Ballina

Travel Guide

Ballina which includes signage and street scenes
Lighthouse Beach showing a sandy beach
Ballina which includes street scenes
Ballina showing an administrative buidling and street scenes
Ballina featuring a bay or harbor

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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2,350 {hotelsReviewCount} 

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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 Angels Beach and Sharpe's 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$3,070 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
NT$3,070
NT$3,377 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
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! (1,002 reviews)
"Good"

Reviewed on 2025/6/28

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
The price is NT$2,878 per night from Jul 21 to Jul 22
NT$2,878
NT$3,166 total
Jul 21 - Jul 22
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! (568 reviews)
"Nice friendly, helpful staff, easy parking, good room and facilities, nice restaurant."

Reviewed on 2025/6/29

Ballina Byron Islander Resort and Conference Centre
Ballina Palms Boutique Motel
Ballina Palms Boutique Motel
4 out of 5
Cnr Owen Street & Bentinck Street, Ballina, NSW
The price is NT$3,053 per night from Jul 5 to Jul 6
NT$3,053
NT$3,358 total
Jul 5 - Jul 6
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star motel in Ballina. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (780 reviews)
Short visit
"Great spot , enough crockery and cutlery to make ourselves an easy dinner without going out in the pouring rain . Hot Hot shower ."

Reviewed on 2025/6/29

Ballina Palms Boutique 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 2025/5/20

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! (238 reviews)
"Seamless stay"

Reviewed on 2025/6/24

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 2025/5/22

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
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
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1 - Terrible 0%