Ballina

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

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
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 CA $162 per night from Nov. 3 to Nov. 4
CA $162
CA $178 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 3 - Nov 4
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Ballina. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a marina. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
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 Oct. 31, 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 CA $163 per night from Nov. 4 to Nov. 5
CA $163
CA $179 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 4 - Nov 5
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Ballina. Enjoy free WiFi, 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 Oct. 24, 2024

The Cubana Ballina
Ballina Homestead Motel
Ballina Homestead Motel
4 out of 5
Cnr Cherry Street & Fox Street, Ballina, NSW
The price is CA $147 per night from Nov. 10 to Nov. 11
CA $147
CA $162 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 10 - Nov 11
Stay at this 4-star motel in Ballina. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
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 Oct. 21, 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 WiFi, 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 Jul. 19, 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 Feb. 22, 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 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

Things to do

Reviews of Ballina

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Cities near Ballina