The coastal town of Ballina is a short 30-minute drive from the famous Byron Bay. While the hipster town of Byron Bay attracts hordes of backpackers and tourists every year, Ballina is the perfect, quieter alternative. We don’t like crowds, traffic or sharing a beach with thousands of others, so Ballina was perfect for us. Basing ourselves there to explore this stunning area of New South Wales was a great choice, especially over the Christmas holidays.
Ballina and Byron are renowned for their stunning coastlines, clear waters and great surf. But there is so much more to see and do in their hinterlands that a trip inland is a must.
There is so much to do around Ballina that you can’t be bored, even if you spend a week there. We had 8 days and found enough to keep us occupied the entire time! Here are the best things to do in Ballina.
What to do in Ballina?
The beaches
The beaches of Ballina are stunning. They’re just as beautiful as Byron Bay’s without the crowds or hundreds of cabanas. It’s a winner!
In the peak of summer, there is no better way to cool down than to take a dip in the ocean. In winter, the beaches are perfect for long beach walks.
The best beaches in Ballina are:
- Lighthouse Beach: The most popular beach in town but still relatively quiet. It’s perfect for both families and surfers. The dolphins love to swim past, which adds some magic to your day.
- Shelly Beach: The next one north from Lighthouse Beach is Shelly Beach, which is known for its gentle waves. This makes it ideal for kids and beginner surfers. There are BBQ areas and picnic spots that will help make a perfect beach day there!
- Angels Beach: This beach is often less crowded than the main beaches and just as beautiful.
- Skennars Head Beach: Located a bit off the beaten path, this beach is perfect for experienced surfers.
- Boulder Beach: Another more secluded beach that is perfect for surfing. Check out its dramatic rock formations. Surfing here is epic, but you’ll need to be an experienced surfer to tackle these waves.
- Seven Mile Beach: Technically this one is in Lennox Heads, not Ballina, but it’s so close! Seven Miles Beach has consistent waves and is perfect for surfing or just for walking along. Keep your eyes peeled during whale season; you might spot whales from the shore.
Whale Watching
From June to November, the East Coast of Australia experiences its whale season. Ballina is a perfect place to observe humpback whales on their migration up and down the coast.
You can sign up for boat tours to go and see them up close. These tours are the best way to see them, offering an unforgettable experience. These majestic creatures often pass right by the boats and sometimes interact with them.
If you’re a keen wildlife photographer like me, nothing beats a whale watching tour to get the best shots of these beautiful mammals.
Go Paddle boarding or kayaking
Ballina offers a variety of waterways if you enjoy paddle boarding or kayaking. The best spots are the Richmond River, Lake Ainsworth (in Lennox Heads), Shaws Bay and North Creek.
Take a sunset cruise
A sunset cruise along the Richmond River is a nice way to finish the day. Relax with a glass of bubbles while enjoying the beautiful surroundings. Look out for the pelicans, dolphins and turtles that often appear along the way.
Go surfing
Ballina is a surfer’s paradise and there is a beach for all skill levels. If you don’t know how to surf, you can sign up for lessons.
If, like me, you’d rather just watch the surfers, you won’t be disappointed.
The Lighthouse
Overlooking Lighthouse and Shelley Beach you will find the still operational Ballina Lighthouse. It was originally built in 1866 to guide ships and whalers into the port. It has been rebuilt a few times since then and is in excellent condition. This iconic landmark offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the North Wall.
Have lunch or dinner at Capiche
If you’re after a lovely meal in Ballina, Capiche is the place to go. Capiche is situated right on Lighthouse Beach and offers amazing views of the ocean. This Italian restaurant is top notch, the food is delicious, and the staff are very friendly. The window seats are the best, so book in advance and request a table by the window if you can. Once you’ve finished your meal, make your way up to the Ballina Head Lookout, just next door, for more amazing views.
Take a walk on the North Wall
The North Wall of Ballina is the perfect place for a nice stroll. With Shaws Bay on one side and the Richmond River on the other, this easy walk will allow you to enjoy some of Ballina’s most beautiful assets.
Keep an eye out for the birdlife and for dolphins. The dolphins love surfing the waves at the river mouth between the break walls and are a very common sight there!
The Big Prawn
No visit to Ballina is complete without a quick visit to The Big Prawn! This giant prawn statue is one of Australia’s iconic roadside attractions. We love our Big Things in Australia and it’s always fun to tick another one off our list!
What to do outside of Ballina?
Cape Byron
We didn’t spend too long in Byron Bay, simply because it’s too crowded for us. However, there is one thing we had to do and that’s a visit to Cape Byron.
It’s possible to drive all the way to the lighthouse (go very early so you don’t struggle with parking). We decided to do the 4 kms Cape Byron Walking Track instead which took us through a mix of rainforest paths, grasslands, beaches and clifftops along the way.
We had spectacular views of the coastline, the lighthouse and the most easternly point of mainland Australia. There are quite a few steps, but it is a very nice walk if you enjoy doing exercise while exploring. It’s so photogenic that you will stop many times for photos, giving you a chance to catch your breath!
Go chasing waterfalls
There are quite a few waterfalls in the hinterland, inland from Ballina. The best part is that most are easily accessible without hiking for miles.
Killen Falls
The Killen Falls are found near the small town of Tintenbar. The lookout at the top of the falls is only a short 700 metres walk.
If you feel like a light scramble, walk another 700 metres to the bottom of the falls. The rocks heading to the bottom of the falls can be quite slippery so be extra careful and walk slowly.
Minyon Falls
Minyon Falls is a breathtaking 100-metre-high waterfall, surrounded by lush rainforest. It’s in the Nightcap National Park. The walk to the lookout is very short and easy and the lookout offers spectacular views of the falls and the surrounding national park. If you are keen for a longer walk, you can also do a longer, steeper hike to the base of the falls. You will need a spare three hours at least.
It’s a stunning place for a picnic, and birdwatchers will enjoy spotting the variety of native birds that call the area home.
Wian Wian Falls
The Wian Wian Falls are also part of the Nightcap National Park and are very easily accessible. It’s a great spot for a swim! It’s only about 300 m from the carpark to the falls and the falls are stunning and the water refreshing. Since it’s a popular spot with tourists and locals alike the car park can fill up quickly.
Protector Falls
The Protector Falls are a little harder to get too. Located on the other side of the Nightcap National Park, the road leading to them is a 15 kms bitumen and gravelled road. It has quite a lot of potholes, so take extra care.
The walk to Protector Falls is only 1.1 kms and is very easy going, walking through beautiful rainforest. The Falls are about 25 metres tall and look spectacular, especially after heavy rain.
Go exploring the Nightcap NP
There is more to the Nightcap National Park than just waterfalls. The place is part of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests, making it a must-see for anyone interested in nature. While there, be sure to take a peaceful nature walk within the lush rainforest. You’ll also find plenty of spots for a picnic amidst the forest scenery.
Walk the Three Sisters Walking Track at the Broken Head Nature Reserve
The Broken Head Nature Reserve is a sacred Aboriginal Site with pristine beaches, scenic coastal walks, and plenty of opportunities to spot local wildlife.
The Three Sisters Walking Track is an easy track to follow with gorgeous views of the ocean and the possibility of seeing dolphins, or whales if in season. The walk is only 1.4 kms return, making it easy for the entire family.
Explore some of the hinterland villages
The Ballina hinterland has lots to offer, lush green rolling hills, incredible nature and lots of character-filled towns full of interesting shops and a thriving foodie scene. Here is the list of some of our favourite places to visit on a drive through the hinterland hills:
Bangalow: This charming and historical village is full of heritage buildings and lots of nice shops to go browsing.
Newrybar: Another village with a charming old main street with gorgeous shops and century-old buildings. Grab some local produce at The Little General Newrybar.
Eltham: Eltham is super tiny and it’s all about The Eltham, an authentic 120-year-old iconic Aussie pub that was recently revamped. It is now a major drawcard for locals and out-of-towners alike.
Mullumbimby: The drive to Mullumbimby is the best part, with the view of Mount Chincogan as you approach town.
Have a wander around this picturesque town with its wide palm-lined streets, lovely weatherboard houses and very friendly, laidback locals. Stop at one of the many cafes and if visiting on a Friday, don’t miss the weekly farmer’s market to stock up on local produce.
Clunes: Stop at the Clunes General Store, a one-stop shop for everything you might need. You will find a cafe serving Allpress coffee, a great little grocery store with local produce, a post office and a bottle shop selling handcrafted wines.
Take a dip in Lake Ainsworth
Lake Ainsworth is a freshwater lake located opposite the beach at the northern end of Lennox Head. The lake’s waters are brown, stained by the tannins leaching from the leaves of hundreds of Melaleuca trees that crowd around the lake’s shores.
It’s an ideal swimming spot for families with young children and it’s also suitable for stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and canoeing.
The water is said to have health giving and rejuvenating properties for the skin and hair. There are barbecue and picnic facilities and it’s a great place to watch the sunset.
If you walk just a few metres (one dune) behind the lake you will find Lennox Heads Main Beach. Another great beach to go for a swim or a surf. You can spend your day switching between beach swim and lake swim!
Tip: While in Lennox Heads, be sure to stop at the Pat Morton Lookout for some spectacular coastal views. If you feel up to it, there are some nice coastal walks to follow from the Pat Morton Lookout.
Take a drive up to the stunning Brunswick Heads
Brunswick Heads is about 30 minutes North of Ballina. It’s a magical place and one of our favourite’s spots in the Northern Rivers of New South Wales. Brunswick Heads is beautiful, with stunning ocean beaches, a great river system, and a laid-back local vibe.
The Brunswick Hotel is a great place to stop for lunch and to listen to live music.
I would recommend spending at least an entire day in Brunswick Heads, as it is such an amazing place to visit. You won’t regret it.
Where to stay in or near Ballina?
Ballina Beach Nature Resort
Located in Ballina, 500 metres from South Ballina, Ballina Beach Nature Resort provides accommodation with a garden, free private parking, a shared lounge and a terrace. Featuring a shared kitchen and a restaurant, a water park and an outdoor pool. Find their latest prices here.
Ballina Manor Boutique Hotel
Situated in Ballina, 3.9 km from Big Prawn, Ballina Manor Boutique Hotel features accommodation with a garden, free private parking, a terrace and a restaurant. Boasting a bar, the hotel is close to several noted attractions, around 1 km from Kingsford-Smith Park and around 1.4 km from Saunders Oval. All rooms have a balcony. Find their latest prices here.
Reflections Shaws Bay – Holiday Park
Reflections Shaws Bay – Holiday Park offers beachfront accommodation and free on-site parking. The property features a children’s playground, a games room, and free BBQ facilities. All accommodation is air-conditioned and features a private balcony. Find their latest prices here.
Tallaringa Views
Tallaringa Views features a hot tub and free private parking and is within 18 km of Big Prawn and 32 km of Byron Bay Golf Course. The lodge provides guests with a terrace, mountain views, a seating area, a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen, and a private bathroom with shower and free toiletries. Find their latest prices here.
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