Top Things to do in Ballina
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What to do and see in Ballina, Australia: The Best Places and Tips
Discover the best top things to do in Ballina, Australia including Ballina Naval & Maritime Museum, Ballina Visitor Information Centre, Big Prawn, Lighthouse Beach, Killen Falls, Northern Rivers Community Gallery, Ballina Historic Waterfront Trail, Richmond River Lighthouse.
Restaurants in Ballina
1. Ballina Naval & Maritime Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 123 reviews
Reviewed By suzw99 - Gisborne, Australia
This museum is packed full of unique objects that tell both local and national stories about maritime history. The collection of models is of a very high quality and very wide ranging in its coverage of sailing, naval and commercial vessels. The history of the Australian navy is well represented by the collection and there are also sections that cover the maritime history of Ballina and the surrounding area. Another fascinating section is based around one of the three original rafts from the Las Balsas Expedition which crossed the Pacific from Ecuador in 1973. A fascinating story covered by a video on show and information panels. Unfortunately the building can get rather hot. Definitely worth the $5 admission fee.
2. Ballina Visitor Information Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 145 reviews
The friendly staff at the Ballina Visitor Information Centre offer a complete Ballina Coast & Hinterland holiday booking service as well as maps, brochures and the local knowledge to help you make the most of your adventure to our region.
Reviewed By AussieRicho1 - Wollongong, Australia
You can pick up good information here and the staff are great. Tell them what you want to experience and they will be a great guide. I wanted to go to Byron only but they suggested Lennox Head on the way and I was happy for that information. Thanks.
3. Big Prawn
Overall Ratings
4 based on 218 reviews
Reviewed By Lynette00 - Hamilton, New Zealand
This isn't really an attraction - it is probably worth driving past just to say you have seen it but once you have done the drive past there is nothing else to see. I guess it is more of a landmark than an attraction.
4. Lighthouse Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
Reviewed By kpiddy - Brisbane, Australia
After making our way out along the Ballina Historic Waterfront Trail to the mouth of the Richmond River we discovered Lighthouse Beach, this is a beautiful short stretch of coastline on the North coast of New South Wales in Ballina. The sand is stunning white, great for a walk, a nice spot of children to play in the sand, I'm not sure if it suitable for swimming if it is a patrolled beach or not. From the walkway we and many others we attempting to spot whales and dolphins out to sea and in the mouth of the river.
5. Killen Falls
Overall Ratings
4 based on 85 reviews
Reviewed By HeatherSW
After recent rains the pool was clear and and the waterfall was pumping. It’s an easy, pleasant walk down to the falls which takes about 10 minutes. With the enthusiastic growth of summer, do keep an eye out for snakes on the path- not that we saw any.
It’s fabulous to be pummeled by the waterfall and if you can, I’d definitely advise take a floatation device of some kind, as the rocks on the bottom of the pool (which is not very deep -waist to chest height) are sharp on your feet. Take thongs to help you get in pain free!
Lots of lovely shady and sunny places to put your towels and accoutrements and sit when you’re not in the water.
6. Northern Rivers Community Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
The Northern Rivers Community Gallery (NRCG) is privileged to be housed in the historic former Ballina Municipal Council Chambers. Built in 1927, Ballina Shire Council renovated this building in 2007 to the highest standard in lighting, climate control and security. The building now provides an exceptional space for patrons to enjoy Exhibitions and other public programs. As a community gallery, distinct from a regional or commercial artistic institution, the NRCG is driven by the principles of access, equity and participation for local artists and local audiences, while striving for the highest standards of programming. The Northern Rivers region is acknowledged for the strength and diversity of its creative industry sector, particularly in relation to the visual arts. The NRCG serves as an essential vehicle through which this burgeoning artistic sector can be supported and nurtured. The NRCG provides a facility for a diverse range of programs of local and touring Exhibitions, education programs and cultural events; showcasing unique, high quality works made by regional artists, craftspeople and designers. Adjacent to the Gallery, and part of the historic Chambers building, is the popular Ballina Gallery Cafe which provides quality hospitality services including catering for functions and events.
Reviewed By libkat - Ballina, Australia
The gallery has changing Exhibitions all from local artists. I always love dropping in and seeing what's new. I especially love the Exhibitions that display the artists' response to the local environment. There is photography, ceramics, installations, painting, printing etc on display and for sale.
The building is heritage listed (make sure you look at the ceiling when you enter the foyer and the old council security safe) and makes a lovely exhibiting space.
An excellent place to buy gifts in their shop for a special piece of jewellery or ceramics.
And the cafe next door does a great coffee with friendly service. Always nice to do both cafe and gallery together.
7. Ballina Historic Waterfront Trail
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By kpiddy - Brisbane, Australia
Parking the car in the small car park at Shaw's Bay we picked up the riverside shared pathway which continues out to the mouth of the Richmond River to the North Wall. This is a fun and informative pathway, alongside the path there are 19 plaques featuring historical photographs from the Ballina region and a short informative description. The distance from the car park out to the end of the path was a little over 1.5 kms long, but it is an easy flat walk with such wonderful scenery. The path was well used on our late afternoon visit, plenty of people out strolling, walking for exercise and a few leisurely cyclists. At the end of the path is Lighthouse Beach, a good point to spot a whale or a dolphin in the ocean or in the mouth of the river. This is a local activity worthy of joining in on.
8. Richmond River Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By MBB1952 - Surfers Paradise, Australia
The Richmond Light House across the road from Ballina Head Lookout is one of the oldest in NSW. It was designed and built by James Barnet in 1879, it is only 6 meters high. Originally it had a porch, annexe and keepers quarters, they were demolished in 1940, it used to guide ships into the river port.
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