Ballina tops for tourists

BALLINA has been named one of the best destinations in the NSW Top Tourism Town Awards.

It received the silver gong for large tourism town, with a population between 1500 and 5000, in the awards, which are run by Business NSW.

Kiama on the NSW South Coast received the gold award in the category while Newcastle took home bronze.

Ballina offers a vast range of tourism experiences — from getting a selfie in front of the Big Prawn to whale watching cruises, meeting the wildlife at Summerland Farm and equine therapy wellness retreats at Sugar Beach Ranch.

The region also has beautiful beaches, coastal cycling paths and waterfalls, such as Killen Falls at Tintenbar.

Business NSW Northern Rivers regional director Jane Laverty said Ballina was a friendly town popular with families that was quickly evolving.

“The opportunity to explore the ocean with boating adventures out of Ballina’s Richmond River has been very popular and there are a lot of foodie-based pop ups and trails,” she said.

Murwillumbah, in the Tweed Shire, also received a judge’s commendation in the same category.

The town is the starting point for the Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, which opened in 2023 and has been hugely popular.

It is also home to the Tweed Regional Gallery and Margaret Olley Art Centre, M|Arts Precinct and acclaimed restaurants, including Bistro Livi and Tweed River House.

Tweed Tourism Company general manager Sally Scott said for Murwillumbah to be recognised among the state’s leading regional tourism destinations is testament to its growing profile as a vibrant and dynamic hub for art, food and nature.

“Murwillumbah’s culinary reputation is growing, with artisan cheese, fresh pasta and hand-crafted gelato, coffee roasters, brewers and distillers and a host of nationally awarded dining experiences,” she said.

“The town will also host a range of tempting events for the inaugural Savour the Tweed this spring, a five-day celebration of the region’s food and drink offerings.”