Explore Our Coast And Hinterland

Jingi Wahla, or welcome, to the Ballina Coast & Hinterland, the traditional Nyangbul Country of the Bundjalung nation!

Our region is one characterised by great bio-diversity, with a laid back lifestyle and friendly, diverse communities. We extend a warm welcome for you to come and spend some time with us and discover why visitors, ‘sea changers’ and ‘tree changers’ flock to this area.

‘Ballina’ – believed to have been derived from the Aboriginal word ‘Bullinah’ meaning ‘place of plenty or big stomach, plenty to eat’.

Getting To & Around Ballina Shire

Ballina is located on the north coast of New South Wales and is bordered by the sparkling Pacific Ocean and the lush green hills of the hinterland. Whether you are travelling by air, road or rail, your journey will be a spectacularly scenic one!

By Air…

Get here quicker …. Fly direct!

The Ballina Byron Gateway Airport is located 5 kilometres from Ballina’s CBD and is serviced daily by regional and national carriers including Fly Pelican, Jetstar, Regional Express and Virgin Australia. Multiple daily direct flights are available to and from Sydney, Melbourne and Newcastle. With all the facilities you need in an easy to use terminal and so close to Ballina, the airport is the best way to start or end your journey to the region.

By Road…

Ballina is located at the juncture of the Pacific and Bruxner Highways and is within an easy drive of many regional and state hubs. Listed below are approximate distances and driving times from neighbouring centres:

Brisbane Airport – 200 km – 2 hours 30 minutes

Byron Bay – 31 km – 30 minutes

Coffs Harbour – 207 km – 2 hours 17 minutes

Grafton – 132 km – 1 hour 30 minutes

Coolangatta Airport – 92 km – 50 minutes

Lismore – 31 km – 37 minutes

Port Macquarie – 370 km – 5 hours

Sydney – 740 km – 9 hours 30 minutes

Large Vehicle Parking around Ballina

There is suitable parking for larger vehicles behind the Balllina Visitor Information Centre (6 River St Ballina) and beside the Ballina Naval & Maritime Museum. At the nearby Richmond River Sailing and Rowing Club (4 River St Ballina), just a short walk from the Visitors Centre and the centre of town.

In Kerr Street, alongside Saunders Oval with toilets and covered picnic tables. In Fox Street opposite the Ballina Fair Shopping Centre, providing easy access to shops and cafes.

Parking is also permitted anywhere there is no signage indicating otherwise. Yellow solid lines on the road curbsides indicate ‘no stopping’ zones.

By Coach…

Ballina is serviced daily by Premier Motor Service and Greyhound Australia

By Rail…

Transport NSW TranLink Rail stops at Casino Railway Station daily. TrainLink provide transfers from Casino to Ballina included in the cost of your ticket.

Local Services…

Local public bus services getting you around the shire include Ballina Bus Lines and Blanch’s Bus Company

Ballina Taxi Services

For shuttle services and getting around