Ballina
NSW 2478 • Rest of NSW
About Ballina
Ballina is a relaxed coastal town at the mouth of the Richmond River in the Northern Rivers region, home to nearly 10,000 residents drawn to its blend of beaches, waterways, and village charm. Located roughly midway between Sydney and Brisbane, the town serves as a regional centre with its own airport (Ballina Byron Gateway) providing connections to major cities. The climate is subtropical, the pace unhurried, and the natural beauty ever-present.
Life in Ballina centres on the water—swimming at Shelly Beach, fishing on the Richmond River, or watching dolphins from the breakwall. The town centre offers quality cafes and a growing food scene, while nearby Byron Bay provides cultural counterpoint just 30 minutes away. Ballina attracts sea-changers, retirees seeking coastal lifestyle, and young families who prefer its authenticity over Byron's crowds. It's the Northern Rivers for locals who actually want to live in a community.
Ballina falls under postcode 2478 and is governed by Ballina Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Ballina electorate.
Location
Transport & Commute
Bus Services
- 640 — Byron Bay via Lennox Head 35 min
- 641 — Lismore via Alstonville 40 min
- 645 — Ballina Heights loop service 20 min
- Shuttle — Ballina Byron Gateway Airport 10 min
Commute to Byron Bay
🛣️ Regional town with limited public transport; most residents drive. Airport offers flights to Sydney, Melbourne, Newcastle.
Town centre walkable; outer areas car-dependent
Supermarkets Nearby
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ColesCnr Fox Street & Kerr Street Ballina 2478 NSW -
WoolworthsBallina Fair Shopping Centre, Cnr Fox And Kerr Roads Ballina 2478 NSW -
ALDINorth Creek Road 2, Ballina NSW 2478
Schools
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Ballina High School ICSEA 869Burnett St
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Ballina Public School ICSEA 86948 Crane St
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78 Fox Street
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62 Horizon Dr
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Empire Vale Public School ICSEA 941River Drive
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40 Isabella Drive
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Lennox Head Public School ICSEA 1064Byron St
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7 Gallans Road
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Southern Cross School ICSEA 896Chickiba Drive
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Swift Street
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Teven-Tintenbar Public School ICSEA 1057Fredricks Lane
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2 Redford Drive
Heritage-Listed Places
There is 1 heritage-listed place in or near Ballina, listed on the NSW State Heritage Register.
Housing Costs 2021 Census
Demographics
Population Growth
Gender Distribution (Census 2021)
Income Comparison
Country of Birth 2021 Census
Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)
- 1. England 352
- 2. New Zealand 170
- 3. India 96
- 4. Philippines 65
- 5. South Africa 40
- 6. United States 40
- 7. Thailand 38
- 8. Scotland 33
- 9. Germany 32
- 10. Netherlands 30
- 11. Italy 29
- 12. Canada 26
- 13. Nepal 25
- 14. Japan 20
- 15. Fiji 19
Ancestry 2021 Census
Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)