Ballina Beaches
Details
One of the biggest drawcards to our region is its natural beauty and in particular, our uncrowded beaches.
Ballina has 32km of golden sands, spectacular surfing breaks and family friendly beaches. Our coastline is simply stunning and you will be spoilt for choice.
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LIGHTHOUSE BEACH | East Ballina
Lighthouse Beach is one of Ballina’s main beaches and is patrolled in school holidays, making it the perfect spot for families. Approximately 500m in length, there are plenty of walking tracks either end to give you great views of the beach – North Wall and Ballina Headland. The northern end is perfect for when the northerly winds blow as it is protected by the headland. It is also the end that is patrolled in school holidays and on weekends in the summer months. The southern end near North Wall is popular with the surfers and a walk along breakwall will get you close to the action. There are toilets and shower facilities at either end of the beach.
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SHELLY BEACH | East Ballina
Shelly Beach is a family favourite in East Ballina. The southern end of Shelly Beach is full of rockpools to explore making it great for younger children. On low tide there is still shells to discover (they once covered the southern end) but not as many these days. North of the rockpools is the surf beach for those that want to body surf, take out the boards or catch waves in the shores. The beach is patrolled throughout the spring, summer and autumn school holidays. Shelly Beach Café and Belle General are within walking distance if you are looking for a cold drink, a bite to eat or delicious coffee. There are plenty of carparks either end but they can get very busy in summer holidays. There are also toilet and shower facilities at the southern end near the main carpark.
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ANGELS BEACH | East Ballina
Angels Beach is a quiet and long stretch of beach that is generally uncrowded making it perfect for beach walkers. It is beautifully bordered by natural vegetation growing on sand dunes but please note it is not a patrolled beach so be mindful about rips and strong currents in this area. Angels Beach is dog friendly but dogs MUST be on the lead so don't forget to take your four legged companion on your beach walk!
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FLAT ROCK BEACH | East Ballina
Flat Rock is arguably one of our most desired beaches and the most easterly point of our coastline. It is a very popular surfing spot for new and experienced surfers due to the rocky outcrop creating a surf break. The rock pools are home to lots of marine life and are great to explore when the tide is low making this beach popular with families. It is also home to a lot of birds so you often see bird watchers looking for specific species. Flat Rock Tent Park is located just behind the dunes making it a perfect place to camp for beach and fishing lovers. Toilets and showers are available in the carpark and a beach is patrolled in the school holidays.
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SHARPES BEACH | East Ballina
Easily accessible from the Coast Road, Sharpes Beach is a great beach for a daily swim. Located to the North of Flat Rock Beach and South of Skennars Headland, it is a long stretch of dog-friendly beach (leash required) and a popular surfing spot. A little tip – keep an eye out for dolphins here as pods of dolphins love surfing the waves. Sharpes Beach is patrolled in the school holidays. It is also a great start point for the coastal walk heading towards Lennox Head - walk to Pat Morton and back and enjoy a well deserved swim.
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SEVEN MILE BEACH | Lennox Head
Seven Mile Beach is a pristine stretch of sandy beach from Lennox Point which is part of the national surfing reserve including the famous right hand surf break - one of the top ten breaks in Australia. It is an iconic beach and mecca for surfers, swimmers, fishermen and beach lovers. The Boat Channel just off Rutherford Street in Lennox Head is a safe haven for swimming and snorkeling. On a high tide it is perfectly protected from the waves. It runs parallel to the CBD of Lennox Head so lots of shops and cafes to be able to get something to eat. Out front of the Lennox Surf Club they run learn to surf lessons and the freshwater tea tree lake is located just behind the club making it a popular spot for picnics and families. North of the Surf Club is an off leash dog area.
The northern end of Seven Mile Beach (north of Surf Club) is 4WD accessible. You can purchase a 4WD permit from the self register machine located on Camp Drewe Road and drive along this surf and fishing beach. This section of the beach is also an off leash dog area so we ask that all users be mindful of activity around them
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SOUTH BALLINA BEACH | South Ballina
As the name suggests, South Ballina Beach is located in South Ballina which is accessible from Ballina via the Burns Point Ferry that operates 7 days a week. Alternatively, you can take the Wardell exit from the highway and head along South Ballina Road. We don’t recommend swimming at South Ballina Beach because it is not patrolled and the ocean can be rough. Fishing is a popular activity though and the quiet, long stretch of sand makes it a great beach walk. Photo credit @connorhenderson_photo
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MORE INFO......
IPHONE BEACH SAFETY APP
Beachgoers are urged to download the Beachsafe app providing ready access to beach conditions in Ballina Shire at their fingertips. How it works is: a map of the coastline displays icons of beach openings, closures and caution.
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DOGS PERMITTED ON THE FOLLOWING BEACHES
- Angels Beach - leash required
- Sharpes Beach - leash required
- Seven Mile Beach (North of Lake Ainsworth) - off leash, effective control
- The Spit (behind waterslides to Missingham Bridge) - off leash, effective control
- Patches Beach (500m north & south of access point) - off leash, effective control
Dogs are prohibited on all other beaches in the Ballina Shire
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HORSE RIDING ON BALLINA BEACHES
Permitted on Seven Mile Beach, north of Lake Ainsworth - access via Camp Drewe Rd. Code of conduct:
1. Exercise caution at all time near other beach users
2. Only enter and exit at designated access tracks
3. Do not enter any other walking track or dune
4. Only walk your horse on the beach
5. Do not tether to any native vegetation
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VEHICLES ON BEACHES
Seven Mile Beach - Vehicles with 4WD permits are permitted on Seven Mile Beach, Lennox Head north of Lake Ainsworth with access from the western side of the Lake on Camp Drewe Road. Permits are available from the automatic kiosk that is located opposite the Lennox Head Surf Club approaching Camp Drewe Road. Payment by Visa, Mastercard or debit card.
Information regarding fees and guidelines can be found on Ballina Shire Council website 4WDs on Beaches
CODE OF CONDUCT
The following Code of Conduct outlines the conditions of use of 4WD's on Ballina Shire Beaches. It provides guidelines to public safety and the protection of local flora and fauna and must be adhered to at all times.
1. Only enter and exit the beach at designated 4WD beach access tracks
2. Do not drive on any other dune area or track
3. Do not drive within 10km of any part of the vegetated dune
4. Drive only on firm sand below high tide
5. Do not exceed a speed limit of 30kph on beach, or 15kph within 50m of any other beach user.
6. All drivers must hold a current drivers licence
7. All NSW road rules apply
Vehicles are prohibited on all other beaches in the Ballina Shire
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Ballina Beaches
Standalone Operators