We are blessed with dolphins being sited daily. From the Richmond River, North Creek to the break wall and most beaches, dolphins are always playing but the excitement of seeing them never seems to wear off! If you also love pelicans, stop by the fish cleaning table on the riverfront near the Richmond Yatch Club to see dozens of them.

Visit one of our headlands (Ballina Lighthouse area or Pat Morton Lookout in Lennox Head) for elevated views over the ocean. As the Ballina Coastline juts out to the east more than other regions the whales come in very close during the seasonal whale migration and viewing them from the land is excellent.

The BP Travel Centre located in West Ballina at the intersection of the Bruxner and Pacific Highways offers a free dump point.

Ballina Waterfront Village on the southern entry into Ballina, and Reflections Ballina Central in the CBD of Ballina, also provide a dump point service for a fee.

• Where can boats/yachts moor in the Richmond River?

Generally out of the main channels for anchoring, two Courtesy moorings are available which are pink coloured buoys, with prescribed time limits. The courtesy moorings are pretty much opposite the Ramada Hotel, positioned Mid river.

Several public jetties are in town which also have a prescribed time limit.

• How long can they moor for?

NSW Marine Legislation stipulates 28 Days in any one place ie. Richmond River

• Who looks after the wharf in front of Fawcett Street & RSL Club? How long can boats pull up there?

BSC are the owners/Managers, both TfNSW-Maritime and BSC inspect and monitor vessels visiting these facilities

• Who looks after the marina/boat harbour along Regatta Avenue? 

These are long term leases established between the department of lands and a local Boating association. All infrastructure within this harbour is privately owned, the small government boat ramp is gated with restricted access.

• Any other information?

13 12 36 is the Maritime Access Line, open and manned 7 days  a week

While there are no backpacker properties within the Ballina Shire, Ballina Travellers Lodge does offer rooms at affordable prices with shared bathrooms and a communal kitchen and lounge facilities. The Aussie Hotel in the CBD of Ballina also offers affordable accommodation with shared bathroom facilities.

There certainly is!

Situated in the Ballina Shire, Killen Falls is approx. 20 mins from Ballina or Lennox Head. This is a tranquil picnic area with a viewing platform over the small falls. 

A scenic 50 minute drive from Ballina you can explore the world heritage listed rainforest of Nightcap National Park featuring Minyon Falls and Protestor Falls, both are very popular day trips with many opportunities for walks and picnics.

Please note swimming is not permitted in any of the waterfalls in the region.

The Ballina Coast & Hinterland is a playground for beach lovers, surfers, boaties, anglers and eco-adventurers. Away from the coast, our hinterland is dotted with charming villages, lush subtropical rainforests, working farms and amazing local produce. For a full list of things to see and do around our region head to See & Do around Ballina Coast & Hinterland.

There are numerous public toilet locations whilst out and about, for a full list please visit Public Toilet Locations.

The elected Council has debated the provision of free camping in the Ballina Shire on a number of occasions and the position of Council has constantly been not to provide these facilities due to the large number of privately owned caravan parks in the Shire. The preference of Council is to encourage visitors to support approved accommodation providers who have invested in our community. 
It is acknowledged that other businesses benefit from the provision of free camping however on balance the elected Council has determined that the best outcome for our community is to support the existing accommodation providers.