Cheap flights to Ballina from £1,186

Ballina lies south of Byron Bay in the Northern Rivers region. While Byron Bay is the better known town of the two, Ballina is great for visitors looking for a quieter time. Many people will base themselves in Ballina and take day trips to Byron Bay.

Ballina’s wonderful climate, great location at the mouth of the Richmond River, superb beaches (South Ballina Beach is the star) and hinterland, offer lots of options for travellers. There are the water-based attractions, such as swimming, scuba diving, surfing, fishing, boating, whale-watching (between June and November) and dolphin watching (all year) – and the seafood is always fresh and wonderful.

Close to Ballina, the Victoria Park Nature Reserve is one of the remnants of the Big Scrub. The reserve covers 17.5 hectares (43 acres), with eight hectares (20 acres) of untouched rainforest, and clearly marked walking trails.

Ballina climate

As in the rest of this part of New South Wales, the climate is sub-tropical. Summer temperatures (December to February) hit about 30 C (86 F) and winter temperatures (June to August) are 20 C (68 F).

Getting around Ballina

There are plenty of rental-car companies with desks at the local airports. Airport transfers and shuttles also link the airports with Ballina and other towns in the region.

A rental car is essential if you’re planning on getting around this part of New South Wales. Bus and coach services in the Ballina, Lennox Head, Byron Bay and Mullumbimby areas are operated by Blanch’s Bus Company.

What is good to know if travelling to Ballina?

• Visit the Thursday Plantation and discover the magic of natural therapies in a rainforest garden, sculpture park and Tea Tree Maze. 
• A three-hour cultural tour of Ballina and the surrounding areas will take visitors to mythological sites to hear stories of local Aboriginal legends. The full tour takes in morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea. 
• One of the best markets in the area is the Channon Craft Market in Lismore. There are more than 250 stalls every month selling fresh produce, therapeutic goods and services, art, crafts and more.
• The Ballina Naval and Maritime Museum on Regatta Avenue tells the story of this region and contains the original Las Balsas raft and the largest collection of Naval and Merchant Ships in Australia.