Ballina is a peaceful fishing port set on the mouth of theRichmond River. The town's ideal temperatures, golden beaches, scenicfarmlands, and laid back rural atmosphere have led it to become a popular holiday destination. There are many sights and attractions in the areaincluding The Big Prawn Complex and Maritime Museum, although the maindraw-card remains the gorgeous coastline. Activities include cruises up the Richmond River and 4WD rainforest tours not tomention the great sailing, fishing, surfing and swimming that Ballina is renowned for.
Just up the coast is the rapidly expanding coastal village of LennoxHead. Halfway between Byron Bay and Ballina, the town boasts someof the best surf on the coast and has become a prime hang-gliding site.Back from the beach, the tannin brown Lake Ainsworth has close to perfectconditions for windsurfing and sailing.
Thirty five kilometres inland from Ballina, the large, rural town ofLismore is the regional centre of the New South Wales far north coast. Laying on the edge of the Richmond River, mountainous hinterland, andthree World Heritage rainforests, the town's wide, tree linedboulevards are home to some interesting museums, galleries, and other attractions synonymous with the areas environment.
Another thirty kilometres west, the smaller township of Casino is a fineexample of the typical Australian country town. The grand old buildings surrounded by numerous parkland's set along side the Richmond Rivercombine making Casino an attractive place to visit. In town, check outthe Casino Folk Museum or unwrap a picnic in one of many peacefulsettings. Out of town you can try fossicking for gold and quartz of a bit of freshwater fishing.
