Your Local Guide to Christmas Party Activities, Venues, and Workshops
As the holiday season approaches, Christmas party planning is in full swing! Are you looking for fun, creative, and unique ways to celebrate with your staff and team members?
Operator Profile - Get to know Sugar Beach Ranch
Sugar Beach Ranch sits on 60 acres of unspoilt east coast beauty with endless deserted white sandy beaches, eagles soaring overhead, whales breaching on the doorstep and beautiful native coastal vegetation.
Explore the Hinterland Food Trail
Take a break from the cooler Ballina coastline and head to the scenic hinterland for a drive to discover a warming food trail adventure this winter. The cozy cafes and eateries create a perfect winter escape and make for delightful experiences.
Take a Step Back in Time
Whether you're a local history enthusiast, a genealogist, or simply curious about the past, the museums in Ballina Coast & Hinterland offer a wealth of knowledge and a deeper understanding of the area's rich cultural tapestry. Uncover the fascinating stories preserved within these remarkable institutions that offer a diverse and enlightening experience for visitors of all ages.
Spend a Day in Alstonville
Alstonville is a quaint little town just 13 kilometres west of Ballina which provides plenty of hidden gems to discover.
Operator Profile - Bunnyhole Vintage
Bunnyhole Vintage is a quirky boutique which sells a range of vintage, retro and recycled fashion.
Local Insights - E.S.P. Espresso
The Ballina Tourism Team caught up with local business owner Gera to chat about what he loves about the Ballina Coast & Hinterland. Gera took over E.S.P Espresso Bar in Alstonville back in August 2023, which saw him expand his business, owning both Benchtop Espresso Lismore and now E.S.P. From chatting to him you can genuinely see the pride he takes on delivering great coffee and service.
Explore our Coastal Pathways
Explore the breathtaking coastal landscapes from Ballina to Lennox Head along the Coastal Recreation Path. This shared pathway, winding from Ballina's riverfront through to East Ballina and Lennox Head, offers a diverse journey. Ideal for walking and cycling, the well maintained paths invite all ages tro discover the stunning coastline, from the captivating East Ballina to the dramatic cliff tops of Lennox Head. Make a day of it and walk or cycle the whole path – or choose your own adventure with one of our suggestions.
Hinterland Eats. Alstonville's Dining Scene
When you think of somewhere to dine for dinner, you don't always think about venturing into the hinterland... But you should!
A Paddler's Guide to Ballina
Ballina offers a variety of waterways and route options for both beginner and experienced paddlers. Here are some popular spots for paddling in and around Ballina. Image: Global Paddler
Top 10 Coastal Experiences between Ballina & Lennox Head
Discover what makes Ballina's coastline unique, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems! We've tapped into local insights, asking residents to share their favourite spots - so here is your guide to the top 10 coastal experiences along the coast.
Top 10 Experiences in the Ballina Byron Hinterland
Explore Ballina's charming hinterland, with unique natural landscapes and cultural gems. Delve into the top ten hinterland experiences as we unveil the region's best-kept secrets and beloved spots recommended by locals.
Ballina for Birdwatchers
Located on the beautiful Far North Coast of New South Wales, Ballina is a haven for bird watchers. With its coastal setting, estuaries, wetlands and sub - tropical rainforests, the region attracts a diverse range of bird species.
Experience the Ballina Coast Whale Season
The cooler season is when the beautiful humpback whales have well and truly begun their 10,000 kilometre return journey and are gracing our waters as they head North to the warm sub-tropical waters of Queensland. With the air temperature now much cooler than the ocean temperature, the mist from the plumes of these gentle giants can easily be spotted and often hangs in the air at heights of up to 5 metres on calm days. The plumes and acrobatic displays of the whales can be spotted on the daily now especially from heights such a Lennox Point.
The cooler season is when the beautiful humpback whales have well and truly begun their 10,000 kilometre return journey and are gracing our waters as they head North to the warm sub-tropical waters of Queensland. With the air temperature now much cooler than the ocean temperature, the mist from the plumes of these gentle giants can easily be spotted and often hangs in the air at heights of up to 5 metres on calm days. The plumes and acrobatic displays of the whales can be spotted on the daily now especially from heights such a Lennox Point.A Day on the Northern Rivers Rail Trail
The Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is complete and the region is buzzing about it!
Image: @visitmurwillumbah
Must Visit Pubs In The Northern Rivers
The Northern Rivers has a fantastic pub scene. From small country hotels, to beachside beer gardens, large federation style pubs and everything in between. We have created a list of some of the Northern Rivers' not-to-be-missed Hotels!
Discover local suppliers
The Northern Rivers NSW region is a mecca for quality producers and creative artisans. Local growers, makers, distillers, brewers and manufacturers breathe life into the region with renowned artistic flare and sustainable approaches. Discover the taste and spirit of the Northern Rivers with locally sourced produce and giftware.
Feel even better about your holiday!
Deciding what to do while on holidays can be overwhelming. Why not choose activities that give back to the community and environment! Here's a list to make it easier for you.
Top Northern Rivers National Park Walks
The Northern Rivers is home to many beautiful National Parks.
There's some pretty spectacular walks that are only a short drive from Ballina. Throw on your boots and get out there!
Experience the best of the Ballina and Byron Hinterland with Tourist Drive 28
It's no secret that Ballina and Byron Bay are known for stunning coastlines, clear waters and great surf. Visitors flock to the region every year to experience just that; but if you are visiting the area, a trip to the Hinterland cannot be missed.
Dog friendly guide
The Ballina Shire is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and of course, their four - legged friends. With it's beautiful beaches, plentiful parks and a welcoming community, Ballina offers a a huge range of dog - friendly activities to keep both you and your pup happy.
An insider’s guide to the perfect Sunday in Lennox Head
Photo: Instagram @imagesfromupthere
The Coast - Your Guide to our Beaches
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.
Cool off with the kids
There are no shortage of beaches and places to get wet and cool off along this popular stretch of coast (over 32 kilometres to be exact!!), but if you have the kids in tow, you may want somewhere easy, calm and relaxing and possibly with a bit of shade.
Going to the Coffee Source
Who doesn't love a great coffee? In the Northern Rivers you can see where it is grown, how it is roasted as well as enjoy your favourite brew. Here we share with you a few places you can pop into to meet local growers and roasters and even get a great brew while you're there.
A Day on the Water with Fozies Fishing Adventures
Ballina is well known for its fishing industry, after all, we are home to the Big Prawn! While we have great seafood outlets nothing beats reeling in the big one yourself which is exactly what you will do when you spend the day with Rob on Fozies Fishing Adventures.
Ballina is well known for its fishing industry, after all, we are home to the Big Prawn! While we have great seafood outlets nothing beats reeling in the big one yourself which is exactly what you will do when you spend the day with Rob on