Shaws Bay

Just a few kilometres north of Ballina's centre, Seven Mile Beach is one of Australia’s finest and longest beaches. Wildlife, including dolphins and eagles, populates the area. Swimming, surfing and sunbathing are of course the recommended activities. For an unusual experience, Pegasus Park Equestrian Centre offers horseback rides under the supervision of an expert E.F.A. …

The Australian Seabird Rescue, Research, Rehabilitation and Coastal Education Centre in Ballina offers a comprehensive educational experience for people of all ages. Participants experience first hand the issues in their local environment. The interactive, hands on approach gives everyone an unforgettable experience that they can take home and share with others. All presentations include a …

Take the opportunity to get another perspective of Byron Bay and the amazing nature surrounding it by... jumping out of an airplane. This exciting experience will be a safe one thanks to Skydiving Byron …

About 9 metres high, the Big Prawn is exactly what you'd expect it to be: a huge sculpture of a crustacean. You’ll find it in a parking lot on River Street outside Ballina’s town centre. Just park your car and take a few pictures with this Australian icon, likely among the oddest monuments you’ll …

Put your hiking shoes on and start a scenic walk from the boardwalk of Ballina RSL club, walking alongside the Richmond River, cross the Missingham Bridge and continue towards the North Wall. Along the road you'll find 19 panels with information about the area. At the end of the walk you can relax on …

The scenic Shaws Bay is located just ten minutes from Ballina by car. Surrounded by beaches and parks, the area lends itself to long walks and picnics, as well as water activities like swimming, snorkeling and …

Fur, feathers, fine food and family fun — Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary is full of little surprises! There are lots of native furry friends and cuddly nursery animals, mini golf, train rides, playgrounds and barbecues. There's rabbit petting, face painting, a treehouse, and a reptile display including the local Brown Snake and Death Adder. …

Adjacent to the Seven Mile Beach and within walking distance from Lennox Head village lies Lake Ainsworth, a fresh water lake surrounded by trees. Tea-tree tannins and oil infuse this freshwater lake for the most refreshing swim of your life. Have a picnic or a barbecue and then take off on a water adventure …

The sea around Byron Bay has abundant marine life among the rocky reefs. If you are not a certified diver yet, Byron Bay Dive Centre is the place to go for a guided experience and maybe complete your training. They will take you to the beautiful Julian Rocks Aquatic Reserve, one of Australia's major …

With more than 32 kilometres of beautiful winding coastline, you will not have to look hard to find a good surfing spot. The calm sandy beaches and rising swells are perfect for getting your surf on. Ballina Surf School offers tailored packages for personalised session. They specialise in private classes with small numbers but also …

The Ballina Naval & Maritime Museum has an eclectic collection of different kinds of ships, not to mention exhibitions on maritime history, life at sea and in the navy. The most famous attraction is the raft Las Balsas, which landed in Ballina on 21 November 1973 after a 178-day journey from …

Lennox Head is a laid-back village at the northern end of Seven Mile Beach and a mecca among surfers with its world-renowned breaks at Lennox and Boulders …

Brunswick Heads, located about 20 minutes by road north of Byron Bay, is approximately what Byron used to be before the hippie invasion — a sleepy little village on a super-scenic inlet, with top boating and fishing, several bars and restaurants, and a great cafe culture. It is the perfect place for a peaceful …

From May to July, grandiose humpback whales pass Byron Bay on their journey to calving and breeding grounds further north. In September and October they pass Byron Bay again when they migrate back to the Antarctic with their youngsters. Several companies organise boat trips out to sea to watch the whales. One of those …

Cape Byron Lighthouse, Australia's most eastern lighthouse, is an iconic sight of Byron Bay. Construction started in 1899 and the plans for the lighthouse were done in the style of New South Wales colonial architect of the day, James Barnet. The view from the top is magnificent and on a good day you might …

Byron Bay’s beaches face many different directions, increasing the chance for great waves. For those who still need to learn, Byron Bay is the perfect place to take surfing lessons with its often mellow waves. Mojosurf Byron Bay surf …

Get up close and personal with the local bottlenose dolphins in the bay. A kayak is a great and sporty way of observing these lovely mammals. Tours are available everyday for both whale and dolphin …

If you're into contemporary art, Northern Rivers Community Gallery might be an interesting detour from beach days and outdoor activities. They have four exhibition spaces showing diverse artwork mostly by local artists, but not exclusively. Check their website to see what exhibitions, cultural programs and events are currently going …