Where To Stay In Ballina

Set on nine hectares of coastal bushland in South Ballina, Ballina Beach Nature Resort blends resort conveniences with a nature‑first sensibility.

You’ll enjoy a mix of camping sites, glamping and cabins to choose from. At the park, there’s resort-style facilities such as the pool and water slide but the location is secluded with access to walking trails and river fishing.

Where To Eat & Drink In Ballina

Because Ballina is a mid-size regional centre, the restaurant scene delivers a solid mix of cafes, seafood, modern Australian and casual dining spots. Here’s our top picks:

Coffee / Cafe

We like to start our day in Ballina at The Belle General, known for its locally sourced menu. Yes - there’s likely a short wait time for a table (especially on weekends), but it is totally worth it to enjoy some of the best coffee in the region. There’s a good range of healthy options for those keeping it clean such as the Green Bowl or the Housemade Granola. Luckily, this place strikes the right balance and you’ll still find an excellent menu with more hearty choices such as the Brekky Tacos or the Breaky Burger.  

Casual Lunch

For the best pies, pasties and pastries, we head the Bake My Life, centrally located on Cherry Street. Sit yourself down with one of their fully loaded sandwiches, a second coffee (of course!) and an almond croissant to polish it off. Everything is freshly baked on site and the staff will welcome you in with a smile and patiently wait while you work through the overwhelming glass cabinet of delicious choices.

Somewhere Nicer

Sticking with Cherry Street, Che Bonis the place to spend a memorable evening with friends and family. It’s a chic French bistro that has remained traditional to its core through the years. Sample some escargot (snails) if you’re game then wash it down with a glass of Bordeaux. 

Pub Meal

For a classic, family-friendly meal Henry Rous Taverndoesn’t disappoint. We ordered a range of seafood dishes and the chef delivered. The usual pub classics are also on offer as well as a range of cold beers and plenty of TVs for watching live sport.

What To Do In Ballina

One of the reasons Ballina and the Northern Rivers are so popular is because there’s no shortage of activities that can be arranged at a moment's notice. Examples include fishing (beach or river), kayaking/SUP on the river, or even a coastal drive to Lennox Head.

Beaches and Coastal Walks

Lighthouse Beach: A patrolled surf beach between Shelly Beach and the North Wall, enjoyed by families and surfers.

Shelly Beach: Sheltered, safer for swimming, especially for kids.

Angels Beach: Less crowded, offers surf, walks, and fishing

Esplanade / North Wall Walk: A scenic riverside/coastal walk from Ballina town to the mouth of Richmond River.

Ballina Naval and Maritime Museum

Located on Regatta Avenue (behind the Visitor Information), this museum traces maritime history, exhibits models, displays the Las Balsas raft, naval memorabilia, and features local ship history.

Whale Watching

From June to November, humpback whales migrate past this stretch of coast. Cruises are available. We had an unforgettable experience through Out Of The Blue Adventures, who also have an array of other experiences and tours on offer.

The Essentials in Ballina

The most convenient supermarket from the Ballina Beach Nature Resort is the Spar in West Ballina. There’s a pharmacy next door in the same supermarket complex. If you need camping or caravan gear, there’s a BCF in central Ballina. 

The Drive To Ballina

As always, we give you the rundown on the drive you’ll take from the nearby major towns and cities.

From Brisbane - About 200km South via the Pacific Highway. Allow ~3 hours, depending on traffic

From Sydney – About 800km North via the Pacific Highway. Allow 8-9 hours. You’ll drive via Newcastle, Taree and Grafton along the journey. We recommend splitting the drive into two days and spending a night at Port Macquarie. 

ParkBooker Staff Writer

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