Things to do in Ballina

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Ballina which includes signage and street scenes
Lighthouse Beach showing a sandy beach
Ballina which includes street scenes
Ballina showing an administrative buidling and street scenes
Ballina featuring a bay or harbor

Ballina Attractions

It's no wonder so many people head to Ballina each year. This delightful city is full of wonderful things to do. Whether you're fond of visiting local sights or trying out more exhilarating activities, you'll never have a dull moment here.

Explore the best sights in Ballina with some popular tours & day trips, or get through our list of {43 fun activities in Ballina fun activities in Ballina}. We have no booking fees as well as free cancellation, so you can relax and channel all your energy into planning the perfect vacation.

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Most popular activities in Ballina

Tours & day trips

See all 32 activities
WANDER BYRON Guided Sunrise Tours to Cape Byron Lighthouse

WANDER BYRON Guided Sunrise Tours to Cape Byron Lighthouse

Activity duration is 2 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $32 per adult
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Water activities

See all 19 activities
Kayaking with Dolphins in Byron Bay Guided Tour

Kayaking with Dolphins in Byron Bay Guided Tour

Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
9.0 out of 10 with 4 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $59 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

See all 8 activities
Byron Bay: Glowworms, Waterfalls & Rainforest Experience

Byron Bay: Glowworms, Waterfalls & Rainforest Experience

Activity duration is 5 hours and 30 minutes
9.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $85 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 5 activities
WANDER BYRON Guided Sunrise Tours to Cape Byron Lighthouse

WANDER BYRON Guided Sunrise Tours to Cape Byron Lighthouse

Activity duration is 2 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $32 per adult
WANDER BYRON Guided Sunrise Tours to Cape Byron LighthouseOpens in new tab

What to do in Ballina

Free Things to Do in Ballina

An escape to Ballina doesn't have to cost a lot. You can leave your wallet behind if you go to:

Ballina Naval and Maritime Museum - Approach the friendly staff or curator and gain an insight into the fascinating collections exhibited here.

Ballina District Hospital - Pull out your guidebook and learn why this place is worth adding to your must-see list.

Things to Do in Ballina with Kids

There are loads of incredible experiences in Ballina that the entire gang will get a buzz out of. Here are some of the most popular family friendly experiences in the area.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Ballina? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Ballina

The ferry ride from Hornopiren on my way from Puerto Montt to Chaitén

Lake Ainsworth Sport and Recreation Centre

You can take time to visit Lake Ainsworth Sport and Recreation Centre during your travels to Ballina. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches.

Lake Ainsworth Sport and Recreation Centre
The cliffs of Pat Morton Lookout, Lennox Head, NSW. This is my favourite place in the Northern Rivers, as the sweeping meadow, high cliffs, pebbly beach and vast expanse of sea makes me feel I'm far away on an adventure.

Pat Morton Lookout

You can find out about the history of Ballina when you stop by Pat Morton Lookout. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches.

Pat Morton Lookout

Ballina Fair Shopping Centre

4.5/5(5 reviews)

You can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Ballina Fair Shopping Centre during your visit to Ballina. Wander the beautiful beaches and riverfront in this relaxing area.

Ballina Fair Shopping Centre

Ballina Golf Club

Enjoy a round of golf in Ballina at Ballina Golf Club. Wander the beautiful beaches and riverfront in this relaxing area.

Ballina Golf Club

Ballina District Hospital

Though Ballina District Hospital might be what brings you to town, perhaps you'll have a chance to explore more of Ballina while you are here.

Ballina District Hospital

Ballina Racecourse

You can take time to visit Ballina Racecourse during your travels to Ballina. Wander the beautiful beaches and riverfront in this relaxing area.

Ballina Racecourse

Boulder Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Boulder Beach during your trip to Ballina? Wander the beautiful beaches in this relaxing area.

Boulder Beach

Ballina Visitor Information Centre

After visiting Ballina Visitor Information Centre, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Ballina. Wander the beautiful beaches and riverfront in this relaxing area.

Ballina Visitor Information Centre

Ballina Jockey Club

Catch an event at Ballina Jockey Club during your trip to Ballina. Wander the beautiful beaches and riverfront in this relaxing area.

Ballina Jockey Club

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Ballina

Lennox Head featuring a coastal town

Lennox Head

Experience this seaside town’s famous right-hand surf break and watch seasoned surfers competing on the waves. Check out the pretty lake and shoreline park.

Lennox Head
Ballina showing a sandy beach

East Ballina

East Ballina is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Ballina Golf Club and Shelly Beach.

East Ballina
Lennox Head featuring surf, rugged coastline and a bay or harbor

North Creek

North Creek is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights in the area like Lennox Head Beach and Seven Mile Beach.

North Creek
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Skennars Head

While visiting Skennars Head, you might make a stop by sights like Sharpe's Beach and Angels Beach.

Skennars Head
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West Ballina

Bars and shopping are notable features of West Ballina. You might consider a stop by Big Prawn while you're exploring the neighborhood.

West Ballina
See our Where To Stay guide

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Ballina

Broken Head featuring a bay or harbor, surf and rugged coastline

Broken Head

Photo by 4 pairs of Itchy Feet

Knockrow

Frequently asked questions

Is Ballina worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Ballina is explore Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. Check this leading sight off your list, then discover more of this area's family-friendly attractions and surfing.
How do I spend a day in Ballina?
Once you've checked off key attractions like Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and Pat Morton Lookout, spend the rest of your day discovering the retail and food options in Ballina.
What is the top tourist attraction in Ballina?
The top tourist attraction in Ballina is Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, so don't forget to include it on your itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Ballina?
Three days will be enough time to check out some popular city highlights, such as Pat Morton Lookout, Big Prawn and Ballina Naval and Maritime Museum. The average stay in Ballina is two days. If you have the time to extend your trip, Byron Bay isn't far away.
Is Ballina a walkable city?
With vibrant neighborhoods and top sights within walking distance of the city center, Ballina is a good place to discover on foot. Enjoy wandering between Big Prawn and Ballina Naval and Maritime Museum. Then take a stroll around West Ballina, located 2 miles from the center, and East Ballina, which is about 2 miles away.
What are some activities to do in Ballina with kids?
Deciding what to do in Ballina with kids has never been so simple. Whether you're getting away with teenagers or little ones, there are loads of family-friendly tours and activities to keep everyone happy here.

What to do in Ballina for adults?
Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or fan of Mother Nature, there's a range of things to do in Ballina for adults.
Are there free things to do in Ballina?
One of the easiest ways to find free things to do in Ballina is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on exciting neighborhoods, parks and other hotspots you can visit without taking your wallet out. Pat Morton Lookout is one sight that doesn't charge an admission fee.