Our Region
Our Region
Welcome to the Ballina Coast and Hinterland, jewel of the Northern Rivers of NSW. Three major river valleys traverse the region connecting over three hundred cities, towns, villages and small communities; each with its own distinctive style and character.
It’s a region characterised by great bio-diversity, wide variations in climate, altitude and landforms. It is a playground for beach lovers, surfers, boaties, anglers and eco-adventurers.
The friendly staff at the Ballina Visitor Information Centre offer a complete holiday booking service as well as maps, brochures and the local knowledge to help you make the most of your Northern Rivers adventure. We are open everyday from 9am - 5pm including public holidays.
Contact us at the Ballina Visitor Information Centre on 02 6686 3484, drop in and see us at the corner of River Street & Las Balsas Plaza, Ballina or email us on
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Ballina
At the mouth of the Richmond River is the town of Ballina, the commercial and cultural heart of the area. The streets are lined with stylish restaurants and cafes where you can sample fresh local seafood and cuisine. The town is absolutely brimming with things to do and see... visit the Ballina Naval and Maritime Museum, discover treasure troves of antique and curios, art and craft shops and markets; browse the boutiques, stroll the magnificent Kerry Saxby river walk and bike paths, or take your pick of fun activities for the kids.
Enjoy a leisurely cruise on the Richmond River; journey the teaming wetlands of North Creek by kayak or thrill to the annual migration of the humpback whales from any of the coastal headlands. The fishing at Flat Rock and Angels Beach is legendary and, if you wet your line at dawn from Ballina's North or South Walls, you're in for a breakfast feast!
Lennox Head
Laid-back Lennox Head is a leisurely (and very scenic) 10 minute drive North of Ballina. It is a Mecca among surfers and its famous right hand break - Lennox Point - is one of the top ten surf breaks in Australia. Along the Main Street you'll find boutiques, funky cafes and restaurants and, just down the road, the tea-tree stained waters of Lake Ainsworth.
Lennox Head has a rich Aboriginal and European History, some of which can be explored in the Lennox Head Heritage Trail. Sites throughout the village tell of the growth of the community from the 1920s. The history of Lennox Head is part of the trail as is the popularity of Lennox Head as a holiday village.
Alstonville
15 kilometres inland from Ballina on the Bruxner Highway, Alstonville is an Aladdin's cave for curio hunters and culture buffs with its historic buildings, classic Australian architecture, antique shops, galleries and cafes. Throughout the surrounding plateau are subtropical parks and gardens, including Victoria Park Nature Reserve, a remnant of the 'Big Scrub' - the vast rainforest which once blanketed the region.
Alstonvilles historic Crawford House was built in 1910 for William Ambrose Crawford and his bride Olive. Today it's the home of the Alstonville Plateau Historical Society Archive and Museum and is open Fridays from 10am to 4pm and Sundays from 1pm to 4pm. It is heritage listed by the National Trust and Ballina Shire Council and is part of the Alstonville Heritage Walk that takes in a number of heritage listed buidlings.
Newrybar
A quaint little hamlet nestled in the hinterland above Lennox Head, Newrybar is home to the award-winning Harvest Cafe. Harvest Cafe combines stunning contemporary cuisine with a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Nurybah Gallery, next door, has a collection of wares from local artists, and sculptures and artefacts from around the globe. Across the road you'll find endless treasures at Newrybar Antiques with the adage 'old is beautiful.'
Tintenbar
Home to the beautiful Tintenbar Oval, the local cricket pitch, tennis courts, picnic ground and the Tintenbar General Store. A little further down the road, Teven Valley Golf Course is a delightful course in a superbly tranquil setting.
Enjoy a scenic drive in the hinterland, make a stop at Killen Falls, located off Friday Hut Road, and connect back with nature.
Wardell
Upstream on the Richmond River, the river village of Wardell is a great place to start a river journey on Tourist Drive 28. The drive from Wardell to Alstonville takes in spectacular rural vistas as it rises to the top of the Alstonville Plateau. Wardell has historic timber buildings, including Mayley House (1910).
Recently renovated and restored, Mayley House is used as a home but also operates as a restaurant. On the edge of the village in Pine Street is the historic Wardell cemetary. The cemetary has numerous interesting headstones, many belonging to the earliest Europeans to settle in the Wardell area. The cemetary's bush setting makes an important contribution to its heritage values.