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.
Inspiration and ideas
Explore towns & villages
Stories of family, culture and Country, shared through art. 🖤 💛 ♥️
Discover Nanang Wabang – Big Sister, Little Sister by Sonya Breckenridge & Maurita Moran, a powerful exhibition celebrating generations of connection, memory and the strength of Bundjalung and Dunghutti women and family.
On display at the Northern Rivers Community Gallery in Ballina, this is a meaningful opportunity to experience contemporary Aboriginal art and the stories that shape our region.
If you’re exploring Ballina Coast & Hinterland, add this inspiring exhibition to your itinerary and support our vibrant local arts community. @sonya_brekenridge_art @maurita.moran @nrcgballina
.#discoverballina #visitnsw #firstnationsart
🐾 Who says your best mate has to stay home?
If you’re looking for a pet-friendly holiday in NSW, Ballina Coast & Hinterland is made for adventures with four-legged travellers. From dog-friendly beaches and scenic coastal walks to cafes that welcome wagging tails and accommodation where pets are part of the family, there’s plenty to explore together.
Whether it’s a morning run along the sand, sniffing out new walking trails, or settling in for coffee by the coast, your pup can be part of every memory.
Because the best holidays are the ones where nobody gets left behind. 🐶💙
📍Planning a dog-friendly getaway in the Northern Rivers? Start with our Dog-Friendly Guide to the Ballina Coast & Hinterland, link in bio!
🐕 Tag the person you’d road trip with, save this for your next escape, and tell us your dog’s favourite adventure spot below.
🏨 Have we missed anyone? If you are pet friendly accommodation let us know in the comments.
#discoverballina #ballinacoastandhinterland #visitnsw
We love our local photographers. They capture the Ballina Coast & Hinterland through the eyes of the people who know it best. 📸🌿
Got a favourite local snap? Tag us or use #DiscoverBallina for a chance to be featured.
@imagesbyjoelene The locals - Lennox Headland.
❄️ Winter solstice on the Ballina Coast - shortest day, but the turn is here, from today, the light starts winning. Longer days, softer sunsets, same salty winter vibe.
Ballina winter: quiet beaches, crisp air, and that slow coastal reset.
🔗 in bio to plan your winter escape.
#wintersolstice #discoverballina #visitnsw
We finally ticked this one off the list…BBQ boat on the Richmond River 🚤
If you’d love to get out on the water but you’re no sailor then this one is for you, no fuss, easy to operate, no boat licence required.
Owner John is a legend!
👉🏼 Save this for your next day out!
🔗 In bio to find out more.
#ballinansw #visitnsw #discoverballina
Locals know this spot well. 👌
A feed or a cold drink at @shawsbayhotel, a wander along the foreshore and that classic view of Fenwick House.
Simple, laid-back and very Ballina.
🎥 @shawsbayhotel
#DiscoverBallina #shawsbayhotel #ballinansw
🐋 Just another afternoon off the Ballina coast… and then this.
Whale season is putting on a show, with humpbacks breaching just offshore. If you’ve been waiting for a sign to visit, this is it.
🎥 Incredible footage by @travellingdrones
Tag who you’d bring whale watching and start planning your Ballina adventure. Book with us, link in bio.
#DiscoverBallina #BallinaNSW #WhaleWatching #visitnsw
If the weekend had a rewind button, this drive would be first on the list. 🍃
At least the hinterland is waiting whenever you need an escape.
#discoverballina #visitnsw #ballinacoastandhinterland
