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FOUR DAY ITINERARY
Go on a journey of discovery the Ballina Coast & Hinterland on this four day itinerary. Discover the iconic coastline, venture into the hinterland and visit many of our quaint villages and seaside towns.
Click here to print or download a copy of the Ballina Coast & Hinterland Four Day Itinerary
Attractions can be found following the white on brown tourist drive signage, except for those marked with a # symbol. Official Tourist Drive attractions are open a minimum five days per week including Saturdays and Sundays. Also visit other pages on this website or contact the Ballina Visitor Information Centre by telephone on 1800 777 666 to book your exclusive tour or experience for your stay.
DAY ONE: BALLINA
After your journey to the Ballina Coast & Hinterland, get out into the fresh air and stretch your legs with a walk along the #North Wall. Here you can spot dolphins in the Richmond River and learn about the European history through the 21 historic Ballina waterfront plaques located along the path. It is simply a breathtaking walk!
Visit Harbourview Street to see Ballina’s Lighthouse and take in the sweeping coastal views. Head into the town centre of Ballina, to learn about the regions’ history and culture with a visit to Ballina Naval & Maritime Museum. It’s the home of Las Balsas Raft, a remnant from the world’s longest raft voyage in 1973.
Still in the centre of Ballina, visit the old Ballina Shire Council Chamber building, now home to the #Northern Rivers Community Gallery. Here you will find quality art by talented local artists. Sit on the veranda to enjoy a coffee and fresh meals delivered with exceptional service.
In Ballina’s former and original main street, Norton Street, take a free tour of the Ballina Manor, a building rich in 20th century history and filled with antiques from the same period.
DAY TWO: ALSTONVILLE - WARDELL - SOUTH BALLINA - BALLINA
Venture along the hinterland discovery drive, Tourist Drive 28 up to the Alstonville plateau and browse the boutique stores along Main Street while enjoying the federation architecture. You’re sure to find a treasure.
A short drive from Main Street, visit Summerland Farm, a working macadamia and avocado property set in the hills of the Alstonville plateau. While you are here take advantage of the regions’ rich volcanic soils and stock up on fresh produce at the Regional Grocer.
Escape to Victoria Park Nature Reserve, one of the last remnants of the Big Scrub, the rainforest prominent to the natural landscape of the Northern Rivers region. Victoria Park is home to over 150 species of flora and fauna, stroll around the 300-metre boardwalk loop and enjoy the cool, lush sub-tropical rainforest.
On your journey along Tourist Drive 28 collect seasonal fresh produce at the roadside stalls dotted along the way towards Wardell. Get out and stretch your legs at historic Wardell, take the short 70-metre stroll along the riverfront boardwalk. Admire the landmark bridge built to replace the ferries and barges used to transport cedar and sugar cane in the 1800s.
From Wardell journey along the picturesque River Drive towards South Ballina and catch the #Burns Point Vehicle Ferry across the Richmond River to Ballina.
After your ferry journey, take the opportunity to have your photo taken with the Big Prawn located on the Bunning's site in River Street. The Big Prawn stands nine metres high and is one of Australia’s iconic big things. Sample some fresh seafood from one of the seafood co-operatives on River Street in West Ballina, located a short distance from the Big Prawn on the opposite side of the road. Or stop into #Richmond Oysters, located on the Serpentine in East Ballina for fresh local oysters, or oysters cooked to your liking.
As the sun sets, watch it light up the sky from one of the eateries on the banks of the Richmond River. This is also a great spot to watch the dolphins fishing in the river and hear them come up for a breath of fresh air.
For more information on dining options, pick up a copy of the Restaurant Guide from the Ballina Visitor Information Centre or visit discoverballina.com for the Great Food Guide.
DAY THREE: EAST BALLINA - LENNOX HEAD - NEWRYBAR - BANGALOW - TINTENBAR - TEVEN
Take a journey north of Ballina to Lennox Head following Tourist Drive 30. On the way, stop and walk the Coastal Recreational Path. The path runs along the Ballina coastline to Skennars Head and crosses country that is of special significance to Aboriginal people.
Local keepers of cultural knowledge share stories and memories through interpretive signage that can be viewed along the path. You’ll also enjoy beautiful scenery and nature reserve. Closer to Lennox Head, stop at the Pat Morton Lookout and enjoy the elevated panoramic views over the township of Lennox Head and beyond to Cape Byron, the most easterly point of Australia. The headland offers a beachfront pathway to the township of Lennox Head and a coastal clifftop walking track to the southern beaches. From June to October you can spot the migrating humpback whales.
From the main street of Lennox Head, stop in and grab a homemade gelato and then stroll approx 20 minutes along Lennox Head’s Ballina Street/Pacific Parade to the therapeutic tea tree infused waters of Lake Ainsworth.
Spend the afternoon relaxing at Inner Beauty in Lennox Head. This unique little beauty boutique offers luxurious treatments and packages to spoil you while here on holiday. Or continue your drive north to the Historic Village of Newrybar, a quaint little hamlet nestled in the hinterland above Lennox Head. Newrybar is home to Australia’s oldest, bakery which incorporates an award-winning cafe. Next door houses a glorious deli filled with delicious treats.
The charming village street offers an antique store, a dress shop and an old home converted into a trendy collective of local artisans that showcase their wares to the public.
While in the area, take a detour and visit the #Cape Byron Distillery on St Helena Road above Byron Bay. This is the areas first distillery of gin, set on a macadamia farm surrounded by sub-tropical rainforest. They offer tours and tastings every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Head back along the Hinterland Way and visit the historic town of #Bangalow, then head west along Lismore Road and take a scenic drive towards Tintenbar along Friday Hut Road to #Killen Falls. Take a short walk to see the waterfall, please note swimming is prohibited.
An unforgettable golfing experience awaits you at the boutique Teven Valley Golf Course. The nine-hole course offers so much more than just traditional golf; have a game of foot golf, bring a picnic and spot platypus in the creek. Ask the Ballina Information Centre to arrange a gourmet picnic hamper.
DAY FOUR: BALLINA
Head out early from Ballina on a Dolphin Cruise with #Out of the Blue Adventures along the iconic coast line to Cape Byron. This unique adventure cruise allows you to get up close with marine life - and in season see humpback whales.
Arrive back to Ballina in time for lunch at #The Wharf Bar & Restaurant and dine with the best views of the Richmond River. This is a popular spot at sunset for drinks and tapas, to watch the spectacular colours set in the sky, to people watch as they stroll along the river or to watch the dolphins playing in the water.
ADDRESSES FOR GPS
North Wall, Brighton Street, Ballina NSW 2478
Ballina Lighthouse, Harbourview Street, East Ballina NSW 2478
Ballina Naval and Maritime Museum, 2 Regatta Avenue, Ballina NSW 2478
Northern Rivers Community Gallery, 44 Cherry Street, Ballina NSW 2478
Ballina Manor, 25 Norton Street, Ballina NSW 2478
Alstonville Town Centre, Main Street, Alstonville NSW 2477
Summerland Farm, 253 Wardell Road, Alstonville NSW 2477
Victoria Park Nature Reserve, Dalwood Road, Dalwood NSW 2477
Wardell Boardwalk, Bridge Street, Wardell NSW 2477
Big Prawn, 507 River Street, Ballina NSW 2478
Richmond Oysters, The Serpentine, East Ballina NSW 2478
Ballina Visitor Information Centre, 6 River Street, Ballina NSW 2478
Coastal Recreational Path, The Coast Road, East Ballina NSW 2478
Pat Morton Lookout, The Coast Road, Lennox Head NSW 2478
Lennox Town Centre, Ballina Street, Lennox Head NSW 2478
Lake Ainsworth, Northern End Pacific Parade, Lennox Head NSW 2478
Inner Beauty, 4/90-92 Ballina St, Lennox Head NSW 2478
Newrybar Village, Old Pacific Highway, Newrybar Village NSW 2479
Cape Byron Distillery, 80 St Helena Rd, McLeods Shoot NSW 2479
Bangalow Village, Byron Street, Bangalow NSW 2479
Killen Falls, Killen Falls Drive, Tintenbar NSW 2478
Teven Valley Golf Course, 1684 Eltham Road, Teven NSW 2478
Out of the Blue Adventures, phone 1800 777 666
The Wharf Bar & Restaurant, 12-24 Fawcett St, Ballina NSW 2478