Community Connect Issue 47

Top 7 active and free things to do in the Ballina Coast and Hinterland

You don’t need to blow the budget to make the most of your winter days in the Ballina Coast and Hinterland.

Our friendly team at the Ballina Visitor Information Centre share their top tips on how to enjoy the great outdoors, with or without the kids!

1 Experience the best the coast has to offer along the Coastal Recreation Path

The Coastal Recreation Path connects Ballina’s CBD with the coastal township of Lennox Head. The path follows the stunning coastline through East Ballina, to the subtropical rainforests that hug the coastline, before taking you to the spectacular cliff tops of Lennox Head. Learn about the region’s cultural heritage through the Aboriginal Cultural Ways signage between Angels and Sharpes Beach in East Ballina. The well-maintained and accessible paths are perfect for walking and cycling; you will even see a few roller skaters! Kids will also enjoy taking their skateboard or scooters as there are two great skate parks en route: one in Ballina at Missingham Park and the other in Lennox Head next to the Lennox Head Cultural Centre. Opt for a short section of the path or tackle the full 12km journey. The Coastal Recreation Path is perfect for all ages and fitness levels and is a popular way to experience Ballina’s diverse coastline and marine life. To find out more collect a Cycleways and Shared Paths brochure from the Ballina Visitor Information Centre or visit the destination website at discoverballina.com.au/visit/shared-paths-and-cycleways

2 Get in touch with your competitive side with a game of disc golf

Ballina is home to one of the region’s first disc golf courses and best of all it is free for everyone to use! Located at the Bicentennial Gardens in Ballina, the nine-hole, 28-par disc golf course is a great day out with family and friends. If you don’t have your own frisbees you can hire them from the Ballina Visitor Information Centre. Download a score card from the destination website at discoverballina.com.au/visit/ disc-golf

3 Be amazed by the breathtaking Killen Falls

Killen Falls is one of the region’s most loved falls and once you visit you will easily understand why. A short drive from the township of Tintenbar, Killen Falls feels like a hidden paradise. Graded at level one, the easy walk through some of the last remaining big scrub rainforest in the area reveals a stunning bird’s-eye view of the falls from the viewing platform. It is possible to walk to the base of the falls, though the track can be slippery and it is graded at level 3, so some hiking experience is recommended. To find out more search Killen Falls on the destination website at discoverballina.com.au

4 Experience the Northern Rivers’ unique underwater world

Ballina’s coastline is blessed with diverse coastal marine life and crystal-clear waters, making it the perfect location to grab your snorkel and explore rich underwater ecosystems. With sheltered bays, unique estuaries and stunning rockpools there is so much to discover. Ballina’s waterways are home to many different species of fish, turtles, dolphins, whales, grey nurse sharks, manta rays and more! The Boat Channel in Lennox Head, and Shaws Bay in East Ballina, are both great places to get your flippers wet.

5 Take a stroll back in time at Victoria Park Nature Reserve

Victoria Park Nature Reserve is a protected park that contains some of the last surviving remnants of the original rainforest that extended across the upper Northern Rivers region. Known as the Big Scrub, this beautiful subtropical rainforest is teeming with native flora and fauna,

including ancient fig trees and the shy red-legged pademelon. Educational displays explain how the Widjabul people relied on the local plants and animals for food, medicine and ceremonies. The short boardwalk immerses you in the rainforest as you instantly feel the cool tranquility of this ancient wonderland. Remember to bring a picnic as the Victoria Park picnic area is well equipped with BBQs, toilets and picnic tables.

6 Watch as Ballina’s coastline comes to life with the spectacular humpback whales on their yearly migration

Every year between May and November Ballina’s coastline is treated to a show of acrobatics by magnificent humpback whales. Among the largest animals on earth, humpback whales can be up to 16 metres long and weigh a massive 2 tons! During the winter months, these amazing animals migrate north to subtropical waters where they mate and give birth. Watch in awe as the mothers cruise the coast with their calves, preparing them for the long swim back to the artic. With 32kms of coastline the Ballina Shire has no shortage of places to spot these magnificent creatures. Some of our favourite spots include Ballina Lighthouse Lookout, Pat Morton Lookout and the viewing platforms at Angels Beach and Flat Rock.

7 Walk along Ballina’s North Wall and spot playful dolphins, diverse sea creatures and rare birds

Starting at Brighton Street in East Ballina, this cruisy 3km return walk is one of the best ways to experience some of Ballina’s most loved natural assets. With sweeping views of Shaws Bay, Lighthouse Beach and the Richmond River this accessible coastal path is well loved by visitors and locals alike. Pods of playful dolphins, along with other coastal marine life are frequently spotted along the wall, so make sure you keep an eye out! Although the North Wall walk is exceptionally scenic at any time of day, we think it’s one of the best spots to experience our beautiful winter sunsets.

Meet Tourism Ambassador Leonie Howard

Leonie Howard, Tourism Ambassador

What inspired you to become a volunteer at the Ballina Gateway Airport and the Ballina Information Centre?

When I retired 10 years ago, I was looking for something that I could do to put back into our community. I feel proud of our community so I was keen to share what we have here with visitors. As a keen traveller I know how important it is to talk to a local and find out all the inside information and at times receive help with directions or transport. It can really make your visit!

What do you love about living in the Ballina Coast & Hinterland?

We are so fortunate to live near a stunning coastline as well as rejuvenating hinterland, with all its waterfalls and rainforest, but at the same time have a world class dining out and cultural scene.

What is one of the most recommended things to do in Ballina and surrounds?

Our Maritime Museum is wonderful as it gives visitors an insight into place. Ballina is essentially a place of water, and its history has revolved around it. Even though it has evolved, still today the beauty of the river and beaches, our wonderful seafood and the variety of water activities all centre on the water.

Where do you take your friends and family when they are visiting?

My visitors love the walking paths along the beaches and out on the wall, a sunset river cruise with Out of The Blue, maybe a drive and walk to Protestors Falls with shopping and food at the Channon Markets, visiting the Northern Rivers Community Gallery to check out the local artists, as well as the Tweed Gallery to see the Margaret Olley Art Centre. For dining out, Shelly Beach Café and Lola’s in Ballina or Shelter in Lennox Head.

Funniest thing you have ever been asked?

I always have a chuckle when visitors ask what time the whales or dolphins will be off the wall.

When not volunteering what do you enjoy doing?

I love walking, yoga, travelling, the theatre, music, cooking, dining out and enjoying the company of good friends and family.

If you would like to find out how to become a volunteer tourism ambassador visit discoverballina.com.au/visit/corporate/ volunteering