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.
Select towns on the map to discover more.

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.
Inspiration and ideas
Explore towns & villages
As we share the stories of water, Country and connection through Ballina Water Stories, we also pause to recognise National Reconciliation Week, a time to reflect on our shared history and our shared future.
Reconciliation is about strengthening relationships, building respect and creating opportunities to walk forward together. It asks us to listen, learn and acknowledge the enduring cultures, knowledge and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
This week reminds us that reconciliation is not just a concept, but something we can all contribute to through small, meaningful actions every day, taking time to listen, deepen our understanding, show respect and create space for connection.
Through gatherings, conversations and shared experiences, we have the opportunity to come together, reflect and recognise the important role each of us plays in building a more reconciled community and nation.
Find out more about the Ballina Sound Trail and Water Stories here https://www.discoverballina.com.au/explore/attraction/water-stories-soundtrail-walk/
#NationalReconciliationWeek #BallinaWaterStories #DiscoverBallina #BallinaShireCouncil
Whale season has officially arrived on the Ballina coastline. 🐋
From coastal walks in Lennox Head to lookout stops along the Ballina coast, this is the time of year when humpbacks put on a show as they make their annual journey north.
With morning coffees, ocean views, fresh sea air and the chance to spot a breach just offshore - not a bad way to spend a winter weekend. 💙
Whether you’re visiting for a few days or just passing through, whale season is your sign to slow down, take the scenic route and spend a little more time by the water.
Seen one yet? 👀
@milesawaymedia
#DiscoverBallina #BallinaCoastAndHinterland #WhaleSeason #VisitNSW #seeaustralia
Because winter hits different when your mornings start with ocean swims, your afternoons end in long lunches, and the sunsets still show off.
Around here, the only thing cooler than the weather is the laid-back coastal vibe. Throw in fresh seafood, hinterland views and a coffee stop that somehow turns into brunch… and suddenly that “quick weekend away” feels a little less quick.
Honestly, we get it. 💙
Warning: may cause sudden urges to extend your stay. 😉
#DiscoverBallina #BallinaCoastAndHinterland #WinterEscape #VisitNSW
We stopped into Bolt & Buckle on a recent wander through Alstonville 🤎
Set inside the town’s restored original bank building, the space is full of character, from the heritage details to the original vault door still inside the store.
Alongside quality menswear, leather goods and thoughtful gifts, it’s another reason to slow down and spend the day exploring Alstonville’s boutiques, cafés and hinterland charm #visitnsw #discoverballina
The Point from any angle? Pretty spectacular. ✨
There’s just something about Lennox Head - the beachside town feel, slow salty afternoons and a kind of nostalgia that makes it feel familiar, even if it’s your first visit. 💙
#DiscoverBallina #LennoxHead #BallinaCoastAndHinterland #VisitNSW
credit: @mattpearsongallery
Imagine waking up to this 🌊
Beach walks, coffee runs, ocean swims and some of the best views on the coast, easy to see why people fall in love with this place.
📍 Lennox Head
🎥 @lukeworkmann & @reflectionsholidays
Australian Traveller said it, not us 👀
For years, Ballina was treated as the place you passed through on the way somewhere else. But between the beaches, river swims, coastal walks, galleries, long lunches and slow mornings… people are finally catching on.
So yes, we’ll accept the apology.
And if you’ve been sleeping on Ballina too, now’s your chance
#DiscoverBallina #BallinaNSW #VisitNSW #SeeAustralia #NSWTravel @austtraveller
Slow mornings out at @prairie.coffeehouse ☕🌿
Tucked away in the Ballina Hinterland, this little gem is all country charm, good coffee and weekend vibes done right. Open Friday, Saturday & Sunday, the perfect excuse for a scenic drive and a slower pace.
Coffee, fresh air and a beautiful spot to linger a little longer ✨
#DiscoverBallina #Brooklet #CoffeeStops #northernrivers #weekendvibes
