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BallinaNature & adventure

Our most recommended Ballina Nature & adventure

Byron Bay: Premier Whale Watch Cruise with Marine Biologist

1. Byron Bay: Premier Whale Watch Cruise with Marine Biologist

Depart from Ballina’s Richmond River and enter the pristine waters of Cape Byron Marine Park. Encounter astonishing humpback whales in their natural habitat as they migrate past the breathtaking coastline between Ballina and Byron Bay. A friendly Marine Biologist will share in-depth knowledge of the area and humpback whale encounters that you'll get to experience within Byron’s Marine Park. You can also listen to live humpback whale song using a specialised underwater hydrophone. The purpose-built eco-vessel seats 20 guests and has a 360-degree views for unparalleled whale watching and sightseeing experiences. It has a unique hull design, which ensures a smooth, comfortable ride in all cruising conditions. The friendly, professional team guarantees a first-class, unmatched, eco tour to remember.

Byron Bay: Full-Day Wildlife Safari

2. Byron Bay: Full-Day Wildlife Safari

Discover Australia's renowned wildlife for yourself on this wildlife safari. After getting picked up from your hotel in the Byron Shire area, drive to a rainforest habitat. Here, enjoy a short stroll through the rainforest to spot flying foxes, a unique breed of megabat. Afterward, go for another short drive to a different rainforest where you can spot rainforest wallabies (aka pademelons) and rainforest birds. Later, head to a eucalyptus forest where you can spot koalas in their natural habitat before sitting down to a picnic lunch made from local produce at the riverside.  Finally, head to a grassland habitat and get up close with kangaroos and wallabies before beginning the journey back to Byron.

Byron Bay: Cruise with Dolphins Tour

3. Byron Bay: Cruise with Dolphins Tour

The Ballina & Byron Bay coast plays host to resident pods of bottle nose dolphins all year round. They number between 80 and 120, depending on the time of year, but they always provide our passengers of all ages a thrill, an experience to remember; something that always brings a smile to everyone’s face. Explore breathtaking coastline, encounter dolphins, turtles, and other wildlife in Cape Byron Marine Park with a marine Biologist Guide. Bottlenose Dolphins are spotted in their natural habitat as they play and swim along the coastline between Ballina and Byron Bay on our incredible Dolphin Cruise. We depart from Ballina’s Richmond River and enter the pristine waters of Cape Byron Marine Park. Our friendly Marine Biologist will share in-depth knowledge of the area & marine creature encounters we experience within Byron’s Marine Park. Learn about our local pods of dolphins, their habits and behaviours. We are so sure you’ll spot a dolphin that we offer a free return trip if you don’t see one on your first Dolphin Cruise! Discover the diversity of Australia’s marine beauty aboard a purpose-built boat, sailing for 1.5 hours through magnificent Byron Bay. Board our eco-friendly vessel and meet your marine biologist guides, gaze at 360-degree views of the vast cliff faces, solitary islands, and hidden beaches of the Ballina - Byron coastline, all the while learning about wildlife, the history of the area, and locals-only insights. As you sail comfortably through the pristine waters, keep your eyes peeled for a wide variety of sea life. Marvel at playful dolphins, surfing the waves coming off of the hull. Look for majestic sea turtles.

Byron Bay: Scenic Sunset River Cruise

4. Byron Bay: Scenic Sunset River Cruise

Cruise along the Richmond River to explore the natural beauty and tranquil waters of Ballina Island on a 2-hour tour. Sit back, relax and enjoy some tasty refreshments as your expert guide provides live commentary. Look out for local wildlife, such as our resident pod of dolphins and rare birds. Explore the mangrove forests and creeks that branch off the river. Relax on the water as you look out for the rich flora and fauna. Bask in the glorious evening sun as you enjoy a cold drink, tasty refreshments, and learn some local history from your marine biologist guide. Sit back as the boat winds its way down the beautiful river to where it meets the sea. Our River Cruises are the perfect combination of leisure with a hint of fast-paced excitement. Let us show you the sights, sounds, and wildlife that you cannot see from the shore. Our tours go through the mangrove forests, down the creeks, showcasing the richly diverse flora and fauna unique to this region along the way. Head to Mobb's Bay and cruise around Pimlico Island before heading back to shore. Learn about wildlife, local points of interest & history of the area from our Marine Biologist guide. Many rare birds and sea creatures such as dolphins can be spotted along the river, and for real nature lovers, it can be quite a thrill to see these animals in real life and up close. Beautiful sunset views are a treat from the boat, and for photography lovers, this makes for the prime opportunity to get some rare, beautiful shots to bring back with you. Our trips cater to groups large and small and are perfect for children and adults. Whether you and a loved one are looking for an intimate evening out on the river, or you want to teach your kids more about Australian wildlife, our tours can cater to your group’s specific needs. Relaxing, exciting, and informative, our cruises will let you experience the natural landscape and the river like never before. 2 complimentary cold beverages and locally made sweet & savoury delights. Please bring your hat, sunnies, camera & your sense of adventure!

Ballina: Julian Rocks & Byron Bay Coastal Cruise with Guide

5. Ballina: Julian Rocks & Byron Bay Coastal Cruise with Guide

Visit Julian Rocks (Nguthungulli) Marine Reserve off the coast of Byron Bay by boat, one of Australia’s most precious underwater environmental sites. There’s no better way to enjoy the magnificence of Byron Bay’s pristine coastal waters than aboard our purpose-built vessel offering 360-degree views of the surrounding natural beauty and wildlife. Our Coastal Discover Cruise will take you on a breathtaking adventure from Ballina to Byron Bay where you can encounter species such as dolphins, turtles, birdlife and other marine species as we navigate our way north through the enormous Cape Byron Marine Park (which includes the Julian Rocks Marine Reserve!). Discover sheer cliffs, secluded beaches and rocky islands as you listen to live commentary by our passionate Marine Biologist. Learn about wildlife, local points of interest & history of the area as you cruise by Australia’s most Easterly point. Imagine viewing Byron Bay’s iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse from a whole new perspective! Enter the turquoise waters surrounding Cape Byron, circumnavigate one of Australia’s most stunning ecological sites, encounter many local species, before heading back down the coast to Ballina. This tour is the only one of its kind to explore our beautiful coastline, making it an exclusive experience for those who wish to truly discover what the Ballina to Byron coast has to offer.

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What people are saying about Ballina

We had a terrific experience. Even though there was a storm brewing, Marian told us all about the bird life and served us champagne and Chardonnay and muffins. We enjoyed being rained on because it was cool!

It was a fun experience - very interesting information about wildlife and very safe - good food - Started to rain/storm - al got wet but kids had fun - a great adventure .. Thankyou

Great to see the wildlife in their natural habitat. Wendy was a great spotter, and was very knowledgeable about the animals we saw. Also prepared a very healthy lunch for us.

Booking online was easy, lots of information provided so we knew what to expect and what to bring.

This was more than I ever expected. Well worth every minute.