6 Best Coastal Walks in Ballina

Looking for the best coastal walks in Ballina? From oceanfront boardwalks and clifftop trails to quiet beaches and riverfront strolls, the Ballina coastline is perfect for exploring on foot. Whether you prefer a gentle walk by the water or a longer scenic adventure, the region’s paths offer a beautiful way to experience the Northern Rivers.

The Ballina Coastal Recreation Path connects many of these walks, stretching from Ballina’s riverfront through East Ballina to Lennox Head. You can explore them individually or combine them for a full day of discovery.

Here are six of the best coastal walks to enjoy during your stay at Ramada Hotel & Suites Ballina.

1. Richmond River Walk (3.5 km return)

Start Point: Ramada Hotel & Suites Ballina
Facilities: Cafes, toilets, parking, seating, water views
Accessibility: Paved and wheelchair-friendly

Step straight out from the hotel and onto one of Ballina’s most scenic waterfront walks. Follow the riverfront path past Fawcett Park and along the Richmond River towards Missingham Bridge. The wide shared pathway is ideal for a relaxed morning walk or an afternoon stroll at sunset.

From the bridge, you can choose your own adventure. Walk underneath and continue along the peaceful North Creek boardwalk, or cross the bridge and link into the Shaws Bay Loop for a longer circuit. This easily accesible route offers uninterrupted river views, making it the perfect walk to start or finish your day.

2. Shaws Bay Loop (3.4 km)

Start Point: Ballina Marine Rescue Tower, Shaws Bay Hotel or Pop Denison Park
Facilities: Picnic areas, toilets, parking, BBQs, accessible toilets
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible with rest stops and seating

This popular loop circles one of Ballina’s most picturesque areas, linking the Richmond River with Shaws Bay and the open ocean. Follow the North Wall for panoramic water views, then wander the boardwalk through mangroves and saltmarsh. Keep an eye out for dolphins in the river, and during whale season (May to October), you may even spot migrating whales beyond the breakwall.

The route is mostly flat and easy for all fitness levels. Stop for a coffee at the Shaws Bay Hotel or enjoy a picnic at Pop Denison Park before looping back along the waterfront.

3. Lennox Head to Pat Morton Lookout (2.4 km return)

Start Point: Rutherford Street, Lennox Head
Facilities: Lookout, picnic tables, parking
Accessibility: Paved at the start with a steep incline near the lookout

A short but impressive walk with one of the best views on the North Coast. Starting in Lennox Village, this path climbs gently to Pat Morton Lookout, where you can take in sweeping views of Seven Mile Beach and the coastline stretching towards Ballina.

Watch surfers below, spot hang gliders catching thermals, or simply enjoy the fresh sea breeze. It is a great option for a quick walk that still delivers spectacular scenery.

4. Pat Morton Lookout to Boulder Beach (3 km return)

Start Point: Pat Morton Lookout car park, Lennox Head
Facilities: Picnic areas, parking, ocean views
Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible due to uneven terrain

This section of the Coastal Recreation Path offers some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in the region. The clifftop trail follows grassy headlands before descending to Boulder Beach, a rocky stretch that is popular with surfers and photographers.

Along the way, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and a good chance of spotting dolphins offshore. It’s a peaceful, nature-filled walk that captures the essence of the Ballina coastline.

5. Sharpes Beach to Pat Morton Lookout (6 km return)

Start Point: Sharpes Beach car park, East Ballina
Facilities: Toilets, picnic tables, parking
Accessibility: Moderate, with some steep and uneven sections

Starting from Sharpes Beach, this scenic route follows the headland north towards Lennox Head. The open grassy sections and elevated lookouts provide uninterrupted views of the ocean and surrounding cliffs.

It’s a popular section for walkers and cyclists, especially in the cooler months when whale sightings are common. Pack a hat, water and camera for one of the most rewarding walks in the Northern Rivers.

6. South Ballina Beach and South Wall Walk (4 km return)

Start Point: Burns Point Ferry, River Street Ballina
Facilities: Toilets and parking near ferry terminal
Accessibility: Unsealed road and beach sections not wheelchair accessible

For a peaceful and uncrowded coastal walk, take the Burns Point Ferry across the Richmond River to South Ballina. From the ferry landing, follow the quiet road through the small South Ballina community and past the holiday park until the sealed road ends. Continue on the unsealed track towards the ocean, keeping the river to your left.

The track leads all the way to the South Wall, where you’ll find wide open views of the river mouth and the Pacific Ocean. It’s a serene walk with a sense of space and solitude. Expect to see pelicans, sea eagles and dolphins, and enjoy the feeling of having this beautiful stretch of coastline almost to yourself.

Plan Your Stay at Ramada Ballina

After a day exploring Ballina’s coastal trails, return to the comfort of Ramada Hotel & Suites Ballina. Overlooking the Richmond River and located within walking distance of several of these paths, it’s the perfect base for your Northern Rivers getaway.

Enjoy spacious suites, riverside dining, and easy access to Ballina’s beaches, cafes and attractions.

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