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Oceania Australia Ballina Byron Do & See The Ballina Naval & Maritime Museum

Overview

The Ballina Naval & Maritime Museum

The guide was updated: 2022-05-12

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.

Useful Information

Address: Regatta Ave, Ballina
Opening hours: Daily 9am–4pm
Website: www.ballinamaritimemuseum.org.au
Phone: +61 2 6681 1002

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Seven Mile Beach

Seven Mile Beach

Just a few kilometres noth 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. Pegasus Park Equestrian Centre +61 2 6687 1446 www.pegasuspark.com.au Hours: 9am-5pm

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.

Macadamia Castle and Animal Park

Macadamia Castle and Animal Park

About half-way between Byron Bay and Ballina, the Macadamia Castle offers an insight into local animal life. Expect to see, among others, koalas, goats, rabbits, various birds and reptiles. The park also has leisure facilities like mini golf, playgrounds, a train ride and a cafe, making it a popular venue for family trips.

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 and Snorkelling

Diving and Snorkelling

The sea around Byron Bay has abundant marine life among the rock 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:

Kayaking with dolphins

Kayaking with dolphins

Get up close and personal with the local bottlenose dolphins in the bay. A kayak is a great and sporty way of observing these lovely mammals. Tours are available everyday for both whale and dolphin watching. Go Sea Kayak Byron Bay:

Northern Rivers Community Gallery

Northern Rivers Community Gallery

If you're into contemporary art, Northern Rivers Community Gallery might be an interesting detour from beach days and outdoor activities. They have four exhibition spaces showing diverse artwork mostly by local artists, but not exclusively. Check their website to see what exhibitions, cultural programs and events are currently going on.

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