Welcome to Ballina Coast & Hinterland
Discover our unique natural wonderland and diverse cultural landscape. The Ballina Coast and Hinterland is home to 32km of pristine coastline, lush subtropical rainforests, untouched National Parks, diverse wildlife, quaint hinterland towns, stunning waterfalls and world class surf breaks.
Select towns on the map to discover more.
Newrybar
Newrybar is perfect for those who love their country escapes with a side of style. Discover local makers and curators, with unique shops packed with handcrafted, sustainable, and downright beautiful finds.
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Lennox Head
Laid-back Lennox Head is a leisurely (and very scenic) 10 minute drive north of Ballina. It is a mecca among surfers and its famous right hand break - Lennox Point - is one of the top ten surf breaks in Australia.
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Teven & Tintenbar
Teven and Tintenbar are charming hinterland hamlets just 10 minutes from Ballina
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Alstonville
Alstonville is a charming town surrounded by macadamia and avocado farms, pretty countryside and a friendly community. Nestles I the hinterland, halfway between Ballina and Lismore, it offers great cafes, a country pub in the heart of town and lovely gift shops.
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Ballina
Centred on an island at the mouth of the Richmond River, Ballina is the social and commercial hub of the region. The main street is lined with cafes, shops and picnic areas to relax by the river. East Ballina is the home to Ballina's calm waterways and pristine beaches.
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South Ballina
South Ballina is a tranquil coastal gem, known for its long, open beach, excellent fishing and natural beauty. Accessible from Ballina via the Burns Point Ferry or the Wardell exit on the highway, it’s the perfect location for a quiet camp spot, peaceful strolls along the break wall and birdwatching at Mobbs Bay. With sweeping views across the Richmond River and a rich cultural history, South Ballina offers a slower pace to reconnect with nature.
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Wardell
Situated upstream on the picturesque Richmond River, Wardell is a serene retreat surrounded by rolling sugarcane fields. It’s the perfect starting point for your journey along Tourist Drive 28. Don’t leave without sampling a famous Wardell pie – a treat as warm and welcoming as the village itself!
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What’s on
Whether you’re chasing live tunes, a good laugh or a weekend market stroll, there’s always something happening in the region. From festivals and stage shows to open mic nights and family events, find out what’s on during your visit.
Your Stay Starts Here
Looking for a place to stay? From cabins to glamping tents, tiny houses to retro motels, , you’ll find the perfect spot to unwind. Browse and book local accommodation across the Ballina Coast and Hinterland.
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Explore 10 Must-Do Coastal and Hinterland Walks
From leisurely seaside strolls to challenging hinterland hikes, we’ve rounded up the best scenic walks in Ballina and beyond. Lace up your walking shoes, pack some snacks, and let’s hit the trails!
Explore NowInspiration and ideas
Explore towns & villages
Looking for a thoughtful gift for the coffee lover in your life?
The Crop to Cup Tour with @zentveldscoffee ☕ is an immersive, behind-the-scenes journey into local coffee growing, roasting and tasting — all set in the beautiful hills of Newrybar.
Wander the family-run plantation, learn about sustainable farming practices and watch premium beans come to life in the roasting room. It’s plantation-to-pour perfection.
The 1.5-hour experience runs every Friday and includes a barista-crafted coffee to enjoy as you explore the world of coffee craftsmanship. With a minimum of two people per tour, it’s the perfect reason to bring a friend along.
Awaken your senses and embrace true coffee culture at Zentveld’s — where every sip tells a story of passion and quality.
📞 For more information or to book, contact Zentveld’s Coffee Roasters on (02) 6687 2045.
#DiscoverBallina #BallinaCoastandHinterland #CoffeeRoasters #Tour #ChristmasGiftIdeas
Looking for a restorative, nature-rich gift this Christmas?
Sugar Beach Ranch offers a coastal sanctuary like no other — where beach, bush, horses and holistic wellness come together in one unforgettable escape. 🌿🐎
Set on 60 acres of ocean-front wilderness, this hidden retreat invites you to slow down, reconnect and embrace the rhythm of the natural world. Stay in fully renovated, self-contained bungalows with sweeping ocean views, relax beside a resort-sized magnesium pool, or wander to a secluded stretch of sand that often feels entirely your own.
Their equine-led wellness experiences blend meditation, art in nature, yoga and guided connection with horses for a deeply grounding and soulful retreat. Bring your own horse to explore private bush and dune trails or simply unwind and immerse yourself in the gentle energy of the ranch.
A thoughtful, meaningful gift for anyone seeking rest, healing or creative inspiration — barefoot, wild and free.
📞 For more information or to book, contact Sugar Beach Ranch on (02) 5642 0187
📍 Sugar Beach Ranch, 259 Keith Hall Ln, South Ballina NSW 2478
#DiscoverBallina #BallinaCoastandHinterland #WellnessRetreat #EquineWellness #ChristmasGiftIdeas
For the ocean lover on your Christmas list, a cruise with @outoftheblueadventures is an unforgettable gift idea 🌊
Out of the Blue Adventures offer whale watching, river cruises and dolphin cruises — a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that delivers front-row seats to our incredible coastline, all wrapped into one unforgettable experience.
🐋 Whale Watching (May–October)
Join marine biologists on a first-class eco-tour as humpbacks migrate along the coast. Expect breathtaking views and unforgettable encounters.
🐬 Dolphin Cruise (December–March)
Experience the magic of Ballina’s resident dolphins with unparalleled 360-degree visibility from their purpose-built eco-vessels.
🌅 Richmond River Sunset Cruise (December–April)
Bask in a glorious sunset on the tranquil Richmond River while enjoying a complimentary cold beverage and learning about the region’s wildlife from expert guides.
Their purpose-built eco-vessels offer individual seating for 20–25 guests, 360-degree viewing and a unique hull design for a smooth, comfortable ride in all conditions. The friendly, professional team ensures a first-class eco-tour every time.
All tours board at Lance Ferris Wharf, Ballina.
📸 @outoftheblueadventures
📞 For more information or to book, contact the Ballina Visitor Information Centre.
#DiscoverBallina #BallinaCoastandHinterland #EcoTour #WhaleWatching #DolphinCruise #ChristmasGiftIdeas
Looking for a wholesome, feel-good gift this Christmas?
@summerland_farm offers meaningful experiences the whole family will love — from adorable animal encounters to relaxed garden picnics surrounded by rolling green hills.
🚜 Farm Tours — Coming Soon!
Soon you’ll be able to step behind the scenes of one of the Northern Rivers’ most iconic working farms. Wander through orchards, paddocks and specialty crop areas as guides share how avocados, macadamias and seasonal produce are grown across the 238-acre property. It’s hands-on, immersive and ideal for curious minds and nature lovers.
🧺 Garden Picnics for Two
For something deliciously relaxed, enjoy a beautifully prepared hamper in a peaceful garden setting. Everything’s included — all you need to do is settle in, unwind and soak up the views.
🐑 Animal Encounters & Alpaca Feeding
Spend time with the farm’s friendliest residents and enjoy close-up moments that are guaranteed to spark joy — perfect for kids (and kids at heart).
A thoughtful gift for families, food lovers and anyone who enjoys a day spent outdoors.
📞 For more information or to book, contact the Ballina Visitor Information Centre.
#DiscoverBallina #BallinaCoastandHinterland #SummerlandFarm #FamilyFun #ChristmasGiftIdeas
Looking for a meaningful gift for an animal lover?
A Koala Experience at the @bbwildlifesanctuary offers a rare chance to step inside the koala enclosure and meet Arni, the resident male koala. 🐨
Guided by one of the sanctuary’s experienced mammal keepers, you’ll learn what makes Arni so unique, discover more about koalas in the wild and gain insight into how we can help protect these iconic animals.
Set in the peaceful Ballina hinterland, this intimate encounter is a thoughtful way to connect with nature — without disturbing it.
The sanctuary also offers a range of other wildlife experiences, including encounters with squirrel gliders, owls, black cockatoos, reptiles, possums and more!
📞 For more information or to book, contact the Ballina Visitor Information Centre.
#DiscoverBallina #BallinaCoastandHinterland #WildlifeExperience #KoalaEncounter #ChristmasGiftIdeas
Golden light, ocean air and one very photogenic headland — the walk from the Boat Channel to Pat Morton Lookout consistently outperforms expectations.
Join the path off Rutherford Street and follow the coastline as it eases you into a gentle climb with serious return on investment: sweeping ocean views, sunrise glow, and sunset magic that never misses its brief.
📍 Pat Morton Lookout, Lennox Head
📷 @imagesbyjoelene
Save this coastal classic for your next walk!
#DiscoverBallina #BallinaCoastandHinterland #LennoxHead #PatMortonLookout #CoastalWalks
Looking for a gift with a little more wonder?
A Vision Walks Eco Tour offers stories, scenery and a deeper connection to the natural world — the perfect experience for the nature-lover or slow-traveller. 🍃
For something truly unforgettable, try the Night Vision Walk. Step into the rainforest without a torch and explore the nocturnal world through night-vision goggles. It’s a rare chance to watch wildlife going about their evening routines, completely undisturbed.
@visionwalks also run an incredible range of daytime adventures, including Wildlife Safaris, Platypus Walks, Koala Tours, Bush Tucker Walks, Bird Watching Tours and multi-day wildlife experiences. Their hinterland tours explore waterfalls, villages, markets and hidden corners of the Northern Rivers — from one-day escapes to immersive multi-day journeys.
📞 For more information or to book, contact the Ballina Visitor Information Centre.
#DiscoverBallina #BallinaCoastandHinterland #NatureWalks #NatureTours #ChristmasGiftIdeas
Looking for a creative gift with a personal touch this Christmas? 🌟
A silk painting workshop with Sea Silks Studio offers art, colour and a beautiful keepsake to treasure — the perfect experience for anyone who loves to create.
Discover the vibrant world of silk painting with world-renowned artist @kimmichelletoft, who brings over 30 years of expertise to her relaxed, welcoming studio in the heart of Ballina. Across a four-hour workshop, you’ll complete your own 30cm x 40cm hand-painted silk artwork.
No drawing experience? No worries.
Choose one of Kim’s nature-inspired designs, trace your outline, apply gold gutta, then bring your piece to life with dyes and brushes in between the shimmering lines.
Workshops are held on Saturdays and are suitable for both beginners and seasoned creatives. All materials are provided — just bring your curiosity.
📞 For more information or to book, contact the Ballina Visitor Information Centre.
#DiscoverBallina #BallinaCoastandHinterland #Workshop #ChristmasGiftIdeas
