Balinna is a town located within the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, situated on the northern banks of the Richmond River.

First time visitors coming from the south and driving along Pacific Highway will surely not miss The Big Prawn, the town's most popular icon. A large prawn-shaped sculpture was placed atop a building that houses gift shops and eating establishments.

The beaches of Ballina are one of the reasons why tourists flock to the town during holidays. Avid surfers find the Angels Beach, the Shelley Beach, and the Lighthouse Beach ideal for their favorite sport.

Ballina is also ideal for whale watching, with lots of vantage spots scattered on its coastline.

Though small in stature, visitors should take time to visit the nearby Ballina Lighthouse. The structure was built in 1866 by architect James Barnet.

The town also boasts of its own tidal lake, the Lake Chickiba, accessed along Angels Beach Drive. A lot of birds visit the lake during low tides, making it ideal for bird watching.

Also ideal for bird watching is the North Creek, where locals and visitors head out to swim and fish.

Those interested in the area's maritime history should pay a visit to the Ballina Naval and Maritime Museum, located along Regatta Avenue. The museum's most famous exhibit is the La Balsas Raft that reached the area in 1973 from Ecuador.

Located on the eastern outskirts of the town is the Thursday Plantation. The plantation is ideal for visits from the whole family, who will surely enjoy its attractions similar to a theme-park.

There are several interesting and historic public buildings located along the town's main street, which is part of the Pacific Highway. One of the more notable structures is the Court House built in 1867. This building is flanked by the Post Office and the Police Station, structures that also attest to the town's rich history.

Along Hill Street is the Pioneer Memorial Park, where historic headstones from the later part of the 19th century are located. This is because the site is where the town's original cemetery was situated. Also along the same street is the Shaws Bay Hotel, a structure that used to be the historic Fenwick House.

Ballina also boasts of the Bicentennial Gardens which is located on a lagoon along Pacific Highway. This well-maintained family destination is also ideal for bird watching.

The town took advantage of its location on the Richmond River estuary to develop the Ballina Fishing Park. The park is well stocked with different fish species, while prawns can be caught in season. The park allows visitors to cook their catch in the nearby barbecue and picnic facilities.

There are also several destinations within the town where urban leisure can be had. Examples of which are the Matt's Golf Centre & Driving Range on Smith Drive, the Ballina Returned and Services League Club along River Street, the Ballina Jockey Club on Racecourse Road, the Ballina Indoor Sports and Skate Centre along Barlows Road, and the Ballina Bowl on Clarke Street.

One attraction that visitors shouldn't miss is the Bora Ring, a well-preserved ceremonial site for the Nyangabal people that is located along Gibbon Street. To experience Ballina at its best, there are various Ballina accommodation providers to choose from including motor inns, apartments and motels.

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