Where can I buy fresh seafood in Ballina?

You’re in for a treat – dolphins are spotted almost daily along the Ballina coastline! A walk along North Wall and many local beaches, these playful locals are often seen surfing the waves or cruising alongside boats. Suggested locations: North Wall (keep an eye out in the river mouth) and Sharpes Beach.

For marine magic on a grander scale, make your way to one of our coastal lookouts:

• Ballina Lighthouse (East Ballina)
• Pat Morton Lookout (Lennox Head)

These headlands offer incredible ocean views and are ideal for spotting whales during their seasonal migration (May to November). Thanks to the Ballina coastline jutting out further east than many other spots, whales often cruise surprisingly close to shore – making land-based viewing spectacular.

Love bird life too? Head to the fish cleaning table near the Richmond Yacht Club – it’s a favourite hangout for pelicans, especially in the late afternoon and bonus is the dusk skies. When crossing Missingham Bridge, keep an eye up high on the poles for the Ospreys – they often have their fresh catch in their mouths

Yes – a recreational fishing licence is required for most types of fishing in Ballina, whether you’re casting a line from the beach, riverbank, or a boat. This applies to both locals and visitors aged 18 and over.

Licence costs (as of 2025):

• 3 days – $7
• 1 month – $14
• 1 year – $35
• 3 years – $85

You can purchase a licence:

• Online Recreational fishing licence | Service NSW
• By phone on 1300 369 365
• Direct from Ballina Bait & Tackle, Shop 19, Ballina West Shopping Centre, River St, Ballina NSW 2478 – Ph 02 6686 2527

Exemptions – you do not need a licence if you are:

• Under 18 years old
• An Aboriginal person or Torres Strait Islander
• Fishing in a private dam that does not flow to public waters
• An adult assisting a person under the age of 18 to take a fish using a single rod (as long as you’re not fishing yourself)
• The holder of a Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card or a Centrelink Disability Pension Card

For full details of exemptions visit Recreational fishing

Funds from fishing licences go towards sustainable fishing programs, so it’s a great way to support local waterways while enjoying your time on the water.

Ballina is renowned for its fresh local seafood! For the fresh catch of the day, head to one of Ballina’s trusted seafood retailers:

• Ballina Fishermen’s Co-op (River Street, West Ballina): A long-standing local favourite offering freshly caught prawns, oysters, whole fish and fillets straight from the trawlers.
• Northern Rivers Seafood (River Street, West Ballina): A family run business and a great spot for buying prawns, crabs, and a variety of fresh local seafood.

Prefer to cast a line yourself? Local rivers and beaches are great for fishing – just make sure you’ve got a NSW recreational fishing licence.