Lennox Head Lennox Head Newrybar Newrybar Teven/Tintenbar Teven/Tintenbar Alstonville & Wollongbar Alstonville & Wollongbar Ballina Ballina South Ballina South Ballina Wardell Wardell
INSET MAP 01
Drive Times From
Brisbane2 hrs south
Gold Coast1 hr 30 mins south
Byron Bay30 min south
Sydney8 hrs north

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.

A couple enjoying coffee in a lush garden setting at a Newrybar café in the Byron Bay hinterland, surrounded by native trees and greenery.

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.

Discover more Back to Map
Couple walking along the coastal boardwalk at Lennox Head at sunset, with ocean views, rocky shoreline, and palm trees in the background.

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.

Discover more Back to Map
Two people exploring the base of Killen Falls near Ballina, Northern NSW, with water cascading from a cave ledge into a freshwater pool

Teven & Tintenbar

Teven and Tintenbar are charming hinterland hamlets just 10 minutes from Ballina

Discover more Back to Map
A young woman walking across a pedestrian crossing in front of the historic Federal Hotel in Alstonville at sunset.

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.

Discover more Back to Map
Two cyclists ride along Ballina’s North Wall shared path between the Richmond River and the Pacific Ocean on a sunny day.

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.

Discover more Back to Map
Aerial view of Mobbs Bay in South Ballina, New South Wales, showing the Richmond River mouth, sandy beach, break wall, and coastal vegetation.

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.

Discover more Back to Map
Man fishing at the Wardell Wharf on the Richmond River with the historic Wardell lift bridge in the background at sunset.

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!

Discover more Back to Map

Itineraries

Things to do

DiscoverBallina2024(HR) 57

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.

Inspiration and ideas

Explore towns & villages

Daily Inspiration

The Richmond River certainly knows how to put on a show for sunset ☀️

This golden hour glow is exactly why evenings here feel calm, warm and wonderfully unhurried.

Whether you’re strolling the riverfront, enjoying dinner by the water or simply watching the colours roll in - Ballina does dusk beautifully.

Save this for your next afternoon on the water 🌅

🎥 @ramadaballina

#DiscoverBallina #BallinaCoastandHinterland #VisitNSW #SeeAustralia #Sunrises
A dolphin gliding through the Richmond River at sunset is the kind of effortless wildlife moment that defines the Ballina Coast and Hinterland. 

Discover a place where nature puts on its own show, head to the link in our bio to plan your trip 

📷 @belinda2810 

@visitnsw @australia #seeaustralia @reflectionsholidays #feelnew
A bike ride that ticks all the boxes - flat terrain, off-road shared paths and river, lake and beach views. The Ballina Loop is one of our most accessible ways to soak up the coastline at your own pace 🚲

Follow the circuit and continue across Missingham Bridge to extend your journey out to North Wall, where ocean breezes and wide-open views deliver a very strong finish.

📍Ballina Loop
🎥 @ballinatravellerslodge

#DiscoverBallina #BallinaCoastandHinterland #BikePaths #CoastalPathways
Have you tried a Wardell pie yet? 🥧

Homemade, golden and straight out of the oven, Wardell Pies have earned their legendary status across the Northern Rivers. Think buttery, flaky pastry, generous fillings, all your classic favourites and a few unexpected flavours to keep things interesting - including vegetarian options.

Grab a pie, wander the Wardell Boardwalk, then cast a line into the Richmond River for the perfect afternoon!

🎥 @wardellpies
📍42 Richmond Street, Wardell

#DiscoverBallina #BallinaCoastandHinterland #VisitNSW #Wardell #WardellPies
Golden hour views that never get old ✨

From the Ballina Lookout, you can take in the sweeping coastline — from Shelly Beach right down to the headlands of East Ballina. Whether you’re here for sunrise, a scenic drive, or just to breathe in that fresh coastal air, this spot is pure Ballina magic. 

📍 Ballina Lookout, East Ballina
📸 @lifestylegroup.ballina

#DiscoverBallina  #BallinaCoastAndHinterland #ShellyBeach #VisitNSW #SeeAustralia
Tucked away in a quiet leafy street right in the heart of town, Ballina Travellers Lodge offers the perfect mix of comfort and convenience. ✨🍃

Recently renovated, this boutique stay features modern rooms - from premium queens to a spacious one bedroom apartment - all designed for a relaxing coastal escape. 

Whether you’re here for a short stopover or a longer stay, it’s the ideal base to explore Ballina’s beaches, cafes and local charm.

📍Ballina Travellers Lodge - 36-38 Tamar Street, Ballina

Book via our website Discover Ballina or give us a call at the Visitor Information Centre

#DiscoverBallina #BallinaCoastandHinterland #VisitNSW #SeeAustralia