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

Sunday 12 July is shaping up to be a beautiful day along our stunning coastline, where the river meets the sea and the long sandy beaches offer a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The current temperature is a crisp 11C, with clear blue skies and just 5% cloud cover, making it a perfect morning to get out and enjoy the fresh air. With the sun rising over the horizon, the day is looking promising for all sorts of activities.



The ocean conditions are looking great for surfers and beachgoers alike, with a wave height of 1.22m, which is waist to chest high, and solid surf. The water temperature is a comfortable 21.0C, making it ideal for a dip in the ocean, and you may want to consider wearing a spring suit or rashie to protect yourself from the sun and any chill. The tides are also worth noting, with high tide at 06:05 am and low tide at 11:50 am, so make sure to plan your beach activities accordingly.



For all you sports and fitness enthusiasts out there, today is a great day to get out and enjoy your favourite activities. Surfers will love the consistent waves, while runners and cyclists will appreciate the cool morning air and scenic coastal routes. Anglers can try their luck in the river or out at sea, and paddleboarders will enjoy the calm waters and stunning scenery. With the wind blowing at 9 km/h from the WNW, gusting 15 km/h, it's a great day to be outdoors and making the most of our beautiful coastal environment.



As we head into the afternoon, the temperature is expected to reach a maximum of 11C, with no chance of rain and low UV levels, so you can enjoy the outdoors without worrying about the sun. The air quality is also good, with an AQI of 27, making it a great day to be outside and soaking up the sunshine. So why not grab your board, your bike, or your running shoes, and get out and enjoy all that our beautiful coastline has to offer – we hope you have a fantastic day and make some amazing memories along the way.

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.