Best Travel Guide Ballina Byron

Ballina ByronGuide 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.

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Facts

Population:	Ballina: 46,190 Byron Bay: 6,330
Currency:	Australian Dollar (AUD) $1 = 100 cents
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

Do & See

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

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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