Ballina is a town in the Northern Rivers region
of New South Wales, Australia, and the seat of
the
Ballina Shire local government area.
Ballina's urban population was 25,058
(including Lennox Head, West Ballina, etc.) at
30 June 2014.
Ballina was established in the 1840s on the
northern shore of the Richmond River near
Cape Byron, Australia's most easterly point.
Ballina is approximately 600 km (373 mi) north
of Sydney and 189 km (117 mi) south of
Brisbane.
Ballina is a coastal town and is connected to the
Pacific Highway which passes nearby.
The Richmond River was an important transport
route for the region for the first 100 years after
settlement. The river and its estuaries abound
with marine wildlife and provide for ecreational
fishing and water sports.