There are no shortage of beaches and places to get wet and cool off along this popular stretch of coast (over 32 kilometres to be exact!!), but if you have the kids in tow, you may want somewhere easy, calm and relaxing and possibly with a bit of shade.
SHAWS BAY - East Ballina
Shaws Bay is a large tidal bay with plenty of sandy beaches, perfect for swimming laps, kayaking, snorkelling and stand up paddleboards.
Main access points include:
Compton Drive - easy parking, popular access point for lap swimmers, shower, accessible ramp
Pop Denison Park - amazing playground, BBQ facilities, accessible toilets, shower
Fenwick Drive - this spot in the bay is the best for snorkellingperfect for families with little ones and for snorkelling on high tide. Showers available.
__________________________________________________________
THE SERPENTINE
The Serpentine along North Creek is perfect for younger kids and depending on tides, you can get beautiful lagoons forming in the shallows. Easy car access, shady trees and a shower to wash off all the sand.
__________________________________________________________
GAWANDII BEACH - East Ballina
On the east side of Missingham Bridge you will find Gawandii Beach. This spot is extremely popular in summer as it provides lots ofshady places on the grass hill to set up for the day. Calm waters from the Richmond River and depending on the banks and swell, you may be lucky to get a few smaller waves for the learn to surfers. There are toilet and shower facilities, picnic tables and it is walking distance to shop for ice cream, fish & chips, pizza and coffee if you don't want to pack lunhc or dinner. A great spot for late afternoon summer swims and dinner.
__________________________________________________________
THE SPIT - Ballina
The Spit is a very popular spot and the perfect option for the WHOLE family - the fur babies are allowed to come!
The Spit is an off leash dog friendly beach on the Richmond River and is mostly flat and calm with large shallow sections. Plenty of spots along the beach for a dip. There are showers/taps on both ends and lots of parking. Morning walks watching the sun rise is stunning, you may catch the trawlers coming back in. Make sure to keep an eye for dolphins that can often be seen swimming in the river.
__________________________________________________________
SHELLY ROCK POOLS - East Ballina
A perfect spot for the kids to explore. There are numerous rock pools and a little man made rock pool that is perfect for the little tots. Drop into Shelly Beach Cafe or the Belle General Café along Shelly Beach Road for breaky or lunch!
__________________________________________________________
THE BOAT CHANNEL - Lennox Head
Protected by a natural reef at the southern end of Seven Mile Beach, the boat channel can be accessed off Rutherford Street in Lennox. You can park at the end near the little park with a kids swing. This is a safe haven for the kids, great for snorkeling and perfectly protected from the waves at high tide. BYO sunshade though!
__________________________________________________________
LAKE AINSWORTH - Lennox Head
Lake Ainsworth is a fresh water lagoon that is coloured by tea tree tannins leaching from the Melaleuca trees that surround the lake and is a very popular swimming, paddling and sailing (no motor boats) spot for locals and visitors.
The water is said to have health giving and rejuvenating properties for the skin and hair and the parkland surrounding the lake is complemented by wonderful barbecue and picnic facilities.
There are grassed areas to roll out your picnic blanket, little sandy beaches and plenty of shade that makes it a very comfortable outing with the kids on a hot day.
