Welcome to Ballina Coast & Hinterland
Discover our unique natural wonderland and diverse cultural landscape. The Ballina Coast and Hinterland is home to 32km of pristine coastline, lush subtropical rainforests, untouched National Parks, diverse wildlife, quaint hinterland towns, stunning waterfalls and world class surf breaks.
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Newrybar
Newrybar is perfect for those who love their country escapes with a side of style. Discover local makers and curators, with unique shops packed with handcrafted, sustainable, and downright beautiful finds.
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Lennox Head
Laid-back Lennox Head is a leisurely (and very scenic) 10 minute drive north of Ballina. It is a mecca among surfers and its famous right hand break - Lennox Point - is one of the top ten surf breaks in Australia.
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Teven & Tintenbar
Teven and Tintenbar are charming hinterland hamlets just 10 minutes from Ballina
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Alstonville & Wollongbar
Alstonville is a charming town surrounded by macadamia and avocado farms, pretty countryside and a friendly community. Nestles I the hinterland, halfway between Ballina and Lismore, it offers great cafes, a country pub in the heart of town and lovely gift shops.
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Ballina
Centred on an island at the mouth of the Richmond River, Ballina is the social and commercial hub of the region. The main street is lined with cafes, shops and picnic areas to relax by the river. East Ballina is the home to Ballina's calm waterways and pristine beaches.
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South Ballina
South Ballina is a tranquil coastal gem, known for its long, open beach, excellent fishing and natural beauty. Accessible from Ballina via the Burns Point Ferry or the Wardell exit on the highway, it’s the perfect location for a quiet camp spot, peaceful strolls along the break wall and birdwatching at Mobbs Bay. With sweeping views across the Richmond River and a rich cultural history, South Ballina offers a slower pace to reconnect with nature.
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Wardell
Situated upstream on the picturesque Richmond River, Wardell is a serene retreat surrounded by rolling sugarcane fields. It’s the perfect starting point for your journey along Tourist Drive 28. Don’t leave without sampling a famous Wardell pie – a treat as warm and welcoming as the village itself!
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What’s on
Whether you’re chasing live tunes, a good laugh or a weekend market stroll, there’s always something happening in the region. From festivals and stage shows to open mic nights and family events, find out what’s on during your visit.
Your Stay Starts Here
Looking for a place to stay? From cabins to glamping tents, tiny houses to retro motels, you’ll find the perfect spot to unwind. Browse and book local accommodation across the Ballina Coast and Hinterland.
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Explore 10 Must-Do Coastal and Hinterland Walks
From leisurely seaside strolls to challenging hinterland hikes, we’ve rounded up the best scenic walks in Ballina and beyond. Lace up your walking shoes, pack some snacks, and let’s hit the trails!
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Looking for a wholesome, feel-good gift this Christmas?
@summerland_farm offers meaningful experiences the whole family will love — from adorable animal encounters to relaxed garden picnics surrounded by rolling green hills.
🚜 Farm Tours — Coming Soon!
Soon you’ll be able to step behind the scenes of one of the Northern Rivers’ most iconic working farms. Wander through orchards, paddocks and specialty crop areas as guides share how avocados, macadamias and seasonal produce are grown across the 238-acre property. It’s hands-on, immersive and ideal for curious minds and nature lovers.
🧺 Garden Picnics for Two
For something deliciously relaxed, enjoy a beautifully prepared hamper in a peaceful garden setting. Everything’s included — all you need to do is settle in, unwind and soak up the views.
🐑 Animal Encounters & Alpaca Feeding
Spend time with the farm’s friendliest residents and enjoy close-up moments that are guaranteed to spark joy — perfect for kids (and kids at heart).
A thoughtful gift for families, food lovers and anyone who enjoys a day spent outdoors.
📞 For more information or to book, contact the Ballina Visitor Information Centre.
#DiscoverBallina #BallinaCoastandHinterland #SummerlandFarm #FamilyFun #ChristmasGiftIdeas
Looking for a meaningful gift for an animal lover?
A Koala Experience at the @bbwildlifesanctuary offers a rare chance to step inside the koala enclosure and meet Arni, the resident male koala. 🐨
Guided by one of the sanctuary’s experienced mammal keepers, you’ll learn what makes Arni so unique, discover more about koalas in the wild and gain insight into how we can help protect these iconic animals.
Set in the peaceful Ballina hinterland, this intimate encounter is a thoughtful way to connect with nature — without disturbing it.
The sanctuary also offers a range of other wildlife experiences, including encounters with squirrel gliders, owls, black cockatoos, reptiles, possums and more!
📞 For more information or to book, contact the Ballina Visitor Information Centre.
#DiscoverBallina #BallinaCoastandHinterland #WildlifeExperience #KoalaEncounter #ChristmasGiftIdeas
Golden light, ocean air and one very photogenic headland — the walk from the Boat Channel to Pat Morton Lookout consistently outperforms expectations.
Join the path off Rutherford Street and follow the coastline as it eases you into a gentle climb with serious return on investment: sweeping ocean views, sunrise glow, and sunset magic that never misses its brief.
📍 Pat Morton Lookout, Lennox Head
📷 @imagesbyjoelene
Save this coastal classic for your next walk!
#DiscoverBallina #BallinaCoastandHinterland #LennoxHead #PatMortonLookout #CoastalWalks
Looking for a gift with a little more wonder?
A Vision Walks Eco Tour offers stories, scenery and a deeper connection to the natural world — the perfect experience for the nature-lover or slow-traveller. 🍃
For something truly unforgettable, try the Night Vision Walk. Step into the rainforest without a torch and explore the nocturnal world through night-vision goggles. It’s a rare chance to watch wildlife going about their evening routines, completely undisturbed.
@visionwalks also run an incredible range of daytime adventures, including Wildlife Safaris, Platypus Walks, Koala Tours, Bush Tucker Walks, Bird Watching Tours and multi-day wildlife experiences. Their hinterland tours explore waterfalls, villages, markets and hidden corners of the Northern Rivers — from one-day escapes to immersive multi-day journeys.
📞 For more information or to book, contact the Ballina Visitor Information Centre.
#DiscoverBallina #BallinaCoastandHinterland #NatureWalks #NatureTours #ChristmasGiftIdeas
Looking for a creative gift with a personal touch this Christmas? 🌟
A silk painting workshop with Sea Silks Studio offers art, colour and a beautiful keepsake to treasure — the perfect experience for anyone who loves to create.
Discover the vibrant world of silk painting with world-renowned artist @kimmichelletoft, who brings over 30 years of expertise to her relaxed, welcoming studio in the heart of Ballina. Across a four-hour workshop, you’ll complete your own 30cm x 40cm hand-painted silk artwork.
No drawing experience? No worries.
Choose one of Kim’s nature-inspired designs, trace your outline, apply gold gutta, then bring your piece to life with dyes and brushes in between the shimmering lines.
Workshops are held on Saturdays and are suitable for both beginners and seasoned creatives. All materials are provided — just bring your curiosity.
📞 For more information or to book, contact the Ballina Visitor Information Centre.
#DiscoverBallina #BallinaCoastandHinterland #Workshop #ChristmasGiftIdeas
Salt on your skin, sand between your toes — this is Sharpes Beach at its best 💦☀️
Stretching between Ballina and Lennox Head, it’s the perfect stop for a spontaneous swim, a surf, or just a moment to take in those endless ocean views.
📍Sharpes Beach, East Ballina
📷 @benlegzdinsphotography
#DiscoverBallina #VisitNSW #SharpesBeach #BallinaCoast #BeachVibes #NorthernRiversNSW
Get ready to elevate your festive celebrations with a Holiday Entertaining Masterclass at @bonitoperuvian 🎄
Led by expert chefs, this fun and interactive session will teach you how to prepare two delicious canapés and two perfectly paired cocktails — ideal for impressing guests or adding extra flair to your Christmas and New Year gatherings.👨🍳
No experience needed… just bring your curiosity, creativity and good vibes. 🥂✨
Perfect for anyone who loves cooking for the holidays or never knows what to make this time of year!
📅 13 December 2025
🕙 10:00am – 12:00pm
📍 Bonito Peruvian, Wollongbar
🎟️ Tickets are available now — book via the link in @bonitoperuvian’s bio.
#DiscoverBallina #BallinaCoastandHinterland #ChristmasGiftIdeas #HolidayMasterclass #BonitoPeruvian
Golden light, calm water, and a front-row seat to one of the most peaceful stretches of the Richmond River — from sunrise to sunset, the Ballina Wharf delivers pure waterfront serenity and a generous dose of natural charm 🌅
Start your day on the riverfront with a coffee from @sparrowcoffeeco, enjoy breakfast at @saltbushballina, let the kids run free at the Fawcett Park playground, settle in for dinner at @wharfbarballina, or take in the view from your accommodation at @riverside.ballina
📍 Richmond River & Ballina Wharf
📸 @silva.nomad
#DiscoverBallina #BallinaCoastandHinterland #Ballina
