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.

Admin Use Only

Hotels

¥17,926 {hotelsLowestPrice}

¥28,341 {hotelsHighestPrice}

1,485 {hotelCount}

1485 {location.lodging.hotelCount}

2,024 {hotelsReviewCount}

8.9 {hotelsAverageReview}

{locationTopAffinity}

{hotel-description.shortDescription}

{hotel-room.leadPrice}

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
Ballina showing a bay or harbor

Ballina Central

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

Ballina Central
Default Image

Skennars Head

While visiting Skennars Head, you might make a stop by sights like Sharpe's Beach and Angels Beach.

Skennars Head
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
Default Image

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 ¥25,764 per night from Jan 12 to Jan 13
¥25,764
¥28,341 total
Jan 12 - Jan 13
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this 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! (1,003 reviews)
Great spot and easy to get to nice and quiet

Reviewed on Jan 1, 2026

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 ¥19,024 per night from Feb 4 to Feb 5
¥19,024
¥20,926 total
Feb 4 - Feb 5
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this 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! (635 reviews)
Photos on the booking page are not an accurate representation of the premises. In reality the “resort” is nothing more than a travellers motel - hence disappointing upon arrival. Having said that, it is a decent and clean motel for a short stay. Friendly staff and free dinner and breakfast are nice ...

Reviewed on Jan 1, 2026

Ballina Byron Islander Resort and Conference Centre
The Cubana Ballina

The Cubana Ballina

3 out of 5
329 River St Ballina NSW
The price is ¥16,191 per night from Feb 2 to Feb 3
¥16,191
¥17,926 total
Feb 2 - Feb 3
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this 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! (386 reviews)
Rooms were spotless and well contained. Was quiet and staff we’re friendly

Reviewed on Jan 2, 2026

The Cubana 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.
Dragon Tree House     Lennox Head / Byron Coast

Dragon Tree House Lennox Head / Byron Coast

Lennox Head NSW
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Ballina. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Lennox Head Beach and ...
10/10 Exceptional! (89 reviews)
Bronwyn was most welcoming and very kind in her messaging.

Reviewed on Dec 18, 2025

Dragon Tree House Lennox Head / Byron Coast
Santa Fe Motel & Holiday Units

Santa Fe Motel & Holiday Units

3 out of 5
8 Byron Street Lennox Head NSW
Book a stay at this 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! (265 reviews)
Room was clean and had all the amenities including AC and ceiling fan. Had a pool on site. Manager was very polite and helpful. Location was perfect. Grocery, beach and Restaurant/bar all walking distance. Town centre 10 min drive away.

Reviewed on Dec 21, 2025

Santa Fe Motel & Holiday Units
Lennox Beach Resort

Lennox Beach Resort

4 out of 5
7 Park Lane Lennox Head NSW
Stay at this aparthotel in Ballina. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Lennox Head Beach and Pat Morton Lookout are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (457 reviews)
Alles in allem super!

Reviewed on Dec 7, 2025

Lennox 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.

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

Explore a world of travel with Expedia