What to Do in Ballina: A Local's Guide to the River and the Coast

You've got calm river one side, proper surf beaches the other, and a big cheeky prawn keeping watch over the highway. Whether you're here for a weekend or killing a few hours before a flight, here's how to spend it like a local.

Say g'day to the Big Prawn

You can't roll into Ballina and not clock the Big Prawn. It's one of Australia's great big things, it's had a full glow-up, and yes, everyone stops for the photo. Do it, no shame.

It's right by the highway on the way into town.

Hit the beaches

This is where Ballina shines. Shelly Beach is the local favourite — patrolled, a good cafe right there for a post-swim brekkie, and a walking track along the headland if you're keen.

Lighthouse Beach and Angels Beach are cracking too, and if you've got the littlies, the calmer spots along the river are the go.

Get on the water

The Richmond River is Ballina's playground. Hire a kayak or a stand-up paddleboard, take a river cruise, or just grab some fish and chips and watch the boats come in of an arvo.

The Ballina Coastal Reserve has a beaut shared path if you fancy a cruisy walk or ride.

Wander the town

The Ballina Naval and Maritime Museum is a bit of a hidden gem — home to a balsa-wood raft that drifted across the Pacific, of all things.

There's a solid main street for a mooch and a feed, and the Sunday markets are worth a look if the timing lines up.

Day trips on the doorstep

• Lennox Head — ten minutes up the road, world-class surf and Lake Ainsworth for a freshwater dip.
• Byron Bay — about 30 minutes north when you want the buzz.
• Alstonville and the plateau — a pretty drive up to the villages for a country pub lunch, or a morning at HOME Alstonville, the much-loved bakery and cafe in the old shopfront at 71 Main Street. About 16 km from Ballina.

One thing that throws first-timers at Lake Ainsworth: the water isn't blue. It's a tea tree lake, so the tannins from the paperbarks along the shore stain it a deep amber-brown, like strong tea. That's exactly as it should be — the water's fresh, the lake is shallow and calm, and locals reckon a soak in it does your skin and hair a world of good. It's a cracking spot for the kids, right beside the beach at Lennox.

Getting around Ballina without the parking stress

Ballina's easy enough to get about, but beach parking on a stinker of a summer day fills up fast, and nobody wants to be doing laps looking for a spot.

A quick WhiBlu ride sorts it — beach to town to river, or a straight run to the airport when it's time to head off. We're 24/7, fares are upfront, and there's a 6-seater if the whole crew's along. Book in the app or online.

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