Ballina Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Ballina which includes 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

AU$165 {hotelsLowestPrice}

AU$268 {hotelsHighestPrice}

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1,700 {hotelsReviewCount}

8.9 {hotelsAverageReview}

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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 AU$165 per night from 18 Jun to 19 Jun
AU$165
per night
18 Jun - 19 Jun
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Ballina. Enjoy free WiFi, 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 AU$185 per night from 23 Jun to 24 Jun
AU$185
per night
23 Jun - 24 Jun
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Ballina. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a marina. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (999 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 AU$175 per night from 19 Jun to 20 Jun
AU$175
per night
19 Jun - 20 Jun
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Ballina. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
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 WiFi, 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 WiFi, 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 WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Lennox Head Beach and Pat Morton Lookout are ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (396 reviews)
"This place is amazing in a perfect location. Close to beach, shops and restaurants. The grounds, pool area and bbq's were kept exceptionally clean. All staff were very helpful and friendly. The owners Leah and Jeremy go above and beyond to make sure you stay is wonderful and quick to help if there ..."

Reviewed on 17 Mar. 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

Activities

Reviews of Ballina

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
117
" "5 - Excellent 41.19718309859155%
4 - Good
137
" "4 - Good 48.23943661971831%
3 - Okay
28
" "3 - Okay 9.859154929577464%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 0.352112676056338%
1 - Terrible
1
" "1 - Terrible 0.352112676056338%

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.

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