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Ballina Byron

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Oceania Australia Ballina Byron

Overview

Ballina Byron The guide was updated: 2024-06-17

The Ballina/Byron region is delightfully diverse. It ranges from the quiet family world of Ballina to Byron Bay, the former hippy capital of Australia. Byron Bay was once a simple whaling station later rediscovered by surfers. Now, long after the 60s, the place is swarmed with tourists and celebrities wishing to experience this alternative town, which is still one of the most hippy destinations on the East Coast.

Facts

Population:	Ballina: 46,190 Byron Bay: 6,330
Currency:	Australian Dollar (AUD) $1 = 100 cents
Hotels:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	Police, Fire & Ambulance: 000 Byron Central Hospital: +61 2 6639 9400 Poisons information: 13 11 26
Newspapers:	Lismore Echo: www.echo.net.au/lismore Ballina Shire Advocate: www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/ballina The Byron Shire Echo: www.echo.net.au/byron-echo Byron Shire News: www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/byron-shire
Website:	www.visitnsw.com/destinations/north-coast/byron-bay-area/ballina www.discoverballina.com.au
Opening hours:	Opening hours vary, but most shops are open 9am–5:30pm on weekdays and 9am–noon on Saturdays. Major centres stay open until 5pm. On Sundays, some bigger shopping centres are open from 10am to 4pm. Many of the bigger centres also have Thursday and Friday late night shopping until 9pm.
Tourist information:	Ballina Visitor Information Centre Corner of River Street & Las Balsas Plaza, Ballina +61 1800 777 666

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Section in Ballina Byron

There is no lack of beaches along the coastline if you want to enjoy a day on the sand. Once you're rested, outdoor and water activities are a must in Ballina and Byron Bay. Walking, picnicking, kayaking, swimming, surfing, snorkelling — you'll be spoilt for choice. Day trips in the surrounding villages are also possible, as well as museum visits and spotting dolphins and whales.

Seven Mile Beach

Seven Mile Beach

Just a few kilometres north of Ballina's centre, Seven Mile Beach is one of Australia’s finest and longest beaches. Wildlife, including dolphins and eagles, populates the area. Swimming, surfing and sunbathing are of course the recommended activities. For an unusual experience, Pegasus Park Equestrian Centre offers horseback rides under the supervision of an expert E.F.A. Grade 1 instructor.

Australian Seabird & Turtle Rescue

Australian Seabird & Turtle Rescue

The Australian Seabird Rescue, Research, Rehabilitation and Coastal Education Centre in Ballina offers a comprehensive educational experience for people of all ages. Participants experience first hand the issues in their local environment. The interactive, hands on approach gives everyone an unforgettable experience that they can take home and share with others. All presentations include a one hour informative talk by one of their trained volunteers, as well as a chance to see wildlife that may be in their care. Animals that you may get the opportunity to get a close-up look at may include pelicans, other sea birds, shore birds, and even the fascinating and endangered sea turtles.

Byron Bay From The Air

Byron Bay From The Air

Take the opportunity to get another perspective of Byron Bay and the amazing nature surrounding it by... jumping out of an airplane. This exciting experience will be a safe one thanks to Skydiving Byron Bay.

Big Prawn

Big Prawn

About 9 metres high, the Big Prawn is exactly what you'd expect it to be: a huge sculpture of a crustacean. You’ll find it in a parking lot on River Street outside Ballina’s town centre. Just park your car and take a few pictures with this Australian icon, likely among the oddest monuments you’ll ever encounter.

Historic Ballina Waterfront Trail

Historic Ballina Waterfront Trail

Put your hiking shoes on and start a scenic walk from the boardwalk of Ballina RSL club, walking alongside the Richmond River, cross the Missingham Bridge and continue towards the North Wall. Along the road you'll find 19 panels with information about the area. At the end of the walk you can relax on Lighthouse Beach or just enjoy the view from North Wall. You might be able to spot dolphins, turtles and various birds.

Shaws Bay

Shaws Bay

The scenic Shaws Bay is located just ten minutes from Ballina by car. Surrounded by beaches and parks, the area lends itself to long walks and picnics, as well as water activities like swimming, snorkeling and canoeing.

Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary

Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary

Fur, feathers, fine food and family fun — Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary is full of little surprises! There are lots of native furry friends and cuddly nursery animals, mini golf, train rides, playgrounds and barbecues. There's rabbit petting, face painting, a treehouse, and a reptile display including the local Brown Snake and Death Adder. All safe behind glass, of course. Visit the crocodile exhibit and cuddle a croc. Treat yourself to breakfast or lunch with some great local coffee and delicious food. Enjoy pancakes, homemade cakes and cookies. Specialties include macadamia baked cheesecake and their famous beef burger infused with macadamia nuts. The shop on the premises offers a wide range of gourmet macadamia products and tastings of hot, roasted nuts. There's a fascinating gift shop and a full display of the macadamia nut industry.

Lake Ainsworth

Lake Ainsworth

Adjacent to the Seven Mile Beach and within walking distance from Lennox Head village lies Lake Ainsworth, a fresh water lake surrounded by trees. Tea-tree tannins and oil infuse this freshwater lake for the most refreshing swim of your life. Have a picnic or a barbecue and then take off on a water adventure such as kayaking, swimming and windsurfing.

Diving & Snorkelling

Diving & Snorkelling

The sea around Byron Bay has abundant marine life among the rocky reefs. If you are not a certified diver yet, Byron Bay Dive Centre is the place to go for a guided experience and maybe complete your training. They will take you to the beautiful Julian Rocks Aquatic Reserve, one of Australia's major diving sites.

Surfing in Ballina

Surfing in Ballina

With more than 32 kilometres of beautiful winding coastline, you will not have to look hard to find a good surfing spot. The calm sandy beaches and rising swells are perfect for getting your surf on. Ballina Surf School offers tailored packages for personalised session. They specialise in private classes with small numbers but also do group sessions.

The Ballina Naval & Maritime Museum

The Ballina Naval & Maritime Museum

The Ballina Naval & Maritime Museum has an eclectic collection of different kinds of ships, not to mention exhibitions on maritime history, life at sea and in the navy. The most famous attraction is the raft Las Balsas, which landed in Ballina on 21 November 1973 after a 178-day journey from Ecuador.

Lennox Head

Lennox Head

Lennox Head is a laid-back village at the northern end of Seven Mile Beach and a mecca among surfers with its world-renowned breaks at Lennox and Boulders Point.

Brunswick Heads

Brunswick Heads

Brunswick Heads, located about 20 minutes by road north of Byron Bay, is approximately what Byron used to be before the hippie invasion — a sleepy little village on a super-scenic inlet, with top boating and fishing, several bars and restaurants, and a great cafe culture. It is the perfect place for a peaceful getaway.

Whale Watching

Whale Watching

From May to July, grandiose humpback whales pass Byron Bay on their journey to calving and breeding grounds further north. In September and October they pass Byron Bay again when they migrate back to the Antarctic with their youngsters. Several companies organise boat trips out to sea to watch the whales. One of those companies is Whale Watching Byron Bay.

Cape Byron Lighthouse

Cape Byron Lighthouse

Cape Byron Lighthouse, Australia's most eastern lighthouse, is an iconic sight of Byron Bay. Construction started in 1899 and the plans for the lighthouse were done in the style of New South Wales colonial architect of the day, James Barnet. The view from the top is magnificent and on a good day you might even spot dolphins or whales with your binoculars. The hill where it's located is also a nice place to see the colours of sunset itself liven up the landscape.

Surfing in Byron Bay

Surfing in Byron Bay

Byron Bay’s beaches face many different directions, increasing the chance for great waves. For those who still need to learn, Byron Bay is the perfect place to take surfing lessons with its often mellow waves. Mojosurf Byron Bay surf school:

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