Things to do in Ballina

Activities, attractions and tours

Ballina showing signage and street scenes
Ballina
Ballina showing street scenes
Ballina featuring street scenes and an administrative building
Ballina which includes a bay or harbour

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Most popular experiences in Ballina

Tours & day trips

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Byron Bay: Glowworms, Waterfalls & Rainforest Experience

Byron Bay: Glowworms, Waterfalls & Rainforest Experience

Activity duration is 5 hours and 30 minutes
9.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €72 per adult
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Water activities

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Kayaking with Dolphins in Byron Bay Guided Tour

Kayaking with Dolphins in Byron Bay Guided Tour

Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
9.0 out of 10 with 4 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €50 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 6 activities
WANDER BYRON Guided Sunrise Tours to Cape Byron Lighthouse

WANDER BYRON Guided Sunrise Tours to Cape Byron Lighthouse

Activity duration is 2 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is €39 per adult
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What to do in Ballina

Popular places to visit

Lake Ainsworth Sport and Recreation Centre

Lake Ainsworth Sport and Recreation Centre

You can take time to visit Lake Ainsworth Sport and Recreation Centre during your travels to Ballina. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches.

Lake Ainsworth Sport and Recreation Centre
Pat Morton Lookout

Pat Morton Lookout

You can find out about the history of Ballina with a trip to Pat Morton Lookout. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches.

Pat Morton Lookout

Ballina Fair Shopping Centre

You can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Ballina Fair Shopping Centre during your trip to Ballina. Wander through the beautiful beaches and riverfront in this relaxing area.

Ballina Fair Shopping Centre

Ballina Golf Club

Enjoy a round of golf in Ballina at Ballina Golf Club. Wander through the beautiful beaches and riverfront in this relaxing area.

Ballina Golf Club

Ballina District Hospital

If Ballina District Hospital is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of Ballina.

Ballina District Hospital

Ballina Jockey Club

Catch an event at Ballina Jockey Club during your trip to Ballina. Wander through the beautiful beaches and riverfront in this relaxing area.

Ballina Jockey Club

Ballina Racecourse

You can take time to visit Ballina Racecourse during your travels to Ballina. Wander through the beautiful beaches and riverfront in this relaxing area.

Ballina Racecourse

Ballina Naval and Maritime Museum

You can spend an afternoon studying the exhibits at Ballina Naval and Maritime Museum during your trip to Ballina. Wander through the beautiful beaches and riverfront in this relaxing area.

Ballina Naval and Maritime Museum

Boulder Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Boulder Beach during your trip to Ballina? Wander the beautiful beaches in this relaxing area.

Boulder Beach

Areas of Ballina

Lennox Head which includes a coastal town

Lennox Head

Experience this seaside town’s famous right-hand surf break and watch seasoned surfers competing on the waves. Check out the pretty lake and shoreline park.

Lennox Head
Ballina showing a beach

East Ballina

East Ballina is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Shelly Beach and Lighthouse Beach.

East Ballina
Ballina featuring a bay or harbour

Ballina Central

While visiting Ballina Central, you might make a stop by sights like Ballina Fair Shopping Centre and Ballina Jockey Club.

Ballina Central
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Skennars Head

If you're spending some time in Skennars Head, Angels Beach and Sharpe's Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Skennars Head
Lennox Head showing rugged coastline, surf and a bay or harbour

North Creek

North Creek is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Lennox Head Beach and Seven Mile Beach, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Ballina.

North Creek
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West Ballina

Bars and shopping are notable features of West Ballina. You might consider stopping by Big Prawn while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

West Ballina
Broken Head showing a bay or harbour, a sandy beach and rugged coastline

Broken Head

Photo by 4 pairs of Itchy Feet

Knockrow

Frequently asked questions

Is Ballina worth visiting?
Providing a blend of family-friendly attractions and surfing, there are plenty of things to do in Ballina. While you're here, head to Pat Morton Lookout, a major attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Ballina?
Begin your day with a visit to Pat Morton Lookout and Killen Falls. Then, check out other areas of Ballina for tasty eats and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Ballina?
You can't go home without checking out Pat Morton Lookout, ranked the top tourist attraction in Ballina.
Is three days enough to stay in Ballina?
You can easily enjoy popular attractions like Pat Morton Lookout, Richmond River Nature Reserve and Ballina Naval and Maritime Museum with a three-day escape to Ballina. On average, most travellers plan two days here. There's plenty to see and do nearby too, so stay a little longer and check out Byron Bay.
Is Ballina a walkable city?
With vibrant neighbourhoods and leading sights within walking distance of the city centre, Ballina is a great place to experience on foot. Wander between Richmond River Nature Reserve and Ballina Naval and Maritime Museum. Then take a stroll through West Ballina, located 3 kilometres from the centre, and East Ballina, which is about 3 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Ballina with kids?
Deciding what to do in Ballina with kids is easier than ever. Whether you're taking a trip with teenagers or little ones, there are many family-friendly activities to keep everyone entertained here.

What to do in Ballina for adults?
Whether you're a food lover, culture enthusiast or outdoor adventurer, there are many things to do in Ballina for adults.
Are there free things to do in Ballina?
In Ballina, Pat Morton Lookout is an unmissable spot for anyone wishing to tour the city without reaching for their wallet. Also, wander around the other neighbourhoods and green spaces, and ask a local tour guide for recommendations. It's a good way to learn about the best free things to do in Ballina.