Explore
Explore the beautiful coastline where our local beaches are uncrowded and pristine.
Beaches
With 32km of white sandy beaches, beautiful coves and inlets to explore, legendary surf breaks and wide expanses of pristine uncrowded sands there is so much beach fun to be had.
Lighthouse beach is our local patrolled beach and is perfect spot for morning run and swim. Ask our lovely guest services staff for our Beach Pick of the Day and download the MyBeach app for up to date beach conditions as you are out exploring.
Surfing
The East coast of Australia is world renowned for its excellent surfing for experienced riders and if you are wanting to learn join one of our surfing partners and learn to surf like a pro.
Join Soul Surf School for half day surfing adventures or Summerland Surf School for morning and afternoon sessions. The surf pros will take you to the best spot for the day with plenty of beaches to choose from including Boulders Beach, Lennox Reef, Flat Rock or North Wall.
SUP & Kayak
The pristine waterways surrounding Ballina are perfect to explore on paddleboard or kayak. So grab a SUP and explore the freshwater Tea Tree lake at Lake Ainsworth or the tidal salt water lake of Shaws Bay and more adventurous North Creek. Our friends at Ballina SUP & surf hire can kit you out for a great day on the water.
Waterslides & Pools
No visit to Ballina with kids is complete without a visit to the Ballina waterslide park and pool with hours of aqua fun for kids big and small. There is plenty of space for relaxing by the pool with a book while the kids play and the Olympic size pool is great for laps.
Cycling
Ballina has the most amazing network of cycle paths for you to explore. Taking you along coastal paths & national parks, through inland villages and right up to Lennox Head. We have gorgeous vintage bikes with baskets for you to hire. Ask our guest services team about the best paths for you to choose and maybe even a picnic to go!
Heritage Villages
Explore Ballina’s hinterland and discover quaint villages, heritage museums, vintage shops and cool retro cafes. Soak up the relaxed artsy vibes of the villages of Nimbin the birthplace of the Aquarius movement and home to quaint shops, cafes & the HEMP Embassy. The charming village of Uki with its galleries, shops and the heritage Mt Warning Hotel.
Byron Bay Day Tours
Explore beautiful Byron Bay on a day trip just 25 minutes away. Discover the glamourous shops and cafes, walk up to Cape Byron lighthouse, book a diving adventure to Julian Rocks, take a surf lesson at the pass. Join a tour or jump the local shuttle.
For adventure there is so much to do… paragliding, skydiving, kite surfing, diving, ballooning and helicopter tours. So much fun to be had for the thrill seeker.
Whale Watching & Cape Byron Cruises
During the migration seasons thousands of humpback whales can be spotted making their annual migration in search of cold waters. Join a fun filled scenic cruise exploring the breathtaking coastline from Ballina to Cape Byron where you may encounter species such as dolphins, turtles and bird life in Byron’s Marine Park. Grab your camera and make like David Attenborough for some spectacular scenic shots.
National Parks, Waterfalls & Wild Swimming
Take a drive and discover the many beautiful national parks close to Ballina. Explore the forests and boardwalks of Nightcap National Park and Mt Jerusalem National Park and hike up Mt Warning or enjoy wild swimming at Killen Falls.
