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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2,323 {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 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 ¥16,437 per night from Apr 4 to Apr 5
¥16,437
¥18,081 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 4 - Apr 5
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! (1,000 reviews)
Corner room a must
"Lovely corner room with great view of river. Beautiful breakfast and 2 nice restaurants close by. Parking included. Would definitely recommend Pool is lovely too although not so easy for disabled to get out"

Reviewed on Mar 25, 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
The price is ¥15,594 per night from Apr 11 to Apr 12
¥15,594
¥17,153 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 11 - Apr 12
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! (539 reviews)
Very good
"Older style motel but it was fine for an overnight stay. The food at the restaurant was really good , so we had a cooked breakfast to. Would go back , no problem."

Reviewed on Mar 28, 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
The price is ¥13,729 per night from Apr 11 to Apr 12
¥13,729
¥15,272 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 11 - Apr 12
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! (784 reviews)
"Nice property and most welcoming Nicely located near the Sports Club"

Reviewed on Mar 21, 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! (426 reviews)
2 bed, 2 bathroom seaview
"Had a 2 night stay at the hotel resort in a 2 bed, 2 bathroom apartment, looked exactly like the online pic showed. Large, very clean and comfortable. Beachy decor that we liked. No elevator but no problem for us, should request lower level if you have mobility problems. Had 2 parking spots in a ..."

Reviewed on Mar 17, 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! (230 reviews)
"Room dark and damp"

Reviewed on Mar 30, 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! (117 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

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