Ballina Best Swimming

Natural Attractions

Nature takes centre stage across the Ballina Coast & Hinterland. We pride ourselves on being an outdoors region with so much to do.

Explore scenic walking trails, wide open beaches, sheltered bays and calm rivers, or wind your way through the hinterland on slow, scenic drives.

Discover hidden waterfalls, national parks rich in wildlife, and headlands and lookouts with sweeping coastal views. Whether you’re wandering, swimming or simply stopping to take it all in, the great outdoors offers something for everyone.

Two people walking along a timber boardwalk through lush subtropical rainforest.

National Parks

Just an hour from the Ballina Coast & Hinterland, Nightcap National Park offers an easy escape into ancient rainforest. Home to the iconic Minyon Falls and the peaceful Protestors Falls, the park rewards visitors with scenic walking tracks, and rich wildlife. It is a scenic hinterland adventure well worth the drive.

Stand-up paddleboarder gliding across the clear waters of Shaws Bay in Ballina.

Beaches, Bays & Lakes

Ballina and Lennox Head are blessed with a coastline made for exploring. Wide, open beaches invite long walks and early swims, while sheltered bays like Shaws Bay and calm waters of Lake Ainsworth offer ideal spots for paddling, picnics and easy days by the water. Discover which waterway suits you best by reading our Beaches Blog.

Children standing on a boardwalk above lily-covered water at Rocky Creek Dam.

Rocky Creek Dam

Rocky Creek Dam, just over an hour from the Ballina Coast & Hinterland, is a beautiful nature escape with picnic areas, elevated boardwalks and scenic trails through subtropical rainforest. Take one of several walks, enjoy birdwatching and look for elusive platypus from the viewing platform. A great day out for the whole family, including your furry friend!

Natural Attractions

Tucked along North Creek, The Serpentine is the kind of spot that families will fall in love with. For the little ones, the small, rolling waves are perfect for learning to surf, while on the right tide you’ll find stunning lagoons forming – ideal for paddling, floating, and exploring. The water is usually crystal clear,... Read More

The Serpentine

East Ballina | Attraction
There is nothing quite like a spectacular coastal view to remind you how magical the Northern Rivers is, and Pat Morton Lookout provides one of the best. On the top of Lennox Point, just a five-minute drive or half-hour walk via coastal boardwalk from Lennox Head, the lookout offers seats and a grassy area with... Read More

Pat Morton Lookout

Lennox Head | Attraction
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... Read More

Flat Rock Beach and Rockpools

East Ballina | Attraction
No trip to the Northern Rivers is complete without a visit to a waterfall, and Killen Falls is up there with the most accessible and photogenic of them all. After a 20-minute drive through the rolling hills of the hinterland from Ballina, the falls can be found in a special patch of rainforest, part of... Read More

Killen Falls

Tintenbar | Attraction
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. Stroll the easy and accessible boardwalk and... Read More

Victoria Park Nature Reserve

Dalwood | Attraction
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... Read More

Shaws Bay

East Ballina | Attraction
Protected by a natural reef at the southern end of Seven Mile Beach, the boat channel can be accessed off Rutherford Street in Lennox. This is a safe haven for the kids, great for snorkeling and perfectly protected from the waves at high tide. Keep an eye out for the friendly pelicans.

Lennox Head Boat Channel

Ballina | Attraction
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Ideas and inspiration

Last Updated: Planning a family trip? Ballina and Lennox Head are packed with fun activities for kids, from meeting wildlife and exploring waterfalls to hitting the beach or taking a creative workshop. Whether you’re looking for the best things to do in Ballina with kids, top family-friendly places to visit in Ballina, or adventure-filled fun... Read More

10 Best Family-Friendly Activities around the Ballina Coast & Hinterland

Last Updated: Looking for the perfect place to pitch a tent, park the caravan, or enjoy a luxury holiday cabin? The Ballina Coast & Hinterland offers some of the best camping and caravan parks along the North Coast, with beachfront locations, tranquil river views, and family-friendly facilities. Whether you’re after a pet-friendly retreat, a glamping... Read More

Best Camping & Caravan Parks around the Ballina Coast & Hinterland

Spend a fun-filled day in Ballina with the family, starting with scenic river views and wildlife spotting at the North Wall. Enjoy delicious breakfasts by the beach, explore rockpools and playgrounds, and take in beautiful coastal activities. With plenty of dining options, seasonal adventures like whale watching, and iconic local sights, Ballina offers the perfect... Read More

Exploring Ballina: A Perfect Family Day

Top Kid-Friendly Restaurants You’ll Love Last Updated: Planning a family outing can sometimes feel like a juggling act, especially when it comes to finding a place to eat that keeps everyone happy. Luckily, the Ballina Coast and Hinterland is filled with fantastic dining spots that cater to both kids and grown-ups alike. Whether you’re after... Read More

Family-Friendly Dining in Ballina Coast & Hinterland

Explore towns & villages

Newrybar

Lennox Head

Teven & Tintenbar

Alstonville & Wollongbar

Ballina

South Ballina

Wardell