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.
Inspiration and ideas
Explore towns & villages
From Lighthouse Beach to the beautiful Shelly Beach, this is your go-to for salty swims, rolling waves and those “just one more minute” kind of mornings 🌊
With meandering coastal pathways to wander and a coffee stop waiting at @shellybeachcafe this is Ballina at its effortless best ✨
🎥 @beyond_theangle 🙌🏼
#shellybeachballina #discoverballina #visitnsw
A country pub crawl, done right 🍻
We’re talking cold beers, crackling fires, front bar yarns and the kind of hospitality that hasn’t changed in decades (and we wouldn’t have it any other way).
📍 Start with a classic at Eltham
📍 Pull in at Broadwater for a proper pint
📍 Settle in fireside at Woodburn (bonus: brewery on site 👀)
📍 Long lunch at Alstonville
📍 And don’t skip a slow stop in The Channon
It’s less about the schedule… more about the stories you’ll collect along the way.
Save this for your next hinterland adventure and thank us later.
Link in bio to discover more.
#DiscoverBallina #BallinaCoastAndHinterland #CountryPubCrawl #NSWTravel #VisitNSW AussiePubs RoadTripReady HinterlandVibes
Sunrise sessions at Shelly Beach 🌅
Locals know this is the time to be here - calm water, fresh air and a line in before the day kicks off. Simple, quiet, the best way to start your day 🎣
#shellybeachballina #discoverballina #visitnsw #ballinansw
These rays were spotted cruising past Ramada Hotel without a care in the world.
In Ballina, life moves a little slower, where laid-back days on the water come naturally and the marine life is abundant 🐬
🎥 @ramadaballina
#discoverballina #visitnsw #discovertheundiscovered #northernrivers
Few things are more dramatic than our coastline on a stormy morning. 🌊
📷 Captured beautifully by @nathanpenhallphotography
#DiscovertheUndiscovered #Discoverballina #SeeAus #VisitNSW #FeelNew #NorthernRiversNSW #Ballina #Byron #Northernrivers #lennoxhead #northcoast #nsw #australia #ballinacoastandhinterland #naturephotography
Wrap up the weekend the right way at The Federal Hotel, Alstonville - or as the locals call it, “The Feddy.” 🍽️🎶
Every second Sunday, they’re serving up a mouth-watering feast featuring rotating meats, tasty sides and bold sauces - keeping things fresh (and a little spicy) each fortnight.
Add in live music and you’ve got the perfect Sunday session.
Hit the link in bio and head to What’s On to find out more.
If you love a slow morning and salty air than @lazy_daysonshawsbay is the place for you 🌿 and its pet friendly so no family member has to stay behind 🐶
Tucked beside the calm waters of Shaws Bay, Lazy Days is the kind of place where time naturally slows down. Start the day with a coffee by the water, wander across for a swim, or simply soak up the peaceful coastal views from your apartment balcony.
It’s the perfect base for relaxed Ballina days, where beach walks, bay swims and sunset strolls are all just moments away.
📍 Lazy Days Apartments, Shaws Bay
Save this spot for your next easy coastal escape.
📷 @lazy_daysonshawsbay
#DiscoverBallina #BallinaCoastAndHinterland #ShawsBay #BallinaAccommodation #visitnsw
Golden hour over Pearces Creek Hinterland 🌄
Rolling green hills, soft mist settling through the valleys, and the sky putting on a show - this is the kind of view that makes you slow down and breathe it all in.
If you’re chasing sunsets, exploring country roads, or simply taking the scenic route, Pearces Creek is a good place to take pause and look around.
📷 @craigs_not_here 👏
📍 Pearces Creek, Ballina Hinterland
📸 Tag @discoverballina to share your favourite local views.
#discoverballina #ballinacoastandhinterland #northernriversnsw #visitnsw #seeaustralia #hinterlandviews #australianlandscape