The North Wall in Ballina by the mouth of the Richmond River is a popular spot for surfing, whale watching and walking. A walking track takes you along the river towards Shaws Bay or you can head in the other direction towards the Ballina Beach. A good option in this area between Shaws Bay and the sea is the Quality Hotel Beach Resort, only a 7-minute walk to the North Wall and to the Beach.

Further along the coast is the Ballina Head Lookout and the Ballina Lighthouse, also known as the Richmond River Light. This lighthouse was first built in 1866 and remains active to this day. For those looking to stay close to the headland, the Grandview Apartments are only a 5-minute walk away. From here you can also continue up the beach towards the Black Head Lookout.

One of the most popular past times in Ballina is fishing and there are a number of fishing charters that set off from the boat harbour and up the Richmond River or its nearby tributaries. If you are intending to do some fishing, you may wish to stay somewhere close to the harbour or the river, such as the Almare Tourist Motel. This motel is only a 10-minute walk to the harbour and 5-minutes to the North Creek Canal and Fishery Creek.

Because of its location close to the Border Ranges, Ballina is also a popular place to hire a plane charter for spectacular views over the mountains and surrounding coast. For those who will be flying, you may wish to stay close to the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport in the north of the city. The Ballina Colonial is a good option in this area, only a 5-minute drive from the airport.

For followers of giant statues around the world, you might want to find a location close to Ballina’s pride and joy, the Big Prawn. The Fun ‘n’ Sun Motel is only a 5-minute walk down the road and is also close to the shopping centre in West Ballina.

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For those looking for a location close to all the amenities of the town centre, the Avalon Gardens Motel is a good option close to the central shopping area and set against the Little Fishery Creek recreation area. An alternative is the Ballina Homestead Motel, closer to the dining options along the river.

If you enjoy staying somewhere with a good view, both the Ramada Hotel and the Riverside Holiday Apartments are alongside the Richmond River and sport picturesque views across the river to the Richmond River Nature Reserve.

For those backpacking around Australia or who are working on a limited budget, there are a number of affordable options in and around Ballina. The Comfort Inn All Seasons is a good option and offers a continental style buffet breakfast. The Slipway Hotel is a good alternative with an attached local bar and beer garden which hosts events such as trivia nights or dinner deals.

Access to a pool is important to many travelling in the height of Australian summer. A range of hotels offer outdoor pools, including the Ballina Travellers Lodge close to Missingham Park. If you are also looking for a waterslide to entertain the kids or the kids-at-heart, then the Ballina Memorial Swimming Pool is also only a 5-minute walk away. An alternative is the River Street Motel further west which is also only 5-minute away from boat hires along the river.