Discover Ballina - Industry News
Plan your Ballina Coast and Hinterland escapeā€¦
 
Seven Mile

 Seven Mile

Congratulations to Ballina's Seven Mile Brewing Co. who have been named the best medium - sized independant brewery in the country at the Australian Independant Beer Awards. 

We're excited to announce advertising opportunities for the upcoming 2024/2025 Ballina Coast and Hinterland map. This is your chance to get your tourism-related business -whether it's a tour, attraction, restaurant, cafe, accommodation, or retail shop—in front of thousands of visitors!

Details:

  • 40,000 A5 maps to be printed and distributed through the Ballina Visitor Information Centre, Ballina Byron Gateway Airport, and local businesses.
  • Limited spaces: 35 regular 70mm x 70mm slots and one exclusive A5 slot (whole back page, custom artwork option available).

VIEW ADVERTISING PROSPECTUS

Whats On This Weekend around Ballina Coast Hinterlandjpg

Whats On This Weekend around Ballina Coast Hinterlandjpg

Find out  What's On  around the Ballina Coast & Hinterland this weekend!  

Whats On This Weekend around Ballina Coast Hinterland

Whats On This Weekend around Ballina Coast Hinterland

Find out What's On around the Ballina Coast & Hinterland this weekend! 

Whats On

Whats On

Find out What's On around the Ballina Coast & Hinterland this weekend!

Whats On

Find out What's On around the Ballina Coast & Hinterland this weekend! 

SummerlandFarm

SummerlandFarm

Destination North Coast, in collaboration with Business NSW, is thrilled to announce the return of the North Coast Tourism Awards.

Destination NSW grant 2024 25 Regional Event Fund

Destination NSW grant 2024 25 Regional Event Fund

Destination NSW grant  - 2024/25 Regional Event Fund - Applications close  9 April 2024

Whats On

Find out What's On around the Ballina Coast & Hinterland this weekend! 

Whats On This Weekend around Ballina Coast Hinterland

Whats On This Weekend around Ballina Coast Hinterland

Find out  What's On  around the Ballina Coast & Hinterland this weekend!  

Whats On 15 February 2024

Find out What's On around the Ballina Coast & Hinterland this weekend!  

Beach House Hunters Shelley Craft

The Channel Nine program ‘Beach House Hunters’, hosted by Shelley Craft, is interested in featuring our region. The show follows a couple looking to relocate to a coastal area.

Whats On

Whats On

Find out What's On around the Ballina Coast & Hinterland this weekend!  

Whats On This Weekend Ballina Coast Hinterland

Whats On This Weekend Ballina Coast Hinterland   

Find out What's On around the Ballina Coast & Hinterland this weekend!

What's On

Find out What's On around the Ballina Coast & Hinterland this weekend! 

Whats On

Find out What's On around the Ballina Coast & Hinterland this weekend! 

Whats On

Whats On

Find out What's On around the Ballina Coast & Hinterland this weekend!  

Whats On This Weekend Ballina Coast Hinterland

Whats On This Weekend Ballina Coast Hinterland 

What's on this weekend around the Ballina Coast and Hinterland this Weekend!

Lighthouse Beach, Ballina

Find out What's On around the Ballina Coast & Hinterland this weekend!  

Whats On

Find out What's On around the Ballina Coast & Hinterland this weekend!  

Christmas Lunch

The Ballina Tourism Team has begun creating a list of venues that are hosting lunch on Christmas Day.

To assist with us fielding enquiries regarding this questions, if you business is open could you please email us on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the information so we can load it to our event calendar as a source for visitors and locals to find the information.

To find out which operators are hosting a Christmas Lunch visit Discover Ballina - Christmas Day Lunch

What's On This Weekend

What's On This Weekend

Find out What's On around the Ballina Coast & Hinterland this weekend! 

What's On

What's On

Find out What's On around the Ballina Coast & Hinterland this weekend!  

Visitor Guide

Don't miss the chance to be involved in the Ballina Coast and Hinterland Guide for the next TWO years!

Free Workshop

Free Workshop       

 Join Destination North Coast and Bookable Tourism for an engaging and comprehensive workshop that equips you with the essential tools to delve deep into understanding your ideal customer. Discover how they research and book and learn how to tailor your strategy to target them effectively. From this workshop, you will be able to build a step-by-step roadmap to help increase your revenue opportunities for your business.

Whats On This Weekend around Ballina

Whats On This Weekend around Ballina

Find out What's On around the Ballina Coast & Hinterland this weekend! 

this weekend

this weekend

Find out What's On around the Ballina Coast & Hinterland this weekend!

Visitor Guide Advertising

Visitor Guide Advertising

The Ballina Tourism Team is thrilled to present the advertising prospectus for the Ballina Coast and Hinterland 2024 Visitor Guide - the official tourism publication for the region. The Visitor Guide is the Ballina Tourism Team's key marketing publication and is distributed through the extensive Visitor Information Centre Network as well as across the destination. The guide will also be stocked at the Ballina Visitor Information Centre, Ballina Byron Gateway Airport and at businesses across the Northern Rivers.

Ballina Contemporary Art Market

Ballina Contemporary Art Market

The Northern Rivers Community Gallery are delighted to to invite you to the Ballina Contemporary Art Market.

Event Funding

Event Funding

Ballina Shire Council is pleased to announce the 2024/25 Festival and Event Sponsorship Program is now open.

Small business workshops

Small business workshops

Destination North Coast have been successful in an application for a Small Business Month grant to run a series of in-region workshops in October 2023.

Photo credit; Nick Angeli

Find out What's On around the Ballina Coast & Hinterland this weekend! 

back to basics workshops

back to basics workshops

Join Destination North Coast and Bookable Tourism for an engaging and comprehensive workshop that equips you with the essential tools to delve deep into understanding your ideal customer.

Bookable tourism

Join Destination North Coast and Bookable Tourism for an engaging and comprehensive workshop that equips you with the essential tools to delve deep into understanding your ideal customer. Discover how they research and book, and learn how to tailor your strategy to target them effectively. From this workshop, you will be able to build a step-by-step roadmap to help increase your revenue opportunities for your business.

Whats On

Find out What's On around the Ballina Coast & Hinterland this weekend! With NSW School Holidays starting there is plenty of local events and activities to keep you entertained.

What's On

Here is your Weekend Wrap Up of some of the fun things to do around the Ballina Coast & Hinterland.

Whats On School Holidays

Plenty happening these Spring School Holidays to keep families and kids busy.

Apart from our natural assets being a huge drawcard to the area, lots of operators have organised events, activities and workshops so make sure to check out what is on offer.

Discover Ballina - School Holiday Activities

Whats On

Here is your Weekend Wrap Up of some of the fun things to do around the Ballina Coast & Hinterland.

EV Charging Grants

EV Charging Grants

The NSW Government is making $3 million available for the installation of at least 500 electric vehicle (EV) chargers at kerbside locations.

PC: Natalie Grono

A sunny weekend ahead with plenty happening in the area. The big event for the weekend is Sample Food Festival at Bangalow Showground showcasing incredible produce, unique culinary experiences and regional brewers and distilleries. An annual event that is always a great day out for all.

Whats On

Whats On

It's a big line up of events and entertainment this weekend! The annual Quota Craft & Garden Fair  is two day event showcasing some amazing craft artisans and combined with a garden fair of quality plants and garden products from local growers, this fair has over 80 stalls brimming with colour. Hear from guest gardening speakers, and meet some talented stallholders. 

Photo credit: Shaws Bay Hotel

A great line up of Arts & Cultural events this weekend! Kicking of Thursday is the 20th Bangalow Chamber Music Festival with 4 days of star quality chamber music. The North Coast Mud Trail is on Saturday & Sunday where ceramicists open their studios to visitors so you can meet the artists, discuss their work and processes and find out what inspires them to do what they do.

winding road

winding road

Local Tintebar distillery, Winding Road Distilling Co wins Best Rum 2023 at the Australian Distilled Spirits Awards.

Whats On 11 August 2023

The Byron Writers Festival kicks off this weekend with a great line up that includes predominately Australian writers and thinkers over the 3 days. This year it will be located at the beautiful Bangalow Showgrounds.

Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk

 Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk

NSW National Parks and Wildlife are seeking Innovative and unique tourism offerings to complement and enhance the Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk experience.

Events for old and young

Events for old and young

The NSW State Government has opened up two new event funding grants - one aimed at seniors and the other at the state's youth.

DIGITAL MARKETING

DIGITAL MARKETING

If you are struggling to keep up with the must-knows in digital trends? And are keen to know what works and doesn't in the tourism digital marketing landscape? Tourism Tribe may have the answers in this FREE interactive online training session.

Business with Nature

Business with Nature

This introductory 'Business with Nature' workshop is part of the Spring Regen 101 series and will give professionals working in different sectors the opportunity to learn from successful nature-based investment projects.

Sugar Beach Ranch

Sugar Beach Ranch

Sunset Sips is an event to welcome in Spring, celebrate incredible local businesses and come together as a business community. This Flagship Event is a community-wide occasion, open to all genders.

TOURISM JOBS

TOURISM JOBS

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has recently released the Quarterly Tourism Labour Force Statistics.

Tourism

Tourism

The Federal Government is helping to rebuild Australia's tourism workforce by offering State and Territory governments and tourism bodies a share of $7.5 million for programs to attract workers to the visitor economy.

Whats On this weekend

Whats On this weekend 

There's plenty happening this weekend around the Ballina Coast and Hinterland

Tourist Attraction of the Year Summerland Farm

The North Coast Tourism Awards were presented in a partnership between Business NSW and Destination North Coast and the Awards Gala Dinner was held last week at Plantation House, part of Tropical Fruit World.

North Coast Tourism Awards 2023 Industry

We are thrilled to announce that the Ballina Tourism Team has achieved the Gold Award in the Excellence in Tourism Services category at the 2023 North Coast Tourism Awards.

Airport Brochure Advertising

Get your business in front of visitors flying in to the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport! The advertising cycle commences on Friday September 1 2023 and expires on Thursday 29 February 2024.

What's On

The weather forecast is looking good for the weekend and we have some great tours available in the region. 

Value of Tourism

Value of Tourism

The 'Value of Tourism to the North Coast' provides visitation, employment and economic impact data for the period of January 2022 to December 2022.

Framework to Connect With Country

Framework to Connect With Country

The NSW Government Architect's Connecting with Country Framework has been released to help better recognise Indigenous culture in planning and design.

Win Somewhere New

Win Somewhere New

Destination NSW have launched a new eDM campaign competition. The competition provides the opportunity for domestic audiences to win one of seven curated NSW holiday packages, that directly aligns to each of our hero feelings of DNSW's Feel new brand.

Whats On 21 July

It's a big weekend for the music lovers! The major event this weekend is Splendour in the Grass which kicks off Friday and continues through the weekend.

What's On

The weather forecast is looking fantastic for this weekend which is wonderful as we have a few outdoor events happening.

Northern Rivers Dirty Wheels Mountain Bike Club

Northern Rivers Dirty Wheels Mountain Bike Club

The Northern Rivers Dirty Wheels Mountain Bike Club is currently working with Mountain Bike Clubs and Councils across the Northern Rivers to develop a strategy for the future of mountain biking in the region

Whats on

Whats on

It's the weekend, the weather is looking fantastic and as usual there is a great line up of events happening to keep everyone busy.

What's On

Some major events not to be missed next week include NAIDOC Week - a special time to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and achievements and is an opportunity to recognise the contributions Indigenous Australians make to our country and society. This years theme is For Our Elders.

North Coast Tourism Awards 2023 Finalist

We are thrilled to announce the following Ballina Shire businesses have been selected as finalists in the North Coast Tourism Awards for 2023.

Whats New

If you are looking to try something new, why not visit one of these recently opened or renovated businesses! Make sure to follow their socials and show your support.

Sustainability Scorecard

Sustainability Scorecard

Destination NSW has partnered with Ecotourism Australia, the nation’s peak body for sustainable and ecotourism, to provide eligible NSW visitor economy businesses fully funded access to the pre-certification Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard.

whats On around Ballina This Weekend

whats On around Ballina This Weekend

It's the Winter solstice and it's a big weekend for live events and entertainment

Goanna

If you are looking to try something new, why not visit one of these recently opened or renovated businesses! Make sure to follow their socials and show your support.

Whats On School Holidays

We have been loading workshops, activities and tours for the past few weeks into our Winter School Holiday Activity Sheet and can guarentee there should not be any bored children these holidays!

this weekend

this weekend

Find out our pick of what events, activities and markets are on this weekend around the Ballina Coast & Hinterland and Northern Rivers.  For a full line up, make sure to visit Discover Ballina What's On

Ballina Chamber Excellence Awards

The Ballina Chamber of Commerce 2023 Business Excellence Awards showcase the remarkable talent, innovation, and dedication that drive our local economy forward. They are a prestigious platform designed to honour businesses of all sizes and industries that have demonstrated exceptional performance, customer service, community involvement, and entrepreneurial spirit. By participating in these awards, you have the opportunity to gain well-deserved recognition for your hard work and accomplishments.

NCTS

As a tourism operator, attending industry events is important for growth and success. The 2023 North Coast Tourism Symposium offers a prime opportunity to connect, learn, and gain valuable industry insights.

Whats On

Find out our pick of what events, activities and markets are on this weekend around the Ballina Coast & Hinterland and Northern Rivers. For a full line up, make sure to visit Discover Ballina What's On

Farewell Prue

Farewell Prue

It's time to bid farewell to our incredible team member, Prue Dee. Over the past eight years, she has brought an amazing energy to our Visitor Services team at Ballina Shire Council. From starting as an intern to becoming an integral part of our family, Prue has left an unforgettable mark. Prue's infectious enthusiasm and willingness to go above and beyond have made a real difference in the team. We'll miss your warm smile, your wealth of knowledge, and the way you made every visitor feel special. Wishing you all the best in your future endeavors!

Digital Accelerator

Digital Accelerator

Register your expression of interest for the Digital Skills Accelerator for Tourism: eMarketing, designed to advance your business with digital support and training. The eMarketing content will provide NSW accommodation, tour and attraction businesses with knowledge and skills to maximise artificial intelligence (AI) tools, Canva, eMarketing platforms and video content to increase website visitation, formulate email marketing campaigns, generate new leads, and create a digital brochure to use as a lead magnet. 

Industry Networking

The Destination North Coast Board traditionally rotates around the region for their monthly Board meetings and the June meeting will be held in Ballina.

After the Board meeting, they invite members of the Tourism Industry to a casual get-together and an opportunity to meet and network with the Board, the DNC team and industry peers.

cheers

cheers

The next Northern Rivers Food networking event, and the first for 2023 has arrived!

this weekend

this weekend

It's another weekend packed full of fun around the Ballina Coast and Hinterland

Visitation Report

Visitation Report

 The Ballina Coast and Hinterland 2022 Visitation Report is now avaliable on discoverballina.com.au. The report outlines some pleasing results in the way of recovery from the COVID-19 disruptions however there is still a way to go to get back to pre COVID numbers. 

Lennox Headland

Head down to Shaws Bay Hotel this Saturday for the Northern Rivers BeerfestThe day kicks off from 12pm with 14 participating breweries involved and live music from Versace Boys from 3pm.

Nominate your business

Nominate your business The Ballina Coast and Hinterland has no shortage of businesses doing great things for the visitor economy and we would love to see them represented at the North Coast Tourism Awards. Businesses have the opportunity to nominate themselves across a range of categories including Excellence in Food Tourism, Outstanding Accommodation Experience, Excellence in Camping, Glamping and/or Caravanning, Tour and Transport Operator of the Year, Excellence in Cultural Tourism, Festival/Event of the Year + so many more FIND OUT MORE AND NOMINATE YOUR BUSINESS 

What's On

Lots of big annual events happening across the Northern Rivers this weekend!  

Lismore GemFest is on both Saturday & Sunday and showcases over 140 stalls, fossicking and displays to get involved in. Casino Beef Week kicks off on Saturday with 11 days of entertainment, education and an authentic country experience for the whole family.

What's On

Australia's sustainable farming expo, Primex, kicks off this Thursday and runs through until Saturday. Enjoy local produce alongside chefs, growers and food lovers at this iconic Northern Rivers field day event.

What's On

This weekend is a busy one with lots of popular annual events and some great community activities.

Ballina Fishing Shirts

Ballina Fishing Shirts

Ballina has always been a popular destination for the anglers and now you can fish in style with one of our NEW Fishing Shirts. The fishing shirts are a new item that targets a recreational activity enjoyed by locals and visitors. Being out on the water fishing, kayaking, stand up paddling or boating, the shirts keep you sun safe, are quick dry and best of all showcases iconic landmarks of Ballina.

2023 North Coast Tourism Awards

2023 North Coast Tourism Awards

Destination North Coast, in partnership with Business NSW are pleased to announce the return of the North Coast Tourism Awards.

Entries are now open with 17 categories available.

Maps DB

Have you collected copies of the NEW Ballina Coast & Hinterland street map to distribute from your business? The map includes detailed town maps for Ballina, Lennox, Alstonville/Wollongbar and Wardell, as well as a regional map overview.

North Coast Tourism Symposium 2022

Save the Date - It's On Again! Destination North Coast (DNC) is pleased to confirm the 2023 North Coast Tourism Symposium will be held at the Mantra on Salt Beach, Kingscliff, Thursday 27 July, 2023.

What's On

Autumn is in full swing and with the cooler mornings and nights it's a great time to get involved in local events. 

whats on Ballina

whats on Ballina

It's the weekend and as usual there's plenty going on around the Ballina Coast and Hinterland.

Photo credit: Nick Angeli

We are halfway through the holidays and there are still plenty of activities and workshops for kids to get involved in. Make sure to get your copy of the School Holiday Activity Sheet.

Photo credit: Harvest Food Trail

The cooler months host a bulk of our major annual events so make sure you keep on top of what festivals, community events and shows that are happening in May. See below for a full list!

Whats On School Holidays

With Autumn school holidays in full swing, make sure to check out the workshops, activities and tours designed to keep the kids busy these holidays.

Whats on this weekend around the Ballina Coast and Hinterland

Whats on this weekend around the Ballina Coast and Hinterland

Aside from the Easter Bunny bringing chocolate (which let's be honest, is a highlight for most of us!), the Easter long weekend has lots going on.

NEW Ballina Coast & Hinterland Street Map

The Ballina Tourism Team are excited to announce the arrival of the anticipated Ballina Coast and Hinterland Map. The map includes detailed town maps for Ballina, Lennox, Alstonville/Wollongbar and Wardell, as well as a regional map overview.

Australian Regional Tourism ConventionJPG

Australian Regional Tourism ConventionJPG

Australian Regional Tourism is pleased to announce that the City of Newcastle will be hosting the 2023 Australian Regional Tourism Convention (ARTC) to be held 10 - 12 October 2023.

Regenerative Tourism

Regenerative Tourism

Destination Byron made the first step towards a Regenerative Tourism future by creating a Byron Regenerative Tourism Workshop, to start a conversation on how local tourism can make a positive impact on the environment and community.

National Parks Update

National Parks Update

The National Parks and Wildlife Service is moving full steam ahead repairing roads and visitor facilities in the Tweed Byron and Richmond River areas of the NSW North Coast.

Fair Go Skate Fest

Keep up to date with what's happening this weekend! Head down to the Ballina Skate Park on Friday & Saturday to watch all the action at the annual Fair Go Skate Fest, one of the longest running skateboard competitions in Australia.

Nature-Based Visitor Experience Development Grant

Visitor economy businesses seeking to develop regional nature-based experiences may be eligible for a share in $3.5 million to support project expenses.

Ballina Tourism Team - Alanah, Emma, Teegan, Nadine & Prue

Ballina Shire Councils Tourism Team work to promote the Ballina Coast & Hinterland and wider Northern Rivers region as key tourism destinations. The team consists of five passionate staff members who all completed their studies locally at Southern Cross University in Lismore. With a diverse range of interests and skills each team member brings a wealth of knowledge with them.  

whats on this weekend

whats on this weekend

The weekend is here and what a line up of events & workshops!

Northern Rivers Business Hub

Northern Rivers Business Hub

The Northern Rivers Business Hub was established as a critical response to support businesses impacted by the 2022 weather event. This support is continued in 2023 at the new location at Southern Cross University, Lismore. You'll find them at Unit 10, The Goodman Plaza. The Hub offers individual hotdesks, Internet access, printing facilities and co-working space as well as networking events and subject matter expert seminars to support your journey. Through the Hub, there is the opportunity to connect with Business Advisors and Government services for business. The Hub operates between 9-5 Monday to Friday. The Business Hub Coordinators look forward to welcoming you.

Love Lennox Festival -Image Chris Nott

Love Lennox Festival -Image Chris Nott Applications for the Incubator Event stream and the Flagship Event stream of the 2023/24 Regional Event Fund will close at midnight on Wednesday 29 March 2023.  Applications submitted after this date and time will not be accepted. To be eligible to apply, an event must run between 1 July 2023 and 30 June 2024 and meet the fund criteria.

Workshop

Want to learn how to write a grant or tender? Then this FREE Grant & Tender workshop with Kathie Heyman from NSW Business Connect Advisor is for you. Kathie is a seasoned business professional with over 25 years of experience in strategic planning, mentoring, public speaking, and workshop facilitation.

whats on Ballina

whats on Ballina

It's the weekend...Hooray! There's plenty happening around the Ballina Coast and Hinterland.

Whats on Ballina

Whats on Ballina 

It's the weekend and there's lots happening around the Ballina Coast and Hinterland to keep you busy.

this weekend around ballina

this weekend around ballina

It's the first weekend of Autumn and there are lots of great events and activities happening around the Ballina Coast and Hinterland!

Holiday Break Funding

Do you host youth events or school holiday programs? Are you not for profit? Councils and eligible not-for-profit organisations looking to host activities over the upcoming autumn school holidays are urged to get in quick to secure funding under the NSW Government's Holiday Break program.

Event Funding

Event-goers across the country will soon be experiencing more of regional NSW thanks to the opening of the Regional Event Fund. The Regional Event Fund is managed through Destination NSW and offers three streams of funding:

Annual Events

Find out what events are on each month and share with your visitors so they can start planning their return trips around events happening in the Northern Rivers.

From world class sporting events, music festivals down to the local community events that happen each year, there is lots happening and plenty of events to support!

Download the 2023 ANNUAL EVENT CALENDAR 

Photo credit: Sample Food Festival, Natalie Grono

Whats on around ballina

Whats on around ballina 

It has been a wet and windy couple of days but things are looking up on the weather front this weekend and there's plenty happening around the Ballina Coast and Hinterland to keep you busy!

YOU'RE INVITED

YOU'RE INVITED

Destination North Coast are excited to invite industry stakeholders to the launch of the North Coast Destination Management Plan 2022 - 2030.  WHEN: Tuesday 14 March 2023, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm WHERE: Byron Community Centre.

REGISTER NOW

Whats on around Ballina

Whats on around Ballina

It's the weekend and there's plenty happening around the Ballina Coast and Hinterland.

Advertising Open for Ballina Coast and Hinterland Map

 Advertising Open for Ballina Coast and Hinterland Map

TWO SPACES LEFT in the Ballina Coast and Hinterland Map Advertising opportunity. 

NSW Walks

NSW Walks

A network of 13 magnificent Great Walks is being established in NSW national parks as part of a plan to transform our State into a bushwalking mecca, ready to rival other multi-day walks in Australia and beyond.

One Year On From The Floods

One Year On From The Floods

With the one-year anniversary of the February/March floods approaching, some community events have been organised as an opportunity to reflect on the monumental emergency rescue effort and the ongoing recovery of the people and places affected.

Whats On around Ballina

Whats On around Ballina

Weekend events highlights from The Ballina Tourism Team

Ballina Byron Monopoly

Ballina Byron Monopoly

Roll the dice on some of your favourite locations across the region with the special edition Ballina-Byron Monopoly game.A local twist to the family favourite game gives players the opportunity to buy up their favourite locations around the Ballina-Byron area including the Big Prawn, Richmond River and Lake Ainsworth. To purchase the Ballina-Byron Monopoly game, pop into the Ballina Visitor Information Centre at 6 River Street Ballina from 11 February 2023.

Image: Baby Wombat - Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital

Image: Baby Wombat - Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital

Finding a native animal in distress is often very overwhelming but help is available and it's important to know who you can call. This list can assist you in finding the right help. Share with friends, family, colleagues and visitors to ensure our wildlife have the best chance of survival once found. 

Adventure Cycling Strategy

Adventure Cycling Strategy

The Adventure Cycling Strategy is a commitment to grow adventure cycling experiences in NSW.

Duck Creek Mountain Bike Park

Duck Creek Mountain Bike Park

Just off the road between Alstonville and Ballina, the spectacular Duck Creek Mountain Bike Park has re-opened, bigger and better, after an injection of funding and lots of hard work from dedicated volunteers.

Ballina Coast and Hinterland

Ballina Coast and Hinterland 

Happy Weekend Folks! There's plenty happening around the Ballina Coast and Hinterland to keep you busy.

certificate in guiding

certificate in guiding

TAFE NSW Ballina campus is delivering an Aboriginal Customised Course in Cultural Tourism.

tourism workshops

tourism workshops

With a critical mass of international visitors now returning to Australia it is the ideal time to find out how to attract international visitors to book your tour, attraction or accommodation.

boulders

boulders 

It's the weekend! Here's the event highlights from the Ballina Tourism Team!

capiche

capiche

Congratulations to Capiche and all the North Coast Restaurants recently promoted as Best New Restaurants in NSW for a summer roadtrip.

Accessible Tourism

Accessible Tourism

Making your products or services more accessible to visitors can open new and valuable markets for your business according to Austrade insights.

Regional Job Creation Fun Round 3

Regional Job Creation Fun Round 3

The Regional Job Creation Fund (RJCF) Round 3 provides opportunity for existing businesses to diversify into new markets and innovate in regional NSW.

Delicious dining at Layla one of two new restaurants in Ballina

Delicious dining at Layla one of two new restaurants in Ballina

Ballina's already dazzling dining scene has been enhanced with the addition of two new restaurants in the heart of Ballina.

Whats On This Weekend

Whats On This Weekend

The weekend is once again upon us!  Here are the weekend events highlights from The Ballina Tourism Team.

Business Events at the Ballina Surf Club

Business Events at the Ballina Surf Club

The NSW Government is supporting the future of NSW's event industry by providing scholarships for aspiring event managers in partnership with Meetings and Events Australia (MEA). Applications for the SIT50316 Diploma of Event Management scholarship, are now open and will close on 22 January 2023 with scholarships will be awarded to one successful candidate per Destination Network.

Regional Job Creation Fund

Regional Job Creation Fund

The $100 million Regional Job Creation Fund Round Three will provide grants for regional businesses to expand their operations, and attract interstate and international businesses to relocate to regional NSW.

Unicorn Falls

Unicorn Falls

A new 2.1 km walking track to the enchanting Unicorn Falls in Mount Jerusalem National Park has recently been completed by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).

Aboriginal Business Growth


 Aboriginal Business Growth

The NSW Government will invest $10 million to help Aboriginal businesses diversify and grow. 

Improved bus services

Improved bus services

A new bus network will be introduced to Lismore on 16 January 2023, as part of the Transport for NSW 16 Regional Cities Services Improvement Program.

This weekend around Ballina

This weekend around Ballina

It's the weekend and there's plenty happening to keep you busy.

Electric Vehicle Charging

Electric Vehicle Charging 

Drivers are set to receive a huge boost in charging infrastructure across the state with hundreds of new bays to be built in the latest round of electric vehicle fast charging grants

Destination NSW annual report

Destination NSW annual report

Destination NSW has released its annual report for 2021-22, which highlights the NSW Government's major events and tourism agency's focus on reinvigorating the NSW visitor economy through marketing activity, stakeholder education and a vibrant events calendar.

Are you bookable with us?

Are you bookable with us?The Ballina Visitor Centre team are currently receiving a high level of enquiries especially for last minute accommodation requests. If you are not already on our booking system or haven't updated your profile in a while, you could be missing business! 

Whats on around Ballina

Whats on around Ballina

 It's the first weekend of 2023 and there is plenty to see and do around the region! 

Whats On

Whats On

And...that's a wrap for 2022.

This weekend is full of New Years Eve Fun throughout the Northern Rivers.    photo credit: Nick Angeli

Whats On

Kick off the festive weekend at Shelly Beach Cafe for their Friday Sunset Sessions. On from 3.30pm, it is a great way to sneak in a catch up with friends before the Christmas Day festivities begin (bookings are highly recommended). 

Merry Christmas

On behalf of the Ballina Tourism Team we would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. 

It has been another big and challenging year for region, but it was humbling to see the community pull together. The Ballina Visitor Information Centre is open everyday expect Christmas Day. Pop in and see the friendly team for local advice, recommendations and of course a great range of gifts. 

Tourism Forecasts

Tourism ForecastsWhile a full international recovery remains distant, the outlook for Australia's visitor economy is brighter than at any time over the past two years, according to Tourism Research Australia's (TRA's) latest tourism forecasts.

Regional Tourism Activation Fund

Regional Tourism Activation FundThe Sharpes Beach Carpark Precinct Accessibility Upgrade will provide essential infrastructure and embellishments that will improve the overall visitor experience and accessibility of both the very popular Sharpes Beach and the connecting high impact tourism assets.

Whats on Industry News

Whats on Industry News

The Countdown is on until Christmas and if you are lucky enough to be organised then make sure you don't miss some of these local events.

Lake Ainsworth

Lake Ainsworth 

It's another jam packed weekend this weekend, full of festive events, sport, theatre, live music and fun for everyone!

sharpes beach

sharpes beach

December is here and it's starting to feel a little bit like Christmas! There's Christmas markets, Christmas photos and Santa's Wonderland as well as exhibition openings, social sundays and Farmers Markets...wow! For a monthly overview view our December What's On Guide

What's On

Another action packed weekend! Lots of entertainment, opportunities for unique Christmas shopping and events to socialise with friends.

Caravan Parks grant program

Caravan Parks grant program

The Caravan Parks Grant will provide $10,000 to $100,000 matched dollar-for-dollar (or more) funding for eligible caravan parks to develop or improve infrastructure and assets.

Lola Dining

Lola Dining

We are thrilled to see our very own Lola Dining awarded ONE HAT in the Good Food Guide 2023 awards. This cozy, intimate restaurant in the heart of Ballina provides a unique dining experience that cannot be missed. Congratulations to the team at Lola Dining, well deserved! 

Have your say

Have your say

Opportunity to comment on the Tweed Byron Hinterland Walk master plan is extended until 23 December 2022

Christmas in Ballina

Christmas is fast approaching and we have been receiving enquiries from interested locals and visitors wanting to know what is happening in the area!

Local Gift Hampers

Local Gift Hampers

The Northern Rivers region is a mecca for quality produce and creative artisans and the team at the Ballina Visitor Information Centre have done the legwork to bring them to you.

What's On

What's OnThe weather is looking beautiful and with a great lineup of events across the region, it's going to be a great weekend! 

What's On

Another great weekend line up!

Tintenbar Up Front kicks the weekend off with their Open Mic night. It's an amazing night of surprise at the Tintenbar Hall.

The Pinnacle lookout, Border Ranges National Park

The Pinnacle lookout, Border Ranges National ParkThe Minister for Environment and Heritage, the Hon James Griffin MP, and the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Tourism, the Hon Benjamin Franklin MP, have  announced that the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will develop a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Wollumbin Consultative Group.

Caravan Park

Caravan Park

The visitor economy was the recipient of $48 million of dedicated funding from this week's Federal Budget as part of the Australian Government's commitment to support tourism sector recovery, upskill workers, support quality tourism products and deliver infrastructure upgrades

Dining

Dining

The NSW Government has launched a "one-stop-shop" concierge service to help start or grow hospitality businesses across the State.

What's On

We have your weekend sorted! Head along to Newrybar this evening for Fun Friday at HarvestA free mini festival at Harvest with great tunes, great food and good vibes! From 4pm until 8pm, it's a great way to kick off the weekend.

Alstonville Agricultural Show

The weather this weekend is looking terrific for the Alstonville Agricultural Show which offers two jam packed days and nights with activities the whole family will enjoy - great food, entertainment, music, rides and animal displays. 

What's On

What's On

Plenty to see an do this weekend with the Sanctuary Springfest at Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, ART ON BUNDJALUNG MARKET in Kyogle and film screenings across the shire. To find out what's on daily then visit our online calendar and to view our monthly market and event guide download our What's On in Octoberguide. 

Fozie's Fishing Owners Rob and Di

We have loved having Di from Fozie's Fishing Adventures in to speak with the Ballina Tourism Team and Volunteer Ambassadors over the past two weeks to discuss with us their deep sea fishing adventures.

Chris Nott Prawn Festival

The Multicultural NSW Stronger Together Grants Program aims to support multicultural festival and events across NSW. Investing in community projects and activities that foster community harmony and celebrate cultural diversity as a precious part of our identity and way of life.

New Access

New AccessThe mental health coaching program has been developed by Beyond Blue to give small business owners support during challenging times. Over 6 sessions, a NewAccess coach will work side by side with business owners to overcome difficult issues and provide practical skills to help them manage stress. This program is for anyone aged 18 years or over who owns a small business, from any industry, including sole traders. Closes 31 December 2022. APPLY

Agritourism Rules

Agritourism RulesThe NSW Government has released the final draft of its revamped agritourism policy which is designed to make it easier for farmers to cultivate new tourism experiences.

 

Love Lennox Festival

Ballina Shire Council is pleased to announce the Festival and Event Sponsorship Program for 2023/24 is now open.

Byron Bay Motorcycle Tours

Byron Bay Motorcycle ToursWe had the pleasure of meeting Geoff this week, owner of Byron Bay Motorcycle Tours, who spoke to the Ballina Tourism Team and ambassadors providing information and insight into what services he offers.

Lisa Hunt

It's a music kind of weekend! The Byron Music Society presents Johannes Brahms Ein deutsches Requiem at the Lennox Head Cultural Centre on Sunday afternoon. Don't miss out on listening to the choir and orchestra, tickets available here

Airport Parking Upgrades

Airport Parking UpgradesBallina Byron Gateway Airport is pleased to announce the airport's new and improved car park system is live from Tuesday 11 October 2022. "Our airport continues to be one of the busiest regional airports in Australia and is central to our local economy. This car park system upgrade is another important enhancement to our airport precinct and is set to improve the travel experience," 

What's On

Although the school holidays are winding up, there are still plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained those final few days. Find below some of the events, workshops and exhibitions that are also happening this weekend.

Dinner is Served Pizza

Dinner is Served has been around for a little while but have recently expanded their services to include an onsite cafe. Dinner is Served has built a strong following for its chef prepared meals that are ready to heat and serve - convenient for busy families and also visitors flying in to the region.

Whats On

Whats On

With the long weekend upon us and school holidays continuing, there are plenty of people in the region enjoying everything our wonderful destination has to offer. To find a full list of what's on daily then visit our online calendar

Networking

This is a free workshop for anyone considering a new business and owners of a micro-business under 2 years old.

Relfections Holiday Parks

Relfections Holiday Parks Reflections are driving an ambitious program of park developments in 2023 and 2024 which will see premium and luxury cabins, innovative tiny homes and glamping opportunities installed across their parks. This will significantly grow visitor spending in the regions of the parks from $98 million in Financial Year 2020/21 to $128 million after planned investment and delivery of strategic initiatives over the next two years. Read media release.

Ballina Merchandise

The Ballina Tourism Team are very excited to announce a new line of merchandise including hoodies, hats, mugs, stickers, tea-towels, patches and kids t-shirts and more! We are also expanding our range of local produce and giftware to bring a great selection of tea, coffee, sauces, chutneys, jams, nuts, chocolate, soaps, skincare and more! 

floodboat warnings

floodboat warningsThe NSW SES is transitioning to the Australian Warning System (AWS) from 30 September 2022. Flood and tsunami warnings will include a warning level - Advice, Watch and Act or Emergency Warning. Each warning will be accompanied by a clear action statement so you know what to do when disaster strikes - Read media release.

Event Listing

Are you running an event? Whether it's a market, long lunch, art class or live gig, you can list your event for FREE on the Ballina Coast & Hinterlands official What's On Calendar. To create a FREE event listing, simply head to Discover Ballina and complete the details.  

Love Lennox Festival

Ballina Shire Council is pleased to announce the Festival and Event Sponsorship Program for 2023/24 is now open.

What's On - Byron Bay Cacao

School Holidays have begun! Make sure to check out the Whats On calendarfor a full list of activities, events & workshops happening each day. 

EV Destination Charging Grants

For those who may not be aware, the deadline for the funding applications for Electronic Vehicle Destination Charging Grants have been extended to Friday 11 November 2022, 5pm.

Whats On

Start the weekend off by heading in to the hinterland for the first Fun Friday at Harvest in Newrybar. Head down to Seven Mile Brewing Co to enjoy a cold local beer and listen to some live music as The Valery Trails launch their new album. For a bit of local history, Crawford House Museum has their latest exhibition on display - 50 years of soccer in Alstonville and the family fun Bangalow Billycart Derby is being held on Sunday.

Job Opportunities For People Living With Disability

Job Opportunities For People Living With Disability

Minister for Trade and Tourism, Senator the Hon Don Farrell together with Social Services Minister the Hon Amanda Rishworth MP recently announced $3.3 million to establish a Visitor Economy Disability Pilot to help people living with disability secure sustained jobs in tourism.

Jobs Summit

Jobs Summit Australian Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell this week led a Tourism Jobs Summit in Canberra to discuss ideas for addressing workforce challenges in the visitor economy. Some of the key actions identified were reforming the migration program; encouraging people with a disability and those on an Age Pension into the workforce; incentivising employers to improve on-the-job training; and promoting tourism as a career of choice.

Read the report

digital marketing training

digital marketing training

Join Digital Business Expert, Liza Lyttle and Entrepreneurship Facilitator, Rachel Turner as they unpack the various forms of Digital Media, give you tools to design a simple digital strategy and teach you how to leverage no and low cost options to ensure your Digital Success.

LARC

LARC

Part discussion, part workshop, the Northern Rivers Future Forum is where your journey to the Leading Australian Resilient Communities Program (LARC) begins.

What's On

Get your theatrical culture fix with a ticket to Love for One Night, a NORPA production at the Eltham Hotel. The popular Bangalow Billycart Derby is a great day out and the Richmond Christian College is hosting a family evening with a Cinema Under the Stars and the National Circus Festival will finish the month off.

School Holiday Fun

The days are getting longer, the flowers are blooming and the weather is warming up which means Spring School Holidays are around the corner and the Northern Rivers will be brimming with visitors and local families enjoying our region.

Image showing a new roadside fire danger rating sign

Image showing a new roadside fire danger rating sign

Fire danger ratings have been simplified and give you clear actions to take.

WHATS ON

For all our food lovers (let's be honest, thats all of us!) the annual Sample Food Festival is on this weekend which is always a great day and the Ballina RSL has some great shows featuring this month.

Airport Brochure Advertising

Get your business in front of visitors flying in to the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport over spring and summer! The advertising cycle commences this week from 1 September through to the 28 February 2023 and is the ideal time with so many visitors travelling to the Northern Rivers to have your brochure displayed in the arrivals terminal.

Airport Brochure Stand

Do you want your business in front of the passengers arriving in the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport over summer? Then now is the time to jump on board the upcoming advertising cycle which commences 1 September through to the 28 February 2023 - and its only $150!

Burns Point Ferry

Need new images for your website or to promote the Ballina Coast & Hinterland? As a local industry operator did you know you have access to our image gallery? View our gallery here

Rainbow Region Dragon Boat Regatta

August is action packed with events! Stand Up Comedy nights, Bangalow Music Festival, Rainbow Region Dragon Boat Regatta, Byron Writers Festival and the latest production from Ballina Players will start at the end of the month.

Whats on 1 aug

                                                                                  Whats on 1 aug

It's August! Where did July go? Coming up soon on the 13-14th of August is the North Coast Mud Trail to display the very talented local artisans of our area.

Whats on industry newsletter

Whats on industry newsletter

Keep up to date with What's On around the area - local events, workshops & activities are loaded to the calendar which is a great reference for yourself and visitors to find out things to see and do.

Click HERE to view the calendar

Feel New in the Ballina Coast and Hinterland

Feel New in the Ballina Coast and Hinterland

Ballina Coast and Hinterland will be featured in a six week long digital marketing campaign as part of the larger 'Feel New' tourism campaign by Destination NSW.

ballina byron gateway

ballina byron gateway

Destination NSW has just announced two new directors one of which being in the Northern Rivers area. Find an extract of their announcement below:

Nightcap

Nightcap

The National Parks and Wildlife Service has established a webpage to keep the community informed of flood recovery progress in our North Coast National Parks.

Draft North Coast Regional Plan 2041

Draft North Coast Regional Plan 2041

The NSW Government has reviewed and updated the Draft North Coast Regional Plan 2041.

Whats on industry newsletter

Whats on industry newsletter

Keep up to date with What's On around the area - local events, workshops & activities are loaded to the calendar which is a great reference for yourself and visitors to find out things to see and do.

Click HERE to view the calendar

@discoverballina

Do you have video footage or clips of your business? Share it with the Ballina Tourism Team!

Using your content, we hope to showcase places to eat, sites to visit, tours to enjoy and places to stay through social media reels. We will tag your business if we use any of your supplied footage.

Whats on industry newsletter

Whats on industry newsletter

Keep up to date with What's On around the area - local events, workshops & activities are loaded to the calendar which is a great reference for yourself and visitors to find out things to see and do.

Click HERE to view the calendar

DNC Symposium

DNC Symposium This year's North Coast Tourism Sympousium is fast approaching with an exciting line-up of world-class speakers

Census Data

Census DataLast week the release of the 2021 Census results provided an insight into the changing profile of Australian families.

Ballina CBD Dining 1

Ballina CBD Dining 1

Anyone whose certification expired from February 2020 can renew their RSA, or RSA and RCG together, for free, until February 2023 without having to retrain in full.

Food trail

Food trail Northern Rivers Food will again be bringing us the highly anticipated Harvest Food Trail - a very special self-drive experience over the weekend of July 30-31 2022.

Skullcandy Oz grom

Skullcandy Oz gromOne of the most highly anticipated junior surfing hit the shores of Lennox Head last week! 

DNC 2021 symposium 7

DNC 2021 symposium 7

Don't forgret to purchase tickets for the North Coast Tourism Symposium being held in Grafton on Thursday 28 July 2022.

AVIC APP

AVIC APP

The Australian Visitor Centres - Explore Australia App makes your journey easier. The detailed maps are available online and offline, they show locations of other Points of Interest, including accommodation, campgrounds, food and drinks, attractions, wineries, local deals, road warnings and much more.

Destination Byron Tourism Symposium

Destination Byron's Annual Tourism Symposium is back after restrictions saw the 2020 and 2021 events cancelled. Scheduled for 29 June 2022, Elements of Byron will welcome local and national visitor and tourism industry leaders, stakeholders, and attendees.

Whats on industry newsletter

Whats on industry newsletter

Keep up to date with What's On around the area - local events, workshops & activities are loaded to the calendar which is a great reference for yourself and visitors to find out things to see and do.

Click HERE to view the calendar

Accommodation Reinvestment Mentoring Program

Are you interested in getting more advice on how your accommodation property can invest? Don't miss out on the Accommodation Reinvestment Mentoring Program.

Regional Business NSW Survey Open

Ballina Shire businesses are encouraged to complete the Regional NSW Business Survey to identify key priorities for supporting job creation and economic growth in our region.

Festival & Event Funding

Event managers, community groups and businesses interested in organising events are encouraged to apply now for a share of $360,000 available under the NSW Governments Reconnecting Regional NSW Community Events Program.

Whats on industry newsletter

Whats on industry newsletter

Keep up to date with What's On around the area - local events, workshops & activities are loaded to the calendar which is a great reference for yourself and visitors to find out things to see and do.

Click HERE to view the calendar

NSW First

NSW First

Destination NSW has created an extensive resource for tourism operators. Develop great tourism experiences,

Destination North Coast

Destination North Coast

Destination North Coast (DNC) and Stafford Strategy will be conducting 2hr workshops outlining regional visitor forecasts to 2030 and perceived existing product gaps to support future new investment in the

Digital Skills Accelerator

Digital Skills Accelerator

Destination NSW has partnered with Tourism Tribe to offer this fully funded Digital Skills Accelerator for Tourism program to assist NSW tourism businesses, including accommodation, tours and attractions to digitally transform their marketing.

What's On

Keep up to date with What's On around the area - local events, workshops & activities are loaded to the calendar which is a great reference for yourself and visitors to find out things to see and do.

Destination North Coast

The last opportunity to provide input on how we can best develop and grow the value of the tourism sector across the North Coast is via the below online workshop and short stakeholder survey.

Festival of Flavour

Festival of Flavour

Find out how to get involved with the campaign to maximize your involvement in the event! + still time to register 

Capiche Restaurant

What many may know as the Lighthouse Beach Cafe is now Capiche - newly refurbished, new owners, new cuisine and already GREAT reviews!

Farewell Alicia

After 9 years working as the Ballina Visitor Centre Team Leader, Alicia is moving on from council.

Most operators would have had the pleasure of working with Alicia over that time and I am sure will remember her for being energetic, patient and well organised. Her knowledge of the industry and passion for tourism was inspiring.

Destination North Coast

The North Coast Destination Management Plan (DMP) review session is being held in Ballina next Tuesday 3 May, 2022 so to have your say about the future of tourism in the North Coast it is important you come along.

North Coast Flavour Trails

Destination North Coast is calling on food, beverage and agri-tourism business to plan and deliver food related events, experiences and special deals as part of the North Coast Festival of Flavour 3-5 June 2022. This is a fantastic opportunity for the North Coast to strengthen its reputation as an emerging foodie destination.

Airport Ambassadors

Promote your business to visitors arriving through the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport in the current DL brochure advertising cycle. Located within the arrivals terminal at the Airport, the brochure board is restocked by volunteer tourism ambassadors.

What's On

Keep up to date with What's On around the area - local events, workshops & activities are loaded to the calendar which is a great reference for yourself and visitors to find out things to see and do.

Click HERE to view the calendar

Images for experiences

Images for experiences

Tourism Australia has announced a $12 Million content creation initiative aimed at supporting tourism businesses across Australia in recovery and driving increased visitation by helping operators better market their experiences and attractions.

Be involved the workshop

Destination North Coast wants to hear from local tourism operators, event organisers, local government and industry stakeholders to gather input and plan for the future of tourism and the visitor economy in our region to 2030 as they review the North Coast Destination Management Plan (DMP).

North Coast Flavour Trails

Destination North Coast recently announced a change of date for the North Coast Festival of Flavour to the 3 to5 June 2022, so it's not too late to get involved!

Visitors will taste the very best of the North Coast at farm gates, markets, breweries and more. Get involved by planning a foodie event or special deal at your place of

Tourism Australia adopts Aboriginal dual naming

Tourism Australia (TA) has announced adopting a dual-naming approach for capital cities and other specific locations around Australia by using the known Aboriginal name alongside the English name.

What's On

Keep up to date with What's On around the area - local events, workshops & activities are loaded to the calendar which is a great reference for yourself and visitors to find out things to see and do.

Click HERE to view the calendar

Ballina Ten Pin Bowling

Easter is generally a busy time around the Northern Rivers with lots of visiting family and friends. Keep the kids entertained by checking out activities that are happening over the holiday period on the What's On calendar or download the PDF - there is something for all age groups.

phto

phto

Destination NSW is holding a series of Aboriginal Tourism Experience Development Workshops in partnership with the NSW Aboriginal Tourism Operators Council (NATOC).

Annual Events Guide

Want to know when the annual events are being held this year?

Make sure to download our Annual Events Guide for a full look at what events are happening around the Northern Rivers and the dates they will be on. 

New national tourism strategy - Thrive 2030

 New national tourism strategy - Thrive 2030

The Hon Dan Tehan MP, Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment has launched THRIVE 2030, the long-term national strategy for the visitor economy. THRIVE 2030 is expected to grow the value of the visitor economy to $230 billion by 2030.

wwa story img

wwa story img

The Business Connect program is a contemporary, high-quality support service for small businesses in NSW. The Business Connect program comprises one-on-one business advisory sessions during which your Business Advisor will work with you on your goals.  ​

small business

small business

BizRebuild is a business-led initiative, developed by the Business Council of Australia, to provide practical and on the ground assistance to small and local businesses left devastated by the bushfires and floods.

BizRebuild is offering vouchers to help small businesses affected by the March 2022 storms and floods, in eligible NSW and QLD local government areas.

Take a moment away

Take a moment away
The Ballina Tourism Team aim to drive demand for tour and activity operators by encouraging Australians to donate experience gift vouchers for Northern Rivers flood affected people. These gift vouchers would enable flood affected people to take a break and enjoy an experience.

Small Business Funding

Small Business Funding

Applications have opened for the NSW Government’s Small Business Support Program, which provides financial assistance for small businesses hit hard by the disruption caused by the wave of Omicron cases.

Free Digital Solutions Webinar

Tourism operators are invited to participate in a free online webinar to elevate your business's online reputation.

Thinking of flood impacted businesses

While our region starts on the road to recovery from the tragic floods, our hearts go out to our friends and neighbours who have lost so much.

North Coast Festival of Flavour POSTPONED

Due to the Northern Rivers region being in disaster recovery mode, Destination North Coast has made the decision to postpone the Festival of Flavours event until late May or early June 2022. 

Ballina Flood Recovery Centre at Surf Club

The Ballina Flood Recovery Centre is now open and located at Ballina Surf Club, Lighthouse Parade, East Ballina. 

Open from 9.00am to 5pm (7 days for first week), the Recovery Centre provides face-to-face support for Ballina Shire. 

Flood Funding Available

Disaster recovery assistance is available to businesses in eligible NSW local government areas that have been impacted by storms and floods. If your business premises has been damaged due to storms and flooding then visit Service NSW to see what funding and grants you are eligible for.

For more information or to find out if your are eligible click here

What's On

Keep up to date with What's On around the region - weekend markets, local, major & special events, exhibitions and bookable tours - by checking the What's On calendar. This is a great tool to share with your visitors, guests, friends and family to help them plan their stay.

Small Business Funding

Small Business Funding

Businesses can now apply to the NSW Government's Small Business Support Program. If you’re a business, sole trader or not-for-profit organisation in NSW and you've been impacted by the Omicron wave of COVID-19, you may be eligible for a payment under the 2022 Small Business Support Program.

Meeting Event Buyers at Tradeshow

Meeting Event Buyers at Tradeshow

Ballina Coast and Hinterland business event suppliers were represented at the Get Local Expo, held at the Sydney International Convention Centre on Tuesday 15 and Wednesday 16 February 2022.

pop denison park

pop denison park

Ballina Shire Council is seeking your feedback in regards to the shire's playgrounds.

Small business rebate

Small business rebate

The NSW Government has announced a small business rebate for NSW sole traders and small businesses to purchase safety equipment.

Register to accept vouchers

Register to accept vouchers

The NSW government has recently announced accommodation, recreation and entertainment vouchers to the value of $50 for NSW residents. To be eligible to receive these vouchers businesses must apply to the Stay NSW program via service NSW. Participants must have a business located in NSW and have an associated Australian business number.

North Coast Flavour Trails

The six figure North Coast Festival of Flavour marketing campaign is now live in market!

Encouraging Business Events to the Region

Encouraging Business Events to the Region

Ballina Coast and Hinterland will represent business event suppliers at the Get Local Expo, held at the Sydney International Convention Centre on Tuesday 15 and Wednesday 16 February 2022.

Regional Job Creation Fund

Regional Job Creation Fund

Businesses can now apply for Round Two of the NSW Government’s $140 million Regional Job Creation Fund, which is set to create at least 2000 new jobs in regional NSW over a three-year period.

Funding Program Now Open

Funding Program Now Open

The Australian Government has opened the Culture, Heritage and Arts Regional Tourism (CHART) program, a $3 million funding program that aims to support Aboriginal cultural centres, community museums, galleries, and historical societies in regional Australia as they recover from the impacts of COVID-19.

Stay NSW Voucher Program

Stay NSW Voucher ProgramEligible accommodation providers across the state can register to take part in two new NSW Government voucher programs - Parents NSW and Stay NSW.

DNSW Free Social Media Webinars

DNSW Free Social Media Webinars

If you have not viewed the free five part webinar series presented by Facebook and the Destination NSW social media team, now is the time to catch the webinars. Available online until 11 February 2022.

Update Your Online Profile

Online travel planning is one of the fast growing uses of the internet, with a high proportion of consumers booking accommodation and tours online. Consumers now expect to be able to book and pay for travel products instantly, at the click of a mouse.

What's On

Keep up to date with What's On around the region - weekend markets, local, major & special events, exhibitions and bookable tours - by checking the What's On calendar. This is a great tool to share with your visitors, guests, friends and family to help them plan their stay.

Financial Support Package

In what many business operators had hoped would be their busiest time of trade all year, has been dramatically impacted by Omicron. The NSW Government is offering a financial support package.

Tourism Awards photo

Tourism Awards photo

The upcoming NSW Tourism Awards will celebrate the outstanding strength, resilience and achievements of the tourism industry in a virtual ceremony on Thursday 3 February 2022.

Free Development Opportunities

Free Development Opportunities

There are a wide range of development opportunities available but here is a curated selection of must do free visitor economy development opportunities. Register NOW and add these important dates to your calendar.

What's On

Keep up to date with What's On around the region - weekend markets, local, major & special events, exhibitions and bookable tours - by checking the What's On calendar. This is a great tool to share with your visitors, guests, friends and family to help them plan their stay.

Helpful Service at the Ballina Visitor Information Centre

Helpful Service at the Ballina Visitor Information CentreThe Ballina Visitor Information Centre is a wonderful resource for visitors - inspiring them to see and do more and stay longer than they had initially planned.

Airport Ambassadors

Promote your business to visitors arriving through the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport with a rare opportunity in the upcoming DL brochure advertising cycle. Located within the arrivals terminal at the Airport, the brochure board is restocked by volunteer tourism ambassadors.

North Coast Flavour Trails

Calling farmers, producers, restauranteurs, brewers, distillers, and foodie event managers to get involved with the fabulous North Coast Festival of Flavour over the weekend of 26 and 27 March 2022

Labour Shortage Visa Incentives

With businesses confronting the worst labour and skill shortages in more than three decades, the Prime Minister has announced a rebate program to visa application fees. The program aims to encourage international students and working holiday makers to return to Australia and plug acute shortages across industry.

What's On

Keep up to date with What's On around the region - weekend markets, local, major & special events, exhibitions and bookable tours - by checking the What's On calendar. This is a great tool to share with your visitors, guests, friends and family to help them plan their stay.

QLD Border Reopens

QLD Border ReopensAs Queensland reaches 90% vaccination status, the State Government has advised border controls will be removed for domestic air and road travel.

Industry Development Opportunities

Industry Development Opportunities

Destination North Coast has a wide range of development opportunities to engage in. Add these important dates to your calendar.

School Holiday Fun

Download copies of the School Holiday Activity Sheet and be sure to share the What's On Calendar with your guests this summer. 

Have Your Say

Have Your Say

The management of NSW marine parks directly impacts the health, sustainability and economic viability of the local environment and operators who work within it.

Covid Isolation Funding Support

Covid Isolation Funding Support 

There is now financial support of up to $750 if you are required to isolate due to COVID-19. The Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment is a lump sum to help cover lost income while infected/or caring for someone infected with COVID-19.

Take the Business Health Survey

As the team at Destination North Coast (DNC) return to their desks to start the 2022 work year, they are very aware of the ongoing upheaval and uncertainty brought about by the current business and COVID-19 environment.

Airport Boulevard Now Open

Ballina Shire Council is happy to announce Airport Boulevard is now open! This new connection road links Boeing Avenue and North Creek Road to the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport, and is an impressive entrance to the airport.

Walking on the Coastal Recreation Path

Have the shared paths and cycleways changed your life for the better? Then we would love to hear from you!

Australia Tourism Exchange Trade Show

Australia Tourism Exchange Trade ShowAustralia’s largest trade event, the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE), will adopt a hybrid format in 2022, providing in-person and virtual components to ensure the tourism industry can meet, exchange knowledge, and establish important business connections.

Ballina Pool an Accessible Attraction

A study by Tourism Research Australia revealed three of four people living with disability regularly travel, spending about $3.2 billion each year. And it also showed more would travel if products or technologies were available to support them. 

Business Events

Destination NSW is offering grants of up to $30,000 to attract, create and support business events for regional NSW, and to motivate business event owners to incorporate regional NSW in their plans.

What's On Guide

What's On Guide

It's that time of year again! From the staff at the Ballina Visitor Information Centre we would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Christmas and New Year. 

Merry Christmas

Are you opening on Christmas Day or New Year's Day? Please inform the Ballina Visitor Information Centre of your trading hours so we can share this with visitors and also list you on the directory page as being open. 

Produce Hampers

Receive the gift of giving this festive season and help a small homegrown producer while you are at it by shopping locally at the Ballina Visitor Information Centre.

Free Training Courses

Critical skills shortages in the visitor economy are being addressed by the NSW Government, which is offering thousands of free training places across the state.

Community Feedback Sought

What three things do you like most about living in Ballina Shire? What would make our shire even better in the next 10 years? These may be simple questions, but your answers are very important!

Airport Terminal

The Ballina Byron Gateway Airport has introduced new traffic arrangements due to the current upgrade works.

Customers Return to Travel

As the state of NSW opens up and people start making plans for the upcoming holiday season, make sure your customers know about your terms and conditions (T&Cs) before they book.

Research Report Published

The Domestic Tourism Forecasts report 2021-22 to 2025-26 is now published. The report documents how the domestic tourism industry is expected to recover from the pandemic-induced downturn.

#discoverballina

We are actively encouraging visitors to the region to use the hashtag #discoverballina so we can share the amazing pictures on our social media pages.

Hinterland Hikes

We are very excited to introduce new operators in the Ballina Shire:

Lola Dining Instagram

Are you a Food & Beverage Operator? Then you need to read this!

Have Your Say

Federal Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan released for consultation a proposed strategy to rebuild and reimagine Australia's visitor economy.

On Demand Webinars

On Demand WebinarsJoin in on a series of three on-demand Destination NSW Sell Online webinars for tourism businesses to find out how to increase bookings through online sales – both direct and indirect – by using online booking software, creating effective ATDW-Online listings, and working with online travel agents (OTAs) to grow online visibility.

E Bike2U Electric Bike Rental

The Ballina Visitor Information Centre has the pleasure of introducing accommodation providers to Robin, Chief Cyclist and his company E-Bike 2U, an e-bike rental company in the Northern Rivers area, including Ballina Coast and Hinterland. They deliver and pick-up e-bikes to and from accommodation providers like yourself.

Airport Terminal

Projects to help regional communities bounce back from the impacts of border restrictions will roll out across the State borders under a $10 million COVID Recovery round of the Cross-Border Commissioner’s Infrastructure Fund.

Community Feedback Sought

Council has started work to develop a new 10 year plan for our community's future, but we need your help! We are asking the community to provide feedback through a short online survey. Your feedback will help us get an insight into the community's vision and goals for the future.

Alstonville Santa Letterbox

A kids Christmas tree has been installed at Freeborn Park in Main Street,Alstonville next to Santa’s letterbox and is festooned with lights.

Airport Ambassadors

Do you want to promote your business to visitors arriving through the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport? Now is your chance! The upcoming advertising cycle for the DL brochure board, located within the arrivals terminal at the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport is fast approaching. The cycle runs for the busy summer season until 28 Feburary 2022.

Events

Get your event applications in now as applications for the Incubator Event stream and the Flagship Event stream of the 2022 Regional Event Fund will close at midnight on Sunday 5 December 2021. Applications submitted after this date and time are not eligible for assessment and will not be accepted.

Working Holiday Makers

The Morrison Government has announced that Switzerland will become the 45th country to have access to Australia’s Working Holiday Maker program from 1 January 2022. Young people from Switzerland, aged between 18 and 30, can apply to stay in Australia for one year while undertaking short-term work and study.

Consumer Kindness Campaign

Is your team becoming frustrated with the lack of respect shown from certain customers? Port Macquarie-Hastings Council (PMHC) has launched the HumanKIND initiative calling on customers to be patient with operators who may be experiencing staff shortages and other challenges after a tough year. 

WHAT'S ON

Keep up to date with What's On around the region - weekend markets, local, major & special events, exhibitions and bookable tours - by checking the What's On calendar. This is a great tool to share with your visitors, guests, friends and family to help them plan their stay.

Business Event Funding

The NSW Regional Business Event Development Fund is designed to help stakeholders create, attract and support exciting business events for regional NSW and to support new business event initiatives. The Fund aims to enrich these business events with opportunities offered by iconic towns and regions, while helping secure successful conferences and events for their future. 

Disk golf

Destination NSW is pleased to advise that the Experience Development Fund is now open.

WHAT'S ON

Keep up to date with What's On around the region - weekend markets, local, major & special events, exhibitions and bookable tours - by checking the What's On calendar. This is a great tool to share with your visitors, guests, friends and family to help them plan their stay.

Qantas Direct From Melbourne

 The Ballina Byron Gateway Airport has now added QANTAS direct flights from Melbourne to the already impressive number flights from across the country. 

Job Fair

The Australian Federal Government is delivering a free National Online Jobs Fair for the Hospitality & Tourism sectors; 1.00pm - 5.00pm Thursday 25th November 2021.

Cultural Tourism Funding Program

The Commonwealth Government has launched a $5 million Regional Arts Fund Cultural Tourism Accelerator program to develop and promote arts and cultural events for tourists across regional Australia.

Are you looking for staff?

Are you looking for staff?The Ballina Visitor Information Centre is looking to create a fortnightly post across our social media channels to help our local operators get the word out about avaliable job oppotunities. 

Tourism and Hospitality Forum

Tourism and Hospitality Forum  The Northern Rivers Tourism and Hospitality Forum will be held at the Ballina RSL on 22 November 2021. The session will provide a range of updates on projects delivering skilled workers for industry, how to tap into a pool of keen young workers for your business and an interactive campaign co-design session to develop a creative brief to support attracting people into the hospitality sector.

DNC Mentor Program

DNC Mentor Program

Applications for the Destination North Coast Business Accelerator & Mentoring Program close this Friday 12 November 2021. This Program is FREE to North Coast tourism businesses offering up to 7 hours of one-on-one business mentoring support.

Ballina Byron Gateway Airport Upgrade

Ballina Byron Gateway Airport Upgrade

Residents and visitors are being urged to arrive early at the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport to avoid the inconvenience of traffic delays and parking changes.

Car parking is reduced and changed traffic conditions are in place while the airport carpark is being upgraded.

Tourism Grant Funding

The NSW Government will invest more than $8 million in a suite of grant programs to accelerate the recovery of the NSW visitor economy as the state reopens to visitors. Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney and Minister for Trade and Industry Stuart Ayres said the funding would be a significant boost to the visitor economy as travel restrictions lifted.

Airport Ambassadors

Expand your knowledge of the local tourism industry, meet like minded people, and share your love of the local area by becoming a volunteer tourism ambassador.

WHAT'S ON

Keep up to date with What's On around the region - weekend markets, local, major & special events, exhibitions and bookable tours - by checking the What's On calendar. This is a great tool to share with your visitors, guests, friends and family to help them plan their stay.

Feel New Industry Toolkit

The NSW Government and Destination NSW has launched a new tourism campaign to make visitors feel new.

WHAT'S ON

Keep up to date with What's On around the region - weekend markets, local, major & special events, exhibitions and bookable tours - by checking the What's On calendar. This is a great tool to share with your visitors, guests, friends and family to help them plan their stay.

Festival of Food March 2022

Destination North Coast is pleased to partner with industry to develop the North Coast Festival of Flavours across the weekend of Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 March 2022.

Statistic Published

Tourism Research Australia (TRA) has published the National Visitor Survey year ending 30 June 2021. Data shows that domestic overnight visitors increased eight percent (8%) on the previous year.

Short Term Rental Accommodation

Holiday home providers - who have no other development approvals to operate - have been reminded to register if they want to rent out their properties once regional travel is permitted from Monday 1 November 2021.

Ballina Australia Day Awards

Do you know an unsung hero who deserves recognition? Show your appreciation by nominating them for the 2022 Ballina Shire Australia Day Awards!

NSW Government Regional Events Funding

A reminder that the NSW Government still has $20 Million in grant funding for Regional Events Acceleration to bring back the social calendar in regional NSW.

Funding & Event Sponsorship Program

Are you hosting a Festival or Event in the Ballina Shire? Did you know that each financial year Ballina Shire Council offer a Festival and Events Sponsorship Program and the 2022/23 financial year applications are now open.

Feel New in Ballina Campaign Launch

The NSW Government has unveiled a new tourism campaign to entice visitors to the state and re-energise them to feel new.

WHAT'S ON

Keep up to date with What's On around the region - weekend markets, local, major & special events, exhibitions and bookable tours - by checking the What's On calendar. This is a great tool to share with your visitors, guests, friends and family to help them plan their stay.

Christmas Lunch

Are you hosting a Christmas Day lunch or event?

Submit the details (ie where, cost, inclusions and booking details) to Discover Ballina to help us promote your function. It is FREE and EASY to submit.

Click HERE to submit online or email the details to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

DNC Mentor Program

Destination North Coast is excited to announce that Expression of Interest (EOI) applications are open to tourism businesses on the North Coast to participate in the Destination North Coast Business Accelerator & Mentoring Program.

Pelicans at Dusk

The Ballina Visitor Information Centre is creating a 2022 Ballina Coast and Hinterland scenic calendar. If you have any great digital images you would like to see featured, please send them our way.

Free Social Media Webinar

Free Social Media WebinarJoin presenters from Facebook and the Destination NSW Social Media team in this free online webinar to hear how you can capture compelling images and videos for social media on your phone.

NSW Launching a New Tourism Brand

Building an inspiring brand is key to rebuilding the NSW visitor economy and its resilience. The first in more than a decade, the campaign is designed to deliver growth in visitor nights and spend and accelerate our trajectory to becoming the premier visitor economy of the Asia Pacific.

WHAT'S ON

Keep up to date with What's On around the region - weekend markets, local, major & special events, exhibitions and bookable tours - by checking the What's On calendar. This is a great tool to share with your visitors, guests, friends and family to help them plan their stay.

Free Webinar

The Business Connect expert panel has recorded the live webinar from last week to interpret information and share their expertise in this space as the Public Health Orders are implemented against COVID-19 recovery milestones.

Villa Rustica Studio Gallery

VILLA RUSTICA CERAMICS
We had the pleasure of meeting Greg this month - a local ceramic artist who many may already know.

Tourism Sentiment Survey

The Ballina Tourism Team is keen to understand your business performance and confidence levels moving forward.

Could you please complete the Tourism Business Confidence Survey here 

Additional Dine and Discover Vouchers

Additional Dine and Discover Vouchers

NSW residents will have two more reasons to celebrate catching up with friends and family this summer with additional Dine & Discover vouchers becoming available.

DNC Business Accelerator & Mentoring Program

Don't Miss Out! This exciting program is fully funded by the Australian Government and Destination North Coast (DNC) will offer up to seven hours of one-on-one business mentoring to support advancement and growth of tourism businesses.

Free Advice on Vaccination and Other COVID-19 Issues

Small businesses can apply to receive free advice on employee pay and entitlement issues, including those that relate to vaccination, through the FairWork Ombudsman’s Employer Advisory Service (EAS).

Free Webinar

The Business Connect expert panel joins us live to interpret information and share their expertise in this space as the Public Health Orders are implemented against COVID-19 recovery milestones.

COVID-19 Signage Resources

NSW Government has developed a toolkit with signs, posters and stickers in this toolkit provide, our colleagues and our community reminders of accepted behaviours and new standards of etiquette that will help protect everyone and stop the spread of COVID-19.

Ballina Swimming Pool

Ballina Shire Council is working hard to keep our community and staff safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
To fulfil our obligation under the NSW Public Health Order, entry conditions to several Council facilities will temporarily change from Monday 11 October to Tuesday 30 November 2021.

WHAT'S ON

Keep up to date with What's On around the region - weekend markets, local, major & special events, exhibitions and bookable tours - by checking the What's On calendar. This is a great tool to share with your visitors, guests, friends and family to help them plan their stay.

Apply Now for Support Grants

Hotels and accommodation providers across the State who experienced cancellations as a result of COVID-19 restrictions, can now access additional financial support, thanks to the Accommodation Support Grant going live.

Instagram Stories Webinar

Instagram Stories WebinarJoin presenters from Facebook and the Destination NSW Social Media team to find out how to use the Stories feature on Instagram and Facebook to engage potential visitors.

Wildlife Hospital

Australia’s largest Mobile Wildlife Hospital has a permanent new home at the Macadamia Castle in Byron Bay’s hinterland, which has been sold to conservation group Wildlife Recovery Australia.

North Coast Flavour Trails - Project Launch Webinar

Destination North Coast is excited to announce we are in the process of creating and launching a 'virtual' North Coast Food & Beverage Trail, the North Coast Flavour Trails

Areas of Outstanding Biodiversity

The NSW Government has opened nominations to identify and protect Areas of Outstanding Biodiversity Value (AOBVs) on both private and public lands across New South Wales.

NSW to be the Creative Capital

NSW to be the Creative CapitalCommunities across NSW will benefit from new and improved cultural infrastructure thanks to $60 million available through the NSW Government’s Creative Capital program.

WHAT'S ON

Keep up to date with What's On around the region - weekend markets, local, major & special events, exhibitions and bookable tours - by checking the What's On calendar. This is a great tool to share with your visitors, guests, friends and family to help them plan their stay.

Apply Now for the Festival and Event Sponsorship Program

Ballina Shire Council is pleased to announce the 2022/2023 Festival and Event Sponsorship Program will open on Friday 24 September 2021.

What's On

Keep up to date with What's On around the region - including weekend markets, local, major & special events, exhibitions and bookable tours

COVID Support Webinar

Destination North Coast is host an Unpacking COVID Funding & Government Support Industry Webinar for Tourism Businesses.

DNSW Tourism Resilience Guides

A few weeks ago Ballina Coast and Hinterland published Emergency Management Planning tools from Business Australia. To assist you in protecting your tourism business from the impacts of bushfires and other natural disasters Destination NSW has published three new Quick Tips guides.

School Holiday Fun

Every school holidays the Ballina Visitor Information Centre put together a School Holiday Activity Sheet to help families entertain the kids while they are on holidays. Keep your visitors and customers up to date of local activities and events by downloading a copy or visiting the Whats On calendar.

Great Southern Nights

Expressions of interest are now open for live music venues across NSW to be part of Great Southern Nights.

Get Ready to Host Business Meetings

Get Ready to Host Business MeetingsMeet in Regional NSW offers suppliers a free platform to connect with business event planners. Register now for your free listing of products and services relating to the conference industry in regional NSW on the Meet in Regional NSW website! 

Emergency Planning Image with Highlighter Pen

Does your business have an Emergency Management Plan or Business Continuity Plan in place for crises such as pandemics, bushfires, floods and other disasters? 

Good News Stories

Lockdown has been hard on many businesses. Having to close your doors or not be able to operate like normal is certainly taking its toll. On the flip side, some businesses have had to think outside the box, create new products or ways to service their clients unlike how they normally would.

Live Band at an Event

Ballina Shire Council offers a range of community event signage locations where Festival and Event Organisers can promote special events. The Community Event Signage Policy is currently on review.

Festivals Australia

Festivals AustraliaThe Office of the Arts are pleased to announce that Round 13 of the Festivals Australia funding program is now open for applications for projects commencing from 1 February 2022.

Business Events Webinar

Business Events WebinarMeetings and Events Australia (MEA) is hosting a webinar on Wednesday 8 September to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on the industry.

Airport Parking Upgrade

The Ballina Byron Gateway Airport is set to receive 100 extra parking spots.

Ballina Byron Gateway Airport

Council is seeking Expressions of Interest from Northern Rivers Ngangbul artists to design and develop a series of public artworks within the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport precinct.

Tourism Research Australia logo

Tourism Research Australia (TRA) has published the 2020 Tourism Region Profiles. The Tourism Region Profiles provide comprehensive tourism demand and supply data for 77 of Australia's tourism regions.

R U OK? Day 2021

R U OK? Day is this Thursday 9 September and this year's theme message is 'Are they really OK? Ask them today.'

COVID 19 Business Support

COVID 19 Business Support

The NSW Government will provide financial assistance, support measures and tax relief to help businesses and people across the state impacted by the current COVID-19 restrictions.

Digital Refresh Grant Program

Do you want to refresh your existing website, build a new one or enhance digital capacity? The North Coast Digital Refresh Grant Program offers just that and applications are open now!

Tourism Australia Instagram

The official Tourism Australia page @australia has amassed over five million followers on Instagram, making it the most followed national destination page in the world.

Tafe NSW

Have you found yourself with some additional time on your hands due to the lockdown? Then why not use that time to do some lockdown learning. Upskill with a fee-free* online short course, places are limited.

Free Online Webinars from Destination NSW

Want to learn how to improve your Facebook & Instagram presence for free?

Tourism businesses can join a series of five free webinars, featuring presenters from Facebook and the Destination NSW social media team.

Free Online Webinars from Destination NSW

Upskill During Lockdown with Free Virtual Hospitality Short Courses

Destination NSW has partnered with Restaurant and Catering Australia to deliver three, free online short courses, known as micro credentials, for NSW tourism and hospitality businesses.

Dine and Discover Vouchers Extended

The NSW Dine and Discover program has been extended and vouchers can now be used until 30 June 2022 to support local businesses.

Pet Friendly

  Pet FriendlyTo answer an increasing demand for information on dog friendly activities, venues and accommodation in the region, the Ballina Tourism Team is putting together a brochure for visitors who are travelling/ planning to travel to the area with dogs.

If your business caters for pets or offers any pet friendly experiences, let us know! Email the details to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by Sunday 15 August 2021.

Grant Writing Webinars

The Federal and State Governments are releasing more grants and funding to help local businesses grow and create more jobs.

COVID support webinars

NSW Government is delivering three online sessions to help small businesses who have been impacted by COVID-19 find the support they need.

WHATS ON MOSAIC 780x780

Keep up to date with What's On around the region - including weekend markets, local, major & special events, exhibitions and bookable tours - by checking the What's On calendar This is a great tool to share with your visitors, guests, friends and family to help them plan their stay.

Make sure you download a copy of the new fortnightly what's on sheet to leave in guests room or hand to them at check in.

support local businesses 1

Now is the time to support and promote our amazing local tourism businesses!

The Ballina Visitor Information Centre is reaching out to local tourism operators to make the most of the downtime that COVID is creating and prepare for busier times ahead.

Sydney Weekender Logo

Sydney Weekender LogoSydney Weekender are seeking story content and have reached out to the Ballina Tourism Team seeking expression of interest from local operators to participate with a story. Use the story content for your own promotional purposes.

What's On

Keep up to date with What's On around the region - including weekend markets, local, major & special events, exhibitions and bookable tours - by checking the What's On calendar. This is a great tool to share with your visitors, guests, friends and family to help them plan their stay.

Make sure you download a copy of the new fortnightly what's on sheet to leave in guests room or hand to them at check in.

COVID 19 Business Support

COVID 19 Business Support

The NSW Government 2021 support package is designed to help businesses in the visitor economy withstand the challenges of the most recent lockdown and restrictions. The support package includes a number of different grants and payments so make sure you visit the website here to check your eligibility and apply.

DNC Business Accelerator & Mentoring Program

Don't Miss Out! This exciting program is fully funded by the Australian Government and Destination North Coast (DNC) will offer up to seven hours of one-on-one business mentoring to support advancement and growth of tourism businesses.

Business Support Grant

Eligible NSW businesses, sole traders and not-for-profit organisations can apply for up to $15,000 from the first of the NSW Government’s economic support packages: The 2021 COVID-19 Business Support Grant.  

What's On

Keep up to date with What's On around the region - weekend markets, local, major & special events, exhibitions and bookable tours - by checking the What's On calendar. This is a great tool to share with your visitors, guests, friends and family to help them plan their stay.

Business NSW

The Australian Tourism Awards and NSW Tourism Awards have always celebrated the hard work and dedication needed to create quality tourism experiences. Considering the past couple of years we think this holds deeper meaning

Destination New South Wales

The NSW Government is providing targeted support for the state's accommodation sector to ease the pain of lost bookings over the winter school holiday period.

Tourism Sentiment Survey

The Ballina Tourism Team is keen to understand how the current public health order restrictions are impacting your tourism business.

Could you please complete the Tourism Industry Sentiment Survey here 

Destination North Coast

Due to the developing COVID situation in Greater Sydney and extension of restrictions across all of NSW, the decision has been made to move our Business Accelerator & Mentoring Program Launch Events online.

What's On

Make sure you keep up to date with What's On around the region - weekend markets, local, major & special events, exhibitions and bookable tours - by checking the What's On calendar. This is a great tool to share with your visitors, guests, friends and family to help them plan their stay.

Make sure you download a copy of the new fortnightly what's on sheet to leave in guests room or hand to them at check in.

Lennox Village Vision

Ballina Shire Council received funding through the NSW Government’s Streets as Shared Spaces program to pilot temporary traffic calming and streetscape features that aim to improve safety and amenity in and around Park Lane, Lennox Head.

Australian Adventure Passport

We are excited to share that the Ballina Visitor Information Centre is now stocking the Australian Adventure Passports with our very own signature prawn stamp! The passports have been created to collect stamps Australia wide documenting travels and creating special memories along the way.

Need ideas & advice? Register for DNC Business & Mentoring Program

Do you need some ideas or advice on how to market or enhance your current tourism product or experience? Are you stuck in an area of your business and need some help moving forward? If you answered YES to either of these questions then you MUST apply for the Destination North Coast Business Accelerator and Mentoring Program.

Resources to support local businesses

Running a tourism business in COVID-affected circumstances can be stressful and may come with mental health challenges. Programs exist to support you to create a mentally safe workplace and find resources to support you and your employees.

What's On

It's NAIDOC week! This year's theme is Heal Country, heal our nation. Unfortunately COVID public health order restrictions has meant that Jali Aboriginal Land Council has had to cancel their scheduled NAIDOC week activities. We invite you to still get involved in the NAIDOC celebrations in a COVID safe manner such as listening to stories being shared across local and national radio stations or flying the Aboriginal and Torres Straight Island flags. 

People Touring a Cellar

The Australian Regional Tourism (ART) Convention is a must-attend event for local councils, regional tourism organisations, tourism professionals, business and government personnel who wish to contribute to the future of regional tourism in Australia.

What's New

Destination NSW is actively supporting businesses in a variety of ways at this challenging time and is working to keep NSW top of mind for future visitors through ongoing daily media outreach.

Dine and Discover NSW

The NSW Government announced a major new grants package and changes to the Dine & Discover program to help tens of thousands of small businesses and people across NSW impacted by the current COVID-19 restrictions.

Destination NSW

The Ballina tourism team encourages you to take a few moments and visit the refreshed Destination NSW webpage with a series of Tips & Tutorials. We encourage your business to explore the NSW First Quick Tips Guides and Tutorials created to provide ideas about staying connected with travellers, media and distribution partners, and opportunities to develop new areas of business.

What's On

As we welcome in the winter school holidays we are again faced with new COVID restrictions. Still, there is a lot to look forward to over the next few weeks and we hope our visitors enjoy everything on offer. 

Byron Bay Cacao

We have a couple of new businesses that have opened up so pop in and say hello to them.

School Holiday Fun

Every school holidays the Ballina Visitor Information Centre put together a School Holiday Activity Sheet to help families entertain the kids while they are on holidays. Keep your visitors and customers up to date of local activities and events by downloading a copy or visiting the Whats On calendar.

Lismore Workers Masters Games 2021

We know industry members appreciate a heads up about large sporting events happening within the region. This September the Lismore Workers Master Games will be held over the weekend of the 24- 26 September and is one of Australia's biggest regional games with 15 sports on offer. 

What's On

Keep up to date with What's On around the region - weekend markets, local, major & special events, exhibitions and bookable tours - by checking the What's On calendar. This is a great tool to share with your visitors, guests, friends and family to help them plan their stay. Or encourage them to stay longer in the destination. 

Make sure you download a copy of the new fortnightly what's on sheet to leave in guests room or hand to them at check in.

nsw first 2

 It is even easier for you to navigate through the NSW First Program and find relevant resources for your tourism business. The webpages have been redesigned on the Destination NSW corporate website with the addition of three new pages: Develop, Promote and Sell. This fresh design curates and organises more than 50 resources for tourism businesses to access in a user-friendly way.

Tourism Awards

With almost 30 tourism award categories to capture the range of services you offer, including two brand new awards for emerging talent and local government, there’s something for all operators at this year’s NSW Tourism Awards.

Event Management Scholarship Program

 Destination NSW and Meeting and Events Australia (MEA) have collaborated to offer scholarships to people in regional NSW to undertake a Diploma of Event Management. 

Dine and Discover vouchers extended

 The NSW Dine and Discover vouchers have been extended by one month, now expiring on the 31 July 2021. Please encourage NSW guests to utilise their vouchers at one of the local participating businesses.

What's On

Keep up to date with What's On around the region - weekend markets, local, major & special events, exhibitions and bookable tours - by checking the What's On calendar. This is a great tool to share with your visitors, guests, friends and family to help them plan their stay.

Make sure you download a copy of the new fortnightly what's on sheet to leave in guests room or hand to them at check in.

destination nsw logo

Destination NSW is holding a series of Aboriginal Tourism Experience Development Workshops in partnership with the NSW Aboriginal Tourism Operators Council (NATOC). 

Food Bank Program

Local foodservice businesses, such as restaurants and cafes are being asked to make use of their end-of-day surplus food to help feed people rather than depositing to landfill.

The initiative launched by Foodbank, Australia’s largest food relief organisation, and Y Waste, the discounted meals app, makes it easy for businesses to put surplus food to good use.

Destination North Coast Survey

Destination North Coast has secured significant funding as part of the Australian Government's Recovery For Regional Tourism Fund to deliver a new dedicated North Coast Tourism Business Accelerator and Mentoring Program to be rolled out from June 2021.

What's On

Keep up to date with What's On around the region - weekend markets, local, major & special events, exhibitions and bookable tours - by checking the What's On calendar. This is a great tool to share with your visitors, guests, friends and family to help them plan their stay.

Make sure you download a copy of the new fortnightly what's on sheet to leave in guests room or hand to them at check in.

What's On

Keep up to date with What's On around the region - weekend markets, local, major & special events, exhibitions and bookable tours - by checking the What's On calendar. This is a great tool to share with your visitors, guests, friends and family to help them plan their stay.

Welcoming Delegates

Destination North Coast is pleased to announce the return of the North Coast Tourism Symposium and Awards Gala Dinner 2021! This year the Events will be co-hosted by Bellingen Shire Council and held at Urunga on Thursday 24th June.

Future direction of NRCG

Ballina Shire Council is seeking community feedback on the Northern Rivers Community Gallery's (NRCG) draft Creative Action Plan.

Have your say on the future of Australian Tourism

Have your say on the future of Australian Tourism

Now is the time to have your say on the future of the Australian travel economy and how looking forward, we can work to strengthen the sector.

bw montana 035

Locals have long understood the beauty of Ballina, but now holidaymakers are gaining a newfound appreciation for our slice of paradise. Ballina has been announced as a finalist for the inaugural Top Tourism Town Awards for NSW, along with 15 other ambitious towns from across the state in the ‘Towns with a population of over 5000 residents’ category.

Ballina's Big Prawn

Tourism Australia has put the Big Prawn on the map alongside some spectacular Australian scenery in their latest video encouraging Australians to make the most of the amazing diversity our country has to offer.

Lennox Head main street

Ballina Shire Council has been successful in securing $995,905 in funding under the NSW government’s Your High Street grant program. The funding received from this grant will enable completion of priority works identified in the Lennox Village Vision concept plan for Ballina Street, in time for Lennox Head’s centenary celebrations scheduled for December 2022.

Free hospitality training

Free hospitality training

The program being piloted in the Upper Hunter region will offer jobseekers free hospitality training and the opportunity to reskill for a job in a club. With registered clubs hiring over 43,000 people regional communities often benefit greatly from the opportunities of employment closer to home.  

What's On

Keep up to date with What's On around the region - weekend markets, local, major & special events, exhibitions and bookable tours - by checking the What's On calendar. This is a great tool to share with your visitors, guests, friends and family to help them plan their stay.

Dine and Discover

Dine and Discover 

The NSW government's Dine and Discover voucher scheme is designed to boost economic spending and help businesses impacted by COVID-19. 

Grant open

Tourism businesses, councils and local tourism organisations can now apply for funding to undertake marketing activities that promote visitor experiences, attractions, tours and accommodation.

Map

Do you need maps to help service your visitors? Just a reminder that we have a range of maps that you can download from the Tourism Destination Website that include CBD maps of Ballina, Lennox Head, Alstonville & Wollongbar, rural road maps and a region map.

To view the maps available and print copies visit Ballina Shire Towns & Village Maps

Love NSW Discover Ballina

Ballina Shire Council is making an application to the Destination NSW Tourism Industry Marketing Support Grants Program and asks for your collaboration in the form of a Letter of Support. The tactical marketing campaign will drive actual visitation for the Ballina Coast and Hinterland over the winter and spring of 2021.

What's On

Keep up to date with What's On around the region - weekend markets, local, major & special events, exhibitions and bookable tours - by checking the What's On calendar. This is a great tool to share with your visitors, guests, friends and family to help them plan their stay.

Make sure you download a copy of the new fortnightly what's on sheet to leave in guests room or hand to them at check in.

Destination NSW

$1.5 million is now available to business event organisers to host conferences, conventions, training courses, trade shows and exhibitions in regional NSW to give the state's visitor economy a significant boost.

What's on

What's on

Ballina Visitor Information Centre is very proud to sponsor the Northern Rivers Food Harvest Trail which is kicking off this weekend. The 1st & 2nd of May are going to be packed full of amazing events, workshops and dining experiences that will showcase some of the amazing producers around the region. There are trail maps and timetables available at the Ballina Visitors Centre and we encourage visitors to create an itinerary and pre-book to avoid disappointment. Check out the website here.

$1500 small business rebate

$1500 small business rebate Small businesses are encouraged to sign up online for a new $1,500 rebate scheme to help cover the cost of NSW and local government fees and charges. It is available from 1 April 2021 until 30 June 2022, for eligible fees and charges due and paid from 1 March 2021.

What's On

With this year's Easter school holidays coming to an end we can reflect on what was a bit of a bumpy start to the season, with the cancelation of Bluesfest and the introduction of new COVID restrictions. It was a great relief to see no further community transmissions and the restrictions lifted after the Easter long weekend. With a sense of normalcy returning again we can look forward to the next fortnight and there are some exciting events coming up! 

What's On

Autumn has well and truly arrived and we are all enjoying the cool nights, crisp mornings, offshore winds and clear sunny days!!  There's plenty happening around the region over the next few weeks.

Transfers arriving to Ballina Byron Gateway Airport

Council has commenced a boost program to actively attract business events to the Ballina Coast and Hinterland midweek. If you are a supplier to the conference sector please get us your best images and a few other items of content as listed below to create your profile on Ballina Business Events website.

 Over the coming months small business owners and those who support them in the Tourism industry can join online wellbeing workshops and training and contribute to the development of new resources and supports on Ahead for Business.

Tourism Product Development Fund

Due to the recent devasting floods in some parts of NSW, Destination North Coast is pleased to advise the extension of the Tourism Product Development Fund, for applicants from flood affected areas. These applicants have until 9 am on 19 April 2021 to submit.

An image from the digital content library

The Ballina Business Events website has some fantastic new images that tourism stakeholders are able to access and use to promote their business.

Virgin Australia direct services between Melbourne to Ballina

Virgin Australia direct services between Melbourne to Ballina

Virgin Australia will introduce direct flights from Melbourne to the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport over the Easter holidays, adding up to six return services per week from 29 March 2021 until 25 April 2021. 

What's On

Keep up to date with What's On around the region - weekend markets, local, major & special events, exhibitions and bookable tours - by checking the What's On calendar. This is a great tool to share with your visitors, guests, friends and family to help them plan their stay.

dine discover nsw

The NSW Government's dine and discover program has now been rolled out in the Ballina Shire and eligible businesses are being encouraged to sign up. 

dine discover nsw

What's On

Keep up to date with What's On around the region - weekend markets, local, major & special events, exhibitions and bookable tours - by checking the What's On calendar. This is a great tool to share with your visitors, guests, friends and family to help them plan their stay. 

Make sure you download a copy of the new fortnightly what's on sheet to leave in guest rooms or hand to them at check in.

Airport

The Australian Government announced a $1.2 billion support package for Australias travel, tourism and aviation sectors.

BOOST FARM BUSINESSES AND REGIONAL TOURISM

More farms across regional NSW will be able to open their gates to visitors and diversify their businesses under proposed changes to the planning system as part of COVID-19 recovery measures.

Media Centre DNSW

Destination NSW has launched a new Media Centre to support every professional publishing and content creation need and from today, media and content creators can discover more than 30,000 images, videos, B-roll, press releases and editorial-ready content about Sydney and New South Wales.  

NRF Workshop

Are you a food & beverage producer and interested in opening up your premises to trial new ventures? If yes, then this workshop is a must!

Customer Service

Grants of up to $30,000 are now available for the NSW regional business events sector, thanks to a NSW Government funding boost which aims to turbocharge local economies and create more jobs.  

What's On

Keep up to date with What's On around the region - weekend markets, local, major & special events, exhibitions and bookable tours - by checking the What's On calendar. This is a great tool to share with your visitors, guests, friends and family to help them plan their stay.

Funding Announced for World Class Events

Funding Announced for World Class Events

To support the social and economic recovery of our regions, the NSW Government’s $20 million Regional Events Acceleration Fund helps organisations to:

  • attract new major international and domestic events to regional areas
  • make existing regional events even bigger and better.

TAFE NSW

TAFE NSW has two new specific courses they are offering for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. 

What's On

Keep up to date with community activities, markets and special events by regularly checking the what's on calendar or downloading your copy of the fortnightly what's on sheet.

If you have something you would like to add please don't hesitate to contact a member of the Ballina Tourism Team - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 1800 777 666.

Destination NSW Funding

Destination NSW is pleased to advise that the NSW Government has announced a Tourism Product Development Fund.

Businesses Can Register Now for Dine and Discover

Eligible dining, arts and tourism businesses across the state can now register to take part in the NSW Government's major economic stimulus program, Dine & Discover NSW.

Event Here This Year Webinar

Tourism Australia is hosting a special webinar on Monday 15 February at 2pm AEDT. The webinar will provide an overview of the campaign with information on how industry can leverage it in their own activity.

What's on around the region

Keep up to date with What's On around the region - weekend markets, local, major & special events, exhibitions and bookable tours - by checking the What's On calendar. This is a great tool to share with your visitors, guests, friends and family to help them plan their stay.

Attract touring motorcyclists to your business

Attract touring motorcyclists to your business

Well known touring motorcyclist and contributing editor Peter Thoeming The Bear is coming to the Ballina Coast and Hinterland for a mid-week stop over arriving on Tuesday 2 March, staying through until departure on Saturday 6 March 2021. Peter, The Bear is a contributing writer for Australian Motorcyclist Magazine, ADVrider.com (adventure rider), Lonely Planet and MCNews.com.au

Build Your Business Continuity Plan

As part of Ballina Shire Council's Destination Management Plan 2021-2030 all tourism operators would ideally have a Business Continuity Plan to be prepared for the unexpected. The NSW Government has a new guide to assist small business owners making it simple to develop your own plan.

Lets Go Surfing Kid Surfing

Council is seeking tenders for surf school licences, elite surf coaching licences and stand up paddle board coaching licences for the next three year period.

DNSW Series The Long Road
Businesses Can Register Now for Dine and Discover

Eligible dining, arts and tourism businesses across the state can now register to take part in the NSW Government's major economic stimulus program, Dine & Discover NSW.

NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2030

A new roadmap outlines the NSW Government’s bold plan to make NSW the premier visitor economy of the Asia-Pacific by 2030.

What's On

Visitors continue to flock to our beautiful area and to assist them please ensure you check the What's On calendar as this will help to disperse and encourage visitation to local attractions and tour operators.

Better Homes and Gardens in Lennox Head

Johanna Griggs of Better Homes & Gardens recently visited the Northern Rivers to interview musician Pete Murray and showcase our region.

BBRF Graphic

Local communities across Australia, especially those hardest hit by the loss of regional tourism, are a step closer to sharing in $200 million under a fifth round of the successful Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF).

2021 NYE

The Ballina Visitor Information Centre have been fielding LOTS of Christmas Day enquiries about places that will be open and and now the enquiries are turning to New Years Eve. Due to COVID the normal annual New Years Eve festivities are not going ahead so if your business is holding a New Years function or event please let us know so we can promote.

Live Music Grants Round 2

Round two of the Live Music Australia program that is designed to assist in the national recovery of the live music sector from the impacts of COVID-19 is now open for applications. Round two will again provide support to small to medium venues, as they begin to reopen and resume the regular performance of original Australian live music. Applications for round two will close on 18 February 2021.

Sandology Workshops

School Holidays have commenced and with families, kids and visitors looking for things to do these tools will be very helpful for you! Activities perfect for kids have been loaded to the What's On calendar so make sure you keep up to date each day with what's on and look further ahead as some events and activities must be booked beforehand and spaces will fill up fast.

Tennis Competition Comes to Ballina

The annual Ballina New Year Tennis Open is on again from 2-5 January 2021. Watch the best of the best as they hit the courts as part of the Australian Ranking Tournament for Tennis.

Tourism Australia

Tourism Australia has launched their latest campaign, inviting young people living in New Zealand to travel to Australia this summer for a working holiday. The campaign targets young Kiwis as well as young international travellers living in New Zealand who are eligible

Love Lennox Festival

A big congratulations to the Festival and Event funding recipients who have received a share of $120,000 from Ballina Shire Council's 2021/22 Festival and Event sponsorship funding program.

Industry Tool Kit

The NSW Government has launched a new toolkit, which aims to better equip businesses in the face of challenges, such as natural disasters and other disruptions.

Out of the Blue Adventures River Cruise

Keep up to date with What's On around the region - weekend markets, local, major & special events, exhibitions and bookable tours - by checking the What's On calendar. This is a great tool to share with your visitors, guests, friends and family to help them plan their stay.

NSW The Great Escape Webinar

Join an industry webinar to find out about NSW Road Trips, an upcoming state-wide marketing program delivered by Destination NSW.

Dine & Discover NSW

Announced in the NSW State Government Budget was the Out & About Voucher scheme now called Dine & Discover NSW, aimed at supporting local business recovery. 

Lennox Head Community Market

Council recently invited expressions of interest for the management of the Lennox Head Community Market.  Unfortunately, no proposals for the operation of the market were received. 

Lennox Head Community Market

Northern Rivers NSW

Have you seen the new Northern Rivers NSW brand yet? The brand is the symbol of a new economic and cultural era for one of New South Wales oldest, diverse and alluring regions. Collectively representing the Northern Rivers of NSW, from the Tweed border to the Clarence Valley, the brand is an exciting opportunity for businesses

PC: Open Studios - Christopher Dean

Keep up to date with What's On around the region - weekend markets, local, major & special events, exhibitions and bookable tours - by checking the What's On calendar. This is a great tool to share with your visitors, guests, friends and family to help them plan their stay.

Kids on Flat Rock Beach

The Summer School Holidays are creeping up and before we know it the Northern Rivers will be brimming with visitors and local families enjoying our region. Just like every holidays, the Ballina Visitor Information Centre will be distributing a School Holiday Activity Sheet which is

What's On

Keep up to date with What's On around the region - weekend markets, local, major & special events, exhibitions and bookable tours - by checking the What's On calendar. This is a great tool to share with your visitors, guests, friends and family to help them plan their stay.

Business Events Funding

The Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) is calling on business event owners to register expressions of interest (EOI) to take part in the Federal Governments $50 million Business Events Grants program. The program will allow eligible businesses to apply for grants of up $250,000 to cover up to 50 per cent

Infection Control Training

Could your business benefit from infection prevention and control training and certification to keep your staff and customers safe from Coronavirus? Staff who undertake this online training will receive a nationally recognised qualification and will have been trained to the highest standard.

The training is a government subsidised and free of charge in all states (excluding SA where there is a $15 charge). To access the training, simply fill out the form

Interstate Visitors Encouraged To Take A Great Escape

Interstate visitors are being encouraged to come take a break in NSW as an extension of the NSW’s Government’s ‘Love NSW’ tourism recovery campaign.

‘The Great Escape’ campaign is targeting those travellers eager to venture beyond State borders after the restrictions of the past few months.

DEstination North Coast

Every minute of every day, Tourism delivers $9,787 of visitor spend into North Coast - that is almost $14.1 million per day!!

Attached is the Value of Tourismdocument for the North Coast for 2019. 

Program To Develop World Class Farm Stays

Accommodation giant Airbnb is providing $70,000 in funding for a new Australian Regional Tourism (ART) platform to help rural communities develop “world class farmstays”.

Short Term Holiday Letting Changes

Short-term rental accommodation hosts, guests, letting agents and online booking platform operators in NSW will soon be subject to strict new laws with a mandatory Code of Conduct for the industry to begin in December.

Make your event an experience

In this Masterclass you will learn how to turn your event into a memorable experience for your guests.

Build New Revenue Streams

In this Masterclass you will learn how to develop new income streams for your event

National Parks Wildlife Service Minyon Falls Improvements

Work will soon commence on a major upgrade to the Minyon Falls visitor precinct as part of the largest ever investment into National Park visitor infrastructure.

A Couple Walking

A section of the Coastal Recreational Walk, south of Boulder Beach carpark, will be temporarily closed to pedestrians for the upgrade of a 200-metre long section including a small boardwalk as part of the Coastal Recreational Walk project.

Christmas Celebrations
Christmas CelebrationsHave you started thinking about how your workplace will celebrate Christmas ? This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for assistance in booking your work Christmas party. We have some great ideas to change it up a little this year!

Tex Perkins coming to Lennox Cultural Centre

With venues being shut for so long it is very exciting to see shows, live music and entertainment returning! Most shows are ticketed so make sure you keep up to date with what's on and when to avoid missing out!

Lennox Community Market

Ballina Shire Council is inviting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for the management and operation of the Lennox Head Community Market at Williams Reserve for a three-year period.

Australia Day 2020

Ballina Shire Council Mayor, David Wright is delighted to announce the opening of nominations for the 2021 Ballina Shire Australia Day Awards. The annual awards program brings the community together to recognise and celebrate the achievements of outstanding members and groups in our community.

Three Day Relocation of Visitor Centre

The Ballina Visitor Information Centre will be temporarily operating in the Richmond Room from Wednesday 21 October to Friday 23 October 2020 due to essential maintenance.

SCU Innovation Districts Challenge

In partnership with the NSW Government, Southern Cross University has announced a call for Expressions of Interest for Innovation Districts R&D Covid-19 Challenges.

SCU Innovation Districts Challenge

Ballina Comfort Inn

Accommodation property operators are invited to the Ballina Comfort Inn for an industry meet and greet over lunch where discussion will be focused on how stakeholders are surviving during COVID-19 and what can be done as businesses to support each other during this time.

Ballina Comfort Inn

Outdoor music performance

Restrictions at hospitality venues will be eased from this Friday 16 October to allow one patron for every two square metres in outdoor areas (previously this was one person per four square metres).

Hamish Blake and Zoe Foster-Blake

Tourism Australia has launch phase two of the Holiday Here This Year campaign with a television commercial featuring Hamish Blake and his wife Zoe. You may recall that Tourism Australia first launched the Holiday Here This Year campaign in January 2020 to support the bushfire recovery by urging Australians to take a domestic holiday and provide a much-needed boost to tourism operators and communities around the country.

Free Webinar


If you want your business to be a lean, mean, marketing machine then ensure you join this upcoming webinar presented by Vim & Zest in collaboration with Northern Rivers Food

Killen Falls

Ballina Shire Council will be undertaking upgrades to the walking track to the Killen Falls viewing platform and carrying out revegetation works in the Killen Falls Drive area. The walking track will be closed from 19 October 2020 to 13 November 2020 (weather permitting) while the works are underway.

Daniel Champagne

Live music is returning in style with a COVID safe performance at Park Lane Theatre on Saturday the 24 October by guitar virtuoso Daniel Champagne.

Tender Writing Workshop

Ballina Shire Council is providing a free four hour workshop to assist small businesses to help them improve their capacity in tendering for government contracts, as part of NSW Small Business Month.

Get Ready Business Toolkit

Local business owners can prepare for emergencies and disasters in five simple steps. Download the free Get Ready Business toolkit from Resilience NSW as part of Small Business Month to get started. You think it will never happen to your business, until it does. Are you ready?

Christmas Photo

Are you opening on Christmas Day? Please inform the Ballina Visitor Information Centre of your trading hours so we can share this with visitors and also list you on the directory page for as being open on Christmas Day. Staff are already getting enquiries on places open for lunch and as bookings will be required we want to be able to let locals and visitors know who to contact.

Tender Writing Workshops

As part of NSW Small Business Month, Ballina Shire Council will be running a free four hour workshop on Monday 19 October 2020 to assist small businesses in tendering for government contracts. The free training session is a great opportunity for businesses to fine-tune their tender writing skills to help win that tender. For more information or to register Click here 

Destination North Coast

Destination North Coast invite stakeholders to a 'whole of industry' update.

Fly Pelican

Following the success of a trial between Dubbo Regional Council, Ballina Shire Council, and Fly Pelican, the popular Dubbo-Ballina flight route will be extended until 31 January 2021, with additional flights also added to the schedule. The original trial period was due to expire on Friday 20 November 2020. Flights on the Canberra - Ballina flight route have also been extended.

Couple arriving at Ballina Airport

Quarantine-free travel between New Zealand and New South Wales and the Northern Territory will start on 16 October in a major boost for the tourism industry. 

Australia Day Award Winners

Give our local unsung heroes the recognition they deserve by nominating them for the 2021 Ballina Shire Australia Day Awards. 

It's easy to nominate online.

Nominations close Monday 30 November 2020.

Pop Denison Park, Shaws Bay

Dredging at Shaws Bay has commenced to improve the health of the bay, as well as improving recreational amenities for the community as part of Ballina Shire Council's Coastal Zone Management Plan.

Become a volunteer tourism ambassador

Are you looking to make new friends, be involved in your local community, enhance your knowledge and learn new skills?

Social Media Strategy

Destination North Coast (DNC) wish to thank those industry stakeholders who participated in the recent DNC Social Media Usage & Knowledge Survey.  Your input to this survey has informed creation of the DNC Library of Social Media Resources which they hope will be a valuable tool for you and support development of your business's Social Media Strategy. 

QLD Border Restrictions Ease

Queensland's Border Bubble To Expand - The Premier of Queensland Annastacia Palaszczuk MP announced that the Queensland's border 'bubble' zone will expand from 1am on Thursday, October 1 to include Byron, Ballina, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Glen Innes council areas. 

The Senior NSW edition

With the easing of public health orders and lifting of travel restrictions The NSW Edition of The Senior wishes to engage with locals who know exactly what makes their town so special. The publication is wanting to share your local stories with their 556,824 readers encouraging them to visit the Northern Rivers region.

TRA Releases 2018/19 Data

The Regional Tourism Satellite Accounts (RTSA) provide information on the importance of tourism for each of Australia's tourism regions. The reports are published annually and provide measures of tourism gross value add, tourism gross domestic product, tourism employment and tourism trade.

The Spring School Holiday Activity Sheet is FULL! Plus extra daily activities are listed on the Events CalendarThe activity sheet covers attractions and activities across the Northern Rivers. Find out WHAT'S ON these school holidays and let your guests know what they can do with their family.

Sam Mac comes to Ballina Tuesday 15 Sept

Channel Seven's Sunrise Weather was broadcasted from the North Wall in Ballina on Tuesday 15 September.

Sam Mac comes to Ballina Tuesday 15 Sept

Channel Seven's Sunrise Weather with presenter Sam Mac (Mcmillan) will broadcast from the North Wall in Ballina tomorrow morning from 5:30am - 8:30am.

Ballina Surf Club Set Up for an Event

Thousands of jobs across the tourism and hospitality industry will be backed through a $50 million injection announced by the Federal Government, helping to restart Australia's vital business events sector. 

COVID Safe Badge Digital

COVID Safe Badge Digital

The COVID Safe check-in tool has now gone live across NSW. Be sure to register to allow easy check-in for customers.

Ballina is Synonymous with Fresh Seafood

Food, boutique beer and distillery lovers across Australia are set to put the Northern Rivers on their travel itinerary, with the NSW Government supporting the Northern Rivers Food tourism initiative in conjunction with Northern Rivers Food.

Kin Local Eatery Ballina

It's so positive to see new operators opening their doors in our region, a big welcome from the Ballina Tourism Team! Find out more about who has opened new businesses in the heart of Ballina and make sure you pop in to update yourself and share with your own visitors.

R U OK day image

R U OK? Day will be celebrated tomorrow Thursday 10 September. This important day highlights how conversations can make a big difference. Life’s challenges can leave people feeling helpless, hopeless, afraid, disconnected and at genuine risk.

Develop Your Business Webinar

Destination NSW recently hosted the Discuss and Develop your Business Webinar as part of the NSW First Program.

2021- 2030 Destination Management Plan Adopted
Destination NSW Online Webinars

Destination NSW Online WebinarsDestination NSW has made available a suite of Quick Tips Web Tutorials on their corporate website to assist tourism businesses with their next steps towards recovery from the COVID-19 period.

RISE Funding for Arts and Cultural Festivals and Events

The Australian Government has released the guidelines for the RISE Fund and the Sustainability Fund ahead of the formal call for applications on 31 August, giving arts organisations and companies an opportunity to review the criteria and prepare their applications.

Support local

Australians are being urged to support our tourism operators by booking an experience with new monthly figures released, showing domestic tourism spending fell by $11.7 billion in April and May of this year, according to new monthly figures released today by Tourism Research Australia (TRA).

Insurance Industry Inquiry

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) has launched an inquiry to investigate the practices of the insurance industry that impact small businesses and consider whether small business insurance products are fit for purpose.

Business Connect Webinars

A new online toolkit is helping businesses as they continue to navigate the challenges of COVID-19.

WHATS ON

Keep up to date with community activies, markets and special events by reguarly checking the What's On Calendar

If you have something you would like to add please don't hesitate to contact a member of the Ballina Tourism Team - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 1800 777 666

Dubbo

Exciting news for our industry! Ballina Byron Gateway Airport has announced the commencement of direct flights between Dubbo and the Northern Rivers via regional airline FlyPelican.

Cancellation Policy

Do you have your accommodation property, tour or workshop as a bookable product on the destination website discoverballina.com.au? Please make sure you have reviewed and updated your cancellation policy.

Great Southern Nights Music Event

Great Southern Nights is a music event which will bring 1,000 COVID-safe performances to live music venues in Greater Sydney and regional NSW in November (Australian Music Month).

Destination NSW Webinar

Tourism businesses are encouraged to register for a series of free online industry events to hear expert advice about the domestic market and how to work with different distribution partners.

Draft DMP

Ballina Shire Council has prepared the draft 2021-2030 Ballina Coast and Hinterland Destination Management Plan (DMP) and placed it on public exhibition.  

COVID Safe

The NSW Government has called on individuals and businesses to redouble their efforts to stop COVID-19 from spreading.

Ballina Fact Sheet

Meet in Regional NSW, Destination NSW's conferencing unit has produced a series of Fact Sheets for established conference destinations to showcase their business events capacity. These fact sheets are available to assist with promoting a destinations capacity and experiences to future meeting planners. 

Business Events Promotional Opportunity

Venues listed on Meet in Regional NSW website can now share details of their latest conferencing deals and promotions via the new feature aimed to showcase venues to potential clients.

Destination NSW CEO Steve Cox

NSW residents and businesses remain on ‘high alert’ to stop the spread of COVID-19, and Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer Steve Cox has called on the industry to show leadership in the community by putting safety first.

Destination NSW presents free webcasts

Destination NSW has released a series of online industry events to support the NSW tourism industry in its COVID-19 recovery. The following digital events will run in late July and throughout August with advance registration required. 

Members of the Northern Rivers Community Foundation

Applications are now open for the Northern Rivers Community Foundation (NRCF) Recovery and Resilience Grants Program. Not for profit community groups across the Northern Rivers impacted by a recent disaster, such as a flood, bushfire, or COVID-19 can now apply for grants from $2,000 - $10,000.

Public transport

The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) are keen to hear from people across regional NSW about their views on local bus services and fares. IPART want to hear what the key issues facing your local community are.

Event Summit 2020

The annual Event Summit will return to Sydney this October and will be free for event stakeholders for the first time in its three-year history in a show of support for the industry. To be held across two iconic Sydney venues on one day - The Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney and The Sydney Opera House, the Event Summit will bring together the events industry and help it get back on its feet.

Tourism Impacts

The March 2020 Tourism Research Australia (TRA) domestic and international regional reports have been released highlighting the impacts of the bushfires and Covid-19 on the industry.

Tourism Statistics

The Regional Tourism Reports detail the performance of the tourism industry by Destination Network area. The combined results for the industry on the North Coast for 2019 were extremely positive overall with over 15.5M visitors (+14%), 28.5M nights (+15%) and a combined spend of $5.1B (+14%).

Business NSW

Business NSW are sending out an invitation to any sole trader/small businesses to be involved in this Super Course pilot program.

Grant Money

If your small business or not-for-profit organisation has experienced a decline in turnover as a result of COVID-19, you may be eligible for a small business recovery grant of between $500 and $3000.

QANTAS inaugural direct flight between Sydney and Ballina

The first Qantas flight in 15 years direct between Sydney and Ballina Byron Gateway Airport landed last Wednesday 1 July.

FlyPelican service from Canberra

On Friday 3 July the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport welcomed the first direct flight between Australia's capital, Canberra, and Northern Rivers NSW via renowned regional airline FlyPelican.

New visitor services desk at Ballina Byron Gateway Airport

Ballina Byron Gateway Airport has a new welcome desk where volunteer ambassadors will meet and greet arriving passengers.

NSW and Victorian border temporary closure

NSW will temporarily close its border with Victoria from 12.01am Wednesday 8 July to contain the spread of COVID-19. The move follows an increase in community transmission of the virus in Melbourne.

Business Recovery Roadshow

The NSW Government is committed to providing practical support to help your business recover from COVID-19. 

Public Health Order

A remade Public Health Order easing a number of restrictions came into effect today, subject to strict social distancing rules.

School Holiday Fun

NSW School Holidays start this Friday afternoon! Ensure you donwload a copy of the School Holiday Activity Sheet or reguarly check the What's On Calendar to arm yourself with ideas to pass on to your visitors.

To find out What's On visit School Holidays Activities July 2020

Ballina Airport

The Australian Government has endorsed health guidelines, supported by key authorities, to give confidence to passengers flying in the post-pandemic era.

Business Events Grants

Applications for the Business Events Boost Program, a new domestic partnership initiative to support industry-led business events marketing and distribution projects, will open 1 July 2020.

ACCC Logo

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission ('ACCC') has issued guidance to assist small businesses to understand their rights and obligations when issuing refunds in response to the coronavirus under the Australian Consumer Law. 

Ballina Byron Gateway Airport

In a welcome boost to the regional economy, Ballina Byron Gateway Airport has announced the commencement of direct flights between Australias capital, Canberra, and Northern Rivers NSW via renowned regional airline FlyPelican.

Small Business Grants

Thousands of small businesses reopening across the State after the COVID-19 shutdown will benefit from funding of up to $3,000 under a new Small Business Recovery Grant.

Covid Safe

As business activity across NSW continues to pick up, tourism operators are reminded to follow all NSW Government and health advice.

Meet in Regional NSW

A free listing for businesses who supply products and services to the conference industry in regional NSW is now available on the Meet in Regional NSW website!

Karen, Krishna, Alicia & Teegan

The Ballina Visitor Centre reopened their doors on Monday and we are responding to enquiries from locals and visitors about what what businesses are trading. We would LOVE to hear from you to find out if you are open, what hours you are trading and any additional information that would support our service to pass on to customers. 

Airport Ambassadors

On Monday 1 June, regional travel was welcomed back to our beautiful area and with this it brings visitors wanting to experience and explore everything our region has to offer.

Small Business Grants Available

The Council of Small Business Relief Fund Australia (COSBOA) is offering grants to Australian small businesses adversely affected by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, with grants made possible by Salesforce. These grants will be offered as a one off payment of $10,000 (including GST) to 67 businesses across Australia.

DNC Webinar Tori Johnson

Want to bring your business into the digital world and tell your business story through social media? Then register for this free webinar on May 27 at 2.30pm. If that time doesn't suit, register anyway and access the recording to watch at a time that suits you.

Regional Travel To Return

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has announced that regional travel will be permitted in NSW from Monday 1 June with travel restrictions to be lifted on this date.

Photo Credit: regionality.com.au

Agritourism is a tourism-related experience or product that connects agricultural products, people or places with visitors to a farm or rural land. Whether you are an emerging business or destination, or need to revamp your existing offering, register for the upcoming agritourism webinar, a great opportunity to learn about this sector and to learn to build your Agribusiness.

Business Reopening Post Covid

As restrictions begin to ease and operators are permitted to reopen, there is a lot of talk amongst local businesses as to what the public health orders entail and what that means for your operations. As things change daily or weekly, keep up to date by reguarly checking the websites below so you can act now and be ready for reopening:-

Online Sales Toolkit

The Ballina Coast & Hinterland wishes to come back from COVID-19 bigger, brighter and more appealing to visitors. We want to work with local businesses to promote unique and authentic experiences that give our destination character. Visitors are no doubt spending more time online during this climate, and with all destinations relying on tourism to come back, lets make sure we stand out!

Destination North Coast Webinar

Destination North Coast (DNC) invites you to the third in our FREE Webinar series with the next titled Business Resilience & Continuity Planning, to be held at 2.30pm, Tuesday 12th May.

Council Plans

Council PlansBallina Shire Council has released the draft Delivery Program and Operational Plan for the upcoming financial year. This is your opportunity to find out more about what Council plans to deliver and to have your say. 

NSW First Resources

Destination NSW has developed a new suite of resources as part of its NSW First industry development program to help travel and tourism operators navigate these unprecedented times. 

Online Business

According to Australian Tourism Export Council, there has never been a better time for industry operators to work on their businesses so they have launched an extensive online tourism tutorial series to guide operators through the process. ATEC has developed the ‘Road to Recovery’ Tourism Tutorial Series, a 36-week program designed to provide the tourism industry with all the necessary tools in order to be ready for the bounce back.

Business Connect

More than 60 free online workshops and webinars are now available through Business Connect to help NSW small businesses manage cashflow, change business models, sell goods and services online and market businesses in a challenging environment.

Past Anzac Day in Ballina

Takeaway food and alcohol can be sold this ANZAC Day in a move to help businesses impacted by COVID-19. Liquor & Gaming NSW and NSW Fair Trading have issued a Statement of Regulatory Intent to allow more flexibility.

$10000 Grant

The NSW Government is providing financial support of up to $10,000 to ease pressures on small businesses and non-profit organisations suffering as a result of COVID-19. Applications of this grant are now open for eligible businesses. Further details including; eligibility and how to apply can be found on the Service NSW website.

Fees Licence Relief

Up to 200,000 licence holders operating across various industries, including hospitality, will be relieved of $50 million of NSW Government licence fees. Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said the NSW Government was focused on keeping businesses in business and as many people as possible in jobs.

NSW First

Destination NSW has developed a new suite of resources as part of its NSW First industry development program to help travel and tourism operators navigate these unprecedented times. The resources provide business owners with advice about how to stay in touch with customers, maintaining relationships with media and distribution partners, and opportunities to develop new areas of business.

Discover Ballina Website

These Autumn Holidays are different to any we have ever experienced. The message to stay home, don't visit just now is unusual but necessary. 

Northern Rivers Regional Digital Visitor Hub

The Ballina Tourism Team has been working with BP Australia for over three years to enable a provision of visitor information from the new BP Travel Centre. A visitor information service in the form of a Digital Visitor Hub is set to open on Thursday 16 April 2020. This Centre will proceed as scheduled due to the fuel and takeaway food component being deemed by the State Government as an essential service.

Free Webinar

Destination North Coast invites you to join a FREE Webinar at 10.00am, Friday 17th April 2020, as they endeavour to unpack the various Stimulus Packages available during the COVID-19 Crisis.

Call out to local artisans

Are you a small local artisan that produces non-perishable items? The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) are looking for local artisans in bushfire affected areas to supply locally-made goods to be packaged up in gift bags for future international events and forums.

Last opportunity to have your say

This week is the last opportunity to have your say during the consultation process for the future direction of tourism within the Ballina Coast & Hinterland. The survey shall close on Thursday 16 April. Have your say anonymously on what actions need to be delivered upon for a successful Ballina Shire tourism industry in the future by taking 10 minutes to complete this SURVEY

Visit NSW

Are you a tourism operator? Attraction, tour, food & beverage, accommodation provider? Are you profiled on Visit NSW? If not, why not! What is Get Connected? Get Connected is Destination NSW's website membership program. Powered by the ATDW-Online platform, Get Connected is the gateway to listing you tourism product or business on www.sydney.com and www.visitnsw.com

COVID 19 Impact Survey

Three weeks ago Destination North Coast launched the Coronavirus Impact Survey to collect data on the effects of Coronavirus (Covid-19) on your business. If you haven't already, please spare 2 minutes complete this Coronavirus Impact Survey? The data will be provided to each region to assess the economic impacts and shared with Destination NSW and Tourism Australia. One survey only per business please.

ACCC Logo

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission ('ACCC') has issued guidance to assist small businesses to understand their rights and obligations when issuing refunds in response to the coronavirus under the Australian Consumer Law. 

Holiday here in your own backyard

Holiday here in your own backyard

Does your business have professional video footage that would inspire visitation and encourage locals and visitors to enjoy what you have to offer?

Caravan Parks Order Amended

The NSW Government has announced amendments to the Public Health Order regarding restrictions on caravan parks and camping grounds.

TAFE NSW fee-free short courses

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, The NSW Government in conjunction with TAFE NSW announced on Monday that they will be offering a selection of 21 fee-free short courses.

Create long-term strategies

As businesses adapt to the changes of the current COVID-19 situation, Business Australia remains focused on keeping you informed. Research suggests now is the time to step aside, look at your business and create long-term strategies to implement and plan ahead for the future.

Grants

Thousands of small businesses across NSW struggling to cope with the COVID-19 restrictions will receive grants of up to $10,000 under a new assistance scheme announced by Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Treasurer Dominic Perrottet and Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope.

Strategies for Business Continuity Resilience

You're not alone! Join this practical, wisdom-sharing panel discussion with highly experienced local business leaders and mentors on how they have navigated past downturns and are currently managing their businesses to maximise their ability to continue to trade through this period and build ongoing resilience.

Business Connect

To facilitate social distancing for our residents, Ballina Shire Council is coordinating Ballina Business Connect, a service to enable residents to obtain staple household items without having to leave home.

All retailers who can provide staple items, such as groceries and essential daily needs, are invited to register for Ballina Business Connect.

Ballina Business Package

Ballina Shire Council has announced a business package to support local business and residents during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

The package includes:

Destination North Coast

Below is Destination North Coasts latest Industry Development and resources on How to Stay Productive When Working and Tips from Tourism eSchool. Useful information that may support your business through these tough times.

Brookies Gin Hand Sanitiser

The NSW Government is calling on manufacturers around the state to help fill gaps in the global supply of critical medical equipment and hygiene products. This opportunity will not only fill a much needed gap in critical supplies depleted by COVID-19, but will allow some businesses to keep their employees on the job for longer when they may not have been able to.

Minyon Falls - Nightcap National Park

In response to tighter Australian and NSW Government health directives on social distancing and non-essential travel to prevent the transmission of COVID-19, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is putting in place important measures for the health and safety of our staff, visitors and the wider community that we need to let you know about. This is a rapidly changing situation, so please check NPWS COVID-19 regularly for updates and answers to frequently asked questions.

Funding

The Australian Government will inject an extra $49.8 million into the Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) program in the 2019-20 financial year, allowing exporters and tourism businesses to get additional reimbursements for costs incurred in marketing their products and services around the world.

COVID 19 Survey

Last week Destination North Coast launched the Coronavirus Impact Survey to collect data on the effects of Coronavirus (Covid-19) on your business. If you haven't already, please spare 2 minutes to answer these 11 questions in this Coronavirus Impact Survey. The data will be provided to each region to assess the economic impacts and shared with Destination NSW and Tourism Australia.

Zoom Call #allinthistogether

The Destination North Coast Business Events team is hosting weekly online #allinthistogether informal online morning tea sessions for businesses during this difficult and challenging time.

Public Health Orders

Are you having difficulty understanding the Public Health Orders issued by the NSW Government in regards to COVID-19?

Business Connect

To facilitate social distancing for our residents, Ballina Shire Council is coordinating Ballina Business Connect, a service to enable residents to obtain staple household items without having to leave home.

All retailers who can provide staple items, such as groceries and essential daily needs, are invited to register for Ballina Business Connect.

COVID 19 Survey

Destination North Coast is collecting data on the effects of Coronavirus (Covid-19) on your business. Can you please spare 2 minutes to answer these 11 questions in this Coronavirus Impact Survey? The data will be provided to each region to assess the economic impacts and shared with Destination NSW and Tourism Australia.

Bookeasy

In planning for recovery, during this extremely difficult time we encourage those with Bookeasy accounts to review the products and availability listed on Bookeasy.

business connect

business connectThe State Government is running a series of webcasts through the Business Connect program to help businesses experiencing disruption. 

seasonal vege boxes from Harvest Deli

seasonal vege boxes from Harvest DeliAre you open for business? does your business offer services that can support the community at this time? tell us what you are doing and we will share and promote your services to direct customers your way.

WHATS ON MOSAIC 780x780

WHATS ON MOSAIC 780x780

Download a copy of the latest 'What's On' guide to stay in the know - markets, live music, theatre, activities for families, local tours, dining promotions and so much more! 

Print them off and share them with your guests and visiting friends and family.

Ballina Food and Wine Festival

Organising and running an event is hard work! There are lots of challenges that event organisers face so rEvents Academy have organised 9 webinars with different themes to help tackle some of these. Securing sponsors, recruiting volunteers, Keeping it fresh are just some of the webinars available so visit Event Managers Master Classes for more info or to register.

newcastle perm

newcastle perm

Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation's next funding round will open soon on 25 March. Applications are being accepted for funding of projects that help people facing disadvantage, marginalisation and isolation in regional communities until 4 May.

Macadamia Castle Wildlife Guardians

The School Holiday Sheet is always very popular and we often have lots of locals (and visitors) seeking it prior to the holidays commencing so they can book. The Ballina Tourism Team are seeking any family friendly activities, events or holiday specials to include and it's FREE to be included! The School Hoiday Activity Sheet not only promotes our region but encourages visitors to explore our region with all the things to see and do!

NowsTheTimeToLoveNSW 2020 PC Destination NSW

Get involved with this State-wide Campaign by using hashtags on your social media posts ... the more you hashtag and share, the more visitors will be motivated to book a holiday to the region and utilise your property, activity, restaurant etc.

Regional Events Fund

Regional communities, in particular those affected by bushfires and drought, can now apply for $1 million worth of grants to deliver events that attract visitors and provide an economic boost to local businesses.

DMP

Have your say now on the future direction of tourism for the Ballina Coast & Hinterland! You can have your say anonymously on what actions need to be delivered upon for a successful Ballina Shire tourism industry into the future by taking 10 minutes to complete this SURVEY

WHATS ON MOSAIC 780x780

WHATS ON MOSAIC 780x780

See What's On across the Northern Rivers with our handy fortnightly guide. Print off copies to give to your guests or pop into the Ballina Visitor Information Centre for copies.

Download your copy here!

Rocky Creek Dam Spills

Rocky Creek Dam SpillsAfter a night of hearvy rainfall in the Rocky Creek Dam catchment, the dam level is at full supply with more than 300mm flowing over the spillway.

Tourism Australia backing regional areas

Tourism Australia backing regional areasTourism Australia have announced a $10million Federal grants program which has been allocated from the Bushfire Recovery Fund, part of the Government’s $76 million tourism recovery package to protect jobs, small businesses and local economies by helping get tourists travelling into bushfire affected regions.

lovensw

lovenswThe recovery of NSW’s tourism industry from the effects of drought and bushfires is in everyone’s hands with Destination NSW launching its new marketing campaign, Now’s The Time To Love NSW.

Whats On Valentines Weekend

Keep up to date with weekend markets, events and activities so you can inform your visitors where to go and what to do by visiting WHAT'S ON

Do you have an activity or event you would like promoted? Click on SUBMIT YOUR EVENT along with an image so we can promote it for you - free of charge!

Any questions, please contact us on 1800 777 666.

Current DMP for 2014-2020

It's time to plan ahead and have your say on what actions need to be delivered upon to have a successful tourism industry into the future. Survey answers are anonymous and feedback provided through this consultaion process will be used in developing the strategy within the new Destination Management Plan (DMP) for the Ballina Shire.

Destination NSW

Is your business listed on Get Connected? Get Connected is a data warehouse that allows all NSW tourism related operators to list their products free-of-charge on Destination NSWs consumer websites - VisitNSW.com and Sydney.com, allowing them to reach more than 1.7 million potential visitors per month.

virus

virusThe Chief Medical Officer for the Australian Government, Professor Brendan Murphy, has issued some early advice and guidance for tourism operators on managing concerns over the Coronavirus.

Ballina Airport Terminal

The transit hub of Northern Rivers, Ballina Byron Gateway Airport, has received a massive boost with the announcement that Qantas will commence daily services to and from Sydney.

Inflatable Fun

There are still plenty of visitors in the area so if you have families staying or visiting your establishment, make sure you let them know about all the fun activities happening daily throughout the region. The School Holiday Activity Sheet is a very popular tool that can be printed and handed out to guests on arrival or pinned up on a noticeboard in your business.

To download a copy visit School Holiday Fun

Australian Bushfire Photo Credit abc.net.au

Below is a A MESSAGE FROM DESTINATION NSW regarding the NSW bushfires:

Our thoughts and sympathies are with families and communities affected by the unprecedented bushfires in NSW, and our eternal thanks go to the emergency services who continue to battle the bushfires across the state.

What's On This Week

What's On This Week

Find the handy Fortnightly What's On Sheet here and be sure to provide it to your visitors for ideas for what to see and do during their stay. For further details along with our school holiday program please visit discoverballina.com. 

Small Business Support

Small Business Support

The Small Business Commission have provided the Ballina Tourism Team with information on practical support to help all businesses affected by the NSW bushfires, from damaged or destroyed property to disrupted business and reduced income. Following are the resources available to you to assist with recovery from the disasters.

Guests arriving at Riversleigh Guesthouse

If you are bookable through the destination website discoverballina.com and through the Ballina Visitor Information Centre then you would know that we use Bookeasy as our booking engine. Bookeasy is an Australian owned and operated business, based on the Gold Coast, with many staff having been with the company for more than a decade!

Ballina Food & Wine Festival

Congratulations to the following Festivals and Events that have secured council funding through the Festival & Evants Sponsorship Program for events in 2020/2021:

* Love Lennox Festival
* Skullcandy Oz Grom Open
* Quota International Alstonville/Wollongbar Craft & Garden Fair
* New Years Eve Family Festival

Bookeasy

The Christmas holiday period is fast approaching which means it is time to check your Bookeasy profile. Bookeasy is the booking system used by the Ballina Tourism Team to book tours, experiences and accommodation on discoverballina.com and through the Ballina Visitor Information Centre. Working together allows more exposure for your business and more sales!

AAm Cover

How does the North Coast compare? Check out North Coast NSW region's accommodation performance in the latest Australian Accommodation Monitor.

Airport Ambassadors

The Ballina Byron Gateway Airport continues to grow, breaking records with annual passenger numbers currently at over 530,000 per annum and now is your chance to get your business in front of them! The upcoming cycle for the DL brochure board, within the arrivals terminal is great value for money at only $150 (including GST) for the six month cycle starting on Thursday 2 January 2020 through until Tuesday 30 June 2020.

Video Toolkit

Is video working well for your tourist destination or tourism business? Could it be better? The Tourism Business and Destination Video Toolkit Webinars are designed for Business Owners, Sales & Marketing managers, Communications teams and anyone managing video content in the Tourism & Events industries.

Meet in Regional NSW Suppliers

 Meet in Regional NSW Suppliers

Meet In Regional NSW - Venue & Supplier Listing Update
Make sure your Venue or Supplier listing is up to date or that you are listed, if your business supports Business Events/Conferences on this FREE Destination NSW directory.

Buy Regional This Christmas

Buy Regional This ChristmasCity dwellers in NSW and beyond are encouraged to support regional communities in drought-hit areas by buying regional. Recently launched by the Deputy Premier, Matt Moran and regional advocates Grace Brennan #BuyfromtheBush and Cassandra McLaren #OneDayClosertoRain, the buyregional website will be strongly promoted in the run-up to Christmas. The Government run site has already been widely publicised and traffic is over 40,000 page views so far.

Austrade Tourism 2030

 Austrade Tourism 2030

Have your say on the future of the tourism industry in Australia! Austrade invites you to join this webinar and be part of development of Tourism 2030.

Ladies enjoying Sample Food Festival

It's gearing up to be a BIG weekend in the Northern Rivers - Fair Go Skatefest in Ballina & Sample Food Festival in Bangalow are two huge events drawing big crowds to the region. Don't forget to check out the What's ON Calendar for an extensive list of markets, tours, workshops and other local events.

Digital Bootcamp 780x600

Does your business need to learn more about the online digital world? Net Stripes and Ballina Chamber of Commerce are hosting a Digital Bootcamp tailored to the digital needs of retail, professional services and the service industryto provide a rich understanding of what it takes to drive traffic, convert customers and increase sales within your business.

Ladies enjoying the Village Life

Discover the cafes and culture of Newrybar in the latest article on the Ballina Byron Life Blog #ballinabyronlife - read and share the article Discover Newrybar

WHATS ON

Northern Rivers Community Gallery launch new exhibitions today, Thursday 29 August at 5:30pm. See Ballina Players latest production, Victorian State Ballet and get along to the Byron Bay or Lismore Sunday Market plus LOTS more....... Visit WHATS ON for a full list of events and happenings!

Or check out the Tours and Attractions for a extensive list of bookable tours your visitors can experience!

tiger air front cover

tiger air front cover

The Ballina Tourism team has secured an amazing opportunity in Tigertales, Tiger Air's inflight magazine and are offering 8 local operators the opportunity to be part of our feature on 'Top 10 Insta-worthy Experiences' in the Northern Rivers! yes two spots have already gone!!

Hanging Rock Jewellery Exhibitor at Quota Craft & Garden Fair

Find out Whats On this weekend by checking our event calendar! Big events include Quota Craft & Garden Fair - a two day fair showcasing the finest hand-made crafts from artisans across the region combined with a garden fair. Plenty of activities, guest speakers and local talent! 

Destination NSW

Did you know that Destination NSW offers a series of webcasts that cover topics such as product development, appying for funding, inbound strategy and more!

Experience the Northern Rivers NSW

Experience the Northern Rivers NSW

One lucky business can win $1200 worth of FREE advertising in the next destination marketing campaign while enjoyed places to eat, drink, shop, stay and play!

Have your say on Short Term Holiday Letting

The NSW Government is proposing changes to short-term rental accommodation (STRA) through a state-wide planning framework, a mandatory Code of Conduct and changes to strata legislation. The introduction of a new industry-led STRA property register is also being considered.

Whats On This Weekend North Coast Mud Trail PC Brooke Clunie

Find out What's On this weekend so you have something to look forward to throughout your working week! The North Coast Mud Trail is a huge drawcard to the region with over 21 local ceramists and potters opening their studios for the weekend - not that you we need an excuse for a scenic hinterland drive!

Lennox Head Chamber of Commerce Business Awards Photo credit Barefruit Marketing

Have you got your tickets to the 2019 Lennox Head Business Awards Gala Event? This year the Gala night will be at Beef & Beach in Lennox Head. There will be entertainment, award presentations, delicious food and drinks. Get recognised, celebrate your achievements, eat some great food and share a drink with other business owners.

Ballina Chamber Business Awards

The Ballina Chamber of Commerce held their Business Awards on Saturday night. On behalf of the Ballina Tourism Team a huge congratulations to all the winners and nominees! 

Bangalow Music Festival

Keep up to date with What's Happening throughout the region this week - let visitors know about events, markets, tours and activities they can head along to.

Visit WHAT'S ON for more information and to print your copy for your visitors. Teven Tintenbar Public Schools Annual Country Fair, Bangalow Music Festival, brewery tours, live music and local markets.

Ballina Tourism Staff showcasing the NEW Northern Rivers Visitor Guide

The Ballina Tourism Team wish to extend their sincere gratitude to all of those involved in the Northern Rivers Visitor Guide publication. The guide was officially launched at the Ballina Visitor Information Centre on Monday 5 August in a fun expo style event.

Staff of Ballina tourism industry ready to reveal new Visitor Guide

Tourism operators are getting ready for the big reveal as to what the new Northern Rivers Visitor Guide will look like.

Have you RSVP'ed to the launch of the Northern Rivers Visitor Guide. You can RSVP here now.

Have you RSVP'ed?

Have you RSVP'ed?Have your RSVP'ed to the Northern Rivers Visitor Guide Launch? 

Greg Grainger from Travel Oz

Greg Grainger from Travel Oz

Did you watch the Ballina Coast & Hinterland Travel Oz segment?
If you missed it catch up here

Byron Writers Festival

Make sure your front of house staff and visitors know what's happening around the Northern Rivers this week - it may increase their length of stay in our region!

Visit WHAT'S ON for more information and to print your copy for your visitors. Byron Writers Festival is always a huge drawcard, the whales are in the peak of their season so tours are booking out fast -

Launch image Northern Rivers Visitor Guide

Launch image Northern Rivers Visitor Guide To launch the new Northern Rivers visitor guide that showcases over 260 experiences for visitors and locals to enjoy, we are asking advertisers to bring the book to life by showcasing themselves at the launch. 

Airport Brochure Stand

Airport Brochure Stand The next cycle to advertise at the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport in the DL brochure board has commenced however if you are wanting to secure a spot it is not too late! 

Ballina's River Street upgrade

Ballina's River Street upgrade

Council is committed to renewing the infrastructure in our town centres to enhance the public amenity and help deliver improved economic outcomes for our local business community. Council has allocated $2.7 million for the final stage of the River Street Upgrade, between Moon and Grant Street.

Launch Event Invite 12:15 arrival 5 Monday August 2019

 Launch Event Invite 12:15 arrival 5 Monday August 2019

For the first time in years the Northern Rivers will have a visitor guide showcasing over 260 experiences for visitors and locals to enjoy. This is all thanks to over 150 local businesses collaborating to bring this project to life.

Tourism Awards photo

 Tourism Awards photo

27 leading tourism businesses, events, and visitor experiences have been announced as finalists in the North Coast’s only industry-backed tourism awards, the 2019 North Coast Regional Tourism Awards.

Bus Group Tour

Seller applications are open until Tuesday 16th July for Australia Marketplace China 2019. The event will be held in Chengdu from 11th to 15th November and includes pre-scheduled appointments between buyers and sellers, and opportunities to network at the official event functions.

Visitor services at its best!

Visitor services at its best!The Ballina tourism team will soon launch its latest marketing tool used to promote the wider region to prospective visitors. The guide is currently being printed after months of hard work by the Tourism team and local businesses.

School Holiday Fun

"I'm bored!" is something you do not want to hear over the Schoool Holidays so make sure you download a copy of the Winter School Holiday Activity Sheet which is loaded with free and affordable activities to keep visitors and families busy over the holiday season.

NSW Tourism Awards

NSW Tourism AwardsEvery year, the NSW Tourism Awards shines a spotlight on excellence in tourism so entering is worth every minute! It is a great opportunity to market and promote your business if you are a finalist or an Award winner. You have to be in it to win it!

AIME

AIME

AIME is currently the leading exhibition in Australia for the meetings, incentives and events Industry taking place in Melbourne from 17-19 February. There are only 3 booths remaining if you are interested in co-exhibiting with Destination NSW.

Farmers co-operating

Farmers co-operatingAssists existing small to medium Australian producers, farmers and manufacturers to innovate and grow their business.

Coles Nurture Fund apply online before Friday 30 August 2019.

A group of seniors

A group of seniorsThe Grants Program provides seed funding to organisations and councils to run local festival events and activities that provide opportunities for people over 60 to remain active, healthy, engaged and contributing to their local communities.

Apply online before Friday 9th August.

Regional Producer

Regional ProducerQANTAS has unveiled a new multimillion dollar grants initiative, including free flights, that will aim to support regional communities across the country.

Networking

Destination North Coast will hold their next Board Meeting in the Lennox Head Cultural and Community Centre on Wednesday 29th May and invite our industry colleagues to join the DNC team and Board afterwards for a casual networking event with details below.

Networking

Destination North Coast will hold their next Board Meeting in the Lennox Head Cultural and Community Centre on Wednesday 29th May and invite our industry colleagues to join the DNC team and Board afterwards for a casual networking event with details below.

Regional Tourism Awards

In 2019, Regional Tourism Awards invite nominations from six Destination Networks including the North Coast.

The program provides tourism organisations and individuals the opportunity to gain recognition for their success and promote tourism within their region. 

Regional Tourism Awards

Do you have an outstanding tourism business? If so get your applications in to the 2019 Regional Tourism Awards now before the 24 May deadline.

In 2019, Regional Tourism Awards invite nominations from six Destination Networks including the North Coast.

The program provides tourism organisations and individuals the opportunity to gain recognition for their success and promote tourism within their region. 

Sourdough image lightbulb

Sourdough Business Pathways is hosting the Future of Business in Ballina discussion, collaboration and growth event at Ramada Hotel this Friday 10 May. Secure your place now.

Exceptional Service Skills are Vital for North Coast Businesses

Workforce development/skills and training issues are often nominated as a key issue faced by regional tourism businesses.

Pop Art Paste Ups at Northern Rivers Community Gallery

Keep family, friends and visitors busy these School Holidays. There is so much to do and experience the only tough thing choice is deciding WHAT activity to do! Check out the Whats On Calendar for daily events and activities or download a copy of the School Holiday Activity Sheet for an overview.

Goodbye Prue, Welcome Krishna

A familiar voice and face finishes up this week, Prue is going on maternity leave. Prue has worked at the Ballina Visitor information Centre and Community Spaces for over three years and has become an integral part of our team Prue will be missed by us all while she settles into her new role of motherhood, we wish her all the best for the birth of her new little bundle of joy.

Newrybar Merchants

Time is running out to be part of the new and exciting Insiders Guide to the Northern Rivers, co-ordinated by the Ballina Tourism Team.

Applications are closing this week and we don’t want you to miss out on a feature in our exciting new destination marketing campaign. This publication will be distributed throughout the region and beyond.

Maca Castle Wildlife Guardians

Submit Your School Holiday Activity to the Ballina Tourism Team for the School Holiday Activity Sheet. We are seeking any family friendly activities, events or holiday specials to include in our School Holiday Sheet and is FREEfor you to be included.

Ballina Tourism Team

The Ballina Tourism Team are ecstatic that for the first time ever, Ballina has welcomed over one million visitors. The news that 1,028 000 people visited the Ballina Shire in the 17/18 fiscal year was confirmed by Tourism Research Australia. 

New Visitor Guide - Experience the Region Like a Local

The Ballina Tourism team wants businesses across the region to be part of a new visitor guide to attract holiday makers to the Northern Rivers.

VIP Tours Macadamia Castle

The Macadamia Castle has just launched a new VIP Tour. This new intimate experience provides exclusive behind-the-scenes access of the Macadamia Castle's Animal Park, where participants have a dedicated Keeper to meet native, endangered and farmyard animals one-on-one.

Behind the Barrel

It is exciting to see new tours and activities in the region so we wanted to share some of the latest ones to join our industry!

WHATS ON

School may be back but we are still finding their are people about on holidays and looking for things to do. If you have guests staying, make sure you keep up to date with What's On so you can keep them entertained.

WHATS ON

School Holiday Fun

"I'm bored!" is something you do not want to hear over the Schoool Holidays so make sure you download a copy of the Summer School Holiday Activity Sheet which is loaded with free and affordable activities to keep visitors and families busy over the holiday season.

Event Funding Opportunities

The NSW Regional Business Event Development Fund has been designed by Destination NSW to help stakeholders create, attract and support exciting business events for regional NSW and to support new business event initiatives. 

WHATS ON

Find out whats happening around the Ballina Coast & Hinterland by clicking WHATS ON

Odyssey Wake Surf n Ski

Odyssey Wake Surf N Ski is Ballina Coast & Hinterlands newest recreational business and offers Wakeboarding, Water Skiing and Wake Surfing from 1st timers to advanced. Located on the beautiful Richmond River, Odyssey Wake Surf N Ski aims to give visitors an alluring water sports experience of enjoyment, local scenery, sublime water conditions and fun.

Export Ready Product

It is that time of the year again to update our list of Export-ready Product with Destination NSW and if you are wondering if that is you then please go through the checklist below and let us know!

Lennox Head Workshop

Thank you to the operators that recently attended the industry collaboration workshops. It was great to see so much enthusiasm, a willingness to share and work together.

For those that were unable to attend, the feedback from the workshops shows an overwhelming desire to engage in cross-selling opportunities.

The Market ON DUSK

We are very excited to help promote a new summer market which will be known as The Market ON DUSK at Missingham Bridge Ampitheatre held over four summer evenings in December and January.

Collaboration

Boosting the Visitor Economy Together - FREE Workshops. If you would like to attract more visitors to your business and get bigger bang for your buck, then don't miss this free workshop designed with your needs in mind.

Travellers Guide to NSW

The Tourism Group, supported by Destination New South Wales is publishing the second annual edition of Traveller's Guide to New South Wales.

Ballina Country Music Festival

Mark it in your calendar - the 2018 Ballina Country Music Festival will be held Friday 2nd, Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4th November. This is the 7th year for this annual event which is a 3 day festival with Adam Brand headlining and over 100 other artists providing free entertainment across 6 stages throughout 5 venues.

NSW National Park App

Visitors to our region come to relax and unwind and National Parks are a popular day trip for many. 

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service has released a new mobile app, providing park visitors with information and maps at their fingertips to help improve their experience.

Tourism Research Australia

The latest statistics are in regarding visitor numbers and spending in different areas. Tourism Research Australia have updated the LGA visitor data and Ballina Coast & Hinterland now have 728,000 visitors per annum who spend $255 million while in our shire.

bw bvic 282

bw bvic 282Business Connect (funded by the NSW Government) will be running a series of Digital Bootcamps in Ballina. Four sessions will be on offer to help you to achieve your business goals using digital capabilities. 

Day 1: Small business digital readiness, Customer personas & buying cycle: Thursday 8th November (1pm-6.30pm)

Lady relaxing at Montanna Retreat

The holidays have certainly started with a bang! With QLD already a week in, NSW starting this Friday PLUS sporting events such as the Mens Masters National Hockey Championships and the Oceania Cup bringing in families from all over Australia, it is no wonder accommodation properties are heavily booked.

Ballina Fair Reptiles

Keep your visiting families busy these school holidays - download your copy of the School Holiday Activity Sheet. We love the school holidays here at the Ballina Visitor Information Centre and have compiled a list of fun actvities that are on offer these holidays to keep the kids busy.

Mens National Master Hockey

Just a reminder that the National Mens Hockey Masters Championships will be held in Ballina and Lismore from tomorrow, Thursday 20 September to Sunday 7 October 2018.

food festival pic

Event organisers across rural and regional NSW holding events between January and June 2019, are encouraged to apply for the NSW Government's Flagship Event Fund, which has now opened.

Happy Kids

Submit Your School Holiday Activity to the Ballina Tourism Team for the School Holiday Activity Sheet.

Whats On

To keep up to date on what's happening around the area this weekend click Whats On

Ballina Triathlon

This weeked Ballina will welcome visitors from across the state and Queensland to host the Ballina Triathlon which will be based at Pop Denison Park, Shaws Bay, East Ballina. Download a copy of the Ballina Triathlon Factsheet showing the road closures, detours and provides further information regarding the event.

Destination NSW Logo

The practical Inbound Strategy Workshop is designed to provide tourism businesses, such as tours, attractions and accommodation, with the necessary steps to develop and sell export-ready tourism products to the international travel trade.

What's On

Find out What's On around the area this weekend - North Coast Mud Trail, Rainbow Region Dragon Boat Regatta, Rous Bonfire & Fireworks, Bangalow BBQ & Bluegrass Festival, Ballina Markets and more!

Unique Experiences Booklet

The Ballina Tourism Team have been working hard with businesses around the Northern Rivers to create an A5 booklet showcasing bookable experiences for locals and visitors that will make lasting memories.

You should receive a copy of this new marketing tool in the post over the next few days.

2016 Ballina Coast Hinterland Visitor Guide

What marketing channels do you use to promote your business? 

The Tourism Team at Ballina Shire Council would like to hear from you in regards to the promotional channels you value and would like to work cooperatively in, with your fellow industry members, to promote the destination.

Whats On

Find out What's On around the area this weekend - Bangalow Music Festival, family fun at Richmond Christian College 25th Birthday Celebrations, Seabird Rescue Fundraiser, Lennox Community Market and more!

If you have an event, workshop or something that should be included please contact us on 1800 777 666 or submit online

Social Media Logos

Is your business on Social Media? Do you have a facebook or instagram account? Please tag us in your photos so we can share them on our sites! If we aren't already following your business, please invite us so we can start following you too!

Airport Brochure Stand

The next cycle to advertise at the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport in the DL brochure board has commenced however if you are wanting to secure a spot it is not too late! We have 5 spots left!

AIME Logo

AIME is one of the most important trade exhibition in Australia and the asia-pacific region for meetings, conventions, events and incentive travel.

BC&H Events Calendar

Find out What's On around the area this weekend -  Byron Writers Festival, Newrybar Fireworks & Fair, Seabird Rescue Fundraiser, local markets, beer making workshops and more!

If you have an event, workshop or something that should be included please contact us on 1800 777 666 or submit online 

NRCG Call Out

Northern Rivers Community Gallery (NRCG) is currently inviting exhibition applications across all artforms from artists, artist groups and curators for the 2019 exhibition program.

Experience the Unique Booklet

The Ballina Tourism team have produced a new booklet to inspire locals and visitors. The booklet showcases indulgent activities as well as things for adventure seekers, food and nature lovers, arts and culture buffs and those wanting to relax and nurture themselves.

Ladies shopping in Riley Burnett

If you have a business in Lennox Head, it is time to get recognised for all your hard work!

Nominations are now open until 15 August with the awards Gala dinner taking place at Shelter on 3 September.

The award categories are varied so for futher details and to nominate your business, go to the Chamber website  for all the details. 

BC&H Events Calendar

Find out What's On around the area this weekend - Grand Opening of Ballina & Alstonville Pools, local markets, distillery tours and more!

If you have an event, workshop or something that should be included please contact us on 1800 777 666 or submit online 

Lady Working From Home

Operating a small business from home is growing in popularity as people look for ways to supplement their income without the overheads.

Family in Lennox Head CBD

Ballina Shire Council has commenced the Lennox Village Vision: The Future of Lennox Head Village Centre (LVV) project. The Lennox Village Vision project seeks to gather community feedback on issues and ideas for the Lennox Head village centre.

Lady taking photo

The Ballina Visitor Information Centre is seeking images of your business! Whether it is accommodation, an activity, attraction, tour or restaurant - we are wanting to build our operator portfolios of businesses in the Ballina Shire and surrounds.

Going Up

The North Coast has achieved its highest volume of international nights and expenditure on record with 352,700 international visitors up 6.6 per cent on the previous year who stayed 3.9 million nights (+10.7%) in the North Coast and spent $242.3 million (+21.3 per cent).

Ballina Tourism Team Christmas Photo

On behalf of the Ballina Tourism Team we would like to wish all our wonderful operators and industry stakeholders a very Merry Christmas and a fantastic holiday season. 

It has been a great year working closely with lots of businesses and we have big things already planned for 2019 which we cannot wait to share with you all!

Australia Day Joint Sports Award 2017

Each year Ballina Shire Council recognises our local heroes through the Australia Day Awards. However, there is a catch for the awards to be successful, and that is community participation.

The visitor economy is worth $240M annually to the Ballina LGA

Tourism Research Australia has released the latest Local Government Area Visitor Profile reports for all LGAs in Australia, including the Ballina Local Government Area Tourism Profile.

Fred Wright and his wife from Caravan and Motorhome On Tour

Caravan and Motorhome On Tour's DVD Presenter, Fred Wright has arrived into town and popped into the Ballina Visitor Information Centre this morning asking what there is to see and do in the area.

Girls building a sandcastle at the beach

There is always something fun to do during the school holidays throughout the Ballina Coast & Hinterland. Whether it is a day at the beach, visiting the various attractions, venturing into the hinterland or participating in activities there is something for all ages.

Download the SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTIVITY SHEET and assist visitors to plan their holiday!

Travel Grammer comes to Ballina

Choice Hotels is hosting the “TravelGrammer” competition where 20 up-and-coming Instagrammers from the travel/food sector will experience a different location within Australia from Saturday morning 18 November to Sunday afternoon 19 November, where one lucky participant will be staying at Quality Hotel Ballina.

Webinars

The NSW First Webinar Program includes four free webcasts on funding from Destination NSW, which you can view for insight into the funds, eligibility and tips on writing applications.

Event by the Richmond River, Ballina

The Regional Flagship Events Program is now open. The program was established to identify and support events in NSW that have the potential to act as 'cornerstone' or Flagship, tourism events for their area by attracting overnight visitation and delivering long-term benefits to their region.

Staying at Montanna Retreat, Lennox Head

In response to Cyclone Debbie and the associated flooding earlier this year, the Tourism team has been working with our local industry partners, Destination North Coast and Destination NSW to drive return visitation to the region.

Industry Launch at the Ballina Visitor Centre

The Ballina Coast & Hinterland video launch was a huge success and we would like to thank all of you that attended and made it such an enjoyable and successful night.

Have your say on Arts and Culture in the Shire

The Lennox Head Cultural and Community Centre is seeking community feedback through a survey, to continue the successful implementation of its arts and entertainment program.

Explore the NSW North Coast

The New South Wales Government has announced a dedicated Flood Recovery Support Program worth $300 000 to help bring visitors back to the NSW North Coast.

Planning for a sustainable future for Tourism

Destination Byron is inviting all local businesses and operators to attend the Annual Tourism Symposium Beyond the Byron Boom on Friday 18 August.

Have your say on short-term holiday letting

There has been a rapid increase in short-term holiday letting (STHL) both nationally and in New South Wales since the emergence of online bookings sales have been made available.

Become more accessible for people with a disability

Local Government New South Wales (LGNSW) has organised a morning event in August to discuss Inclusive Tourism.

August Exhibitions Launch

The Northern Rivers Community Gallery (NRCG) is launching four exciting new exhibitions on Thursday 27 July and is welcoming the community and visitors to join them in the gallery. We encourage you to inform your visitors about these upcoming exhibitions and support our local gallery and all the artists work on exhibition.

Destination NSW upcoming webinar

Destination NSW continues to provide free webinars and webcasts throughout the month of August to our industry, this month focusing on Inbound Strategy and the Regional Tourism Fund Co-operative Marketing Program.

Ballina Shire's Vision for the next 10 years

For those who provided input to the Community Strategic Plan (CSP) during the public exhibition period, we would like to thank you. The CSP, Our Community Our Future, for the next 10 years was adopted by Council at the June Ordinary Meeting. 

Apply for Regional Tourism Funding

Destination NSW is offering $4.5 million of funding to support Regional Tourism in New South Wales. Expressions of interest to the Regional Tourism Funding program are open throughout the year. 

Acknowledge your team's success

The Lennox Head Business Awards are closing tomorrow. Do not miss this opportunity to nominate your business and receive recognition for your business's success.

Celebrate NAIDOC week

NAIDOC Week celebrations commence this Saturday, 1 July and everyone is invited to attend. NAIDOC is the abbreviation of National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. The week long celebrations provide an opportunity for all of us to reflect on and acknowledge the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal people.

Regional conferencing announcement


Destination NSW CEO Sandra Chipchase announced the appointment of Ms Helen Parker to the position of Manager, Regional Conferencing.

Apply for event funding

Destination NSW continues the free, live webcasts as part of the NSW First program. During July the webinar will focus on applying for regional event funding.

Destination NSW presents free webcasts

Destination NSW continues the live, free webcasts as part of the NSW First program. June's webcast focus is to grow the Youth market and Aboriginal cultural tourism.

Are you instantly bookable?

Online travel planning is one of the fast growing uses of the internet, with a high proportion of consumers booking accommodation and tours online. Consumers now expect to be able to book and pay for travel products instantly, at the click of a mouse.

Business awards now open

Entries in the 2017 Ballina Coast & Hinterland Northern Star Business Excellence Awards are NOW OPEN!

NSW Regional Tourism set to soar

Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer Sandra Chipchase announced that Mr Stephen Mahoney will be joining the Destination NSW team as General Manager – Regional.

Destination North Coast announce brand new team

As part of the ongoing restructure of tourism across regional NSW, Adam Marshall, Minister for Tourism and Major Events and Member for Lismore Thomas George have announced that Lismore will be the location for one of the newly formed Destination Networks driving the visitor economy in regional NSW.

Destination NSW presents free webcasts

Destination NSW will conduct free webcasts, starting with Events Funding in June and July. These first Events webcasts will discuss how new and emerging regional events can apply for funding through the Regional Flagship Events Program. These live, free webcasts will be presented online by Destination NSW as part of the NSW First program.

Airport received over half a million passengers

Over half a million passengers have flown with airlines into and from the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport in the past 12 months.  The Australian Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development has just released the domestic aviation activity for March 2017.

Have your say on Ballina Shire's Community Strategic Plan

Ballina Shire Council prepares documents to plan the future direction of our shire and to assist with our service delivery. Community consultation is a key element in preparing these documents. We encourage you to view the documents listed below and provide feedback via the feedback links.

Tell your visitors about the exhibition opening at NRCG

Let your visitors know about the upcoming Northern Rivers Community Gallery (NRCG) exhibitions launch event tomorrow evening, Thursday 25 May at 5:30pm.
NRGC presents four exciting new exhibitions welcoming the community and visitors to join them in the Gallery.

Advertise at the airport

>The Ballina Byron Gateway Airport receives over 481,000 passengers a year. Expose your business to thousands of visitors and locals alike with advertising space on the DL brochure stand.

Community organisations can apply for a donation

Ballina Shire Council provides donations each year to local community groups.

Applications are now open for the 2017/2018 Donations Programs. 

Attending a webinar

Destination NSW is now delivering the NSW First Program to assist NSW tourism businesses to develop, promote and sell their tourism products.

Ben Purnell performing at the Lennox Community Centre

The Ballina Visitor Information Centre is a powerful resource to promoting your upcoming event to visitors and locals. 

Skateboarding at Ballina Skate Park

Ballina Shire Council is seeking expressions of interest from organisations to coordinate a skateboarding event between 1 July and 31 December 2017 and 2018.

filming locations seminar

This June, Screenworks (supported by Screen NSW) will present a one day ticketed Seminar focusing on Filming Locations.

Award winners at the Tourism Awards

The NSW Tourism Awards acknowledge and celebrate tourism excellence. This program rewards businesses that demonstrate significant achievement throughout the year.

Everyone loves holidays in regional NSW

Destination NSW has launched the What I Love About Holidays in NSW campaign, a program designed to inspire people to take more holidays in Regional NSW. Destination NSW invite you, as a valued NSW tourism stakeholder to participate in and support the campaign.

Airport terminal to be upgraded

There’s no arguing Ballina Shire is stunning, and soon the region will have an airport to match. Plans to upgrade the Ballina Byron Airport terminal have been unveiled and are set to make life much more comfortable for our region’s travellers.

Ballina U18 touch football player makes a break

Some of the State's best young touch football players will be playing in Ballina this weekend when our local club hosts the 2017 NSW Junior Regional Tournament at Saunders Oval.

Reminder that Rotarian's arrive May 5

Ballina is set to get a tourism boost when it hosts the 2017 Rotary Conference in just over two weeks time. The conference will be held from Friday 5 to Monday 8 May 2017 and is set to attract over 700 people from 52 different Rotary Clubs.

Artist impression of the proposed Ballina Marina

Ballina Shire Council has prepared the draft Ballina Marina Master Plan depicting a proposal to transform the West Ballina Trawler Harbour area into a multi-functional marina and public precinct over the next ten to 20 years and is now seeking your feedback.

Help shape the future of the plateau

Ballina Shire Council is asking the community for thoughts, ideas and feedback on the future of Wollongbar, and also Alstonville, through the strategic planning process.

NRCG exhibition flyer

Let your visitors know about the upcoming Northern Rivers Community Gallery (NRCG) exhibitions launch event next Thursday 27 April.
NRGC presents four exciting new exhibitions in May and welcomes community and visitors to join them in the Gallery.

Celebrate ANZAC day in the Ballina Shire

Here is a program of Anzac Day services taking place in the Ballina Shire this Tuesday 25 April. 
Remind your visitors to set their early morning wake up calls so they to can be involved.

Nominate someone for an Australia Day Award

The Ballina Shire Australia Day Awards program brings the community together each and every year to recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of community minded individuals and groups in our shire. The program is now open and we need your help!

Shop local this Easter

You would have to be hoppin' mad not to support our local businesses this Easter. 
The Ballina Visitor Information Centre stocks a range of locally made Easter treats and other goodies so, you will be sure to find something for the whole family here.

Swim at patrolled beaches

Tell your visitors to swim between the flags this long weekend by providing them with details of the surf patrolled beaches.

Ballina Manor Boutique Hotel named finalist

Ballina Manor Boutique Hotel was named as a finalist in the HotelsCombined Recognition of Excellence Awards for NSW.

This is the inaugural year for the awards which aim to identify the top independent hotels for outstanding customer satisfaction.

Have your say on Ballina Shire's Community Strategic Plan

The Community Strategic Plan (CSP) is the visionary long term document that provides the broader strategic direction for Ballina Shire Council. It outlines key outcomes the council, other agencies and the community will work to achieve over the next ten years.

Award winners at the Tourism Awards

The NSW Tourism Awards acknowledge and celebrate tourism excellence. This program rewards businesses that demonstrate significant achievement throughout the year. Ballina Visitor Information Centre encourage all Ballina Shire businesses to enter the Tourism Awards, let's officially make the Ballina Coast & Hinterland an award winning destination!

Kids Playing Ten Pin in Fawcett Park

Submit your School Holiday Activities for FREE promotion of your event or activity these upcoming holidays!

Festival attendees enjoying the Ballina Coast & Hinterland

Not-for-profit organisations and local councils across NSW are invited to apply for grants of up to $5000 for events that celebrate cultural diversity in their community.

Aboriginal Cultural Ways signage with views overlooking the beach

Council has installed a series of interpretive signs that recognise the Aboriginal cultural heritage values along the Ballina coastline. The Aboriginal Cultural Ways project has been a collaboration between Council, Jali LALC and Ballina Shires's Aboriginal community. The project has also been supported by the NSW Office of Environmental and Heritage and the Heritage Council of NSW.

Eli, the Breath of Fresh Air prize winner

We welcomed 'A Breath of Fresh Air' prize winner Elinor Gubany back to Ballina on the weekend.

Derek Forkgen and Gwenda Demaagd Tourism ambassadors at the airport

The Ballina Visitor Information Centre is accepting applications from locals to become a volunteer for the visitor services desk located within the arrivals terminal at the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport.

State Of the Industry Report 2016

The Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, the Hon Steven Ciobo MP, released Tourism Research Australia’s publication, State of the Industry 2015-16.

Discussion Paper for Ballina Shire's Economic Development Strategy

Ballina Shire Council is preparing an economic development strategy to identify ways Council can support and contribute to economic activity in the shire over the next ten years. 

Use Weibo to attract Chinese visitors

According to Advertising Age, "..China's social landscape is involved in innovations in video, engagement and payment that have evolved differently and faster than anything in the West."

Adam Marshall MP

Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall has been appointed to the role of NSW Minister for Tourism and Major Events, and Assistant Minister for Skills.

Ballina Kayaks

Ballina Kayaks is Ballina's newest recreational business to operate in the Ballina Shire. Scott Rawstorne is an Australian Canoeing certified kayak instructor and is the owner and operator of Ballina Kayaks.

2017 Australia Day Award Winners

The 2017 Ballina Shire Australia Day Awards were announced at the official celebrations held in Lennox Head on Thursday 26 January 2017.
Forty-four nominations were received across the categories of Sports, Arts Cultural, Young Citizen, Senior Citizen, Community Event and Local Hero.

We now have a new format for receiving industry news

Welcome to the new Industry Noticeboard with its integrated e-blasts!

With improvements to the destination website and the creation of an Industry Noticeboard,

Make things happen in the Ballina Shire

A new source of funding will be available for community projects in regional Australia under the Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF). The Community Investments Stream of the BBRF will fund community building activities including, but not limited to,

Junior regional touch football coming to Ballina

Ballina Touch Association have been successful in a bid to host the 2017 Junior Regional NSW Touch Football Titles this coming April.

This event will involve competitors in the U14-U18 age divisions (both girls and boys)

Tell us what special events you have planned

Are you hosting a special festive event this season? If so, why haven't you told the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. so that we let visitors know?

If you are hosting an Australia Day event or school holiday activity then please get in contact with the Ballina Visitor

Update to industry on promotion of region


The Ballina Coast and Hinterland region is known for far more than the ocean and surf. People love coming here for the laid back culture and friendly personalities,

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