Title: Lighthouse Beach in New South Wales | Expedia.co.uk [Lighthouse Beach Hotels](https://expedia.co.uk/Lighthouse-Beach-Hotels.0-l6178895-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)[Flights to New South Wales](https://expedia.co.uk/Destinations-In-New-South-Wales.d11165.Flight-Destinations)[Lighthouse Beach Car Hire](https://expedia.co.uk/Compare-Cheap-Car-Hire-In-Lighthouse-Beach.d6178895.Car-Hire-Guide)[New South Wales Holidays](https://expedia.co.uk/New-South-Wales.d11165.Holidays-City-Breaks) # Lighthouse Beach ![Lighthouse Beach showing a sandy beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6178895/b66d79b9-42a7-4e03-bb0f-966b984b8b94.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Ballina which includes a beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6178895/6f2be6ff-375c-4382-8477-11e13c6cf24c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Ballina featuring a sandy beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6178895/c05c0ad4-3eee-4a31-b818-5529403ae70e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Ballina featuring a beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6178895/99f02743-5e2a-4451-a778-de51e14ee8ba.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Ballina showing a beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6178895/4220b165-778c-44d6-aff3-e81849a1d81f.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit Lighthouse Beach Activities --- --- #### This beach on the southern side of Ballina Head is a popular place for the locals to cool off in summer or surf year round. Lighthouse Beach stretches out between Ballina Head and the northern “training wall,” the man-made breakwater that marks the mouth of the Richmond River. The beach is backed by residential streets, with a grassy reserve between the road and beach. The beach is about 2,300 feet (700 meters) long. This stretch of sand only developed when the adjacent Richmond River entrance walls were built in the early 1900s. What was formerly Shaws Bay naturally filled up with sand and Lighthouse Beach was born. If you are visiting in summer, explore the beach in the early morning before the crowds arrive and sunbathing becomes impossible due to the heat. The sunrise views from the beach are ever-changing, but always magical. Stick your toes in the sand and breathe in the salty sea air, while listening to the sounds of the waves and the seabirds. Dolphins visit the beach regularly and migrating humpback whales can be spotted offshore between June and October as well. To cool off after a long walk, dip in the clear South Pacific waters. Swimming can be treacherous here though, even if you are used to ocean swimming, because of a few permanent tide rips and strong currents. One rip runs out against Ballina Head and has been nicknamed the “Shelly Beach express” because it can drag you out there in no time. Avoid going near the seawalls at all times. Lighthouse Beach is monitored by surf life savers during the busier weekends and holidays, with a set of flags indicating where it is safe to swim. A great alternative for families is the ocean pool at Shelly Beach, which provides a safe beach environment for children. Or how about a spot of surfing? Lighthouse often gets good breaks on the outer bar and inside the north entrance wall. This wall is also a popular fishing spot, because it allows you to fish both the ocean and the river mouth. Another popular activity here is windsurfing. Lighthouse Beach is located in East Ballina. You can park by the surf club situated under Ballina Head or in the car park by the river entrance wall. The surf club has a kiosk and there is also a café farther along Lighthouse Beach. ## Plan a trip to see Lighthouse Beach Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices. ![Rydges Cronulla Beachside](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/50000/43700/43677/2edee99b_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) ### Rydges Cronulla Beachside Cronulla £849 per person 9 Jun - 14 Jun found 22 hours ago Return direct flight included London (LON) to Sydney (SYD) 8.6/10 Excellent! (970 reviews) Yes kitchen was equipped Reviewed on 23 Mar 2026 ![The Old Clare by Ode Hotels](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/12000000/11270000/11262400/11262386/a193e588_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) ### The Old Clare by Ode Hotels Chippendale £903 per person 9 Jun - 14 Jun found 22 hours ago Return direct flight included London (LON) to Sydney (SYD) 9.2/10 Wonderful! (560 reviews) There was absolutely no staff Visibility to help with luggage we had to lug our own luggage to our rooms which is unheard of / previous owners had bell staff to take your luggage from the car - foyer areas are very run down - whole hotel needs a revamp as it’s looking very stayed - it is such a shame as we have been here many times under the old owners and loved it every time - this time we have been left wanting - even the rooftop bar was empty which tells you something - this used to ALwAyS be pumping …. Do better to stay competitive Reviewed on 28 Feb 2026 ![Furama Darling Harbour](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/540000/539200/539146/8cf014e3_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) ### Furama Darling Harbour Haymarket £902 per person 9 Jun - 14 Jun found 22 hours ago Return direct flight included London (LON) to Sydney (SYD) 8.4/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews) We had a lovely brught room on the 9th floor. Very clean and spacious. Reviewed on 23 Mar 2026 ### Popular places to visit ![Shelly Beach showing a beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6178897/18605eda-fd8b-49b2-9791-341b57ebbe33.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Shelly Beach Come to this stretch of coast to find your quintessential Australian beach where summer crowds, fishermen and surfers gather and whales and dolphins swim by. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Shelly-Beach-New-South-Wales.d6178897.Attraction) ![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.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6125036/312120da-84e6-422b-8c52-e202761ff7ad.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Pat Morton Lookout You can find out about the history of Ballina with a trip to Pat Morton Lookout. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Pat-Morton-Lookout-Lennox-Head.d553248621592189650.Attraction) ![Lake Ainsworth, Lennox Heads, also known as Tea-tree lake, gets its reddish colour from the tea-tree trees surrounding it. One dip left me with smooth hair and skin. #australia #lake ](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6125036/bffd1cce-5679-4919-9a93-37d5ec5b4506.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### 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. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Lake-Ainsworth-Sport-And-Recreation-Centre-Lennox-Head.d553248621587242509.Attraction) #### Missingham Park Missingham Park is just one of the places to see in Ballina, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? [](https://expedia.co.uk/Missingham-Park-Ballina-Central.d962451538524377088.Attraction) #### Ballina Golf Club Enjoy a round of golf in Ballina at Ballina Golf Club. Wander through the beautiful beaches and riverfront in this relaxing area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Ballina-Golf-Club-East-Ballina.d6179394.Attraction) #### Ballina Visitor Information Centre After visiting Ballina Visitor Information Centre, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Ballina. Wander through the beautiful beaches and riverfront in this relaxing area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Ballina-Visitor-Information-Centre-Ballina.d553248621562249281.Attraction) --- ## Top Hotel Deals ## Check availability on hotels close to Lighthouse Beach [Tonight ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6178895&startDate=2026-03-24&endDate=2026-03-25)[24 Mar - 25 Mar](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6178895&startDate=2026-03-24&endDate=2026-03-25) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6178895&startDate=2026-03-25&endDate=2026-03-26)[25 Mar - 26 Mar](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6178895&startDate=2026-03-25&endDate=2026-03-26) [This weekend ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6178895&startDate=27%2F03%2F2026&endDate=29%2F03%2F2026)[27 Mar - 29 Mar](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6178895&startDate=27%2F03%2F2026&endDate=29%2F03%2F2026) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6178895&startDate=03%2F04%2F2026&endDate=05%2F04%2F2026)[3 Apr - 5 Apr](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6178895&startDate=03%2F04%2F2026&endDate=05%2F04%2F2026) ![Ballina Beach Nature Resort](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/10000000/9630000/9629200/9629127/cbd6ab8f_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Ballina Beach Nature Resort 440 South Ballina Beach Road South Ballina NSW [](https://expedia.co.uk/Byron-Bay-Hotels-Ballina-Beach-Nature-Resort.h9629127.Hotel-Information) ![Ramada Hotel and Suites Ballina Byron](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/1000000/990900/990853/36cdd8b7_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Ramada Hotel and Suites Ballina Byron 2 Martin Street Ballina NSW [](https://expedia.co.uk/Byron-Bay-Hotels-Ramada-Hotel-And-Suites-Ballina-Byron.h990853.Hotel-Information) ![Ballina Beach Resort](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/4000000/3920000/3918500/3918455/9673c48c_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Ballina Beach Resort Compton Drive (Corner Cedar Crescent) East Ballina NSW [](https://expedia.co.uk/Byron-Bay-Hotels-Ballina-Beach-Resort.h3918455.Hotel-Information) ![Discovery Parks - Ballina](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/10000000/9730000/9723900/9723861/a5e5a384_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Discovery Parks - Ballina 25 Fenwick Drive East Ballina NSW [](https://expedia.co.uk/Byron-Bay-Hotels-Discovery-Parks-Ballina.h9723861.Hotel-Information) ![Ballina Palms Boutique Motel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/10000000/9730000/9721100/9721050/543802aa_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Ballina Palms Boutique Motel Cnr Owen Street & Bentinck Street Ballina NSW [](https://expedia.co.uk/Byron-Bay-Hotels-Ballina-Palms-Boutique-Motel.h9721050.Hotel-Information) ![Grandview Apartments Ballina](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/7000000/6900000/6894600/6894573/f1045255_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Grandview Apartments Ballina 3-7 Grand View Street East Ballina NSW [](https://expedia.co.uk/Ballina-Hotels-Grandview-Apartments-Ballina.h6894573.Hotel-Information) ![Reflections Shaws Bay - Holiday Park](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/8000000/7250000/7247800/7247775/e6baa937_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Reflections Shaws Bay - Holiday Park 1 Brighton Street East Ballina NSW [](https://expedia.co.uk/Ballina-Hotels-Reflections-Holiday-Parks-Shaws-Bay.h7247775.Hotel-Information) ![The Cubana Ballina](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/45000000/44220000/44219600/44219547/93748edf_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### The Cubana Ballina 329 River St Ballina NSW [](https://expedia.co.uk/Byron-Bay-Hotels-The-Cubana-Ballina.h44219547.Hotel-Information) ![Ballina Manor Boutique Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/33000000/32820000/32817100/32817043/0009f2ec_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Ballina Manor Boutique Hotel 25 Norton St Ballina NSW [](https://expedia.co.uk/Byron-Bay-Hotels-Ballina-Manor-Boutique-Hotel.h32817043.Hotel-Information) [See all 1,476 properties in Lighthouse Beach](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.Package®ionId=6178895) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. 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