BALLINA COAST & HINTERLAND
From the lush, subtropical
rainforests and picturesque villages of the hinterland to the
crystal waters of the coast, the Ballina Coast and Hinterland is
truly a natural wonder... a playground for beach lovers,
surfers, boaties, anglers, bush walkers and eco-adventurers from
around the globe…
On the Coast in Ballina Centred on
an island at the mouth of the Richmond River, Ballina is
surrounded by 32kms of white sandy beaches and seemingly
endless, crystal clear waterways.
The island town of Ballina is the
commercial and cultural heart of the shire with the streets of
Ballina’s town centre lined with stylish restaurants and cafes
where you can sample the famous local seafood.
The town is absolutely brimming
with things to see and do…visit the historic museum, discover
treasure troves of antiques and curios, art and craft shops and
markets; browse the funky boutiques; or take your pick of fun
activities for kids of all ages.
Further a field, take in the
spectacular coastline from Ballina’s extensive cycleways; enjoy
a leisurely river cruise along the Richmond; journey into the
teaming wetlands of North Creek by canoe; or thrill to the
annual migration of the humpback whales from any of the coastal
headlands. The fishing at Flat Rock and Angels Beach is
legendary and, if you wet a line at dawn from Ballina’s North or
South Walls, you’re in for a breakfast feast.
On the Coast in Lennox Head
Laid-back Lennox is a leisurely
(and very scenic) 10-minute jaunt up the coast from Ballina. The
views from the headland are absolutely breathtaking and Pat
Morton Lookout offers the perfect vantage point for a bit of
whale and dolphin spotting - or for taking to the skies on a
hang-glider.
With it’s famous surf breaks at
Boulders and Lennox Point, the village is a Mecca among surfers,
while the white sands of Seven Mile Beach lure swimmers,
fishermen and beach lovers looking to escape the crowds.
Along the main street, you’ll find
boutiques, surf shops and stylish cafes, restaurants and an
excellent pub where you can savour some of the region’s finest
cuisine.
On the outskirts of the village,
Lake Ainsworth is a popular spot for swimming, sailing and
canoeing in still, fresh waters. The lake is stained ‘billy tea’
red by the tea trees that fringe its banks and it is claimed to
have therapeutic effects.
This tranquil hideaway is the
perfect backdrop for Lennox’s colourful monthly markets held on
the second and fifth Sundays of every month.
In the Alstonville Hinterland
Away from the coast, Ballina’s
lush hinterland is dotted by pioneer settlements like Teven,
Tintenbar and Knockrow, where you’ll find wonderful parks and
gardens, tea-rooms, cosy cafes, country pubs and galleries and
shops filled with exquisite local arts, crafts and fresh local
produce.
The village of Alstonville is an
Aladdin’s cave for curio hunters and culture buffs with its
historic buildings, classic Australian architecture, galleries
and antique shops, intimate cafés and restaurants.
Hidden throughout the surrounding
plateau are secluded waterfalls, lush, sub-tropical parks and
gardens and, at Victoria Park Nature Reserve, a magnificent
remnant of the ‘Big Scrub’ - a vast rainforest which once
blanketed the region.
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