Ballina is a picturesque seaside town situated at the mouth of the Richmond River, on the northern NSW coast, a short 25 minute drive south from the popular holiday destination Byron Bay. The long stretches of white sandy beach, crystal clear waterways and rainforest national parks are a magnet for holiday makers seeking a laid back family holiday destination. It also makes the ideal starting point to explore the entire region.

Whether you choose to explore or simply relax, Ballina can accommodate you. The town has been established since the days of early settlement and that quintessential laid back Aussie attitude is entrenched in every facet of life in this seaside town. Car hire holiday makers looking to relax and enjoy fun in the sun cannot go past Ballina.

Ballina has all the facilities and services that modern travellers come to expect from a holiday town. Holiday makers with children will appreciate the wide range of fun activities on offer including the Olympic pool and waterslide, ten pin bowling, skate park, and cinema complex. Older kids may enjoy some fun in the sun such as golf, tennis, bike riding or horse riding. Parents and adults will definitely enjoy the wide range of shopping centres, restaurants and cafes. With plenty of parking and wide roads the area is easy to explore in one of our car hire Australia vehicles.

Here is our list of the top 5 ways to spend your time on holiday in Ballina

1. Visit a National Park

There are literally dozens of parks, reserves, and rainforest remnants which have been set aside for the use and enjoyment of visitors. Environmental activists worked hard over decades to protect these natural assets and you will see why when you spend some time taking in the majesty of the rainforest. Why not pack a picnic lunch, jump in your car rental and head for the hills? The gorgeous rainforest picnic areas are perfect for morning or afternoon tea, some even provide BBQ facilities.

2. Go Horse Riding

There are many ways you can saddle up and enjoy a day in the great outdoors. There are many working cattle farms in the area which welcome visitors to help out at muster time. The Australian cowboy is a revered figure in the national identity and you are welcome to visit and have a taste of life in the Australian outback. If you prefer to stay close to the shore there are also a number of beach riding tour operators. Leave your car hire vehicle in the car park and try a more traditional mode of transport.

3. Go Fishing

The fishing opportunities in the region are many and varied. Deep sea fishing charters are available however most prefer to keep it simple and try their luck with estuary or river fishing. There are well stocked lakes in the area which will almost guarantee you catch something for dinner. Many of the inland rivers and lakes are easily accessible in your car hire vehicle, why not ask one of the locals to point out the best fishing spots?

4. Discover Arts & Crafts

In several townships around Ballina you will find a thriving community of artists, sculptors, woodworkers, potters, jewellers and much more. In fact the entire region has been shaped by the local artisans, you will find many art galleries and studios. If you have never seen the work of Aboriginal artist Albert 'Digby' Moran jump in your car rental and head down to to the Paperback Gallery in Evans Head.

5. Go Canoeing

They don't call this the Northern Rivers region for nothing. With a highly interconnected network of rivers and tributaries Ballina is the ideal launch point for an adventure in a canoe. Canoe along the coast line or head down Emigrant Creek for a scenic and enjoyable day outdoors.

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