Lennox Head Lennox Head Newrybar Newrybar Teven/Tintenbar Teven/Tintenbar Alstonville & Wollongbar Alstonville & Wollongbar Ballina Ballina South Ballina South Ballina Wardell Wardell
INSET MAP 01
Drive Times From
Brisbane2 hrs south
Gold Coast1 hr 30 mins south
Byron Bay30 min south
Sydney8 hrs north

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.

A couple enjoying coffee in a lush garden setting at a Newrybar café in the Byron Bay hinterland, surrounded by native trees and greenery.

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.

Discover more Back to Map
Couple walking along the coastal boardwalk at Lennox Head at sunset, with ocean views, rocky shoreline, and palm trees in the background.

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.

Discover more Back to Map
Two people exploring the base of Killen Falls near Ballina, Northern NSW, with water cascading from a cave ledge into a freshwater pool

Teven & Tintenbar

Teven and Tintenbar are charming hinterland hamlets just 10 minutes from Ballina

Discover more Back to Map
A young woman walking across a pedestrian crossing in front of the historic Federal Hotel in Alstonville at sunset.

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.

Discover more Back to Map
Two cyclists ride along Ballina’s North Wall shared path between the Richmond River and the Pacific Ocean on a sunny day.

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.

Discover more Back to Map
Aerial view of Mobbs Bay in South Ballina, New South Wales, showing the Richmond River mouth, sandy beach, break wall, and coastal vegetation.

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.

Discover more Back to Map
Man fishing at the Wardell Wharf on the Richmond River with the historic Wardell lift bridge in the background at sunset.

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!

Discover more Back to Map

Itineraries

Things to do

DiscoverBallina2024(HR) 57

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

Daily Inspiration

🏄‍♀️ Future surfing legends, this one’s for you.

The Soundboks Oz Grom Open returns to Lennox Head from 7-12 July, bringing six days of world-class junior surfing to one of Australia’s most iconic breaks. 

Grab a spot on the sand, cheer on the next generation of surfing talent and soak up the atmosphere.

📍 Seven Mile Beach, Lennox Head

Find all the event details via the link in our bio.

@soundboks_australia 
@ozgromopen 

#discoverballina #visitnsw #soundboks
The locals are already taste-testing the menu… 🐐🥕🐑

The Winter Food Festival is warming up at Summerland Farm on 11 July, and these guys clearly didn’t want to miss out. 😅

Come for the incredible local food, stay for the farmyard entertainment. 🍴🐾

👉🏼 Follow the link in our bio to our ‘What’s On’ to find out more. 

@summerland_farm 

#ballinansw #visitnsw #discoverballina
Looking for the best whale watching in NSW? Start on the Ballina Coast. ⭐

Whether you’re spotting whales from a scenic headland, cruising alongside them on the water, or taking to the skies for a bird’s-eye view, Ballina Coast & Hinterland offers unforgettable ways to witness one of nature’s greatest migrations.

From land, sea or air, every encounter is different- but everyone is worth remembering.

@whitestarair ✈️ 
@outoftheblueadventures 🛥️ 
@ballinabyronmarineadventures 🐋 

✨ Save this post, it’s already been a bumper start and will only get better, tag the person you’d take on the ultimate whale watching adventure.

Follow the link in our bio for all the best ways to see the whales! 

#DiscoverBallina #ballinacoastandhinterland #whaleseason #visitnsw
Stories of family, culture and Country, shared through art. 🖤 💛 ♥️ 

Discover Nanang Wabang – Big Sister, Little Sister by Sonya Breckenridge & Maurita Moran, a powerful exhibition celebrating generations of connection, memory and the strength of Bundjalung and Dunghutti women and family.

On display at the Northern Rivers Community Gallery in Ballina, this is a meaningful opportunity to experience contemporary Aboriginal art and the stories that shape our region.

If you’re exploring Ballina Coast & Hinterland, add this inspiring exhibition to your itinerary and support our vibrant local arts community. @sonya_brekenridge_art @maurita.moran @nrcgballina 

.#discoverballina #visitnsw #firstnationsart
❄️ Winter solstice on the Ballina Coast - shortest day, but the turn is here, from today, the light starts winning. Longer days, softer sunsets, same salty winter vibe.

Ballina winter: quiet beaches, crisp air, and that slow coastal reset.

🔗 in bio to plan your winter escape.

#wintersolstice #discoverballina #visitnsw