Ballina Overview

Technically an island, Ballina (pop. 19,000) is a peaceful port and beach town 2hr. north of Coffs Harbour and 30min. south of Byron Bay. Getting around is surprisingly easy if you utilize the extensive network of bike paths linking Ballina and Lennox Head; pick up a map from the visitors centre.

Transportation. Greyhound Australia (☎13 14 99) and Premier (☎13 34 10) buses stop in Ballina on their Sydney-Brisbane runs. Greyhound departs from the Transit Centre, 4km from the town center in a complex called The Big Prawn because of the huge fiberglass prawn on its roof; tickets can be purchased inside the restaurant. Premier and other bus companies stop at the Tamar St. bus zone. Blanch’s Bus Company (☎02 6686 2144) travels daily to Byron Bay (50min.; M-F 7 per day, Sa 6 per day, Su 3 per day; $9.40) with a stop in Lennox Head (20min.; $6). Ballina Taxi Cabs (☎13 10 08) take you into town for $10-12. Jack Ransom Cycles, 16 Cherry St., off River St., rents bikes. (☎02 6686 3485. Open M-F 8am-5pm, Sa 8am-noon. ½-day $10, full day $18, week $60.)

Orientation And Practical Information. The Visitor Information Centre, on the eastern edge of town at the corner of Las Balsa Plaza and River Street (the main street in town), has info on regional activities. (☎1800 777 666; www.discoverballina.com. Open daily 9am-5pm.) Hop on the Internet at the public library, next to the visitors center. (☎02 6686 1277. Open M-Tu and F 9:30am-6pm, W-Th 9:30am-8pm, Sa 9am-noon, Su 1pm-4pm. $2.20 per 30min. Wi-Fi available.) Woolworths supermarket is at 72 River St. (☎02 6686 3189. M-F 7:30am-9pm, Sa-Su 7:30am-6pm.) Another is located in the Ballina Fair Shopping Centre on Kerr Rd. (☎02 6686 4825; open M-F 8am-9pm, Sa-Su 8am-8pm), and a Coles is directly across the street. (☎02 6686 9377. Open M-F 6am-10pm, Sa 6am-10pm, Su 7am-8pm.) The post office is at 85 Tamar St. on the corner with Moon St. (☎02 6626 8810. Open M-F 9am-5pm.) Postal Code: 2478.

Accommodations And Food. The Ballina Travelers Lodge (YHA) , 36 Tamar St., is a motel and hostel in one. Go one block up Norton St. from the tourist office, then turn left. The owners run a tight ship. The YHA part of the complex has four basic rooms, a kitchen and TV area, BBQ, and laundry. The larger motel rooms have TVs. Courtesy pickup from the transit center is available by arrangement. There’s a small saltwater pool, bikes ($5 per stay), limited fishing gear, and free boogie boards. (☎02 6686 6737. Dorms from $25; doubles $68-112.) The Ballina Central Caravan Park , 1 River St., is just north of the info center. (☎02 6686 2220; www.bscp.com.au/central. Open daily 7am-7pm. Sites $24-30, powered $27-37; cabins $58-130. Weekly rates available. MC/V.)

Delicious deli food awaits at Sasha’s Gourmet Eatery , in the Wigmore Arcade, off River St. Takeaway selections like pasta salad, quiche, and gourmet sandwiches ($7) make perfect picnic fare. (☎02 6681 1118. Open M-F 8:30am-5pm, Sa 8am-12:24pm. MC/V.) Pelican 181 , Wigmore Arcade, is an upscale restaurant with a takeaway breakfast and lunch counter. Try the yummy Thai fishcake and rice meals for $7.50. (☎02 6686 9181. M-Sa 7am-7pm, Su 7am-4pm. Cash only.) Hotel Henry Raus , on the corner of River and Moon St., has a historic name and a modern menu. Although named for one of the shire’s original settlers, the hotel still serves its dishes ($12-17) in a contemporary atmosphere. They also host live music acts F-Sa 9pm-midnight. (☎02 6686 2411; www.hotelhenryrous.com.au. Open daily 10am-10pm. MC/V.)

Sights And Activities.  Lighthouse Beach is a great vantage point for whale watching. The 68-hectare reserve at Angels Beach, accessible from the Coast Rd. in East Ballina, sometimes has playful dolphins. In addition to being a fantastic surfing destination, Flat Rock possesses an incredible array of marine life including octopi, sea anemones, and sea stars.

Learn to surf or perfect your technique at Summerland Surf School, great for families. (☎02 6682 4393. In Ballina: private 2hr. lessons $100, small group lessons $45. In Evans Head: private 2hr. lessons $75, small group lessons $40. Ask about accommodation and lesson packages.) Swing by the Ballina Naval and Maritime Museum, on Regatta Ave., just down from the visitors center, to see one of the three original rafts that crossed the Pacific from Ecuador to Australia on the 1973 Las Balsas Trans Pacific Expedition. (☎02 6681 1002. Open daily 9am-4pm. Donations encouraged.) For a leisurely afternoon, try Richmond River Cruises. (☎02 6687 5688 or 04 0732 9851. W and Sa 2hr. tours. $25.)