, Ballina, NSW
The price is £85 per night from 10 Nov to 11 Nov
£85
includes taxes & fees
10 Nov - 11 Nov
Stay at this 4-star motel in Ballina. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (740 reviews)
"I highly recommend this lovely cosy place. My morning walks around the ocean were awesome. And the staff were super friendly"

Reviewed on 21 Oct 2024

Ballina Homestead 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.
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! (224 reviews)
"Excellent stay that perfectly met our needs as two old friends on a east coast road trip 🙂"

Reviewed on 19 Jul 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
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Shelly Beach and Lighthouse Beach are ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (117 reviews)
"Fresh and clean unit with modern fittings, friendly staff, view of the ocean and quiet. We would definitely stay again."

Reviewed on 18 Mar 2024

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

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

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

Cities near Ballina