Ballina

Travel Guide

Ballina featuring signage and street scenes
Ballina
Ballina which includes street scenes
Ballina which includes street scenes and an administrative building
Ballina showing 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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S$269 {hotelsHighestPrice}

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2,363 {hotelsReviewCount}

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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
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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
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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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 S$163 per night from 11 Jun to 12 Jun
S$163
11 Jun - 12 Jun
includes taxes & fees
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)
"Convenient"

Reviewed on 8 Jun, 2025

Ramada Hotel and Suites Ballina Byron
Ballina Byron Islander Resort and Conference Centre
Ballina Byron Islander Resort and Conference Centre
4 out of 5
1 Ronan Place, West Ballina, NSW
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$138 per night from 15 Jun to 16 Jun
S$138
15 Jun - 16 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly motel in Ballina. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (561 reviews)
"I found the property to be clean & comfortable. The lady in reception was very helpful. Hot water for a morning shower was luke warm only."

Reviewed on 9 Jun, 2025

Ballina Byron Islander Resort and Conference Centre
Ballina Homestead Motel
Ballina Homestead Motel
4 out of 5
Cnr Cherry Street & Fox Street, Ballina, NSW
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (801 reviews)
"Convenience"

Reviewed on 6 Jun, 2025

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.
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! (430 reviews)
"We stay here every year and this property does not disappoint, perfectly positioned and has all the amenities we need, can’t wait to come back again next year"

Reviewed on 20 May, 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! (235 reviews)
"Perfect location . Only 2 minute walk to the beach .local pub and shops"

Reviewed on 14 May, 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 22 May, 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

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