Discover Ballina’s Industrial Estate: Local Produce, Fun Activities & Places to Eat
Most people hear "industrial estate" and picture warehouses, workshops and trade businesses. Ballina's Industrial Estate certainly has those, but look a little closer and you'll discover one of the town's most surprising places to explore.
Behind the roller doors is a thriving community of artisan food producers, specialty coffee roasters, creative businesses, unique shopping and family-friendly activities. Whether you're hunting down the perfect coffee, stocking up on local produce, entertaining the kids or searching for a hidden lunch spot, there's plenty of reasons to venture beyond the highway.
Here's your guide to discovering Ballina's Industrial Estate.
1. Local Produce
If you love discovering local produce and delicious coffee, you will be pleasantly surprised what gets made, manufactured and roasted right here in Ballina. There is far more here than you'd expect.
Gather By Honey
Gather By Manuka Honey is helping put Ballina on the map with premium Australian Manuka honey, sustainably harvested in partnership with beekeepers and local farmers along Australia's east coast. Visit their Ballina shopfront to discover their award-winning range, learn about the unique medicinal properties of Manuka honey and take home a delicious taste of the Northern Rivers.
Byron Bay Cacao
Byron Bay Cacao is a handcrafted chocolate factory where premium chocolates are made in small batches using ethically sourced cacao and quality Australian ingredients. Watch the chocolatier at work through the viewing window, enjoy a coffee and stock up on beautifully crafted, gourmet chocolates to take home.
Zoom Coffee
A popular coffee roaster who roasts and wholesales coffee all over Australia. With a love for coffee and its power to foster connections, Joey brings freshly roasted coffee to homes, helping others fine-tune their coffee experience and deepen connections.
Mark Bullivant Coffee
Master roaster Mark Bullivant has spent more than 50 years perfecting the art of coffee, sourcing and roasting exceptional beans from around the world alongside his renowned local Byron Blue single-origin coffee. Visit his Ballina roastery to discover rare specialty coffees, learn about the roasting process and enjoy a coffee crafted by one of Australia's most respected coffee experts.
Seven Mile Brewing
Ballina's award-winning independent brewery is known for its handcrafted beers, relaxed taproom and welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy a tasting paddle, seasonal brews and regular live music or events, making it a popular spot to unwind with friends. If visiting on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday, enjoy food from the featured food truck that week.
Macadamias Direct
Macadamias Direct is a world class macadamia farming, processing and bulk marketing partner located in Dunoon. Conveniently, you can drop into their warehouse in Ballina on weekdays and pick up a delicious range of roasted, flavoured and chocolate-coated macadamias, oils and gourmet products.
2. Cafes & Coffee
Whether you're after breakfast, lunch or an afternoon coffee, there are plenty of local favourites tucked throughout the estate.
Street Sushi
This well loved Sushi business has been operating in Byron Bay and Brunswick Heads for years, and now have brought their flavours to Ballina. A local favourite serving fresh sushi, Japanese-inspired meals and convenient takeaway options. Known for quality ingredients and generous portions, it's a great choice for a quick lunch.
Racecourse Cafe
Racecourse Café is a popular local favourite for workers in the industrial estate. Serving hearty breakfasts and fresh, homemade lunches with great weekly specials, it is known for its friendly service and take home meals. Open from 6am-2pm weekdays, it is a great place to fuel up.
Old Quarter Coffee Merchants
A specialty coffee roastery passionate about ethically sourced beans and exceptional coffee. The roastery supplies cafés throughout the region and welcomes visitors looking to enjoy expertly crafted coffee or purchase freshly roasted beans. Grab a light bite to eat and chat to the locals at one of the outside tables.
Byron Gourmet Pies
One of the Northern Rivers' most iconic food producers, Byron Gourmet Pies has been baking award-winning pies using quality ingredients for decades. Visit the factory outlet to enjoy freshly baked pies, sausage rolls and sweet treats on the go.
Bun Coffee
An Australian family-owned coffee roastery sourcing premium beans from around the world and roasting them locally in Ballina. Visitors can browse an extensive range of freshly roasted coffees, brewing equipment and gifts while grabbing a takeaway coffee to continue exploring.
3. Activities & Experiences
Looking for something different? Whether you're travelling with kids, catching up with friends or escaping a rainy day, there are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained.
Sea Silk Workshops with Kim Toft
Step into the world of renowned artist Kim Toft and discover the magic of silk painting. Inspired by the vibrant colours of the ocean, Kim’s artwork captures the beauty of the underwater world in a way that shimmers with life. In her Sea Silk Workshop, you can create your own stunning silk painting using Kim’s expert guidance and templates. It’s a chance to learn a unique artistic technique and take home a piece of Ballina’s coastal beauty in a truly special way.
Virtual Golf
Experience world-famous golf courses indoors using advanced golf simulator technology. Suitable for golfers of all abilities, it's a fun activity for individuals, groups or corporate events, whatever the weather. With beers on tap, pool table and numerous golf bays, it is a great way to spend an afternoon.
Sisu Recovery
Spend a few hours at Sisu - a wellness and recovery centre offering services including ice baths, infrared saunas and recovery therapies designed to support relaxation, performance and overall wellbeing. Popular for anyone seeking to recharge, relax and meet some local friendly faces.
Salvage Shed
The Ballina Salvage Shed truly defines the saying, "one person's trash is another person's treasure." This enormous warehouse is filled with items rescued from landfill, giving them a second life. From bikes, surfboards, books and clothing to furniture, household goods and building supplies, you never know what you'll uncover. If you love a bargain or the thrill of finding something unique, this is a must-visit stop.
Truckstop Sk8
Truckstop Sk8 is an indoor skate facility catering for skateboarders of all skill levels. The venue offers coaching and opportunities for drop in sessions - an all-weather environment for riders to develop their skills. The team also organise the annual Fair Go Skate Fest held in October - one of the biggest skating competitions in the country.
Lifeworks Pilates
Lifeworks Pilates offers a modern reformer studio designed to improve strength, flexibility and overall wellbeing. Classes cater to all experience levels in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Northern Rivers Squash Centre
One of the newest additions to the recreational scene at the industrial estate, the Northern Rivers Squash Centre is a community sporting venue offering two, all glass squash courts (2 of only 4 in Australia), social play and coaching. Enjoy a social hit with a local or friend.
Ballina Jockey Club
Set on beautifully maintained grounds, the Ballina Jockey Club is a great place to enjoy racing, hospitality and community events. Home to country racing on the Far North Coast, they host a calendar of race meetings throughout the year plus major events that include Boxing Day Races and Ballina Cup.
Make a Day of it
The Ballina Industrial Estate proves that some of the best experiences are found where you least expect them. Spend the morning stocking up on local produce, grab lunch at a café, challenge your mates to a round of virtual golf, thrift for second-hand treasures or enjoy a workshop with a local artist. It's an easy way to experience another side of Ballina that many visitors simply drive straight past.