Car Rental Ballina Airport

In recent years, Ballina has emerged from its shell to become one of the most important pit stops for East Coast travellers. Once overlooked by tourists en route to its infamous counterpart, Byron Bay, Ballina has well and truly found its place on the map amongst those seeking an uninterrupted coastal Aussie experience. 

A hire car is recommended to explore the Ballina region, where a seemingly endless stretch of shoreline plays host to a bounty of secluded swimming spots, family-friendly beaches, ‘gnarly’ surf breaks, and idyllic places from which to cast a reel. 

Explore the very best of Ballina by hire car

Situated in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, Ballina can be found nestled on the Richmond River between Evans Head and the world-renowned Byron Bay. Although lesser-known, Ballina offers visitors a tranquil alternative to its frenzied counterpart, with an array of family-friendly experiences on offer mere kilometres from its main township. 

Start your journey in Ballina with a swim or surf at Shelly Beach, a patrolled section of the coastline boasting stunning white sands, paved walking tracks, and a wading pool that’s perfectly suited to families with small children. 

Bay hop over to Shaws Beach in your hire car, whose calm waters make it a popular spot for snorkelling, canoeing and swimming, as well as picnics on the sand. 

After a day exploring Ballina’s beautiful beaches, fuel up at one of the town’s chic eateries, offering guests tantalising bites made with fresh, local ingredients. The Belle General Cafe is one such venue, whose menu includes a selection of fresh, healthy options as well as a few more indulgent classics. 

As the sun falls, stroll down the promenade, or take a spin in your hire car to The Wharf Bar & Restaurant. Here you can enjoy a chilled glass of vino or cold beer overlooking the Richmond River, set off by the sounds of live music performed by local up-and-comers. If you’re driving, remember to ensure you have a designated drive. 

Escape to Lennox Head for the day in your hire car

Nearing closer to Byron, Lennox Head is a 10 minute drive from Ballina and a must-see for visitors making the pilgrimage further north. 

Seasoned surfers will love the breaks at Boulder Beach, where wetsuit-donned locals ride waves from dusk ‘till dawn. Beginners aren’t left out either, with lessons on offer (and highly recommended) during the warmer months. 

For those seeking a little more sand than surf, be sure to check out Seven Mile Beach, a huge stretch of white sand running from Lennox Head to the neighbouring Broken Head. Spoiled for places to lay your towel or park your hire car, Seven Mile Beach is perfectly unspoiled for ultimate relaxation. 

Between May and November, humpbacks and killer whales venture past the Lennox headland on their annual migration. Catch a glimpse of these magnificent creatures from the shoreline or splash a little more cash to see them up close and personal by boat. If you opt for the latter, chat to a local to find a reputable company with marine biologists on board willing to share a few facts and answer your questions.

On arrival at Ballina Airport, grab yourself a hire car and enjoy the flexibility of exploring this region’s stunning coastal attractions at your own pace, and in your own time. Before heading to bustling Byron, make sure to stop to breathe in the sleepy lifestyle enjoyed by the residents of Ballina and the nearing Lennox Head, whose days start and end in the ocean.