Ballina: Prawns, Pubs and a Breakwater Stroll
Ballina greeted us with sea breezes, pelicans, and a laid-back charm that sneaks up on you. After the chaos of Brisbane and the traffic of the coast, pulling into Reflections Shaws Bay felt like hitting pause. The park’s right on the water and, conveniently for Neil, just a short stroll from the Shaws Bay Hotel,where the views (and the lunch specials) were far too good to resist.
We wandered along the breakwater one afternoon, concrete blocks stretching into the sea, gulls wheeling overhead. Dolphins cruised past as if on cue, surfacing just long enough to make us forget what we were talking about. It’s the sort of simple moment that makes coastal life so addictive.
Of course, no visit to Ballina is complete without a pilgrimage to its most famous resident, The Big Prawn. We’d forgotten just how big it actually is… and yes, it really does live in a Bunnings car park, which somehow makes it even more Australian. A quick photo, a quick laugh, and we could tick that off the list.
We took a side trip up to Byron Bay, more out of curiosity than planning, and let’s just say we didn’t linger. Whatever Byron used to be, how we remembered it from 20 years ago, easygoing, surfy, a bit scruffy, it’s not that now. These days, it’s reality stars, influencer photo ops, and parking spots that cost more than lunch. We retreated to Ballina with zero regrets and a renewed appreciation for towns that don’t try too hard.
Two nights here were just enough: good food, sea air, and Zoe happily napping in the shade by the water. Ballina was a calm exhale before the next stretch inland, and the perfect reminder that sometimes the best spots are the ones still content to be themselves.
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Ballina
A relaxed coastal town on the Northern Rivers of New South Wales, known for its beaches, breakwater walks, and a certain giant crustacean. Ballina is often overshadowed by Byron Bay, but that’s part of its charm — it hasn’t lost its easy rhythm.
How to Get There
Ballina sits about 30 minutes south of Byron Bay and two hours from Brisbane. It’s an easy run down the Pacific Highway, with plenty of caravan parks, fuel stops, and cafés along the way.
What to See and Do
Shaws Bay Hotel – Great food, cold drinks, and unbeatable water views.
Ballina Breakwater Walk – Watch for dolphins and pelicans along the way.
The Big Prawn – Iconic, slightly absurd, and parked beside Bunnings.
Ballina Naval and Maritime Museum – Packed with local maritime history.
Shelly and Lighthouse Beaches – Long stretches of sand without the crowds.
Byron Bay (Side Trip) – Worth a look… for five minutes.
When to Visit
Autumn and spring offer perfect beach weather without the summer crowds. Winters are mild and ideal for dolphin watching or leisurely strolls.
Final Thoughts
Ballina might not make the influencer reels, and that’s exactly why we loved it. It’s calm, unhurried, and just a little cheeky — the kind of place where a pub lunch and a dolphin sighting count as a great day.
What’s Nearby
From Ballina, we turned inland toward Tenterfield, chasing cooler air, country roads, and a slower pace again.
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Fast Facts
Location: Northern Rivers, New South Wales
Distance: ~190 km south of Brisbane
Traditional Owners: Bundjalung People
Access: Sealed roads, easy for motorhomes and caravans
Facilities: Caravan parks, cafés, pubs, supermarkets
Walking Track: Breakwater walk, beach paths, nearby nature trails
Best Time to Visit: March – May or September – November
Dog Friendly: Yes, in many parks and along some beach areas
Things That Could Kill You (Probably Won’t)
A semi-serious guide to surviving Australia. Mostly common sense, occasionally luck.
Seagulls: Bold, calculating, and always watching. Guard your chips.
Dolphins: Too charming. You’ll start googling “how to move to Ballina.”
Byron Bay: Approach with caution. May cause eye-rolling and spontaneous retreat.
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