Ballina, NSW

Where the Richmond River meets the sea — long sandy beaches with consistent surf and the gateway to the Northern Rivers.

Live AI Coastal Briefing

Monday 12 October is shaping up to be a great day along our beautiful coastline, with the sound of the waves gently rolling in and the sun trying to peek through the mostly cloudy sky. The temperature is already at a pleasant 20C, and with 62% cloud cover, it's going to be a fantastic day to get outdoors and enjoy all that our stunning coastal environment has to offer. Whether you're a local or just visiting, you'll love the long sandy beaches and consistent surf that our region is famous for.



The ocean conditions are looking good, with a wave height of 1.02m, which is waist to chest high, making for some solid surf. The water temperature is a comfortable 21.0C, so you might want to consider wearing a spring suit or rashie to protect yourself from the sun and any chill in the water. With high tide at 10:16 am and low tide at 04:25 pm, there's plenty of opportunity to get out and enjoy the water, whether you're swimming, surfing, or just paddling around.



If you're into sports and fitness, today is a great day to get out and enjoy your favourite activity, with the calm winds and pleasant temperature making it ideal for running, cycling, or paddleboarding. The surf is also looking good, so grab your board and hit the waves, and with the shark smart drumlines active in the area, you can have peace of mind while you're out in the water. If you're an angler, the conditions are also looking good for a spot of fishing, so why not give it a try and see what you can catch.



As we head into the afternoon, the temperature is expected to remain steady at around 20C, with plenty of cloud cover to keep things comfortable. With no chance of rain and low UV levels, it's going to be a great day to get out and enjoy the sunshine, so make the most of it and get outdoors to soak up some of that beautiful coastal atmosphere. Whether you're a surfer, a swimmer, or just someone who loves the beach, today is shaping up to be a fantastic day, so grab your gear and get out there to make the most of it.

About This Coastline

Ballina is a river-and-ocean town at the mouth of the Richmond River, surrounded by surf beaches, breakwalls, wetlands and a productive coastal hinterland.

Its appeal comes from this close overlap of scenery, public space and the routines of people who use the coast throughout the year.

The Vibe

The town feels practical and spacious, with fishing, walking and surfing woven into everyday life.

It is less intensely touristed than Byron Bay, giving its beaches and headlands a more local, unhurried character. The tone changes with season and weather: early mornings tend to feel contemplative, while warm afternoons bring a more sociable rhythm.

The Local Anchor

The Richmond River entrance and its long breakwalls provide Ballina’s maritime anchor, drawing anglers, walkers and views towards migrating whales.

The Ballina Aboriginal Cultural Ways path highlights the continuing significance of the area to the Bundjalung people. These landmarks provide continuity, ensuring the destination retains a recognisable local story beyond its immediate recreational appeal.

The Landscape

Ocean beaches extend north and south of the river, while Shelly and Lighthouse beaches sit close to elevated headlands and rock platforms.

Estuary, dune, wetland and open-coast habitats meet within a relatively compact landscape. Conditions should always be read on the day, because wind, swell, tide and seasonal hazards can alter even a familiar shoreline.

Together, these elements give Ballina a coastal identity shaped as much by local life as by the water itself.