The area
Nearby beaches.
About 13 to 25 minutes by car.
Local guides highlight Lighthouse and Shelly as the closest to Ballina, both patrolled, and Angels Beach as an often quieter option. Conditions change: swim between the flags and check patrols on the day.
Places
Beaches · Ballina
Angel's Beach
Mentioned by local guides as a beach that is often less crowded.
13 min by car
Beaches · Ballina
Sharpe's Beach
Good for swimming and surfing, and dolphins often show up. The coastal walk to Pat Morton Lookout starts here.
14 min by car
Sharpe's Beach
Beaches · Ballina
Lighthouse Beach
One of the closest beaches to Ballina, next to the lighthouse. Check it’s patrolled on the day.
14 min by car
Beaches · Ballina
Shelly Beach
Described by travel guides as a gentle-wave beach, with BBQ and picnic areas.
15 min by car
Beaches · Ballina
Boulder Beach
A beach favoured by experienced surfers, south of Lennox Head. Access is on foot, down the headland.
16 min by car
Beaches · Ballina
Seven Mile Beach
A long stretch of sand from Lennox Head to Broken Head.
21 min by car
Beaches · Byron Shire
Broken Head Beach
Beach in Byron Shire.
24 min by car
Distances and times are approximate, calculated from Aruna with OpenStreetMap and OSRM routing data, without traffic. Hours and ratings aren’t shown because they change: check with each place before you go. Data retrieved in November 2026.