Welcome to Ballina

There are numerous riverlets and many shore based fishing spots as the Richmond River widens and flows through the township of Ballina to the rock walls and out to sea.

Ballina is located about a 30 minute drive south of Byron Bay. The Ballina Byron Gateway Airport is located here and regular jet services are provided to Sydney and Melbourne.

The Ballina area was first home to the wider Bundjalung Nation and was a meeting place for the Bundjalung people. The Bundjalung people in the area were treated to a smorgasbord of seafood and bush tucker. The remnants of elaborate fish traps still exist on North Creek. These traps consisted of rock walls surrounding small pools, fish would become trapped as the tide began to ebb.

Because of its geographical position it was only natural that Ballina was one of the first places settled by white man. The Ballina Naval & Maritime Museum provides a detailed insight into the history of the area. All major transport was carried out by ship, with the Richmond River providing a natural transport link to settlements further inland and a means of transporting red cedar downstream to be shipped around the globe. When the supply of timber began to dwindle dairy farming became the next big industry in the area.
Today Ballina is a modern regional town offering all types of accommodation, shopping and eateries, with a river that is a natural magnet for visitors and locals.

At Fawcett Park, in the town centre, you can enjoy al fresco dining with river vistas while the kids play nearby. The beaches of Ballina are magnificent surfing beaches. Lighthouse Beach and Shelley Beach are easily accessed. Entry to South Ballina Beach is accessed via the car ferry and offers outstanding surfing and beach fishing with 4WD access.