Local Attractions
The town of Ballina, centred on an island at the mouth of the Richmond River, is surrounded by 32 kilometres of white, sandy beaches and seemingly endless, crystal waterways - it's a natural fun park for beach lovers, surfers, boaties, anglers and eco-adventurers.
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Attractions
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Dining and Eating Out (2)
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Point Ballina Restaurant Located on the riverside in Ballina, Point Ballina Restaurant is the ideal place to enjoy modern Australian and European dishes in an environment that will take your breath away. We serve breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
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Slipway Hotel Located in River Street in the heart of Ballina on the NSW North Coast, the Slipway Hotel is Ballina's only Irish Pub, serving all the best of the Irish beers.
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Entertainment (1)
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Ballina Jockey Club The Ballina Jockey Club boasts modern facilities to suit all tastes. The Club is set amongst attractive gardens and rural surrounds overlooking a lake, ideal for your Ceremony and Wedding Photos.
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Galleries, Museums and Collections (1)
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Ballina Naval And Maritime Museum This museum is home to the LA BALSAS raft
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Historical Sites and Heritage Locations (4)
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Lighthouse Beach Ballina Stroll along walking tracks and view birds (migratory, shore and bush) as they fly, feed and roost. Watch for echidnas, lizards, frogs, wallabies and see dolphins at play offshore, and humpback whales migrating between June and October. Watch the layback lifestyle of the surfers and windsurfers off North Wall. At sunset experience the magnificent sight of the Trawlers making their way over the Ballina Bar or throw a line off North Wall and you will be in for a feast.
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Missingham Bridge to North Wall The Missingham Bridge is a nine span road bridge with shared footpath across the 150 metre tidal estuary of North Creek in Ballina. Start your walk at the Ballina RSL alongside the Richmond River, follow the Kerry Saxby Walk across Missingham Bridge and onwards to the North Wall. It’s not unusual to spot the ever playful dolphins in and around the bridge and the mouth of the river. The end of North Wall is a great vantage point to Whale Watch in season and to see the local fishing trawlers going out to sea at sunset is nothing short of spectacular. The area boasts plenty of the best spots to catch the elusive fish of the Richmond River. Surf schools are often seen giving their lessons to beginners in the gentle surf rolling in from the ocean up the mouth of the river.
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Norton Street Heritage Trail This marvellous heritage trail takes in Ballina's most historic precinct - Norton Street. Norton Street began as a bustling thoroughfare and transformed into Ballina's most prestigious residential address. Gorgeous houses and buildings line both sides of the street, each with their own tale to tell.
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The Bora Ring The Lennox Head Bora Ring is an Aboriginal ceremonial site situated almost in the middle of the town, just past the Bowling Club in Gibbon Street. The Bora is the name given both to an initiation ceremony of indigenous Australians and to the site on which the initiation was performed. The Bora Ring is of significance to both local Aboriginal people and to the whole Bundjalung peoples of northern New South Wales.
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Natural Attractions (2)
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Ballina Surfing Beaches Whether you’re a toddler dipping your toes in for the first time, or a world-class surfer, with over 32 kilometres of coastline to choose from, it’s easy to find the ideal swimming or surfing spot. There are calm sandy beaches and shoals on the banks of the Richmond River, rising swells perfect for a body bash at one of the many beaches and there are often perfect barrels rolling of North Wall and the world famous right hand break at Lennox Point. There are beaches that allow four wheel drive vehicle access and some that allow dogs and horses. Local operators offer horse riding on isolated beaches, both north and south of Ballina. It’s the stuff that postcards are made of.
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Lake Chickiba A tidal salty lake with marshy margins, surrounded by a wide mown area.
Tours
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Full Day (1)
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Vision Walks Imagine exploring the Australian rainforest at night, searching for nocturnal wildlife without disturbing them with a torch? Arguably one of the best uses for military technology found to date. Our Night Vision Bushwalk is a truly unique experience - the only one of its kind in the world!
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Half Day (5)
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Ballina and Beyond Fishing Trips and Charters Enjoy the excitement of offshore fishing at its best. Marlin, Mackerel, Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Cobia, Snapper & Jewfish are just some of the species. Whales, Dolphins & Turtles are also seen on most trips and whales from May through to September.
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Kool Katz Learn to Surf School Kool Katz Learn to Surf School in Byron Bay offers beginner to advanced group and private surf lessons including multi-day course package deals all year round.
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Pauls Fishing Pauls Fishing offer five hour fishing excursions (4WD if conditions permit) on a beautiful open beach. There is a maximum four adults per tour. Tuition is by registered PFIGA guide with over 35 years beach fishing experience. All equipment and licensing are provided, and drinks and snacks and free discount dining vouchers to selected eateries. Pick-Up and drop-off service is offered to the Byron to Ballina coast.
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Summerland Surf School Summerland Surf School has been operating successfully since 1997 in the Ballina, Lennox and Evans Head areas. Clients include schools, families, backpackers and tourists.
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Tassiriki Ranch Horse Riding Tassiriki Ranch offers a variety of horse riding activities suitable for nervous beginners through to intermediate riders. Their activities include relaxing beach trail rides for couples, families, and small groups of friends, as well as horse awareness and riding lessons for beginners and safe led pony rides for young children. You don't have to be staying at Tassiriki Ranch to participate in beach trail rides; however, advance bookings are essential.
Visitor Information
Our Local Highlights
- Beautiful Ballina: From the ancient rainforests and peaceful settlements of the hinterland to the clear blue waters of its rivers, lakes and beaches, the Ballina region is truly a natural wonder.Forests, coastal heaths and plantations ring with a chorus of native birds. Pelicans cruise the shimmering waves and the bush teems with the abundant native wildlife.The climate is nothing short of superb, with warm, sultry summers and winters just cool enough for a cosy open fire.
The town of Ballina, centred on an island at the mouth of the Richmond River, is surrounded by 32 kilometres of white, sandy beaches and seemingly endless, crystal waterways — it’s a natural fun park for beach lovers, surfers, boaties, anglers and eco-adventurers.
You can relax and enjoy the vast expanses of the Richmond on a leisurely river cruise or explore the teeming wetlands of North Creek’s upper reaches by canoe. Go bush with a four-wheel-drive adventure tour; take in Ballina’s spectacular coastline from the kilometres of well-paved cycleways; or thrill to the annual migration of the humpbacks from the lighthouse or Skennars Head.
The fishing at Flat Rock and Angels Beach is legendary and, if you wet a line at dawn from Ballina’s North or South Walls, you’re in for a breakfast feast.
A blend of tranquil seaside hideaway and vibrant holiday resort, Ballina is the commercial and entertainment hub of the area. The historic thoroughfares of the town centre are lined with stylish cafes and restaurants where you can sample the famous local seafood and, of course, there are plenty of classic country pubs.
You can visit museums that showcase Ballina’s colourful history, or discover theatres, galleries and expos that are bursting with the creative output of the region’s many visual and performing artists.
There is an enormous choice holiday fun for the kids and, for the die-hard shopaholic, a mind-boggling array of funky boutiques and designer stores.
- Ballina Pathways: Ballina is a great place to cycle or walk and our Ballina Pathways provide a network of more than 26km of safe purpose-built paths for you to enjoy
The pathways will take you through our beautiful town and alongside the pristine waters of the Richmond River and the Pacific Ocean – even up to the scenic beachside town of Lennox Head.
You will pass many stunning beaches. We recommend you stop to watch for passing dolphins and whales (in season), have a swim, catch a fish or even build a sandcastle.
There are fantastic vantage points from Lighthouse and Shelly Beach or stop off for a visit at the Coast Guard Tower between 8am - 4pm where volunteers welcome visitors for a fantastic outlook over the River and Ocean.
Great picnic facilities are located on either side of Missingham Bridge where you can enjoy a relaxing barbeque or stop off at one of the alfresco cafes at Shelly Beach.
Our friendly staff at Ballina Central would be pleased to advise you on the most suitable pathways for your needs and to recommend local attractions along the way.
- Clubs Within Walking Distance of Ballina Central Holiday Park: Many of our visitors at to Ballina Central Holiday Park enjoy the convenience of being located within walking distance of some of Ballina’s best clubs.
Both the Ballina RSL Club (in River Street) and the Ballina RSL Bowling Club (in Canal Road) are conveniently located near the Park. The Clubs have a range of great recreational and dining facilities, as well as a packed entertainment program.