16 Things To Do In Ballina, NSW: A Underrated Gem Near Byron Bay

The Byron Bay tourist magnet sucks masses of backpackers, surfers, whale-watchers, plus regular local and overseas tourists into its vortex.

…Which leaves the fabulous Ballina region relatively uncrowded. Excellent!

Ballina is a destination in its own right. It’s perfect for either a laid-back escape or as a base to explore the always-busy Byron Bay.

It’s a short 30-minute drive from Byron, with the same beautiful beaches but without as many crowds. If you’re looking for a quieter alternative, this is the spot for you.

Plus, there are heaps of things to do in Ballina! From stunning beaches for surfing and swimming whale-watching and dolphin-spotting adventures, this place has plenty to keep you busy for days.

We’ll cover all the must-see spots, where to stay, and how to make the most of your visit in this guide. Let’s get started!

16 epic things to do in Ballina, NSW

We recognise the traditional owners of this land, the Bundjalung people.

1) Check out the beaches

The beaches in Ballina are STUNNING, plus way less crowded than Byron Bay’s.

Plus, they have something for everyone – surfing, relaxing, or walking, you’ll find the perfect spot. Here are the best beaches in Ballina:

• Lighthouse Beach: One of the most popular beaches, perfect for both families and surfers! Dolphins often swim past, adding a bit of magic to the day.

• Shelly Beach: In East Ballina, this beach is famous for its gentle waves, ideal for kids and beginner surfers. BBQ areas and picnic spots make it easy to extend your stay.

• Seven Mile Beach: Consistent waves, longer beach (as the name entails!) perfect for walking, and during whale season you might spot them from the shore.

• Angels Beach: It’s usually less crowded than the main beaches, which makes it perfect for a relaxing day by the water.

• Skennars Head Beach: A bit off the beaten path, perfect for experienced surfers.

• Boulder Beach: A secluded spot with dramatic rock formations. Surfing is epic but should be for experienced surfers only.

2) Whale Watching

From June to November, Ballina becomes a prime whale-watching location.

You’ll have the chance to see humpback whales on their migration along the coast.

Local tours like this one take you out on the water for the best views, offering an unforgettable experience as these majestic creatures pass by.

Book your tour early, especially during peak season. And bring a jacket, even if it’s warm—those ocean breezes can get chilly!

🤩 Get up close to majestic whales on this 2-hour cruise, guided by a marine biologist who shares fascinating insights into their behavior: Byron Bay: Whale Watching Cruise with a Marine Biologist

3) Go Surfing

Much like Byron Bay, Ballina is a surfer’s paradise, with beaches like Lighthouse, Shelly, and Seven Mile offering great waves for all skill levels.

Beginners should start at Shelly Beach, where the waves are smaller. For more experienced surfers, Seven Mile Beach delivers the goods with consistent breaks!

4) Explore the Richmond River

The Richmond River is Ballina’s natural playground, perfect for water-based activities.

You can hire a kayak or stand-up paddleboard to explore its calm waters. Anglers will love fishing here, with bream, whiting, and flathead all up for grabs.

There are also scenic river cruises for a relaxing way to take in the beautiful surroundings.

And look out for dolphins and turtles that often appear along the river!

5) Flat Rock

Flat Rock is a unique spot known for its interesting rock formations. There are rock pools in the low tide, where kids can safely swim.

It’s also an excellent spot for birdwatching and surfing! The rock formations make for a great walk along the coast, with stunning scenery all around.

Just make sure to bring sturdy shoes for exploring the rocky paths.

6) Ballina Naval and Maritime Museum

Dive into Ballina’s rich maritime history at the Naval and Maritime Museum.

The collection includes ship models, artifacts from shipwrecks, and exhibits about the region’s whaling past. It’s an engaging stop for history buffs and anyone curious about the town’s seafaring heritage.

Plan your visit for a weekday to avoid crowds, and allow plenty of time to explore the fascinating exhibits!

7) Ballina Lighthouse

The Ballina Lighthouse is an active lighthouse from where you can take the most breathtaking panoramic views of the Ballina coast. It’s perfect for photography enthusiasts.

It’s also a prime location for whale watching during migration season!

It was originally built in 1866 to guide ships and whalers into the port. Whaling was a big industry in Ballina in the 1800s, with the town exporting whale oil and other products.

The lighthouse, now an iconic part of the coastline, has seen a few rebuilds since then, but it still stands tall overlooking Lighthouse Beach.

8) Ballina Esplanade Walk

This walk goes from Ballina to the Richmond River mouth, and on a fine day, is one of life’s great pleasures.

The path is flat and well-maintained, making it accessible for all ages. Along the way, you’ll find spots to sit, relax, and take in the serene atmosphere. It’s also a great way to explore the town.

Spot for dugongs, nesting Ospreys, fish, and birds along the way. Then cross the bridge over the inlet, pass the lake and head out along the breakwall.

9) The Big Prawn

No visit to Ballina is complete without seeing The Big Prawn. This giant prawn is one of Australia’s iconic roadside attractions! It also has a very interesting backstory.

Snap a photo with it and then head to the nearby café for a bite. There’s also a small shop nearby for souvenirs to remember your visit.

10) Killen Falls Reserve

Just outside of Ballina, you’ll find Killen Falls Reserve, a peaceful retreat with a stunning waterfall.

The short walk to the falls is easy (but a bit slippery), and the viewing platform offers fantastic photo opportunities.

There are heaps of birds and you can spot turtles, too. There’s a nice cave behind the falls to check out if you’re up for it!

11) Minyon Falls

Minyon Falls is a breathtaking 100-metre waterfall surrounded by lush rainforest, in the Nightcap National Park.

It’s a short walk to a great viewing point opposite the falls. You can also do a longer, steeper, more difficult hike to the base and back if your knees are up for it!

It’s a stunning spot for a picnic, and birdwatchers will enjoy spotting the variety of native birds that call the area home.

Double-check the weather before visiting, though. The falls are seasonal, they look their best after wet weather and might be dry at other times of the year.

12) Nightcap National Park

Head to the hinterlands and explore Nightcap National Park! It has more to do besides Minyon Falls. The place is a lush rainforest, part of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests, making it a must-see for anyone interested in nature.

It’s a great spot for hiking or a peaceful nature walk. You’ll also find plenty of spots perfect for a picnic amidst the forest scenery.

13) Broken Head Nature Reserve

This is a beautiful reserve with pristine beaches, scenic coastal walks, and plenty of opportunities to spot local wildlife.

The place is also a sacred Aboriginal site. The Bundjalung people have called this area home for thousands of years!

It’s perfect for doing an Aboriginal tour with a Bundjalung guide, like this one.

14) Rocky Creek Dam

Rocky Creek Dam is a beautiful place with heaps of wildlife. There’s a lookout from where to see platypus, and you can see water dragons and a variety of birds on the many walks in the reserve.

There are picnic areas with views of the dam and surrounding nature. It’s a quiet retreat for those wanting to get away from it all.

15) Lake Ainsworth

Lake Ainsworth is a unique freshwater lake surrounded by paperbark trees. The tannins from the trees make the water appear a deep, rich colour.

It’s a favourite spot for swimming and kayaking, with calm waters perfect for a relaxed paddle. There are also picnic areas and walking tracks around the lake, offering plenty of ways to spend the day.

Bring a kayak or paddleboard for a peaceful cruise around the lake.

16) Northern Rivers Community Gallery

This regional gallery is a hub for local artists, offering rotating exhibitions that showcase the creativity of the Northern Rivers.

With four exhibition spaces, there’s always something new to see. The gallery also hosts interactive workshops, making it a great spot for anyone interested in getting hands-on with art.

Check the gallery’s schedule for upcoming workshops or special exhibitions. It’s a great way to support local artists and dive into the creative community.

When is the best time to visit Ballina?

The best time to visit Ballina is from September to November.

This is because it coincides with whale-watching season (which runs from June to November), and the beaches are great for swimming and surfing but without the crowds. The weather is great for hiking, too.

Summer (December to February) can get pretty busy, but it’s great if you’re looking for that classic Aussie beach vibe.

How to get to Ballina

The easiest way to get to Ballina is through the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport, which is just a short drive from the town centre. You’ll arrive in Ballina in under 10 minutes by car.

You can fly directly into Ballina from major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Newcastle. We always go here to find the best deals for plane tickets.

Once you land, you can rent a car directly from the airport to easily get around during your stay. Compare these two car rental companies to find the best deal for you: Rental Cars and Discover Cars.

Driving is also quite convenient, more so if you’re coming from Brisbane, it’s about a two-hour drive south.

If you plan to explore off the main roads, like heading into the hinterland or along coastal tracks, make sure to double-check if your rental car can handle unsealed roads. Some rental companies have restrictions on this.

A cheaper alternative is by bus. There are long-distance buses to Ballina from Sydney, but takes 12-13 hours to get to Ballina. We recommend hiring a car in Ballina once you arrive to move around!

How many days to stay in Ballina?

3-4 days is a good amount of time to stay in Ballina.

You’ll have enough time to relax on the beaches, explore the scenic spots, and fit in some fun activities like whale watching, kayaking on the Richmond River, or hiking around the hinterland.

If you want to use it as a base to explore nearby places like Byron Bay and Lennox Head (like we did) the minimum stay should be a week.

Best stays in Ballina, NSW

We stayed at the local BIG 4 Tasman Holiday Parks, between Ballina and Lennox Head.

It was the best caravan park (in our opinion!). It was an excellent base from where to do all the things in the list above. Plus we enjoyed many morning walks to the nearby Skennars Head, almost always sighting whales.

The caravan park has chalets and villas that accommodate up to 7, plus powered sites for caravans and tents. Check it out here!

Here are other highly-rated accommodation options in Ballina:  

• Best budget-friendly stay: Ballina Beach Nature Resort offers a relaxing escape by the coast with spacious accommodations surrounded by nature and beach access. It’s a 32-minute drive from the town center and sleeps up to 11.

• Best for families and groups: Grandview Apartments provides spacious, comfortable stays with breathtaking ocean views, perfect for families or groups. It’s a quick 6-minute drive from the town center and sleeps up to 11 guests.

• Best hotel: Ramada Hotel & Suites offers modern, stylish rooms with excellent amenities and easy access to scenic spots, ideal for families or smaller groups. It’s a 19-minute drive from the town center and sleeps up to 6 guests.

• Best luxury: Ballina Palms Boutique Motel offers a cozy, stylish stay with a relaxed vibe, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. It’s a 12-minute drive from the town center and sleeps up to 6 guests.
  

If none of these fill your needs, go here to look for more accommodation options in Ballina!

Where to eat in Ballina?

Ballina has a fantastic mix of dining options, offering everything from hearty pub meals and fresh seafood to French classics and Italian-inspired dishes. Here’s a roundup of top local spots to make your dining experience memorable!

• Westower Tavern ($$) delivers delicious meals like tender steaks and smash burgers, all in a relaxed setting with attentive service, indoor and outdoor seating, and a kids’ playground to keep everyone happy.
• Che Bon Restaurant ($$) offers an exceptional French dining experience with generous portions, delicious food, and attentive service, plus a great wine selection and a charming gift shop. Perfect for a night out or a takeaway!
• The Diner Lennox ($$) serves incredible Italian-inspired dishes made with fresh local ingredients, standout options like focaccia with whipped ricotta, and a great wine list in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Perfect for a memorable night out with friends!
• Wharf Bar & Restaurant Ballina ($$) offers generous portions of fresh seafood, delicious mains like the Godfather pizza, and a decadent dessert menu—all with fantastic service and stunning waterfront views.
• The Gallery Cafe ($$) is a charming spot with friendly service, fresh and delicious dishes like smoked trout salad and falafel bagels, and a relaxing indoor-outdoor setting perfect for a sunny day.

Top Tips

There are a few sacred Aboriginal sites in and around Ballina, like Black Head near Lennox Head. Always respect the signs and stay on designated paths—these places hold cultural significance to the local Bundjalung people.

Ballina and the surrounding areas have a lot of wildlife, especially kangaroos. If you’re driving around dawn or dusk, stay alert—they tend to hop across the roads out of nowhere, and they’re not small! Also, watch out for wallabies and other wildlife on the quieter roads leading out of town.

If you’re planning a day trip to Byron Bay (just 30 minutes away), be ready for crowds, especially on weekends or during holidays. Parking is a nightmare, and Byron can feel packed.

A good tip is to go early in the morning to beat the traffic and find a parking spot. Otherwise, it might be more hassle than it’s worth.

Did you know?

The Richmond River has been the lifeblood of Ballina since its early days.

It was central to the region’s cedar logging industry in the 1800s, with logs floated downriver to be processed and shipped out.

Ballina played a small but notable role in aviation history when Sir Charles Kingsford Smith, one of Australia’s most famous aviators, made history by completing the first non-stop trans-Pacific flight from the USA to Australia in 1928.

FAQs

The bottom line

Ballina, NSW might seem like just another coastal town, but it’s packed with unique experiences and some of the most beautiful beaches in New South Wales!

From the surf-friendly waves at Lighthouse Beach to the peaceful walks along Angels Beach, the Ballina coast offers something for everyone.

You’ll find more than just beaches too, with whale watching, river kayaking, and exploring the Big Prawn on the list.

Whether you’re into water sports, hiking through the hinterland, or just soaking up the laid-back coastal vibes, Ballina is a spot you shouldn’t miss.

So, why not stay in Ballina instead of Byron Bay? There’s way more to discover here than you’d expect!