Lookouts & Headlands

The coastal lookouts offer amazing views of the Pacific Ocean and make for the perfect vantage point for watching the humpback whale migration that occurs annually from May through until October. Here we share some of the best vantage spots.

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BALLINA HEADLAND | Compton Drive, East Ballina

Located on Compton Drive, the Ballina Lookout provides uninterrupted views of Lighthouse Beach and Shelly Beach. It is a great spot to watch the whales, dolphins and surfers. Just behind the lookout you will see the Lighthouse which is easily accessible from Grandview Street.

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PAT MORTON LOOKOUT | The Coast Road, Lennox Head

Located on Compton Drive, the Ballina Lookout provides uninterrupted views of Lighthouse Beach and Shelly Beach. It is a great spot to watch the whales, dolphins and surfers. Just behind the lookout you will see the Lighthouse which is easily accessible from Grandview Street.

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BOULDER BEACH HEADLAND | Rocky Point Road, Skennars Head

Situated on The Coast Road between Ballina and Lennox Head, Boulder Beach Headland is the ideal spot to set up a picnic and take in the views. A popular spot for surfers with views in the distance of Byron Bay Lighthouse, Boulder Beach Headland is picturesque. It is situted on the Coastal Recreation Path so if you want to stretch your legs and go for a scenic walk you can head north towards Pat Morton or south towards Sharpes Beach.

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NORTH WALL | Lighthouse Parade, East Ballina

Park at the Coast Guard Tower on the corner of Fenwick Dr & Lighthouse Parade and enjoy a leisurely stroll to the end of the breakwall. Keep an eye out in the river mouth for dolphins and turtles and once you make it to the end, take in the views and wacth the whales between May and October. Enjoy views to South Ballina and down towards Evans head.

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SOUTH WALL | River Dr, South Ballina

Take the Burns Point Car Ferry across the river to South Ballina, turn left and follow the mouth of the river to the end. You will need to walk for a small section before you make it to the breakwall but take in the views looking back towards Ballina - its a great persepective of the waterslides, The Spit beach and Missingham Bridge. It is quieter on the south side but the same easterly vantage point to watch the whales. Photo credit @rare.jem.photography

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BLACK HEAD LOOKOUT | Shelly Beach Road, East Ballina

Black Head lookout looks out over Angels Beach and is a significant sacred historic, cultural and heritage Aboriginal site. A memorial to all Bundjalung people who lost their lives in the East Ballina massacre in 1853/54 is located at East Ballina along the Aboriginal Cultural Ways path. Follow the pathway at the northern end of Shelly Beach Road, approx 100metres along the path.