Gone Fishing! Your Guide to Fishing around Ballina & Wardell
Whether you're a keen angler chasing your next big catch, introducing the kids to fishing or simply looking for a relaxing afternoon by the water, Ballina has plenty of spots worth exploring. Discover some of the best places to cast a line around the Ballina Coast & Hinterland.
At the heart of it all is the Richmond River, stretching from the open ocean at Ballina through to the quieter waterways around Wardell and beyond. Together with North Creek, Emigrant Creek and the surrounding estuaries, these waterways offer opportunities to catch everything from bream and whiting to flathead, mangrove jack and mulloway (jewfish).
Prefer the beach? With kilometres of coastline, there's no shortage of places to throw in a line, enjoy the sea breeze and try your luck in the surf. So grab your fishing rod, pack a picnic and discover where to go fishing around Ballina, South Ballina, Lennox Head and Wardell.
1. Best Fishing Spots in Ballina & Surrounds
Richmond River & Estuary Fishing
You don't have to travel far to find some great fishing spots in Ballina. The Richmond River winds right through town, offering plenty of opportunities to fish from the shore, with cafés, picnic areas and facilities often close by.
Around Ballina's waterfront, Lance Ferris Wharf at Fawcett Park and the Ballina RSL Wharf are popular spots for dropping in a line while watching life on the river. Bream and flathead are among the species to look out for, and with cafés and shops just a short stroll away, it's easy to make a morning of it.
For somewhere a little quieter, follow the river west to Faulks Reserve and Riverside Drive in West Ballina, where the riverbanks offer opportunities to target bream, flathead and whiting. Nearby Fishery Creek and the Burns Point Ferry area are also worth exploring for estuary fishing, with tidal channels and sheltered waterways attracting a variety of species.
North Creek is another local favourite, particularly for anglers chasing whiting, bream and flathead. Its sandy banks and sheltered estuary waters provide plenty of opportunities to try your luck. The Spit, just behind the Ballina Waterslides and Yacht Club is another well-known fishing location, while the sandy shallows around Serpentine Beach are both particularly popular with families.
Across the Richmond River, Mobbs Bay at South Ballina offers a quieter estuary fishing experience, with sheltered waters and muddy banks providing habitat for bream, flathead and whiting. Access is available by boat or from South Ballina Beach Road.
Further south, the riverside village of Wardell is another spot worth adding to your list. The Richmond River around the village and bridge is popular with local anglers targeting bream, flathead and mulloway. Bring a picnic and enjoy a few hours by the water, or wander through the village while you're there.
Local tip: Fishing is prohibited year-round within 50 metres of the southern Burns Point Ferry approach ramp. Always keep clear of ferry operations, boating channels and other water users.
Beach & Surf Fishing
Prefer fishing with your feet in the sand? With 32 kilometres of coastline, the Ballina Coast & Hinterland has plenty of options for beach fishing, whether you're chasing whiting, dart, bream, tailor or tarwhine.
South Ballina Beach is a favourite for those who enjoy long stretches of open coastline and fewer crowds. Look for gutters and channels along the beach, where fish often feed. Further south, Patchs Beach and Beswicks Beach offer quieter stretches of sand for anglers wanting to escape the busier beaches.
Closer to town, Lighthouse Beach, Shelly Beach and Angels Beach are all worth exploring when conditions are right. Their sandy gutters can attract a variety of surf species, and you're never too far from somewhere to grab a coffee afterwards.
Heading north, Sharpes Beach at Skennars Head offers a scenic stretch of coastline with plenty of room to spread out, while Seven Mile Beach at Lennox Head is another popular surf fishing location. Whiting, dart, bream, tarwhine and tailor are among the species you might encounter along these beaches.
Local tip: When beach fishing, keep an eye out for well-formed gutters. These deeper channels in the surf are often where fish gather to feed. Conditions change with the tides and swell, so a little local knowledge goes a long way.
River Mouth & Breakwall Fishing
Where the Richmond River meets the Pacific Ocean, the fishing takes on a different character. Strong tidal movement and deeper waters attract a variety of species, making the river entrance a popular location for experienced anglers.
North Wall at East Ballina is one of the area's best-known fishing spots, with anglers targeting tailor, bream, trevally and mulloway. It's also a great place to watch the local fishing trawlers heading out to sea or returning with their overnight catch.
On the opposite side of the river, South Wall at South Ballina offers similar opportunities for experienced anglers. Catching the Burns Point Ferry across the river is part of the adventure.
For something a little more sheltered, Missingham Bridge offers opportunities to target estuary species, although the rocky bottom means you might lose a sinker or two! Nearby Gawandi Beach is another location worth exploring around the tidal waters of the river entrance.
Safety tip: North Wall and South Wall are exposed to ocean swells and can be dangerous, particularly in rough conditions. These locations are better suited to experienced anglers. Always check weather, swell and tidal conditions before fishing around the river entrance.
2. Fishing with Kids - Little Anglers, Big Adventures
There's something pretty special about watching the excitement on a child's face when they catch their first fish!
Fishing is a great way to get the kids outdoors, slow down and spend time together. And with sheltered waterways, riverside parks and plenty of interesting creatures to discover, you don't need a boat or fancy equipment to get started.
Where to Take the Kids Fishing
For beginners, Fawcett Park on Ballina's waterfront is a convenient place to start, with nearby facilities, cafés and the promise of an ice cream afterwards. The wharves are popular fishing spots, but always choose a safe location and supervise children closely around the water.
Faulks Reserve in West Ballina is another lovely option for a relaxed afternoon by the river. Pack a picnic, bring a simple fishing rod and enjoy some family time. You could even grab some fish and chips from one of the nearby seafood co-ops.
For a little country charm, head to the wharf at Wardell, where the riverfront provides a quiet scenic setting for fishing and a picnic. Take in the views of the historic Wardell Lift Bridge while you're there.
More Than Just Fishing
Sometimes the best part of a fishing adventure has nothing to do with catching fish!
Discover soldier crabs at Serpentine Beach
At low tide, the sandy flats around Serpentine Beach in North Creek come alive with tiny soldier crabs marching across the sand. It's a fascinating sight for little nature lovers and a great opportunity to explore the creatures that call our estuaries home.
Have a go at yabby pumping
Ever wondered where fishing bait comes from? The tidal sandflats around North Creek are home to saltwater yabbies, also known as nippers, which live beneath the sand. With a yabby pump and a little patience, kids can learn how anglers collect natural bait. Always check current bait collection rules and take care of the surrounding habitat.
Meet Ballina's resident pelicans
Head to the boat ramp behind the Ballina Waterslides and you might spot some of Ballina's resident pelicans hanging around. They're always entertaining to watch, especially for little nature lovers. Enjoy them from a distance and leave the feeding to nature.
And remember, fishing with kids isn't always about what you catch. Sometimes it's the soldier crabs, pelicans and picnic afterwards that make the best memories!
3. Fishing Charters & Boat Hire
Want to get out on the water? Whether you're planning a relaxed day fishing the Richmond River or an offshore adventure, local boat hire and fishing charters offer another way to explore the region's waterways.
4. Before You Cast a Line - Local Fishing Tips
A little preparation goes a long way towards a great day on the water. Whether you're fishing from the riverbank, heading out in a boat or casting into the surf, here are a few things worth knowing before you go.
Get Your NSW Recreational Fishing Licence
Most people fishing recreationally in NSW waters need to pay the recreational fishing fee unless an exemption applies. You can arrange this online through Service NSW, with 3-day, 1-month, 1-year and 3-year options available or call 1300 369 365 (NSW Department of Primary Industries). NB. Different fish species have different rules, including minimum sizes, bag limits and protected species. Check the latest NSW recreational fishing regulations before heading out.
Bringing Your Own Boat?
The Richmond River and surrounding waterways have a range of public boat ramps, including locations around Ballina, West Ballina, South Ballina, Wardell and Lennox Head.
Boat ramps vary in size, facilities and suitability for different vessels, so check access, tides and conditions before launching.
Heading offshore? The Richmond River bar can be hazardous, even for experienced boaters. Always check current bar conditions, carry appropriate safety equipment and follow NSW boating requirements.
Ask a Local
Want to know what's biting or where to find the best bait? Pop into one of Ballina's local bait and tackle shops. Local anglers are often a great source of advice on fishing conditions, equipment and what species are around.
- Ballina Bait & Tackle – West Ballina
- Hooked on Bait & Brewing – Ballina
Look after our waterways -Â Take your rubbish and fishing line home, dispose of unwanted bait responsibly and give wildlife and other water users plenty of space. Always fish from a safe location and wear a lifejacket where required.
5. Make a Day of It
Fishing is just one of the many ways to enjoy the Ballina Coast & Hinterland.
Pair a morning on the Richmond River with an afternoon bike ride on the Coastal Recreation Path, pack a picnic for a day at South Ballina or head to Wardell for a fish on the wharf and enjoy a famous Wardell pie for lunch.
And if the fish aren't biting? There's plenty of local places to satisfy that seafood craving. Make sure to check out Best Seafood Spots blog.
