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Before you go
Your trip to Ballina.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Ballina – New South Wales Destination Byron Bay about 740 km from Sydney
How to get there
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Aeroporto de Ballina Byron (BNK) Ballina · 5 km
Approximate distances. Check flights and bus, train or boat schedules before you travel.
Ballina Byron Airport (BNK) is about 5 km from the center, with flights from Sydney and Melbourne. From Byron Bay it’s about a 30-minute drive or bus ride via the Pacific Highway.
How many days
Half a day or a day, on the route between the airport and Byron Bay: the lighthouse, the beaches and the Big Prawn.
When to go
All year. Summer is the beach season; from June to November whales commonly pass offshore and can be seen from the lighthouse headland.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
Help getting between the airport, the beaches and the Big Prawn, which are spread out. There are shuttle buses from the airport and local buses.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Ballina
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Morning
Lighthouse and Lighthouse Beach
Climb to the Richmond River lighthouse headland and descend to Lighthouse Beach, with the river mouth on one side and the open sea on the other.
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Afternoon
Big Prawn
Stop by the Big Prawn at the town entrance before heading to Byron Bay or the airport.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth stopping in Ballina?
Yes, en route between the airport and Byron Bay: the lighthouse, the beaches and the Big Prawn fit into a half-day stop.
Is Ballina airport close to Byron Bay?
Yes, about a 30-minute drive, with shuttle buses available.
Does Ballina have a swimming beach?
Yes. Lighthouse Beach has a patrolled area in season, and Shaws Bay, at the river mouth, has calm water.
What is the Big Prawn?
A giant prawn made of concrete and fibreglass at the entrance to Ballina, one of Australia’s roadside “Big Things.”