 Ballina is easily one of the best starting points to explore the northern coastal regions of NSW known as the Northern Rivers region. The laid back seaside town offers a wide range of affordable accommodation for a family beach holiday or a romantic getaway for two. Discover Ballina Shire at your own pace and you will agree this is one of Australia's most relaxing holiday destinations.
The town of Ballina is the major holiday and service centre for the region and makes an ideal launch pad for exploration of the hinterland and surrounding coastal areas in the comfort of one of our car rentals.
Even though Ballina has you well catered for on dry land the main attraction of this stretch of coastline is of course the water. All year round the weather is ideally suited to enjoyment of the beautiful beaches and waterways in the area. You will find ample opportunities for swimming, surfing, kayaking, windsurfing, boating, sailing, and fishing. Or simply jump in your car hire vehicle and drive up the coast in search of some solitude, where miles of deserted beaches await you.
Here are our top 5 things to do while you are in Ballina
1. Stay overnight in the Rainforest
A short drive down the coast from Ballina in your car hire vehicle and you will find Evans Head. This is a small town nestled between two National Parks. Broadwater National Park to the north is the smaller of the two. Bundjalung National Park to the south is substantially larger in size and provides a range of facilities for visitors to enjoy.
The campgrounds at the southern end of the park provide a number of cabins for rent for a nominal nightly fee. These cabins sleep between 4 and 6 people and have a variety of amenities included. You will need to bring your own pillows linen and blankets however it is well worth the effort as there is nothing quite like waking up the sounds of the rainforest and ocean nearby. Give the Woody Head campground a call to find out more.
2. Explore the Hinterland
The Northern Rivers region has a wide range of colourful and quirky townships which are dotted along the coastline and throughout the countryside. Each has its own distinct history and character that reveals itself through its architecture, the variety of shops and its people. While some towns have their history firmly rooted with the early English settlers other towns are more eclectic. The town of Maclean has a proud Scottish heritage which the townspeople continue to celebrate. The town of New Italy has its origins with a boat of shipwrecked Italian travellers who made their home in the region, bringing with them a cultural experience you will not find anywhere else in this region. Still other towns are more ecclectic, embracing artists and alternative ways of life. Discover the area in comfort and style in one of our car rentals.
3. Learn to Surf
Often the hardest part of learning to surf is finding a quiet beach with the perfect waves. Ballina and the surrounding areas provide the perfect conditions for first time surfers. Even if you knew how to surf, finding the right beach on your own, even with a car rental and satellite navigation could be a problem. Experience the remote and pristine coastline with professional instructors who will provide everything you need to learn to surf. On a good day dolphins will make themselves seen, and during the right season whales can be seen passing by.
4. Cruise the Richmond river
The iconic Richmond River can be enjoyed with a historic cruise which many find is a relaxing and leisurely way to take in the local scenery. Enjoy a 2 hour Devonshire Tea/coffee cruise where you will be waited on hand and foot by the friendly crew. Listen and learn as the captain provides a light-hearted commentary on the history of the river.
5. Drop a line
Along the northern NSW coastline there are four major river systems which empty into the Pacific Ocean. These rivers zig zag across the countryside with a vast network of tributaries. This provides the ultimate fishing experience for keen anglers. There are many ways keen fisherman can get their fix, with deep sea, beach and estuary fishing being the most popular choices. Local businesses cater to holiday makers with a range of hooks and lines, bait and tackle, and small boats and fishing charters are available for hire. Many of the inland rivers and lakes are easily accessible in your car hire vehicle; why not ask one of the locals to point out the best fishing spots?
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