Ballina

Travel 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 featuring a coastal town

Lennox Head

Lennox Head is known for its pristine beaches, and you can make a stop by Lennox Head Beach and Seven Mile Beach while in the area.

Lennox Head
Ballina showing a sandy 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 featuring surf, rugged coastline and a bay or harbor

North Creek

North Creek is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights in the area like Lennox Head Beach and Seven Mile Beach.

North Creek
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Skennars Head

While visiting Skennars Head, you might make a stop by sights like Sharpe's Beach and Angels Beach.

Skennars Head
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West Ballina

Bars and shopping are notable features of West Ballina. You might consider a stop by Big Prawn while you're exploring the neighborhood.

West Ballina
Discovery Parks - Ballina
Discovery Parks - Ballina
4.5 out of 5
25 Fenwick Drive, East Ballina, NSW
The price is ₩128,282 per night from May 14 to May 15
₩128,282
per night
May 14 - May 15
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury holiday park in Ballina. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the clean rooms and the property ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (597 reviews)
"Great for the family and location is great"

Reviewed on May 11, 2024

Discovery Parks - 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 ₩139,615 per night from May 19 to May 20
₩139,615
per night
May 19 - May 20
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! (1,001 reviews)
"An easy walk to Ballina RSL .The RSL has an excellent menu. Great views from room on 4th floor over Richmond River"

Reviewed on May 7, 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 ₩135,215 per night from May 14 to May 15
₩135,215
per night
May 14 - May 15
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! (201 reviews)
"We called this motel the one that you could walk in without motel or shower shoes. We were super impressed by the cleanliness and the furnishings in the motel. There are so many other motels that just have drab, dated decor with ancient bathrooms with years of mould ground into the silicon with carpets ..."

Reviewed on May 6, 2024

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.
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (219 reviews)
"Beautifully presented and fantastic location. Comfy bed and Dave was great."

Reviewed on Mar 17, 2024

Santa Fe Motel & Holiday Units
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! (399 reviews)
Great place to stay in a spacious apartment
"Great location and excellent facilities. Lennox Head is a great location to explore the local area including Byron Bay."

Reviewed on Apr 9, 2024

Lennox Beach Resort
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 WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Shelly Beach and Lighthouse Beach are ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (116 reviews)
"Fresh and clean unit with modern fittings, friendly staff, view of the ocean and quiet. We would definitely stay again."

Reviewed on Mar 18, 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

Reviews of Ballina

3.8
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4 - Good
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3 - Okay
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