Attractions in & around Ballina

Let us plan your adventure. Whether booking tickets to one of the many fantastic attractions in our region, to set-down and pick-up arrangements, to supplying personalised hampers for your day exploring, we specialise in making everyday perfect... 

Tour Historic Ballina Manor 

Ballina Manor was saved from approved demolition, then meticulously restored, furnished with exquisite antiques  and Heritage Listed for future generations to enjoy. We welcome everyone to experience this truly rare and unique example of Ballina's History.  

Guided Tours of Ballina Manor are a must when visiting Ballina.

Opening Times:  7 Days a week / 10:00am to 5:00pm

Group Bookings and Refreshments available.

Free Admission. Phone (02) 6681 5888

Click on the "HISTORY" tab to get an insight on the life and transformations of Ballina Manor.

                                                                                            Tour Norton Street Heritage Trail

In 1887 a traveling correspondent wrote, "on the north side of Ballina runs a broad straight road, at the corner of which is the little post office; and  

near this is the printing office of the local newspaper, the Ballina Pilot. At the end of the thoroughfare are a massive timber wharf and crane opposite 

Jarrett's Marine View Hotel whence a good panoramic view is obtained of the mouth of the river". 

Visitors today can still picture this description of Norton Street, which was wide enough to allow for the later planting of Norfolk pine trees and view that panorama from Meldrum Park, which is half way along your walk. Norton Street with its past mix of residential and commercial properties and string of community minded residents presents glimpses of Ballina's early history. So cross the road from the Visitor Centre and start walking back in time.

Stay at the Manor while you discover the magic of Ballina. With 32kms of perfect, white sandy beaches, great surfing, fantastic fishing and glorious rural countryside,

unique experiences abound in and around this jewel by the sea.

photos by Colin Cooksey

Historical Attractions in & around Ballina:

• Old Post Office - Now the court house and police station, the old post office was first occupied in 1889.
  
  
• Pioneer Memorial Park - Due to a number of shipping disasters many sea captains and crew are buried here and are grim reminders of our historic past.
  
  
• Fenwick House - Located on Shaws Bay , a gracious 2 storey, Scottish Manor House, built in 1884 by Captain Thomas Fenwick.
  
  
• Coastguard Tower - Located adjacent to Lighthouse Beach, the tower is manned by the Ballina Flotilla of the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Assoc.
  
  
• Richmond River Lighthouse - Built in 1879 this lighthouse is one of the oldest in the state, standing 35 metres above the high tide mark and with a light range of 20km.
  
  
• Rotary Lookout - View the spectacular coastline and hinterland through the binocular facility.
  
  
• Pat Moreton Lookout - Spectacular views of 7 Mile Beach where you can witness surfers tackling the world famous right hand point break below.
  
  
• The Bora Ring - Located in Gibbon St, this ceremonial site for the Nyangabal people is one of the few well-preserved earth bora rings in NSW.
  
  
• Lumley Park Historic Museum - Three acres of untouched "Big Scrub" which was set aside in 1934 and named after Clarence Lumley who was killed in WW1.
  
  
• Old NSW Creamery Butter Co.Factory - Built in 1900, which then became a peanut factory in 1930.
  
  
• Old Tintenbar Council Building - Merging with the Ballina Shire Council in 1977 and now houses the Kolinda Gallery.
  
  
• Paddy Bugden Memorial VC Memorial - Paddy was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for his bravery in WW1.
  
  
• St Bartholomew's Church - Made from local Meerschaum Vale sandstone, its foundations were laid in August 1913.
  
  
• Federal Hotel - Built in 1900 and named "Federal" because of the passing of the Federation Bill at the time.
  
  
• Elizabeth Ann Brown Park & RSL War Memorial - A picturesque park with picnic facilities, RSL War Memorial and rock wall which proudly displays the plaques won in Tidy Town competitions.
  
  
• Meerschaum Vale - A drive through this quaint village is reminiscent of the days of old, set amongst fertile, green pastures.
  
  
• Wardell Lift Span Bridge - Historic Wardell, proclaimed a town in 1886, where you can cross the lift span bridge and travel along River Drive and towards South Ballina.
  
  
• Empire Vale - Drive past broad expanses of cane fields and witness the telltale signs of a bygone era by the old railway lines embedded in the road.
  
  
• Ballina Ferry - Crosses to Ballina at a small charge. Open 5.30am to midnight daily. Closed 9am - 12noon 2nd Tuesday of each month and noon Xmas Day until 5:30am Boxing Day.

photos by Colin Cooksey

Other things to see and do in the area:

Alstonville Garden Centre

Features café, peaceful gardens, seedling & tree nursery, gift shop, landscape supply and children's plaground.

Set amongst peaceful gardens on an historic dairy farm with rustic covered walks with wheelchair access, Alstonville Garden Centre features unique design incorporating a café, seedling and tree nursery, gift shop, landscape supply and children's playground. Alstonville Plateau, encompassing Alstonville.

Alstonville Garden Centre sits on the highest point on the Plateau and nearby pines are used as landmarks by fishing boats at sea.

Where?
Alstonville Garden Centre
Cnr Bruxner Hwy & Converys Lane , Wollongbar NSW 2477
Phone: (02) 6628 7833
Fax: (02) 6628 7933

Visit www.treefarm.com.au

Ballina Naval & Maritime Museum

This Museum houses the famous Las Balsas Raft which made an expedition from South America to Ballina in 1973. Admission by donation.

Behind the Ballina Visitor Information Centre, displaying the maritime history of the North Coast ...Plus The Royal Australian Navy and Navies of other countries, and The Merchant Navy. Home of the La Balsa Raft.

Where?
Ballina Naval & Maritime Museum Inc.
Regatta Avenue , Ballina. P.O. Box 506 Ballina 2479.
Open Daily 9 am to 4 pm. Admission by donation.
Phone: (02) 6681 1002
Facsimile: (02) 6681 1002

Baysail:

The 12-meter yacht, SV Ironbark sets sail daily from Ballina. Skippered by Iain McCabe, the SV Ironbark not only offers the allure of ocean adventure but as participating dolphin research vessel, you not only get closer to the action but you assist in vital data collection.

Dolphins are not the only sea life you'll encounter. Migrating humpback whales, sharks, turtles, rays and flying fish are also regular visitors. When you've had enough of keeping watch, take the helm, trim the sails or man the winches.

Choose from half-day, full day or overnight tours. Prices start from a low $75.00 per person. Food and drinks are catered for, and the Baysail team will even pick you up and drop you back to your accommodation.

Your point of view will never be the same again.

Where?
Baysail
Mobile: 0418656160

0414843761

Email: info@baysail.net.au

www.baysail.net.au

photos by Colin Cooksey

Richmond River Cruises:

“The Princess” operates regular 2-hour Devonshire Tea/coffee cruises each week that deviate along the magnificent Richmond .

So, relax and enjoy the environment while the crew dispense old-fashioned table service and the Skipper relates a lighthearted commentary that brings to life the vibrant history of the river.

“The Princess” is available for group charters, birthday parties,weddings or anniversaries at any time.
“Welcome Aboard!”

Where?
Richmond River Cruises
Book at the Ballina Visitor Centre
Phone: (02) 6686 3484
or Mobile: 0407 329 851


Macadamia Castle

Inside The Macadamia castle you will find the Castle Cafe, a great place just to relax and enjoy the coffee & cakes. Try the menu!

In the Gift Shop you will find a great selection of arts and craft items are on display. Enjoy the discovery of local products.

The Nut Bar caters for the finest of tastes with agreat variety of flavoured nuts to try!

Great fun for families!

Knockrow Animal Fun Park is a child friendly environment with something for everyone!

Play the 18 hole mini-golf course, while others take the train ride or have fun on the merry-go-round and in the playground.

There's bountiful burgers and home-baked cakes in our coffee shop or bring your own picnic and make use of our free gas barbecue facilities.

Tour the bird and animal park or stop for a cup of freshly brewed local coffee.

Where?
Drive south from Byron bay along the Pacific Highway for 10 minutes.

The Macadamia Castle .
Pacific Highway
Knockrow NSW 2479
Phone/Fax (02) 66 878 432

www.macadamiacastle.com.au

photos by Colin Cooksey

Teven Golf Course

No need to book to tee off on this beautiful 9 hole course set amongst the lush hinterland.

In the gentle hills of the Ballina hinterland an unforgetable golfing experience awaits you!
Our superbly maintained course is just 10 minutes from Ballina and central to Byron Bay and our beaches.

• Casual golf 7 days
• Pro/coffee shop
• Hire gear
• B-B-Q area
• Licensed

Enquiries welcome

Where?
Teven Golf Course
Eltham Road , Teven NSW 2471
Phone: (02) 6687 8386

Email: tevngolf@norex.com.au

Thursday Plantation

Home of the therapeutic tea tree. Free guided tours and entry into the educational facility. The kids will love the tea tree maze. Open 7 days.

Where?
Thursday Plantation
Pacific Highway, Ballina, NSW
Phone: 1800 029 000
Email: info@thursdayplanation.com
Web site: www.thursdayplantation.com




Markets

The North Coast Community Markets are amongst the most colourful in Australia providing an exciting outdoor shopping experience with authentic local atmosphere.
Local stall holders who make, bake it, grow it, sew it or recycle it are given priority to display their wares so you can be sure to find something special with distinctive local character and charm.

Where?

1 st Saturday
Brunswick heads Memorial Park, Fawcett Street

1 st Sunday
Byron Bay Butler Street Reserve
Lismore Car Boot Lismore Shopping Square

2 nd Sunday
Lennox Head Lake Ainsworth , Pacific Parade
The Channon Coronation Park

3 rd Sunday
Ballina Outdoor entertainment centre Canal road
Lismore Car Boot Lismore Shopping Square
The Aquarius fair Nimbim Community Centre

4 th Saturday
Evans Head Evans Head recreation reserve

4 th Sunday
Bangalow Bangalow Showground

5 th Sunday
Lennox Head Lake Ainsworth , Pacific Parade

For more information on markets in the region please visit www.tropicalnsw.com.au/aaa_site/markets/
For more information on local events please visit www.discoverballina.com and click on to what to see and do

 

Northern Rivers

Ballina lays in the heart of the Northern Rivers of New South Wales a place of astonishing physical beauty and extraordinary cultural diversity. Just below the Queensland border the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales encompasses Tweed Heads in the north to the inland river city of Grafton to the south. Fifteen of Australia 's precious World Heritage Listed areas can be found here, as well as dozens of National parks, nature reserves and rainforest remnants.

The Northern Rivers is blessed with a remarkably hospitable climate, warm rains nourish the countryside putting the green into the ‘rolling hills' and the crisp inland mornings of winter bring just enough chill to define the seasons. The mild subtropical climate yields a rich harvest of amazing farm produce in the spectacular volcanic terrain.

Experience the breathtaking majesty of a rainforest or marvel at the teeming wildlife of our costal heaths and dunes, take a 4WD trek into a mountain wilderness or a leisurely stroll through a towering palm forest. Scattered throughout the Northern Rivers are dozens of delightful towns, villages, and rural hamlets. There are classic country pubs and cafes and an abundance of fetes, fairs and festivals.

Spend some tine with us and experience the astonishing physical beauty and extraordinary cultural diversity of the Northern Rivers region by following these trails:

photos by Colin Cooksey

Tours

A natural wonderland of rainforest, waterfalls, breathtaking vistas, World Heritage National Parks and world famous beaches are just waiting to be explored. Guests travel in small groups by luxury 4WD to fully appreciate this exciting diversity. Staying at a selection of exclusive boutique retreats and 5 star resorts, we will facilitate your daring "Pacific Rainforest Escape".

We offer a variety of tours from a 1 Day Rainforest experience through to 6 Day Caldera Circuit, available from Brisbane, Ballina / Byron, Gold Coast airports, and from participating host properties.

Our itineraries are designed for the discerning traveller wishing to experience and share in a very special Australian experience. Travelling with a small group of like-minded people, you will explore a unique cross section of Australia and meet some of the lucky people who call this home.

The tours offer personalised service for discerning like-minded travellers. Pacific Rainforest Escape professional tour guides live in the region, have immense local knowledge and their presentation is both interesting and entertaining.

Alternatively explore the region on your own, following our specially designed itineraries, in your own (or hired) car, or "tag-a- long " with the experts. Let us arrange your accommodation, itinerary and exciting activities to make your journey rewarding and enjoyable.

The tours offer personalised service for discerning like-minded travellers. Pacific Rainforest Escape professional tour guides live in the region, have immense local knowledge and their presentation is both interesting and entertaining.

Please visit www.pacificrainforestescapes.com.au for more information and detailed itineraries.

Trails

Byron Bay to Evans Head trail
www.riversoflife.com.au/scripts/runisa.dll?VISITNSWLIVE:PE_1COLUMN:2110939311:pp=PC_230,pc=PC_232

Surf & Turf trails
www.riversoflife.com.au/scripts/runisa.dll?VISITNSWLIVE:PE_1COLUMN:1789927199:pp=PC_230,pc=PC_233

The Rainforest Ways
http://www.riversoflife.com.au/scripts/runisa.dll?VISITNSWLIVE:PE_1COLUMN:1789927199:pp=PC_230,pc=PC_233

The 4x4 trail
www.riversoflife.com.au/scripts/runisa.dll?VISITNSWLIVE:PE_1COLUMN:1789927199:pp=PC_230,pc=PC_241

Some of the other attractions in the area include

• helicopter flights by AIR T&G
• hang gliding
• scuba diving
• tennis
• bowling
• boating
• golf
• deserted beaches
• rainforest walks
• national parks
• coastal treks
• 4WD adventure
• explore Byron Bays delis
• visit plantations including fruit, macadamias & coffee
• fantastic tropical fruit
• amazing seafood and
• prime North Coast beef