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.
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1. SNAP A SELFIE WITH THE BIG PRAWN
No Ballina trip is complete without a Big Prawn selfie! Built in 1989, this quirky landmark faced the axe until it was rescued by Bunnings in 2012. Now, this nine-metre, 35-tonne crustacean is a local icon. After your snap, grab some fresh prawns from one of the local fish co-ops nearby and enjoy them by the riverfront - a true Ballina experience!
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2. PACK A PICNIC AND WATCH THE SUNSET OVER THE OCEAN
No better way to finish a day then watching the sun set in an ideal location and we are sharing some of our favourite locations with you. Fawcett Park overlooks the Richmond River and is a perfect backdrop for the family to enjoy their dinner and watch the day come to an end. The Serpentine is a stunning spot to watch the sun shine through the mighty Norfolk Pines on dusk. Boulder Beach Headland is an amazing spot, especially through the whale migration season through winter. It does face east so you are getting more of thos dusky pink tones rather than the sun setting but so pretty! Pat Morton Lookout is another one that doesn't face the sun but the sweeping Lennox views makes it the ideal location to sit on the picnic rug with friends and enjoy a pre made platter.
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3. REEL IN YOUR NEXT BIG CATCH
Ballina is renowned for it's great fishing ad offers plenty of spots to cast a line. Ideal for families, the wharves behind the Ballina RSL and along Fawcett Street provide peaceful settings and conveniently located to shops, amenities and even a playground (if the little ones get bored!). For something a bit different, try the front of the yacht club behind the waterslides - bring a yabby pump an on low tide catch some fresh live bait before you start. Along the breakwall, under Missingham Bridge or find a quiet spot along Angels Beach Drive. If you prefer to go with an expert, book a spot on Fozies Deep Sea Fishing Adventures and get the local knowledge from a fisherman.
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4. SURF SOME OF THE REGIONS MOST WELL-KNOWN BREAKS
There is a reason Ballina draws surfers from across the region and country every year! Surf in one of Australia's first established National Surf Reserves or hit one of the many beach breaks on offer. Lighthouse Beach close to North Wall is a local favourite for the more expereinced and Flat Rock and Lennox Beach in front of the kiosk are great spots for those that want to practice their skill. If you are just starting out one of the local surf schools can show you the ropes - depending on the swell they offer lessons in Lennox Head or Ballina and a great way to learn the basics from locals that know the surf conditions. You may find a new favourite hobby!
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5. DISCOVER OUR UNIQUE BIRDLIFE
Ballina is blessed with rich ecosystems and habitats from wetlands, lakes and rivers to subtropical rainforests. Attracting both resident and migratory bird species there are some great spots to keep an eye out for roosting and migrating shorebirds. Flat Rock which is the most easterly point between Ballina & Lennox Head is the perfect place to explore. At low tide the flat basalt rock are exposed which provide a resting place for seabirds and shorebirds. Lake Chickiba is a tidal lake with marshy margins and best visited just before high tide. For more information visit Birdwatching
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6. CATCH THE FERRY TO SOUTH BALLINA
Operating daily between 5.30am and 12.30am the Burns Point Vehicle Ferry is the most scenic way to get to South Ballina and the best place to start an adventure to Wardell. Enjoy views of the Richmond River and up towards Emigrant Creek. Once you disembark the ferry, turn left on to South Ballina Beach Road and take in the views from the other side of the river back to Ballina Island. at the end, park the car and walk along the gravel road to South Ballina breakwall to take in the quiet, expansive views south to Evans Head.
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7. EXPERIENCE THE REJUVENATING WATERS OF LAKE AINSWORTH
This picturesque tea tree lake is the perfect spot to set up for the day. Enjoy picnics, BBQ facilities and a nearby kiosk. The lake is the colour of coca cola due to the tea tree tannins leaching from the Melaleuca trees that surround it. It is situated opposite the beach and it is a thrill to swim in the salty ocean and wash off in the fresh water of the lake. There are also excellent walking tracks in the coastal heath along Camp Drewe Road which are beautiful to meander in the late afternoon sunlight.
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8. SUNSET STROLL ALONG NORTH WALL
Taking a stroll along North Wall is a must when staying in the area and a great way to meet and chat to locals as it is a daily walk for many. Any time of the day is ideal, you may spot the dolphins riding the waves in the river mouth and keep an eye out for turtles and water dragons basking on the rocks. Late in the evenings you can witness the trawlers heading out for their nightly catch and you absorb the vibrant hues of the sunset over the Richmond River. For a shorter walk, park at the Coast Guard Tower car park but for a longer walk, enjoy the full stretch of the wall by parking at Brighton Street.
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9. VISIT OUR UNIQUE LIGHTHOUSE
Though smaller than our Byron Bay neighbours lighthouse, Ballina's beloved lighthouse is a source of pride! Lit for the first time in 1880, it continues to shine brightly today. It is very accessible to get to and is a great spot to take in the breathtaking views of the Richmond River and East Ballina's coastline. To learn more about our maritime history, make sure to visit the Ballina Naval & Maritime Museum which is open 7 days a week behind the Ballina Visitor Centre.
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10. EXPLORE OUR COASTAL PATHS
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 to 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 if you prefer to break it up into smaller walks we would suggest: Sharpes Beach to Pat Morton Lookout, Shaws Bay Loop, Lennox Head Village to Pat Morton, and the Aboriginal Cultural Ways section.
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