Ballina

Travel Guide

Ballina showing street scenes and signage
Ballina
Ballina featuring street scenes
Ballina showing an administrative building and street scenes
Ballina featuring a bay or harbour

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

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 featuring 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 Lighthouse Beach.

East Ballina
Lennox Head showing a bay or harbour, rocky coastline and waves

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 Angels Beach and Sharpe's Beach.

Skennars Head
Ballina which includes a bay or harbour

Ballina Central

While visiting Ballina Central, you might make a stop by sights like Ballina Fair Shopping Centre and Ballina Jockey Club.

Ballina Central
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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 $158 per night from Aug 8 to Aug 9
CA $158
CA $174 total
Aug 8 - Aug 9
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Ballina. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"I liked the size of the suite, the balcony, the fresh air. The restaurant. 👌"

Reviewed on Aug. 1, 2025

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 $134 per night from Aug 7 to Aug 8
CA $134
CA $148 total
Aug 7 - Aug 8
includes taxes & fees
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! (321 reviews)
"Very consistent quality and cleanliness. It’s the third time I’ve stayed there as part of a stop on a trip north. Would happily stay again."

Reviewed on Aug. 4, 2025

The Cubana Ballina
Ballina Beach Resort

Ballina Beach Resort

3 out of 5
Compton Drive (Corner Cedar Crescent), East Ballina, NSW
The price is CA $139 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
CA $139
CA $152 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Ballina. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (552 reviews)
"Good overnight stay only thing no breakfast available"

Reviewed on Jul. 26, 2025

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.
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (435 reviews)
"Had a lovely stay. Light airy and relaxed vibe. Spacious with great outlook."

Reviewed on Jul. 28, 2025

Lennox Beach Resort
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! (240 reviews)
"We have stayed here previously, older property but well maintained, clean and spacious, good value for money and close to everything."

Reviewed on Jul. 14, 2025

Santa Fe Motel & Holiday Units
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! (119 reviews)
"Spacious and secure apartment, close to Shelley Beach cafe."

Reviewed on May 22, 2025

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

Cities near Ballina