Ballina Byron

The City

There is a plethora of pleasures to be experienced in Ballina, Byron Bay, and the surrounding areas. Creative types are particularly attracted to this region, with many authors and filmmakers seeking inspiration alongside surfers and sun lovers. Ballina originally gained its reputation as a fishing and timber port on the wide Richmond River. Then, road transportation took over, leading to one of the most curious decisions in town planning history: Ballina’s main street was set back from the river, with buildings on both sides blocking river views. However, this has now changed with the development of the river foreshore area. Only three decades ago, Byron Bay was a small, sleepy enclave unaware of the hustle and bustle it would later experience. Nowadays, it has a small-town charm mixed with a cosmopolitan — yet alternative — lifestyle that attracts people from all over the world. Among its attractions are kilometres of unbroken sandy beaches and excellent surf waves, as well as pristine nature and wildlife. Due to its location as Australia’s most eastern point, majestic humpback whales can be spotted twice a year on their migratory routes. There is always a local market taking place somewhere, and several festivals occur throughout the year. Despite its reputation as a laid-back and alternative coastal town, Byron Bay is anything but boring. Visitors have the time of their lives in both Ballina and Byron Bay.