Two children sit on a log by the riverbank, watching the Burns Point Ferry cross the Richmond River in Ballina on a sunny day.

Family fun

Create lasting family memories in the great outdoors. From beach days and bike rides to hinterland adventures and riverside picnics, this region is packed with classic, feel-good experiences.

Ballina Coast & Hinterland is your go-to destination for outdoor fun - from fishing and surfing to waterslides, coastal walks and wildlife encounters. Kids can get hands-on with native animals, swim in lakes, bays or learn to surf and world class beaches.

Whether you're building sandcastles on the beach or exploring hidden hinterland trails, there’s something here for every age to enjoy. It's all about simple pleasures, shared experiences, and making memories that last a lifetime.

Close-up of freshly harvested macadamia nuts in their shells, Newrybar NSW

Naturally Local

Drop into Duck Creek Macadamias’ farmgate for a true local treat.

Enjoy free tastings of their unique chocolate-coated varieties, pick up some delicious macadamias, and take a stroll through the picturesque orchard - all made and grown right there on the farm.

Smiling vendor serving gelato from a Benilato cart under umbrellas at the Newrybar Twilight Markets, surrounded by customers.

Bet you didn’t know:

If you happen to be visiting mid-week, the Newrybar Hall host a gorgeous twilight market every Wednesday afternoon/evening.

Kicking off around 3pm, the market includes stalls, food trucks and live music. A great community event.

Two women walking beneath a giant fig tree at Zentveld’s Coffee Plantation in Newrybar, surrounded by lush greenery and coffee plants.

Don't miss:

Just 3 minutes from Newrybar, Zentvelds Coffee Plantation offers a Crop to Cup tour every Wednesday and Friday at 10am.

Enjoy a barista-made brew, explore the coffee farm, learn about regenerative practices, visit the processing shed and solar-powered roastery, then browse the farm shop for locally roasted coffee and more.

School Holiday Guide

The school holidays are all about fun, freedom, and new adventures — and there’s no better place to let loose than right here in the Ballina Coast & Hinterland! From exciting events to hands-on workshops and outdoor experiences, there’s something for every young explorer (and their grown-ups too).

Download the School Holiday Activity Sheet - a handy summary of top activities that you can print, pin, and plan from.

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Two young children feed a goat through a wooden fence at Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary in the Ballina Hinterland.

Things to do

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Experience the vibrant flavours of Mexico at 187 Cantina Ballina, a modern Mexican restaurant and bar serving up fresh, locally sourced dishes and handcrafted cocktails. Open for lunch and dinner, it’s the perfect spot for a casual bite or a lively night out. Following the success of 187 Cantina Lismore, the team has brought the... Read More

187 Cantina Ballina

Ballina | Food and Drink
ABC Pawnbrokers is a licensed pawnbroker and second-hand dealer offering a wide range of services, including short-term instant loans, buying, and selling quality second-hand goods. Specialising in items such as PCs, laptops, cameras, watches, jewellery, surfboards, bikes, clothing, tools, household goods, and more, they provide great deals for all. The knowledgeable and friendly sales team... Read More

ABC Pawnbrokers

Ballina | Attraction
Ability Surf provide allied health surf therapy at the beach for people with different abilities in Lennox Head and Ballina, NSW. Their mission is to combine the medicine of the ocean and surfing with person-person connection to enable all people equal opportunity to access the ocean in a supportive and caring environment.

Ability Surf

Lennox Head | Adventure and Outdoors Tours
Lois Cook is a Traditional Custodian of Ngangbul Country in the Bundjalung Nation of Eastern Australia. Ngangbul lands stretch from Brunswick Heads in the north, through Byron Bay and Ballina, down to Wardell and Cabbage Tree Island on the Richmond River, reaching Evans Head in the south. Aboriginal Cultural Concepts provides cultural experiences across various... Read More

Aboriginal Cultural Concepts

Wardell | Cultural and Theme Tours
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Featured

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Planning a family trip? Ballina and Lennox Head are packed with fun activities for kids, from meeting wildlife and exploring waterfalls to hitting the beach or taking a creative workshop. Whether you’re looking for the best things to do in Ballina with kids, top family-friendly places to visit in Ballina, or adventure-filled fun... Read More

10 Best Family-Friendly Activities around the Ballina Coast & Hinterland

Looking for the best walks in Ballina and the Northern Rivers? Whether you’re craving panoramic coastal views, lush rainforest trails, or a refreshing waterfall dip, this region is a nature lover’s dream. From leisurely seaside strolls to challenging hinterland hikes, we’ve rounded up the best scenic walks in Ballina and beyond. Lace up... Read More

10 Breathtaking Scenic Walks Around The Ballina Coast and Hinterland: Coastal and Rainforest Trails

Looking for the perfect hinterland getaway? Alstonville is just a 20 minute drive from the Ballina coastline and beaches but is so underrated – it really is the heart of the region. It offers charming stays, top-notch cafes, and scenic nature experiences. Here’s your ultimate weekend guide Best Places to Stay in Alstonville... Read More

A Weekend in Alstonville: Where to Stay, Eat, and Explore

Need a weekend escape that’s equal parts laid-back and luxe? Lennox Head is your coastal soulmate. With beautiful beach walks, casual and quality eateries, boutique stays and great shopping at your doorstep, this little surf town just 15 minutes south of Byron Bay and north of Ballina is made for those who love... Read More

A Weekend in Lennox Head: Where to Stay, Eat, and Explore

Upcoming Events

Byron Latin Fiesta is Australia’s premier Latin dance festival. Experience the vibrant energy of the Byron Latin Fiesta, Australia’s longest-running Latin dance festival, held annually in the heart of Byron Bay. Experience over 30 dance workshops and over 20 spectacular performances over four exciting days and nights. Dance the night away with live bands and... Read More

20th Annual Byron Latin Fiesta

Oct 30, 2025 - Nov 2, 2025
Byron Bay
Alstonville Football Club’s All Female Oceania Cup is two days of competition for females aged 10 to adult culminating in finals to determine the Oceania Cup champions in Grades 12, 14, 16, Open B and Open A. Teams travel from various places around Australia as well as locally. This is a great spectator sport to... Read More

All Female Oceania Cup

Oct 4, 2025 - Oct 5, 2025
Alstonville
Get ready for an unforgettable experience at the Alstonville Agricultural Show. This year, they are pulling out all the stops to bring you two days of action-packed entertainment. Join them on Friday morning for the always exciting dog trials, and then head over to sideshow alley as the evening comes alive with a vibrant carnival... Read More

Alstonville Agricultural Show

Oct 24, 2025 - Oct 25, 2025
Alstonville
The Alstonville Community Markets are held at the Alstonville Showground on the third Saturday of every month. There will be plenty to enjoy including great food, artisan crafts and products, family entertainment, clothing, local charities and so much more. Enjoy exploring the markets then wander through the main street afterwards and explore the beautiful village... Read More

Alstonville Community Market

Sep 20, 2025 - Dec 20, 2025
Alstonville

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Newrybar

Lennox Head

Teven & Tintenbar

Alstonville

Ballina