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) ![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) ## 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. ![YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/430000/426200/426104/144baa87_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) ### YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites Sydney Central Business District £949 per person 2 May - 5 May found 1 day ago Return direct flight included London (LHR) to Sydney (SYD) 8.2/10 Very Good! (2,388 reviews) Room was nice and clean, location is central. Stated that airport shuttle was available but it actually costs money so that felt a little bit of a lie. Reviewed on 4 Feb 2026 ![Haven Glebe](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/40000/34500/34460/e9a93beb_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) ### Haven Glebe Glebe £1,340 per person 25 Mar - 29 Mar found 1 day ago Return direct flight included London (LON) to Sydney (SYD) 8.8/10 Excellent! (981 reviews) Room clean staff friendly close to shops Reviewed on 23 Jan 2026 ![Ace Hotel Sydney](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/76000000/75080000/75072100/75072085/88c29d2c_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) ### Ace Hotel Sydney Sydney Central Business District £1,507 per person 25 Mar - 29 Mar found 1 day ago Return direct flight included London (LON) to Sydney (SYD) 9.4/10 Exceptional! (753 reviews) Great place with artistic vibe. Rooms were eclectic. Bed and pillow excellent! Good lunch spot also. Stairs up into the lobby but someone there to help with the luggage. Reviewed on 5 Feb 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 5/5(1 review) 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=2026-02-07&endDate=2026-02-08)[7 Feb - 8 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6178895&startDate=2026-02-07&endDate=2026-02-08) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6178895&startDate=2026-02-08&endDate=2026-02-09)[8 Feb - 9 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6178895&startDate=2026-02-08&endDate=2026-02-09) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6178895&startDate=13%2F02%2F2026&endDate=15%2F02%2F2026)[13 Feb - 15 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6178895&startDate=13%2F02%2F2026&endDate=15%2F02%2F2026) ![Ballina Beach Nature Resort](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/10000000/9630000/9629200/9629127/ba86fb5e_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) ![The Cubana Ballina](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/45000000/44220000/44219600/44219547/eb61e6b1_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) ![Discovery Parks - Ballina](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/10000000/9730000/9723900/9723861/47fc6fe8_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/a08e692d_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) ![Ballina Manor Boutique Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/33000000/32820000/32817100/32817043/58ce4d3b_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) ![Grandview Apartments Ballina](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/7000000/6900000/6894600/6894573/537c17e8_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) ![Ballina Byron Islander Resort and Conference Centre](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1380000/1371400/1371354/2122606b_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Ballina Byron Islander Resort and Conference Centre 1 Ronan Place West Ballina NSW [](https://expedia.co.uk/Ballina-Hotels-Ballina-Byron-Islander-Resort-And-Conference-Centre.h1371354.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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