Ballina NSW 2478
(Pop 19 000)
Pic: 'The Big Prawn' by Stuart Edwards
Ballina is an attractive NSW North Coast city 753 km from Sydney. It is centred on an island at the mouth of the Richmond River surrounded by 32 km of white sandy beaches. The Aboriginal name for the area was Bullenah meaning 'place where oysters are plentiful'. Irish timber cutters arrived in 1840s and timber, farming & sugar cane resulted in a bustling port town - at one time third busiest in the state. Ballina markets (3rd Sun each month) Canal Rd. Tel (02) 6687 8584. Ballina (horserace) Cup (Sept).
Tourist Attractions & Info:
Naval & Maritime Museum, Regatta Ave.
Shelley Beach: family beach where dolphins & whales can be spotted.
Accommodation:
Ballina has about 20 motels, half a dozen hotels, 4 B&Bs, holiday apartments, 12 caravan parks.
Visitor Information Centre: Cnr Las Balsas Plaza and River St. Tel (02) 6686 3484 or 1800 777 666.
Airport:
Ballina/Byron Gateway Airport (BNK) Southern Cross Drive, Ballina. Tel (02) 6686 8385. (3.5 km north of Ballina CBD/22 km south of Byron Bay).
Hospital:
Ballina District Hospital, Cherry St. Tel (02) 6686 2111. (Emergency Services 24/7).
Other Services:
Police Tel (02) 6681 8699.

  Ballina - Nearby