What to do in South Ballina

Activities, attractions and tours

An eroded beach and washed ashore driftwood logs and flood debris in the early morning light after a cyclonic front storm on Shelly Beach in Ballina in New South Wales, Australia.
An eroded beach and washed ashore driftwood logs and flood debris in the early morning light after a cyclonic front storm on Shelly Beach in Ballina in New South Wales, Australia.

South Ballina Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that South Ballina has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to South Ballina, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to South Ballina with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in South Ballina

South Ballina is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in South Ballina, and make it a breeze to explore South Ballina and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in South Ballina to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to South Ballina, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in South Ballina.

South Ballina attractions

South Ballina has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in South Ballina to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of South Ballina.

Looking for things to do in South Ballina can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of South Ballina or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to South Ballina attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

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Top places to visit

1. Wategos Beach

Wategos Beach is a beautifully protected crescent beach that huddles below the most easterly point in mainland Australia. Swim and play in the gentle waves that roll in from the north or explore the grassy foreshore. With scenic picnic facilities, a shady promenade and walking tracks to the top of the spectacular cape, this beach is a great spot to bring the family for a day of fun by the beach.
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Wategos Beach showing a sandy beach

2. Main Beach

Main Beach is an urban bay that runs along the busiest part of Byron Bay along the Pacific Ocean. It is flanked by a picturesque topography of parks, nature trails and lookout spots. Bring your kids to play on this family-friendly beach on a warm and clear day.
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Main Beach

3. Cape Byron Lighthouse

Standing on Australia’s far-eastern edge, the Cape Byron Lighthouse has been sending its bright beam over the Pacific Ocean each night since 1901. Explore the lighthouse’s awe-inspiring precinct and be treated to some of the most spectacular coastal views in Byron Bay. Spot turtles and dolphins or watch the surfers carving up the waves offshore. Check out the on-site Maritime Museum and learn seafaring stories and tales of shipwrecks.
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Cape Byron Lighthouse showing a sunset and a lighthouse

4. Belongil Beach

Discover some of Byron Bay’s best-kept secrets when you explore Belongil Beach. Stretching north from Byron Bay’s seawall toward the mouth of the meandering Belongil Creek, this 1.5-mile (2.5-kilometer) strip of golden sands has plenty of space and diverse appeal. The whole family can enjoy a relaxing swim under the watchful supervision of the local surf lifesaving club. Get your snorkel and mask on to discover the mysteries of the SS Wollongbar shipwreck or enjoy ultimate freedom at the beach’s nudist section.
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Byron Bay featuring a sandy beach

5. Tallow Beach

Explore the shoreline of Tallow Beach to experience the natural beauty of the North Coast, where soft sands meet the rolling surf of the Pacific Ocean. Stretching between Cape Byron State Conservation Area and Broken Head Nature Reserve, Tallow Beach sits on the edge of the coastal wilderness and presents fantastic opportunities for wildlife spotting. Relax on the sand, swim in the waves or cast a beach-fishing line at this expansive stretch of coast.
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Tallow Beach which includes rugged coastline and a beach

6. Kings Beach

Kings Beach is a picturesque and isolated sandy stretch surrounded by dense thickets of rainforest. It is known as a gay-friendly area and is surrounded by scenic nature paths with excellent views of tropical vegetation and the Pacific Ocean. Lay down a blanket for a picnic and stay all afternoon on the soft, white sand.
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Kings Beach which includes a beach

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What to do in South Ballina

 

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Day trip destinations from South Ballina

Ballina showing signage and street scenes

Ballina

Frequently asked questions

Is South Ballina worth visiting?
Whether you plan to discover the local charm and cultural attractions or try regional foods and explore in nature, there are many things to do in South Ballina.
How do I spend a day in South Ballina?
Kick-start your holiday adventures with a visit to the major attractions. Remember to explore the retail and dining options in South Ballina while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in South Ballina?
From inexpensive activities for all types of travellers to sought-after attractions and tours, scroll up for some of the best things to do in South Ballina.
Is three days enough to stay in South Ballina?
Book a break in South Ballina for three days and you'll have enough time to discover its major sights and experience the local vibe. For the chance to enjoy attractions in nearby areas and get off the beaten path, consider staying for up to 10 days.
What are some activities to do in South Ballina with kids?
If you are after tours and attractions for all ages, take a look at these excellent ideas for what to do in South Ballina with kids.

What to do in South Ballina for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food connoisseur or outdoor adventurer, there are loads of things to do in South Ballina for adults.
Are there free things to do in South Ballina?
There are plenty of fun things to do in South Ballina. Stroll through the parks or catch free shows and events. South Ballina offers plenty of budget-friendly experiences that let you enjoy the area without reaching for your wallet.