One of the most scenic sections of the Ballina Coastal Recreation Path is the walk from Sharpes Beach to Pat Morton Lookout. This easy coastal stroll rewards walkers with sweeping views of the Ballina coastline.

Starting at Sharpes Beach, the path follows the headland offering dramatic clifftop views. It’s the kind of walk where you’ll find yourself slowing down, camera in hand, as the scenery does most of the talking. Along the way, pandanus trees between Sharpes Beach and Boulders Beach provide shady spots to stop and enjoy a picnic.

At Boulders Headland, take a moment to watch the surfers before continuing along the path towards Lennox Head.

The walk leads to Pat Morton Lookout, offering uninterrupted views stretching north along the coastline towards Byron Bay. On a clear day, you can spot Cape Byron Lighthouse in the distance.

During whale migration season (May to November), this stretch of coastline is one of Ballina’s best vantage points for spotting humpback whales on their annual journey.

The walk is approximately 3km one way, making it perfect for families, walkers and pets (on leash). Sunrise and sunset are particularly spectacular.

Whether you’re after a peaceful stroll, a scenic photo stop or a prime whale-watching perch, this coastal walk is a must-do when visiting Ballina Coast & Hinterland.

Shelly Beach Cafe is located along Shelly Beach in East Ballina. This beautiful cafe boasts scenic ocean views and feels like you are sitting right on the sand.

Open Tuesday to Sunday for breakfast and lunch, choose from their extensive menu serving fresh meals using local produce and accompany your meal with a barista made coffee or drink from the bar. A special takeaway menu is also available.

Shelly Beach Cafe can also host private functions and is an ideal location for weddings.

This is the perfect location to sit back, relax and breathe in the fresh sea breeze.

Lighthouse Beach is one of Ballina’s main beaches and is patrolled in school holidays, making it the perfect spot for families. Approximately 500m in length, there are plenty of walking tracks either end to give you great views of the beach – North Wall and Ballina Headland.

The northern end is perfect for when the northerly winds blow as it is protected by the headland. It is also the end that is patrolled in school holidays and on weekends in the summer months.

There is plenty of car parking and if you forget your lunch or need a coffee, you can grab a bite to eat at at the kiosk with views over the beach.

Popular for surfing and swimming, it is close to accommodation properties such as Ballina Beach Resort, Discovery Parks Ballina and Grandview Apartments.

Set sail on a journey through time at the Ballina Naval and Maritime Museum, where Australia’s maritime heritage meets hands-on discovery. Nestled in the heart of Ballina, this volunteer-run treasure trove is a must-visit for history buffs, curious minds, and families looking for an engaging and educational outing.

Home to the world’s last surviving Las Balsas raft—which famously journeyed from Ecuador to Ballina in 1970—this museum boasts a nationally significant collection of artefacts and exhibits. Visitors can explore Australia’s largest collection of shop models, rare shipwreck artefacts, a tribute to women in the navy, as well as an extensive range of naval uniforms and memorabilia.

With interactive displays, recreated naval vessel scenes, and DVD presentations, the museum makes history come alive for visitors of all ages. Kids love the hands-on exhibits, while adults appreciate the detail, craftsmanship and compelling storytelling woven throughout.

The museum is run by a host of volunteers – many of whom have maritime or naval experience and love sharing stories, offering fascinating insights, and highlighting the hidden gems within the museum’s walls.

Centrally located near the Richmond River and town centre, the Ballina Naval and Maritime Museum is an experience for the history enthusiast, a nautical novice, or someone just keen to explore something new.

The Northern Rivers Community Gallery (NRCG) has established itself as a significant regional arts and cultural hub in the Northern Rivers. NRCG exhibitions and programs promote critical thinking, creative exploration and social cohesion and connect artists, makers and audiences with creative opportunities.

Ballina Shire Council established the NRCG in 2007 in the historic former Ballina Municipal Council Chambers. Built in 1927, the Council renovated this building to the highest standard in lighting, climate control and security. Adjacent to the gallery in the same building is the popular Ballina Gallery Cafe.

The gallery features four exhibition spaces and presents a range of professional, multi-arts and cultural programs incorporating diverse events, public programs and residencies. NRCG provides opportunities for emerging and established artists to hire galleries and exhibit and sell their work under subsidised arrangements.

In 2018 NRCG expanded into the heritage-listed former Ballina Fire Station, which reopened as Ignite Studios. Ignite Studios, Ballina’s newest multidisciplinary creative space provides dedicated, fit-for-purpose, creative spaces for studios, residencies, projects and events.

The newly renovated Shaws Bay Hotel is one of Ballina’s most iconic waterfront destination. A venue where you can enjoy dishes crafted from fresh and locally sourced ingredients, signature cocktails that seamlessly transition into sunset drinks and experience some of the best live music in the Northern Rivers.

Their amazing beer garden is dog friendly. Drop in for a delicious bite to eat and hang around for afternoon drinks in the Courtyard, Pavilion or Beer Garden – all set against a stunning beachside backdrop.

Situated adjacent to the renowned Flat Rock, this uniquely natural tent park is a hidden treasure worth visiting.

This park is only a short drive from Ballina and Lennox Head and features a wide range of clean amenities such as gas heating, gas and wood barbecues, hot showers, outdoor kitchen, washing tubs, a fully stocked kiosk to keep the kids happy and safety lighting in and around the park. The park has unpowered sites and caters for tents, camper trailers and camper vans.

If a secluded camping holiday by the beach sounds like your cup of tea, then Flat Rock Tent Park is definitely the place for you and your family.

Lazy Days on Shaws Bay is all about waterfront calm with a side of coastal ease.

Set directly opposite the ever-changing waters of Shaws Bay, this collection of beautifully styled apartments sits in one of East Ballina’s most sought-after pockets — where mornings start slow and everything you need is just a short stroll away.

At the top, The Penthouse takes things to another level. Elevated above it all, with uninterrupted 180° views stretching from the Richmond River to the Pacific Ocean, it’s the kind of place where you’ll find yourself stopping mid-conversation just to take it all in… or watching whales pass by from the living room.

The one and two-bedroom apartments offer their own version of the good life — light-filled, relaxed and effortlessly comfortable, with private balconies overlooking leafy surrounds, glimpses of the bay and ocean beyond. And with pet-friendly options available, no one gets left behind.

Step outside and slip straight into the coastal rhythm — morning swims in the bay, long walks along the foreshore, coffee at your favourite local, or sunset drinks just down the road.

It’s the kind of place where you arrive, exhale… and don’t want to leave.

Flat Rock is arguably one of the most desired beaches and the most easterly point of this coastline. It is a very popular surfing spot for new and experienced surfers due to the rocky outcrop creating a surf break.

The rock pools are home to lots of marine life and are great to explore when the tide is low, making this beach popular with families. It is also home to a lot of birds, so you often see bird watchers looking for specific species.

Flat Rock Tent Park is located just behind the dunes, making it a perfect place to camp for beach and fishing lovers. Toilets and showers are available in the car park, and a beach is patrolled in the school holidays.

Flat Rock is dog-friendly, but they must remain on a leash at all times.

Toilets and showers are available in the car park and a roving lifeguard patrols in the school holidays.

Dine in a relaxed, elegant coastal setting and enjoy a chef-selected six-course seasonal menu, perfectly paired with a bottle of natural wine. This curated experience showcases the region’s finest produce, with each dish reflecting a commitment to quality, sustainability, and flavour.

The menu is ever-changing, driven by what is fresh, local, and in season. Ingredients are thoughtfully sourced, with a focus on sustainable practices and organic farming principles wherever possible.

Open seven days for breakfast and lunch, with dinner service available from Thursday to Saturday. Whether you’re visiting for a casual morning meal or an immersive evening dining experience, expect warm hospitality and a deep respect for regional produce.

Lennox Head is a must-visit destination, renowned for its world-class surf breaks at Boulders and Lennox Point, making it a surfer’s paradise. For stunning views, take a trip to the headland or head to Pat Morton Lookout, where you can spot whales and dolphins during their migrations. If you’re after a thrilling experience, try hang-gliding over the spectacular coastline, or enjoy the scenic bush tracks and pathways that lead from the town to the lookout.

A highlight of Lennox Head is the tranquil Lake Ainsworth, tucked between the white sands of Seven Mile Beach and the vibrant coastal heathland. The fresh waters of the lake are uniquely stained a deep ‘billy-tea’ colour by the surrounding tea trees, creating a serene and picturesque spot. Take a dip in the lake’s distinctive waters, sailboard across its surface, or go canoeing.

With its blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and relaxed atmosphere, Lennox Head is an inviting and unforgettable destination.

Lake Ainsworth, a fresh water tea-tree lake with dark tannins from the surrounding paperbark trees, is a popular spot with both Lennox Head locals and visitors. The lake, which covers an area of about 12 hectares, is located at the northern end of Pacific Parade.

It’s an ideal swimming spot for families with young children and is also suitable for stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and canoeing.

Recreation facilities include pathways, barbecues, picnic tables and parking.

The lake can be affected by blue-green algae. Check the Ballina Shire Council website for official advice.

The only thing better than sitting back and admiring the rolling hills of the Byron-Ballina hinterland is sitting back and admiring it with a great cup of coffee.

Zentveld’s Coffee Farm and Roastery is the place to be. Grab a barista-made brew, sit on the deck to admire views of the plantation, and buy a bag of beans that have been grown, processed, and roasted on the farm.

Located near the pretty village of Newrybar, the family-owned and run business embraces regenerative farming practices to ensure this beautiful part of the world stays that way.

On a clear day, you can also see Wollumbin Mount Warning. If you want to bring something more substantial to eat and turn the occasion into lunch, the Zentveld’s crew won’t mind at all.

Situated halfway between Lennox Head and Byron Bay, Newrybar is a picturesque historic village full of charm and character.

A must-visit in the village is The Little General, a delightful local café and store offering freshly brewed coffee, delicious pastries, and a carefully curated natural wines. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and explore unique finds while enjoying the warm village atmosphere.

For those with a love of flowers, The Flower House Newrybar is a beautiful florist offering stunning floral arrangements and bespoke designs. It’s an idyllic place to pick up a unique bouquet or simply enjoy the fragrant blooms in a lovely setting.

Newrybar also offers a variety of local treasures to explore, including Newrybar Merchants, where you can find homewares and lifestyle pieces crafted by local artists and artisans in a charming 1890s homestead.

Take a scenic drive through the surrounding countryside to discover coffee and macadamia plantations, as well as farm-gate stalls, particularly along Broken Head, Brooklet, and Piccadilly Hill roads. For a peaceful escape, enjoy a swim at Killen Falls, or stay at a welcoming local bed and breakfast, where the warm country hospitality will make you feel right at home.

With its blend of natural beauty, quirky shops, and relaxing atmosphere, Newrybar is a delightful destination for a peaceful and memorable getaway.

No trip to the Northern Rivers feels complete without chasing a waterfall — and Killen Falls is one of the region’s most accessible and photogenic.

Just a 20-minute drive from Ballina, the falls are tucked away along Friday Hut Road in Tintenbar, surrounded by lush rainforest that forms part of the Big Scrub — once vast, now reduced to just one per cent of its original extent. It’s a special pocket of nature and one well worth slowing down for.

From the car park, a 330-metre walk winds through dense greenery to the top of the falls, where a lookout offers sweeping views down into the pool below. For a closer encounter, follow the steep but manageable track to the base of the falls. It can be slippery, so take care — the reward is a dramatic, ground-level perspective and the chance to spot turtles, birds and other local wildlife.

Don’t miss the small cave behind the waterfall, where you can stand beneath the cascade and look out through the falling water — a favourite photo spot.

An easy and memorable stop while exploring Tourist Drive 28, Killen Falls is a must-see for nature lovers visiting the Ballina hinterland.

A visit to Lennox Head is not complete without one of Lennox Gelato’s famous ice creams!

Delicious handmade Italian artisan gelato, with a vast variety of flavours made fresh using only the finest ingredients and local produce wherever possible.

Located opposite the playground in the heart of Lennox – the flavours will send your tastebuds into overdrive. If you can resist the ice cream, their coffee is delicious.

Grab a takeaway and wander across the road to the beachfront to indulge in your treat!

Located in the heart of Lennox Head, Quattro serves up an extensive, mouth-watering menu celebrating the flavours of traditional Italian cuisine. Think wood fired aromas, generous plates, and the kind of classic dishes that turn any meal, casual catch ups or intimate dinners, into a moment worth savouring.

With its relaxed, family friendly atmosphere and warm service, Quattro has long been a favourite with locals. The restaurant sits just across from the beachfront, making it an ideal spot to unwind after a day by the water or to enjoy a long dinner as the sea breeze rolls in.

Whether you’re craving a comforting bowl of pasta, a perfectly crisp pizza, or a leisurely Italian feast, Quattro delivers a welcoming dining experience that keeps people coming back.

For 18 years, they’ve been serving up epic eats and good vibes in Lennox Head. Think ocean views, funky décor, and a laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere—plus a free pool table to keep the good times rolling.

Their menu is stacked with all your faves— amazing pizzas, pasta, ribs, wings, fresh local seafood, loaded fries, and drool-worthy desserts. And with their fully licensed bar, you can sip on creative cocktails, ice-cold brews, and tasty drops.

With daily happy hours and live music on Sundays from 5pm, dine in, soak up the views and tunes, grab takeaway and enjoy on the beachfront, or order online and get delivered.

However you do Lennox Pizza, one thing’s for sure—you can’t go wrong!

Nine metres high and weighing 35 tonnes, the Big Prawn is one of Australia’s most famous Big Things. It’s hard to miss as you drive the main road into Ballina. It’s also hard to imagine the town without it.

However, a prawnless Ballina was almost a reality. Twenty years after its birth in 1989, the giant crustacean was looking a bit long in the pincers, and locals debated fiercely over what should be done about it. Shockingly, there was even talk of demolition. Thankfully, hardware store Bunnings (which lives next door) came to the rescue, and following a AUD400,000 makeover, the new-and-improved Big Prawn was unveiled in 2013. For the first time, it even had a tail.

Taking a picture with the prawn is a must-do if you’re in Ballina. And if the sight of all that seafood makes you peckish, fear not: there are some great places selling fresh catches on the other side of the road.

Buckley’s Chance is a much-loved local favourite for coffee and brunch, known for its relaxed atmosphere and standout food and drink offering. Set in a charming corner cottage, the venue features rustic details, warm timber finishes and a wide verandah that invites you to slow down and settle in.

Serving Allpress Espresso coffee alongside freshly baked goods, Buckley’s Chance is a popular spot for breakfast and lunch, perfect for catching up with friends or easing into the day. The seasonal menu champions the best of the Northern Rivers region, with a focus on quality produce and thoughtful flavours.

Beyond coffee, the offering extends to natural wines, rustic cocktails and a range of house-made breads and pastries, rounding out an experience that feels distinctly local and effortlessly welcoming. Buckley’s Chance is a must-visit for anyone seeking a memorable brunch or café experience in the region.

Established in 1896, the Federal Hotel is a landmark and cherished part of the Alstonville community. Fondly known as “The Feddy” it offers great food, drinks and a warm, welcoming atmosphere 364 days a year. More than just a pub, it proudly supports local sporting teams and community groups, reinforcing its role at the heart of town life. Nestled on the beautiful Alstonville Plateau in the Northern Rivers, The Feddy is a true gathering place for locals and visitors alike. With over a century of history and heart “The Feddy” remains a vital part of this small but spirited town.

Home is a proud Alstonville local food store located in the community old dame. Inspired by grocers of a time gone by when life and food were simple, Home values high-quality homemade, and homegrown goods, also local artisan homewares.

With a morning bake followed by seasonal lunch offerings, and an abundance of gluten-free, refined sugar and dairy-free options, it really is ‘Home’ for everyone.

Summerland Farm is a must-visit destination nestled in the scenic hinterland of the Northern Rivers, NSW. Set on a stunning 96-hectare macadamia and avocado farm, it’s a place where visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of nature, experience an authentic productive farm, and enjoy a day relaxing day out.

A vibrant agritourism business, Summerland Farm offers a variety of unique on-site experiences – from interactive animal encounters and guided farm tours to a fully accessible adventure playground and themed seasonal events.

Visitors can taste fresh regional produce in the award-winning café, explore the curated retail hub filled with locally made goods, and relax in beautifully landscaped gardens surrounded by panoramic mountain views.

What makes Summerland Farm truly special is its heart. Operated by Aruma, a leading disability service provider, the farm is a working example of inclusive employment – proudly supporting people with a disability to thrive in meaningful roles across hospitality, horticulture, and tourism. It’s a place of purpose, connection, and joy.

Whether you’re travelling with kids, seeking a scenic stopover, or simply wanting to reconnect with nature, Summerland Farm invites you to Taste. Explore. Play. – and discover the wonder at every turn.

Victoria Park Nature Reserve protects one of the last surviving remnants of the original rainforest, known as the Big Scrub, which extended across the entire Lismore, Byron Bay, Ballina and Mullumbimby regions. It’s a perfect spot for a relaxing day out with the family in the Northern Rivers and for a beautiful, short and accessible walk.

Stroll the easy and accessible boardwalk and you’ll immediately be transported to a tranquil tropical wonderland. Ancient fig trees and majestic black beans tower above, while bangalow palms and ferns grow up from below. Take a moment to absorb the cool quiet of the rainforest and you might catch a glimpse of the shy red-legged pademelon or the colourful wompoo fruit-dove.

The informative displays show how the Wildjabul people, of the Bundjalung nation, relied on the local plants and animals for food, medicine and ceremonies.

When thoughts turn to lunch, enjoy a relaxing barbecue at the shaded picnic tables, to a backdrop of lush rainforest. The accessible facilities make the picnic area an ideal spot for older people and groups.

Born out of a love for all things nautical, Bottom of the Harbour Antiques was founded. Following a decade-long career travelling the seven seas, founder Mike Meadows decided it was time to come ashore and share his collection. Mike being an ardent collector of nauticalia for many years, had four main obsessions – Scrimshaw, Navigational Instruments, Ships Bells and Diving Helmets. From his own extensive collection he began ‘Bottom of the Harbour’, and now continues to travel to distant parts of the globe to search for sought-after collectibles.

A strong connection to Indonesia, including the opening of multiple Bottom of the Harbour stores in Jakarta and Bali in the late eighties led to a passion for antique Indonesian hand crafted pieces.

An iconic staple in The Rocks, Sydney for over 35 years. Bottom of the Harbour is now based in the Northern Rivers of New South Wales. With stores scatted throughout the state. Current stores within: Southern Antiques Centre – Kogarah, Hermitage Road Antiques – Hunter Valley, and Bottom of the Harbour Headquarters – Northern Rivers.

In the 1850s, the charming riverside village of Wardell, then known as ‘Blackwall,’ was a bustling cedar-getter settlement, home to two sawmills and a thriving river trade. As the cedar supply dwindled, the fertile lands gave way to sugarcane farming, which has since become the heart of Wardell’s economy.

Today, Wardell offers a delightful escape steeped in history and natural beauty. Anglers will relish the excellent fishing opportunities, while history enthusiasts can embark on the ‘Wardell Walkabout,’ a self-guided tour of the village’s historic buildings that whisper tales of a bygone era.

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!

Wardell is more than a destination; it’s an experience to discover its unique charm!

Poised directly over the shore of Lighthouse Beach, boasting panoramic ocean views, Capiche is the perfect compliment to any sunset.

Capiche serves authentic Italian flavours prepared with fun and heart. Capiche walks the line from delicate to decadent and everything that falls between.

Capiche also offers a versatile space for functions, events and seaside weddings, offering the perfect backdrop for your special day.

With Shaws Bay on one side and the Richmond River on the other, this easy walk will allow you to enjoy some of Ballina’s most beautiful marine assets.

Park at Brighton Street and follow the footpath heading out along the break wall. Meander past little bays and rockpools, take in the tidal Shaws Bay, watch the trawlers leave or return in the Richmond River and finish by watching the surfers at Lighthouse Beach.

Keep an eye out for birdlife such as Osprey and Pelicans and quite possibly dolphins in the river between the breakwalls – a local sight that is very common!

Be guided by the late Uncle Ricky Cook, Nyangbal Elder, along the Water Stories walk — a cultural and historical journey tracing Ballina’s riverfront. This interpretive trail follows the north break wall, curves around Shaws Bay and continues into Fawcett Park, sharing stories of how water — guung in the Nyangbal language — has shaped Country, community and daily life for thousands of years.

Along the way, 23 contemporary signs reveal the deep connection Nyangbal families hold with this place, alongside insights into the early settlers who arrived in the nineteenth century. Themes of Country, culture, resilience and river life weave through the experience, with Uncle Ricky’s narration offering a lasting cultural legacy.

You can enjoy Water Stories in two ways.
Walk the full 4.5km signposted trail between Fawcett Park and the Marine Rescue Tower, taking in river views and story points at your own pace.

Or immerse yourself in the Water Stories Soundtrail, a geo-located audio experience that adds a deeper layer of storytelling. Simply scan the QR codes along the route or download the Soundtrails app. The audio-guided walk follows a shorter 1.4km journey from the Marine Rescue Tower to Pioneer Memorial Park, automatically playing each story as you enter its zone.

Water Stories invites locals and visitors alike to listen, reflect and connect with the river and its layered histories.

Shaws Bay has always been a popular spot for leisure activities such as picnicking, swimming, snorkelling, canoeing and walking. This beautiful tidal bay was formed when the northern wall of the Richmond River was constructed near the river entrance. The bay has sandy beaches, a shared pathway around the bay and is a great spot for families.

This scenic and popular area has varied landforms ranging from gently sloping beaches to a steep sandy escarpment which includes littoral rainforest species. The seagrasses in the bay are regarded as some of the best in Northern NSW and provide an ideal environment for safe snorkelling.

Along Compton Drive this swimming spot is easily accessible for those with mobility issues to create an enjoyable recreation area. There is wide ramp access down to the sand in low tide or water in high tide, two disabled parking bays and seating. Access Shaws Bay via Pop Denison Park and you will find accessible toilets, an outdoor shower and footpath around the bay however access to the water for people with limited mobility is a little more natural – no ramps and access is across grass and sand to get to water.

Bring the family down for a fun day at Pop Denison Park.

Out Of The Blue Adventures offer first-class whale watching, snorkeling tours, dolphin cruises, coastal discovery and scenic sunset river cruises, as well as private charters.

Voted number one on TripAdvisor, there’s no better way to enjoy the magnificence of the Byron Bay region’s natural beauty and wildlife than from its pristine waters.

Encounter species such as whales, dolphins, turtles and birdlife in Cape Byron Marine Park. Explore the breathtaking coastline between Ballina and Byron Bay.

View Byron Lighthouse from a whole new perspective as you navigate Australia’s most easterly point. Bask in a glorious sunset on the tranquil Richmond River as you enjoy a complimentary cool beverage and learn about the region and wildlife from a marine biologist.

The purpose-built eco-vessels have individual seating up to 20 or 25 guests and 360-degree views for unparalleled dolphin/whale watching and sightseeing experiences.

The unique hull design ensures a smooth, comfortable ride in all cruising conditions. The friendly, professional team guarantee a first-class, unmatched eco-tour.

Boarding at Lance Ferris Wharf, Ballina.

Set along the river in the heart of town, the Wharf Bar and Restaurant makes the most of its stunning Richmond River frontage. Its open-plan dining space captures sweeping water views and what many consider to be one of the Ballina region’s most spectacular sunsets – an idyllic backdrop in an area known for its thriving regional airport and pristine coastline.

Wharf Bar Ballina is a fully licensed restaurant, bar and takeaway, offering an impressive selection of wines, beers, spirits and handcrafted cocktails. The menu showcases high-quality Mediterranean cuisine, with a focus on fresh seafood, house-made pastas, premium meats and authentic wood-fired pizzas.

Whether you’re settling in for a long lunch by the water, enjoying sunset drinks, or grabbing a delicious meal to go, the Wharf Bar and Restaurant delivers exceptional flavour in an unforgettable riverside setting.