5 minute read
Feel New in the Ballina Coast and Hinterland
A paradise of natural beauty.
Ballina and its surrounding areas boast an abundance of natural assets that are a huge drawcard for visitors and locals alike. Nature walks, diverse wildlife, stunning beaches, pristine rivers, and world-class National Parks close by make this region a paradise for nature enthusiasts.
Whether you are seeking the thrill of surfing, the serenity of rainforest hikes, or the joy of encountering wildlife, the Ballina Coast and Hinterland offers a myriad of opportunities to connect with nature.
Coastal Nature Walks
With 32km of pristine coastline, the Ballina region is spoilt for choice when it comes to coastal walks. Explore rainforest remnants, dramatic coastal cliff lines, and panoramic coastal trails. From short accessible walks to full-day adventures, there is truly something for everyone.
The North Wall walk is a local favourite. With Shaws Bay on one side and the Richmond River on the other, this easy walk will allow you to enjoy some of Ballina's most beautiful assets – keep an eye out for dolphins and turtles in the river and the big cod fish in the bay. No need to retrace your steps, do a loop around the bay!
The coastal recreational path between Sharpes Beach and Pat Morton Lookout is an absolute must. It offers some of the best views of the region and varying terrains – clifftops, wetlands, and rocky beaches. If you are looking to make a day of it, take a return walk from Ballina CBD to Lennox Head (or vice versa), stopping at some of the great cafes along the way!
Hinterland Nature Walks
Beyond the coastline, the hinterland offers various options for the family or the more serious hiker. Victoria Park Nature Reserve is one of the last remnants of the Big Bush Scrub that once blanketed the area. It provides a short rainforest boardwalk loop and if quiet, you may spot the pademelons or an array of unique birds that inhabit the area. Rocky Creek Dam is another family friendly location with signposted walks ranging from easy 1.2km walks to a 6km walk of medium difficulty around the perimeter of the dam. It offers scenic views of the water, surrounding bushland, and possibly some wildlife.
Venture into Nightcap National Park and Border Ranges National Park, where ancient rainforests offer stunning landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and a range of bushwalking opportunities. The NSW National Parks website nationalparks.nsw.gov.au is the best source for the latest information before heading off.
Waterfalls
We are blessed to have stunning waterfalls in the Northern Rivers region.
Killen Falls is a picturesque natural wonder, renowned for its serenity and breathtaking beauty, with waters cascading over moss-covered rocks. The viewing platform is great for those that don’t want to venture further down but still experience the beauty of the falls.
Majestic Minyon Falls plunges over 100 metres down a sheer cliff face, surrounded by lush, pristine rainforest. The falls are nestled within Nightcap National Park, and the viewing platform offers the opportunity to admire the falls and the valley beneath.
Heading inland towards The Channon you will discover Protesters Falls. The walking track to the base of the waterfall, through World Heritage rainforest, is simply stunning. The short walk is ideal for families.
Bird Watching
Ballina is blessed with a rich ecosystem that attracts both resident and migratory bird species. Seabirds like Ospreys, Brahminy Kites and the iconic White-Bellied Sea Eagle can often be spotted soaring above the ocean, carrying fish or perching on rocky outcrops along our stunning coastline. The Sooty and Pied Oystercatcher, Whimbrel, Ruddy Turnstone and Crested Tern, among many others can be seen around the rocky coastal areas of Flat Rock and Shelly Beach.
If you listen carefully near the dunes in the Summer, you may hear the high-pitched 'Prrrr prrr prrr" of the Rainbow Bee Eater often alongside the loud chatter of the Wattle Bird. These little beauties build their burrows in the sand dunes and if you sit quietly and patiently, you can spot them flying in and out of their nests maintaining their burrows.
Victoria Park Nature Reserve is home to rainforest bird species such as Satin and Regent Bowerbirds, Eastern Yellow Robins, Brown Cuckoo Doves, the gorgeous Wompoo Fruit Dove and – if you're lucky – you may hear the eery wailing call of the Green Catbird.
The wetlands and mangrove areas around the Richmond River and estuaries create homes for Spoonbills, Azure Kingfishers, Eastern Curlews and the beautiful White-Faced Heron, among many others. You can often spot Cormorants nesting in the Melaleuca trees around Lake Ainsworth in Lennox Head as well as friendly Pacific Black Ducks nibbling on the reeds in the shallows. And let’s not forget the beautiful local Pelicans that can be seen strutting along the beaches especially near the Boat Channel in Lennox Head.
