Welcome to Ballina Coast & Hinterland
Discover our unique natural wonderland and diverse cultural landscape. The Ballina Coast and Hinterland is home to 32km of pristine coastline, lush subtropical rainforests, untouched National Parks, diverse wildlife, quaint hinterland towns, stunning waterfalls and world class surf breaks.
Select towns on the map to discover more.
Newrybar
Newrybar is perfect for those who love their country escapes with a side of style. Discover local makers and curators, with unique shops packed with handcrafted, sustainable, and downright beautiful finds.
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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.
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Teven & Tintenbar
Teven and Tintenbar are charming hinterland hamlets just 10 minutes from Ballina
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Alstonville & Wollongbar
Alstonville is a charming town surrounded by macadamia and avocado farms, pretty countryside and a friendly community. Nestles I the hinterland, halfway between Ballina and Lismore, it offers great cafes, a country pub in the heart of town and lovely gift shops.
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Ballina
Centred on an island at the mouth of the Richmond River, Ballina is the social and commercial hub of the region. The main street is lined with cafes, shops and picnic areas to relax by the river. East Ballina is the home to Ballina's calm waterways and pristine beaches.
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South Ballina
South Ballina is a tranquil coastal gem, known for its long, open beach, excellent fishing and natural beauty. Accessible from Ballina via the Burns Point Ferry or the Wardell exit on the highway, it’s the perfect location for a quiet camp spot, peaceful strolls along the break wall and birdwatching at Mobbs Bay. With sweeping views across the Richmond River and a rich cultural history, South Ballina offers a slower pace to reconnect with nature.
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Wardell
Situated upstream on the picturesque Richmond River, Wardell is a serene retreat surrounded by rolling sugarcane fields. It’s the perfect starting point for your journey along Tourist Drive 28. Don’t leave without sampling a famous Wardell pie – a treat as warm and welcoming as the village itself!
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What’s on
Whether you’re chasing live tunes, a good laugh or a weekend market stroll, there’s always something happening in the region. From festivals and stage shows to open mic nights and family events, find out what’s on during your visit.
Your Stay Starts Here
Looking for a place to stay? From cabins to glamping tents, tiny houses to retro motels, you’ll find the perfect spot to unwind. Browse and book local accommodation across the Ballina Coast and Hinterland.
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Explore 10 Must-Do Coastal and Hinterland Walks
From leisurely seaside strolls to challenging hinterland hikes, we’ve rounded up the best scenic walks in Ballina and beyond. Lace up your walking shoes, pack some snacks, and let’s hit the trails!
Explore NowInspiration and ideas
Explore towns & villages
Explore the Ballina Hinterland where slow roads, good food and small-town legends do the heavy lifting 🌿
🚢 Ferry across the Richmond River
Kick things off with the Burns Point Vehicle Ferry to South Ballina. No rush. This is a vibe-setting exercise.
🥧 Jetty time in Wardell
Grab a classic @wardellpies, park yourself on the jetty and take in the lift-span bridge and mural art.
🌳 Victoria Park Nature Reserve
A 300m rainforest boardwalk through one of the last remnants of the Big Scrub. Quiet, green and very good for the soul.
⚓ @bottomoftheharbourantiques
Open weekends only and absolutely worth the detour. Nautical treasures, curious finds and plenty of “they don’t make ’em like this anymore” moments.
🍖 Dine at the @feddy_alstonville
Time it right for Smoker Sundays (every fortnight): slow-cooked meats, bold flavours and live music.
🏛 Alstonville Heritage Trail
Wander past beautifully preserved buildings from the 1890s and early 1900s, including @crawfordhousemuseum
⛳ @tevengolf
A relaxed 9-hole course set among rainforest remnants. Stay on for a local beer on the deck with views that outperform expectations.
🛍 Newrybar village wander
Heritage charm meets artisan finds. Visit on a Wednesday for the Newrybar Twilight Market and soak up the community buzz.
☕ @zentveldscoffee
From crop to cup, all in one place. Visit Fridays from 10am for the guided tour, stay longer for the views and a second coffee (non-negotiable).
📍Save this post for your next hinterland day trip and discover a slower, richer side of Ballina.
👉 More itineraries via the link in bio.
#DiscoverBallina #BallinaCoastandHinterland #SeeAustralia #VisitNSW #Alstonville #Newrybar #NorthernRivers
🌊 Walk the river. Listen to its stories.
Ballina’s Water Stories & Soundtrail is now live, a refreshed interpretive experience along the Richmond River, blending new contemporary signage with a geo-located audio walk that shares cultural, historical and community stories of this place.
Guided by Nyangbal cultural knowledge holders alongside local historians, the Soundtrail invites quiet listening, reflection and connection, revealing layered histories, deep ties to Country and the river’s ongoing role in shaping Ballina.
Accessible via the Soundtrails app, it’s an immersive, self-guided walk from the Marine Rescue Tower to Pioneer Park - perfect for locals and visitors wanting a more meaningful way to experience the riverfront.
A respectful step forward in sharing stories of Country, culture and community.
Find out more via our website, link in bio.
🎥 @milesawaymedia
It’s official - our number 1 most-loved post of 2025 celebrates the very best of the Ballina Coast & Hinterland 🩵
Escape the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary with a natural holiday that delivers pristine coastlines, lush rainforests and genuinely local experiences - no filters required.
This is a destination that quietly surprises. Stop in, stay awhile, and you’ll quickly see why people fall for it.
⬇️ Find maps, travel inspiration and more
💻 discoverballina.com.au
📞 1800 777 666
#DiscovertheUndiscovered #DiscoverBallina #BallinaCoastandHinterland #NorthernRivers #VisitNSW #SeeAustralia #FeelNew #LennoxHead #Alstonville #Newrybar #Tintenbar #Ballina
Boards waxed, forecasts checked — it’s surf o’clock on the Ballina Coast & Hinterland. 🌊
With 32km of coastline and breaks for every level (from first-timers to professionals), this corner of the Northern Rivers quietly delivers world-class surf without the crowds.
Top surf spots to put on your hit list:
🏄 Lighthouse Beach – reliable waves, holiday patrols, great facilities and an accessible pathway
🌊 Lennox Point – one of Australia’s best right-hand breaks (icons only, confidence required)
🪨 Flat Rock – consistent surf with bonus rockpools and coastal walks
🌬 Sharpes Beach – patrolled in school holidays, ideal for cruisy sessions and long strolls
🪨 Boulder Beach – powerful waves, quieter vibe, best for experienced surfers
🌊 South Ballina Beach – remote, uncrowded and perfect if you like your surf served with solitude
👉 Check out our full surf guide — link in bio
#DiscoverBallina #BallinaSurf #BallinaCoastandHinterland #SurfNSW #VisitNSW #SeeAustralia
Coming in at number 2 in our 2025 social media countdown — the ultimate winter itinerary ❄️
From breezy coastal rides and crackling campfires to lush rainforest walks and hearty local feasts, winter on the Ballina Coast & Hinterland is all about slowing down and warming up.
It`s never too early to start planning your next winter escape!
👉 Discover more and start planning at Discover Ballina — link in bio
#DiscoverBallina #BallinaCoastandHinterland #WinterEscape #VisitNSW #SeeAustralia
Cruising into number 3 in our TOP 10 posts of 2025 - a friendly local gliding through the Richmond River 🩷
This is the kind of effortless wildlife moment that defines the Ballina Coast & Hinterland. No tickets, no timetable - just nature doing its thing, right on cue.
📍 Discover a place where nature puts on its own show. Visit our website Discover Ballina to plan your next trip!
🎥 @belinda2810
#DiscoverBallina #BallinaCoastandHinterland #RichmondRiver #Ballina #Dolphins #VisitNSW #SeeAustralia
From those crystal-clear barrels to the sweep of golden shoreline, this stretch of coast continues to set the benchmark for natural assets that genuinely outperform expectations 🌊🏄♂
Considering a strategic beach escape? This is your reminder that Lennox Head serves up the full package — blue-sky horizons, open space, and that signature Northern Rivers energy.
Tag your surf crew and tell us… would you be paddling out or enjoying the view from the headland?
📸 @benaboodyphotography
#DiscoverBallina #BallinaCoastandHinterland #LennoxHead #VisitNSW #SeeAustralia @
At number 5 in our 2025 social media countdown — a sunset moment that truly stopped the scroll ✨
These scenes of the strawberry moon rising over Lennox Head are absolute magic 🙌🏼
📸 Beautifully captured by @krispyleeee
#DiscoverBallina #LennoxHead #WinterCoast #BallinaCoastandHinterland #DiscovertheUndiscovered #NorthernRivers #VisitNSW #SeeAustralia
