The best cabin rentals near Ballina, New South Wales with hot tubs

The gateway to the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, Ballina tends to get overlooked in the rush to get to the more popular holiday hot spots of Byron Bay and beyond. Those who do take time to explore this spot on the mouth of the Richmond River find 32 kilometres of beaches and a maze of waterways flanked by World Heritage-listed rainforest. Area caravan parks are popular with anglers, paddlers, and boaties, as well as families thanks to resort-style facilities and adventure playgrounds. Many of Ballina’s best attractions are free—the South Ballina breakwall nearly guarantees dolphin sightings, while the coastal lookouts and headlands are fantastic spots to see whales.

Ballina is just a half hour drive south of Byron Bay, one of the most popular holiday spots in northern NSW. Browse the boutiques and galleries, dine out in one of the many cafes or restaurants, and head up to the Cape Byron lighthouse for spectacular views. The lovely seaside village of Brunswick Heads, which has some good-value riverside caravan parks, is just a short drive further north of Byron Bay.

The stretch of coastline that runs south of Ballina to Evans Head and beyond to the Clarence River on the north side of Yamba is one of the least developed in New South Wales. Most of it is protected within Bundjalung National Park, which has some superb beachside camping sites.

Home to some of the best surfing in the NSW (Angourie Point was the first official surfing reserve in the state) and famous for its prawns and seafood, this holiday town at the mouth of the Clarence River makes for an ideal camping getaway. Take a dip in the ocean swimming pools, kayak the river, or explore the World Heritage-listed rainforest in Iluka.

Perfectly positioned between the rainforest and the sea, this prosperous riverside city 35 kilometres west of Ballina is full of historic architecture and has a lively arts scene.

99% (249) • 6 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Ballina

The gateway to the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, Ballina tends to get overlooked in the rush to get to the more popular holiday hot spots of Byron Bay and beyond. Those who do take time to explore this spot on the mouth of the Richmond River find 32 kilometres of beaches and a maze of waterways flanked by World Heritage-listed rainforest. Area caravan parks are popular with anglers, paddlers, and boaties, as well as families thanks to resort-style facilities and adventure playgrounds. Many of Ballina’s best attractions are free—the South Ballina breakwall nearly guarantees dolphin sightings, while the coastal lookouts and headlands are fantastic spots to see whales.

Ballina is just a half hour drive south of Byron Bay, one of the most popular holiday spots in northern NSW. Browse the boutiques and galleries, dine out in one of the many cafes or restaurants, and head up to the Cape Byron lighthouse for spectacular views. The lovely seaside village of Brunswick Heads, which has some good-value riverside caravan parks, is just a short drive further north of Byron Bay.

The stretch of coastline that runs south of Ballina to Evans Head and beyond to the Clarence River on the north side of Yamba is one of the least developed in New South Wales. Most of it is protected within Bundjalung National Park, which has some superb beachside camping sites.

Home to some of the best surfing in the NSW (Angourie Point was the first official surfing reserve in the state) and famous for its prawns and seafood, this holiday town at the mouth of the Clarence River makes for an ideal camping getaway. Take a dip in the ocean swimming pools, kayak the river, or explore the World Heritage-listed rainforest in Iluka.

Perfectly positioned between the rainforest and the sea, this prosperous riverside city 35 kilometres west of Ballina is full of historic architecture and has a lively arts scene.

99% (249) • 6 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Ballina

1. Creek Side Shepherds Hut Rail Trail

99%

(46)

49km from Ballina · 3 sites · Lodging

Check out the rail trail! then ....... Rest and absorb the tranquil sound of the creeks running water from the comfort of the Shepherds Hut. Rest and revitalise in warmth of the outdoor bath tub, on the deck, on the day bed with its window overlooking the creek, or in front of the fire each evening. You can choose, closed and cosy or open and airy, either is easy in the Shepherds Hut. Indulge in the steaming warmth of either the outdoor or indoor showers, or the stand out favourite .....the outdoor bath! The Hut is fully contained with everything you need for a fabulous stay. Crockery, cutlery, toaster, electric jug, electric frypan, mini air fry oven. (no microwave) Enjoy warming your toes around the outdoor fire pit as you gaze at the stars above. A perfect base to explore the new Northern Rivers Rail Trail which is just a couple of kms up our quiet country road. Stroll around country roads next to creeks, or for the more active ask the host about full day hikes to little known but spectacular Mt Chowan and Unicorn falls. Or if you prefer the option to stay on the property, enjoy bushwalking, hiking and bird watching, or just relax and unwind. We are located a short 20 minute drive from the remote Wooyung beach, or 35 min from Byron. Just 7 kms from the village of Burringbar which has a grocery and liquor store, Thai food and woodfired pizza.

2. Intimate Rainforest Retreat

47km from Ballina · 2 sites · Lodging

Welcome to Koru Sabi Lodge, your very own rainforest retreat. Located on 20 acres in Upper Burringbar, we have two cabins available for you to book: Pine Cabin (sleeps up to 5 people and has a private sauna and wood fire hot tub) and Tallowwood Cabin (sleeps 2 and has a private sauna) See more pictures and videos on our IG: @koru_sabi_lodge. You are: - 5 mins to the General Store & Natural Wine Shop - 15 to the nearest beach - 20 to Brunswick Heads - 30 to Byron Bay - 40 to Gold Coast airport

3. Bodalla Cottage

80km from Ballina · 1 site · Lodging

Our little cottage is situated in the heart of the beautiful Tallebudgera Valley, and provides a lovely home away from home. This cottage offers a farm stay getaway with 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, 1 double sofa bed, fridge, microwave, WIFI, BBQ and sundeck. There is a shared pool, and hot tub - note that we give you complete privacy and do not come out to the pool or spa area when we have guests! The cottage is located behind the main house with a separate entrance, front patio, and back deck with seating. We have 3 very sweet alpacas that you can hand feed at the back door of your cottage & our beautiful chickens (that provide fresh eggs daily!)

4. Crystal Creek Rainforest Retreat

73km from Ballina · 10 sites · Lodging

The perfect romantic getaway in the rainforest https://www.ccrr.com.au/ Our adult only, romantic hideaway retreat is nestled amongst 250 acres of pristine rainforest within the beautiful Northern Rivers of NSW, just 50 minutes from the Gold Coast airport. The 13 luxurious villas and lodges are individually positioned throughout the private estate, carefully hidden amongst the contours, offering incredible rainforest and mountain views, and providing the utmost in privacy and seclusion. https://www.ccrr.com.au/accommodation/ Each spacious villa provides the perfect setting for a romantic escape, equipped with cosy lounges and log fireplaces, floor-to-ceiling glass windows, comfy bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms and large couples’ spa baths. All accommodation has fitted kitchens, with outdoor Weber BBQs, and both internal and external dining areas. Our expansive Luxury Mountain View Lodges offer large decks with private plunge pools. The retreat hosts 8km of picturesque rainforest walking & hiking trails, home to many rare and endangered plants and animal species, including 400 types of flora. Secluded rock pools and hammocks are nestled along our creek where you can while away the day listening to the songs, twitters and calls from a myriad variety of our 150 species of resident birds. Allow our spa therapists to pamper you with a deep tissue massage, then retire to your own secluded spot for a peaceful picnic and chilled glass of wine. Our new wine cellar and bar lounge features over 1,000 bottles of international and local wines and Champagnes, showcasing the best of globally renowned wine regions according to their climate, terroir and grape styles. https://www.ccrr.com.au/bar-lounge-and-private-dining/bar-lounge-wine-cellar/ Enjoy your cellar selection, or choose from the bar’s spirited cocktails, evocative gins and smooth barrelled aged rums while relaxing in the fine ambience of the lounge. Recline in leather wing-back chairs with a log fire on cool mountain evenings – or sip with delicate breezes on spring summer days.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

t

troy

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Creek Side Shepherds Hut Rail Trail

Lovely spot to get off grid, the cabin is well appointed and v clean, previous photos/reviews do it justice

K

Karl

July 2025

Weekend Trip to Creek Side Shepherds Hut Rail Trail

The cabin and facilities were clean, comfortable, well presented and everything you need in a private location. Accessing the rail trail was very easy, just down the road, ride straight from the door. If you’re looking for a comfortable, private base to take on the trail and enjoy the surrounding sights I highly recommend a stay here.

H

Helder

May 2025

Weekend Trip to Creek Side Shepherds Hut Rail Trail

I had an excellent experience—quiet, relaxed, and just what I needed. The cabin was spotless and cozy, with everything I needed already there. A thoughtful welcome gift was waiting in the fridge, which was such a nice touch. Craig was friendly, responsive, and easy to communicate with. I highly recommend this place for anyone looking to unwind!

Rebecca

February 2025

Weekend Trip to Creek Side Shepherds Hut Rail Trail

We had a very peaceful stay at the Hut, surrounded by nature - a highlight being sleeping with all the windows open under the net, and hearing the babbling creek, and bird & insect life all around us. It’s the perfect spot to hit the Rail Trail, we did 58km and soaked in the hot tub that night. The Hut has everything you need - bbq, coffee machine, kitchen utensils, large fridge, linen & towels. Burringbar town is super close if you want a meal out. We had a delicious breakfast at Teakwood, and got to meet Craig and have a chat about the history of the property. It’s a lovely place for couples to disconnect.

l

lilli

February 2025

Weekend Trip to Creek Side Shepherds Hut Rail Trail

A truly unique and lovely spot. A wonderful little place that the dogs enjoyed exploring especially jumping into the creek. Such a relaxing atmosphere overall enjoyed our stay.

L

Liam

January 2025

Weekend Trip to Creek Side Shepherds Hut Rail Trail

We loved our 2 night stay at Sheppard's Hut. Beautifully quiet. It had everything required for a comfortable and relaxing stay. Instructions to property were first class

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best cabins near Ballina with hot tubs guide

When to go

Like the rest of the NSW North Coast and Northern Rivers region, Ballina gets very busy during summer and Easter school holidays. The best time to go is late spring or early autumn when you’ll find the beaches practically deserted, along with warm weather. June through to November is the best time to see whales.

Know before you go

The Ballina Byron Gateway Airport is just 5 kilometres from the centre of Ballina, and is well serviced by domestic flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Newcastle, and Canberra.
The Ballina Visitor Information Centre is at 6 River St, and has easy parking for large motorhomes and caravans.
There is no free camping in the Ballina Shire.
Don’t leave Ballina without snapping a selfie at the Big Prawn—it’s nine metres high and weighs 35 tonnes. You’ll find it in the carpark of Bunnings hardware store on River Street.