Nestled on an island at the mouth of the Richmond River, Ballina is the vibrant commercial and cultural hub of the region. Surrounded by 32 kilometres of stunning white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waterways, it’s a haven for beach lovers, surfers, boaters, anglers, and eco-adventurers alike.

Explore the town’s historic streets, lined with charming cafes, restaurants, and traditional country pubs, where you can savour the famous local seafood. Discover the fascinating Ballina Naval and Maritime Museum, browse through antique, arts, and craft shops, or take a leisurely stroll or bike ride along the town’s scenic pathways.

For a truly immersive experience, enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Richmond River, paddle through the lush wetlands of North Creek by canoe, or catch a glimpse of the awe-inspiring humpback whales during their annual migration from one of the coastal headlands. Fishing enthusiasts can try their luck at popular spots such as Flat Rock and Angels Beach.

With its mix of natural beauty, rich history, and outdoor adventures, Ballina is the perfect destination for a memorable getaway.

The view from Minyon Falls lookout is the best in the area. From the lookout platform you can admire not only the falls themselves and the valley beneath, on a clear day you might be lucky and see all the way out to the coast.

Watch the cascades flow over Minyon Falls to a deep palm-shaded gorge roughly 100m below, and enjoy the sounds of local wildlife, the peaceful ambience and the spectacular natural surroundings. The tops of the cliffs are forested with Australian eucalypts, like blackbutt and scribbly gum, and a beautiful pool at the base of the falls is an ideal place to cool off and relax.

Minyon Falls is great for a quick stop, but if you’d like to spend longer at this majestic location there’s a picnic area with plenty of shady trees and picnic tables. There are also a couple of bushwalks that leave from the picnic area, including Boggy Creek walk which leads to Rummery Park campground, and Minyon Falls walking track which takes you down to the base of the falls.

And while Minyon Falls does offer stunning vistas and beautiful scenery, it’s more than just a spot…

This is a BIG day but you are in for a scenic and soul-stirring day. Starting from Ballina, this day drive is a deep dive into the Northern Rivers’ hinterland towns – think rolling hinterland, arty villages, ancient rainforest, and a dash of magic. Below is a suggested route with curated highlights at each stop to make the most of your road trip.

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.