10 Breathtaking Scenic Walks Around The Ballina Coast and Hinterland: Coastal and Rainforest Trails
Looking for the best walks in Ballina and the Northern Rivers? Whether you’re craving panoramic coastal views, lush rainforest trails, or a refreshing waterfall dip, this region is a nature lover’s dream.
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!
Best Coastal Walks around Ballina and Lennox Head: Scenic Oceanfront Trails
Explore the breathtaking coastal landscapes from Ballina to Lennox Head along the Coastal Recreation Path. This shared pathway winds from Ballina's riverfront through to East Ballina and Lennox Head, offering a diverse journey through pristine coastal scenery. Ideal for walking and cycling, the well-maintained paths invite all ages to discover the stunning coastline. Make a day of it and walk or cycle the whole path – or choose your own adventure with one of our top coastal walks below!
1) Shaws Bay 3.4km
📍 Start Point: Multiple options—near Ballina Marine Rescue Tower, Shaws Bay Hotel, or Pop Denison Park
✅ Facilities: Picnic areas, toilets, parking, BBQs, accessible toilets
♿ Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible paths with seating along the way
There’s no official starting point for this walk, but that’s part of the charm! This loop trail showcases Ballina’s key waterways—the Richmond River, Shaws Bay, and the scenic coastline. Follow the footpath along North Wall, where you’ll get stunning water views in every direction. Wander the boardwalk through tranquil mangroves and saltmarsh, keeping an eye out for dolphins, giant cod and even whales during migration season (May–October).
2) Lennox Head to Pat Morton Lookout (2.4km return)
📍 Start Point: Rutherford Street, Lennox Head
✅ Facilities: Lookout point, picnic tables, parking
♿ Accessibility: Paved sections at the start; steep incline at the end
This short but spectacular coastal walk leads to Pat Morton Lookout, where you’ll score unbeatable views over Lennox Village and Seven Mile Beach—one of the top surf spots in Lennox Head. Watch surfers, hang gliders, and snorkelers below, or extend your walk towards Sharpes Beach (an extra 3km one way).
3) Pat Morton to Sharpes Beach (6km return)
📍 Start Point: Pat Morton Lookout car park, Lennox Head
✅ Facilities: Picnic spots, parking, ocean views
♿ Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible due to stairs and uneven paths
One of the most stunning sections of Ballina’s Coastal Recreation Path, this scenic clifftop walk features panoramic ocean views, grassy picnic areas and Boulder Beach—an ideal spot to watch surfers or spot dolphins. Keep walking over the crest for sweeping views of Sharpes Beach, where you can reward yourself with a swim before heading back.
4) Aboriginal Cultural Ways (6km)
📍 Start Point: Angels Beach, Ballina or Pat Morton, Lennox Head
✅ Facilities: Lookout, toilets, picnic area, cafes nearby
♿ Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly in some areas
This unique cultural walk is an invitation from Ballina’s Aboriginal community to gain a deeper understanding of this land and its people. Following paths near significant cultural sites, story places, and historical landmarks, the Cultural Ways track offers an immersive journey through oral histories, memories, and early accounts of both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal interactions in the region. Scan the QR codes along the way to hear firsthand stories and deepen your appreciation of the Bundjalung people's enduring connection to Country. Follow the Cultural Ways track as it leads past sites of historical significance, where interpretive signage shares stories of the Bundjalung people’s deep connection to this land.
Best Rainforest and Waterfall Walks in the Ballina Hinterland
Ready to swap the ocean breeze for ancient trees and tumbling waterfalls? Ballina’s hinterland is home to some of the best rainforest walks in the Northern Rivers. Here’s where to go:
1) Victoria Park Nature Reserve (400m loop, 20 mins, easy)
📍 Alstonville
✅ Facilities: Picnic tables, toilets
♿ Accessibility: Fully wheelchair-accessible boardwalk
This gentle yet mesmerising boardwalk takes you deep into one of the last surviving patches of the Big Scrub Rainforest, which once stretched across the entire Northern Rivers. Look up to see ancient strangler figs and towering black beans and keep an ear out for the melodic calls of the Wompoo Fruit-Dove.
With its lush green canopy and cool, shaded trails, this is the perfect spot for a relaxing nature escape—ideal for families, birdwatchers, and those wanting a quick but rewarding walk. Educational signs along the way tell stories of the local Wildjabul people of the Bundjalung Nation, who have called this land home for thousands of years.
Insider Tip: Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch under the trees—this reserve has some of the most peaceful picnic spots in the region.
2) Minyon Falls Loop (13km return, 4-5 hrs, moderate-hard)
📍 Nightcap National Park
✅ Facilities: Lookout, toilets, picnic area
♿ Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible; steep sections
If you're up for a bit of a challenge, the Minyon Falls Loop is one of the most breathtaking waterfall hikes in NSW. Starting at Rummery Park Campground, this trail winds through dry eucalyptus forest before descending into lush subtropical rainforest.
As you make your way down, the trees transform—giant strangler figs, towering palms, and ancient brush box trees create an almost otherworldly atmosphere. Listen for the echoing calls of lyrebirds and watch for Eastern Yellow Robins darting between the branches.
The real reward? Reaching the base of Minyon Falls, where water plunges 100 metres into the cool, rocky pool below. Stand in awe as mist fills the air and rainforest vines creep up the canyon walls—it’s a true Jurassic Park moment.
Insider Tip: Not up for the full hike? Drive to the Minyon Falls Lookout for a stunning, easy-access view of the falls.
3) Protestors Falls (1.4km return, 30 mins, easy)
📍 Nightcap National Park
✅ Facilities: Parking, toilets
♿ Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible
For a short but truly magical rainforest walk, you can’t go past Protestors Falls. Named after the 1979 Terania Creek protests, where activists successfully saved this ancient forest from logging, this trail is a living testament to conservation efforts.
Follow the easy, shaded path through lush Bangalow palm groves, where sunlight filters through the leaves and the air hums with the sounds of frogs and birdlife. You’ll feel like you’re stepping into a hidden rainforest sanctuary as you reach the 30-metre-high waterfall, its moss-covered cliffs creating a serene, almost sacred atmosphere.
One of the most unique aspects of this walk is its role in protecting the critically endangered Fleay’s Barred Frog—a species found nowhere else. For this reason, swimming is not permitted, so take only photos and leave only footprints!
Insider Tip: The best time to visit is after rainfall, when the falls are at their most powerful, and the rainforest feels extra lush and alive.
4) Big Scrub Loop (1.2km, 30 mins, easy)
📍 Rocky Creek Dam
✅ Facilities: Picnic tables, BBQs, toilets
♿ Accessibility: Some uneven terrain
If giant buttress roots and towering rainforest trees are your thing, the Big Scrub Loop is a must. Located near Rocky Creek Dam, this easy loop winds through one of the largest remaining fragments of the Big Scrub Rainforest, once the biggest lowland subtropical rainforest in Australia.
Walk beneath the shade of Yellow Carabeens, Red Cedars, and Strangler Figs, and watch for flashes of brilliant blue as Paradise Riflebirds dart through the canopy. The sounds of running water and rustling leaves make this one of the most peaceful walks in the Northern Rivers.
Insider Tip: Time your visit for spring, when fresh foliage bursts to life, making the scenery even more spectacular.
5) Killen Falls (330m one way, 15 mins, moderate)
📍 Near Tintenbar | 330m one way | 15 mins | Moderate
✅ Facilities: Parking, lookout platform
♿ Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible
A trip to the Ballina hinterland isn’t complete without a waterfall stop, and Killen Falls is one of the most photogenic in the region.
Hidden just 20 minutes from Ballina, the falls are part of a special patch of Big Scrub Rainforest, offering a short but adventurous walk. From the lookout platform, you’ll get a breathtaking bird’s-eye view down into the gorge. Feeling adventurous? Take the steep and sometimes slippery track down to the base, where the cascading water creates a tranquil natural amphitheatre.
If you’re lucky, you might even spot turtles sunbathing on the rocks or catch sight of the elusive Azure Kingfisher flitting across the water.
Insider Tip: Arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and soak up the falls in peace.
Which Walk Will You Explore First?
From coastal boardwalks to hidden waterfalls, Ballina’s diverse landscapes are calling. Whether you're looking for an easy sunset stroll, an adventurous hinterland hike, or a refreshing dip beneath a waterfall, these trails offer something for every explorer.
Feel like chasing ocean views? Head to Lennox Head’s Pat Morton Lookout or take the Shaws Bay Loop for a leisurely waterside wander. Prefer lush rainforest escapes? Immerse yourself in the ancient Big Scrub Rainforest, trek to Minyon Falls, or soak up the tranquility at Protestors Falls.
Wherever your path takes you, take a moment to slow down, breathe in the fresh air, and truly appreciate the natural beauty of Ballina’s coast and hinterland.