Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Ballina, Australia

In the mid-19th century, this coastal town located at the mouth of the Richmond River emerged as a hub for shipbuilding and provided services to whaling vessels traversing the eastern coastline.

While whaling has become a relic of the past, humpback and southern right whales continue to draw visitors to Ballina. Observers can witness these magnificent creatures from the shore during their migration period, which lasts from May to October.

Ballina boasts pristine sandy beaches, caressed by powerful surf and decorated with tranquil headlands offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the Northern Rivers coastline.

1. Ballina Naval & Maritime Museum

In line with its maritime heritage, Ballina hosts an engaging maritime museum located along the Richmond River in the town center.

A particularly notable event documented in this facility is Spanish explorer Vital Aslar’s incredible cross-Pacific journey by raft in 1973, culminating in Ballina after six months adrift.

Visitors can view one of these three rafts on display and watch a documentary detailing the expedition.

The museum also houses Australia’s largest collection of naval and merchant ship models, along with informative exhibits about the historic Port of Ballina and a tribute to women in the Royal Australian Navy.

Highlighting the displays are a British Mark 9 21” Torpedo and a working triple expansion steam engine.

2. Lighthouse Beach

Framed by the North Wall at the Richmond River Mouth to the south and Ballina Head to the north, Lighthouse Beach exemplifies the classic Northern Rivers shoreline.

Spanning about half a kilometer in length, this beach features a gentle curve of sand approximately 50 meters wide.

It draws surfers seeking waves generated by the currents near the North Wall.

Additionally, the seawall provides anglers the opportunity to catch various fish species, including bream, blackfish, tailor, and occasionally snapper, mackerel, and tuna.

Among the unique sights in Ballina are the trawlers navigating the challenging surf at the river mouth.

Lighthouse Beach is patrolled during school holidays, ensuring a safer environment for swimmers, particularly at the mid and northern sections.

3. Whale Watching

During the winter months, typically around June, humpback and southern right whales migrate from their feeding grounds in the Antarctic along the east coast of Australia, seeking warmer tropical waters to calve before their return in November.

Generally, humpbacks remain farther from shore while traveling north, but swim nearer to the coastline on their return journey.

Conversely, southern right whales exhibit more curiosity and tend to be less cautious around shallow waters and vessels.

From June to November, visitors can embark on whale-watching cruises guided by a marine biologist for a unique perspective on these majestic animals and their behaviors.

Alternatively, a more economical option involves bringing binoculars and positioning yourself at popular lookout points, such as the North Wall or Ballina Head.

4. Big Prawn

For those unfamiliar, many regions in Australia feature oversized novelty structures commonly referred to as “Big Things”, each vying for the title of the largest of its type.

The earliest of such structures appeared in the 1960s, and many have since received heritage protection to prevent demolition.

Ballina’s notable Big Thing is the Big Prawn, located at the western entrance to the town along River Street.

Constructed from concrete and fiberglass in 1989, this colossal crustacean stands at nine meters tall and weighs 40 tons, making it the largest of its classification globally.

In 2009, when the Big Prawn faced demolition, local residents organized a robust campaign to preserve it.

The landmark was eventually restored, receiving a tail for the first time.

5. Ballina Historic Waterfront Trail

This scenic walk resembles an outdoor museum as it guides you from Fawcett Park near the Richmond River in the central business district to the North Wall at the river’s mouth.

Along the route, you will encounter 19 informative plaques detailing seafaring and the role of the river in early European settlement.

Crossing the bridge towards the North Wall provides an excellent opportunity to see Ballina’s dolphin pod, while the eastern tip of the wall serves as a prime location to spot migrating whales during the winter and spring seasons.

6. Australian Seabird Rescue (ASR)

Australian Seabird Rescue is a community-focused organization undertaking essential efforts along the eastern coastline, with multiple branches throughout New South Wales and connections to similar groups nationwide.

This grassroots initiative specializes in rescuing and rehabilitating seabirds, shorebirds, and other coastal wildlife, particularly sea turtles.

Headquartered in Ballina, visitors can tour their center for guided insights into their impactful work.

During your visit, you will see the birds and turtles under their care while learning about their rescue operations and the nesting behaviors of sea turtles, including necessary tracking and identification efforts surrounding this vulnerable species.

The tour lasts about an hour, and a nominal fee of $8 supports the organization.

7. Crawford House Museum

A short trip from the Pacific will take you to an elegant historic house museum situated on the Alstonville Plateau.

This Federation-style residence, constructed in 1910 with a charming verandah, is home to the local historical society and contains an assortment of intriguing household artifacts spanning from the early 20th century to the 1960s.

The museum regularly hosts exhibitions that provide a glimpse into rural domestic life during the first half of the 20th century, along with a research room that serves as a valuable resource for individuals seeking to explore their connections to Alstonville.

8. Shelly Beach

Shelly Beach is recognized as Ballina’s premier family-friendly beach, nestled between two 40-meter headlands: Black Head to the north and Ballina Head to the south.

This beach offers a safer swimming environment compared to others in Ballina, with lifeguards present during school holiday periods.

Visitors are advised to swim between the flags due to the surf’s rip currents.

During low tide, a clear, man-made wading pool is available on the southern side, appealing to young children.

Families can also enjoy a leisurely stroll along the paved pathway that runs adjacent to the length of the beach.

9. Ballina Head Lookout

At the headland capped with a lighthouse situated between Shelly and Lighthouse Beach, you can enjoy remarkable views in multiple directions.

During the migration season from June to November, it is possible to spot a humpback whale breaching far offshore, with dolphins visible year-round much closer to the coast.

The surf appears spectacular from this vantage point, allowing a clear view of the entire Lighthouse Beach up to the North Wall at the Richmond River’s mouth.

Additionally, further along the slope is the Richmond River Light, an active lighthouse that has been standing since 1866, with a range of visibility spanning 26 kilometers.

10. Missingham Park

This picturesque waterfront park is located where North Creek converges with the Richmond River, just before the latter flows into the Pacific Ocean.

It is a cherished spot for relaxation, offering water-edge walking and cycling paths as well as barbecue facilities set amidst lush greenery.

Additionally, the park features an amphitheater that hosts community concerts and events, along with a spacious covered playground equipped with a liberty swing designed for children with disabilities.

For teenagers, the adjacent skate park provides stunning views of the river, alongside a small beach designated for dog exercise on the southern side.

11. Northern Rivers Community Gallery (NRCG)

The Northern Rivers Community Gallery provides a platform for showcasing the talents of prominent and emerging artists in the region. Housed in a beautifully restored heritage building constructed in 1927, visitors can explore a dynamic array of artistic exhibitions that change regularly, offering something new to discover every month.

All artworks on display are available for purchase, and the gallery’s shop features an assortment of locally made gifts and jewelry.

Due to its success, in 2018 the NRCG expanded into an additional heritage site, the former Ballina Fire Station. This new space, Ignite Studios @ NRCG, is dedicated to multidisciplinary workspaces and a variety of community events.

12. Kayaking

The Richmond River and North Creek offer abundant safe waterways for exploration via kayak or canoe.

One local company, Kayak Ballina, is well-equipped to guide you through a paddling experience led by a certified Australian Canoeing instructor.

Participants will navigate a premium double, sit-inside kayak, which includes rudders and lifejackets for a secure and comfortable outing.

Luck may have it that you will be accompanied by local dolphins during your excursion.

13. Thursday Plantation Visitor Centre

Thursday Plantation, renowned for its tea tree and essential oil products, is located just a few minutes away in the hinterland of Ballina.

The distinctive name traces back to the day in 1976 when crown lease was granted to founder Eric White for the cultivation of tea tree plants.

The visitor center focuses on natural remedies, with informative displays available in the rainforest botanical garden. Families will especially appreciate the on-site maze.

A café offers refreshments, and a shop stocks the brand’s essential oils, balms, and creams.

A short film detailing the company’s history is also available for viewing.

14. Ballina Food and Wine Festival

The Northern Rivers region is home to exceptional produce sourced from the Pacific Ocean and local farms in the hinterland.

To celebrate these offerings, the local rotary club has been organizing an annual festival for over a decade, typically held on a weekend in mid to late October.

The highlight occurs on Sunday, featuring a schedule of live performances alongside more than 70 exhibitors showcasing their products.

Attendees can sample premium wines, beers, ciders, and delicious cuisine while enjoying cooking demonstrations, wine appreciation workshops, and browsing through numerous stalls from various industry brands.

15. Ballina Visitor Information Centre

The local visitor information center serves as an essential resource for obtaining detailed insights about the area.

Moreover, it features an attractive shop showcasing a variety of delectable specialty foods from the region.

This includes macadamia nuts, coffee, honey, premium teas, chocolates, oils, preserves, granola, jams, and an array of other condiments and spreads.

Additionally, handmade arts and crafts from the locality are stocked, providing opportunities for unique souvenirs.