Things to do in Ballina

Top Things to Do in Ballina, Australia - Ballina Attractions

Things to Do in Ballina

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Top Attractions in Ballina

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travellers are saying

  • Garry M
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    An absolute wonderful place to visit as a veteran - equally even if you just love model ships. I dropped in for half an hour and left 4 hours later. I have mentioned the museum to a number of locals and they were unaware of its existence. Ballina should be very proud of it.
    Written 24 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • EllaDee011
    Macksville, Australia341 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great walk along a breakwall out to the oceans. Water dragons all along the path. Spotted a pod of dolphins at the end. Bathrooms at either end plus a water refill station at the start. Dog friendly on-leash.
    Written 10 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Marty ..
    Ballina, Australia490 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    When visiting Ballina , specially for the first time .. it’s good to drop into Ballina Tourist Information Centre .. as it can help with finding out mostly local & nearby touristy type information

    You can also book tours & motels here .. & hire bikes
    Written 7 September 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Marty ..
    Ballina, Australia490 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lighthouse Beach , is a scenic sandy beach , between Ballina North Wall & Ballina Heads Lookout

    Only the Ballina Heads Lookout end of the beach , is usually patrolled by a local Surf Lifesaving Club
    Written 17 January 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mairwen1
    United Kingdom9,565 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Like Vegemite and and Tim Tams, ’big things’ are a quirky Australianism. Just why Australians have a penchant for big things is a mystery but they have become synonymous with a NSW coastal road trip.
    Having already ticked the Big Banana off our list as we passed through Coffs Harbour, we were keeping a lookout for The Big Prawn at Ballina.
    It sits prominently alongside the main road into Ballina and is on your left outside the big Bunnings store. Even if you don’t stop, it’s easy to see from your car.
    The Bunnings location seemed a bit random until we learnt that Bunnings rescued the prawn when it was about to be demolished. They gave it a spruce up, added a tail and relocated it here.
    Unless you need a new hammer or other hardware, there’s not much reason to stop and you can take your prawn photo from your car.
    Written 11 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Marty ..
    Ballina, Australia490 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    From Ballina Heads Lookout .. you do get panoramic views towards Lighthouse Beach & Shelly Beach

    There’s pathways from Ballina Heads , to both these East Ballina Beaches
    Written 3 February 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Marty ..
    Ballina, Australia490 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Ballina Waterfront Historical Tour .. is a free , lengthy self walking tour between Captain Cook Park / Fawcett Park & North Wall Ballina .. as along the pathway , their are scattered information plaques , which allows you to read historical facts about Ballina

    My photos are only some of the Plaques along the way
    Written 7 September 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Marty ..
    Ballina, Australia490 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Apart from being a long sandy beach .. the also the outstanding Flat Rock , at the northern end of Angles Beach

    The rock formations are interesting to check out .. specially for children
    Written 12 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Michael-4551
    Caloundra, Australia5,458 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Visited on Tuesday 22nd June. A piece of early history still there for everybody to see up close, good to see it hasn't been pulled down.
    Written 10 August 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Webtones
    Mullumbimby, Australia351 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Housed in a historic building the art gallery is a little gem. Its quite small but worth a visit to view some local artists. The building is a work of art in itself.
    Written 1 March 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • njk17
    Newcastle, Australia373 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The kids absolutely loved this place. We went on a sunny Sunday, but the slide lines were fairly short and the slides themselves were heaps of fun. Staff were friendly, and the other pools were beautifully maintained. There’s a lovely outlook over the river, and even the hot chips at the kiosk were better than the usual pool fare. The three hour session for $16 was well priced, we thought.
    Written 19 February 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Marty ..
    Ballina, Australia490 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    When I visit Shelly Beach .. I like to stop in to Shelly Beach Cafe

    Shelly Beach area has a couple of shallow sandy rock pools .. which are good for watched-over , older toddlers

    There was plenty of families enjoying the surf
    Written 28 January 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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