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

¥14,319 {hotelsLowestPrice}

¥28,926 {hotelsHighestPrice}

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1719 {location.lodging.hotelCount}

1,761 {hotelsReviewCount}

8.9 {hotelsAverageReview}

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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
The Cubana Ballina
The Cubana Ballina
3 out of 5
329 River St, Ballina, NSW
The price is ¥14,319 per night from Apr 14 to Apr 15
¥14,319
per night
Apr 14 - Apr 15
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Ballina. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach shuttle. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (184 reviews)
"Earlier survey maligned the room unfairly. The glass shards on the floor were not there on our arrival, rather they were bought in by us in the carton of drinks we had just purchased. So our stay on the whole was good to excellent thanks"

Reviewed on Mar 24, 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 ¥17,942 per night from Apr 12 to Apr 13
¥17,942
per night
Apr 12 - Apr 13
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)
"Quiet area"

Reviewed on Mar 28, 2024

Ramada Hotel and Suites Ballina Byron
Discovery Parks - Ballina
Discovery Parks - Ballina
4.5 out of 5
25 Fenwick Drive, East Ballina, NSW
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥15,602 per night from Apr 11 to Apr 12
¥15,602
per night
Apr 11 - Apr 12
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! (576 reviews)
"It’s very good for kids"

Reviewed on Jan 24, 2024

Discovery Parks - 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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (220 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! (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 Mar 17, 2024

Lennox Beach Resort
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 terrace. Popular attractions Lighthouse Beach and Ballina Golf Club are located ...
7.6/10 Good! (95 reviews)
"For the price this is a lovely apartment . It was large and bright"

Reviewed on Feb 22, 2024

Leisure Lee Holiday Apartments
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

3.8
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
1
" "5 - Excellent 25%
4 - Good
1
" "4 - Good 25%
3 - Okay
2
" "3 - Okay 50%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

Cities near Ballina