The best safari tent rentals near Ballina, New South Wales

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.

92% (187)

Top-rated campgrounds

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.

92% (187)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Ingenia Holidays Byron Bay

94%

(295)

22km from Ballina · 214 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Byron Bay, NSW

This northern New South Wales hotspot needs no introduction. Byron Bay attracts some two million visitors to its sandy shores each year. To see what makes this beach holiday destination so alluring, stay amongst Ingenia Holidays Byron Bay’s 28 acres of parklands which fronts onto the famous Tallow Beach. Whether you like to caravan, camp, or stay in a cabin, there is a range of accommodation options at Ingenia Holidays Byron Bay to suit any holiday style.

2. Ballina Beach Nature Resort

91%

(81)

2.4km from Ballina · 194 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Ballina, NSW

Ballina Beach Nature Resort is more than a campground, glamping retreat, caravan park or short-stay hotel - we're a family; offering adventurers, from the local region and across Australia, the opportunity to experience NSW, Ballina, the Byron Bay region and natural coastal wildlife. Whether you're a grey nomad, van-life enthusiast, an admirer of nature, in search for your next romantic getaway, or looking for an afternoon coffee or takeaway, our beach resort accommodation and Turtles Café have got you covered!

3. Trickling Waters Retreat

47km from Ballina · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Commissioners Creek, NSW

Nestled in the beautiful rainforest of Commissioners Creek, Trickling Waters Retreat is a peaceful sanctuary where forest, water, and wildlife come together to create a truly grounding escape. Our land offers a blend of comfort and raw natural beauty. Wake to birdsong, fall asleep to the soft rush of the creek, , wander through open grassy spaces, or relax by the water’s edge. The creek flows year-round sometimes deep enough for a refreshing dip, and other times shallow, cool, and perfect for wading, creek-walking, or just sitting with your feet in the water while listening to the trees. In the evenings, gather around your private fire area, Or wander over to our handcrafted communal fire pit, a stunning circle built from Grand Natural stones unearthed from the property itself. You’re welcome to ask your hosts to light it for you. Whether it’s shared with other travellers or enjoyed quietly on your own, it’s one of the most peaceful spots on the property, perfect for slow conversations, warm or cold drinks, and unwinding by the glow of the flames. and letting the stars take over the sky. It’s a quiet, peaceful spot where guests often tell us their minds finally stop racing. We currently offer a spacious glamping tent overlooking the creek, plus beautifully spread-out grassy areas ideal for campers seeking privacy and a true nature experience. Guests also have access to our modern amenities pavilion, hot shower, flushing toilet, and an outdoor wash-up area to make your stay effortless. Whether you’re a couple seeking a romantic nature getaway, solo traveller wanting space to think, or small group looking to unplug and breathe again, Trickling Waters Retreat offers a calm, memorable escape on one of Commissioners Creek’s most serene pockets of land.

4. Trees Rd Glamping

79km from Ballina · 1 site · Lodging · Tallebudgera, QLD

Tent with queen bed Outdoor Kitchen and bathroom private use. No pets. Swimming pool, spa and sauna non private use. There is 150 acres, of Nature Reserve, opposite the property for bush walking. It is a Koala breeding area, with kangaroos and other native wildlife. Kookaburras visit daily for feeding with parrots and galas. Beautiful bush outlook, private access and parking with stairs to the tent site and upstairs to the pool spa and sauna. The tent is the only one, with a private home, a unit and a tiny home on the property. The tent has an outdoor fire and fire pit area and outdoor lounge area. Location is 15 mins to beach and great restaurants at Burleigh Heads. 5 mins to local grocers, pizza, fish n chips.

Stories from the community

D

Drew

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Ballina Beach Nature Resort

Great stay with good amenities and hot showers, will stay here again!

L

Liezl

May 2025

1 night at Ballina Beach Nature Resort

Loved camping here. The wildlife in the evening as well as the birds in the morning was amazing. Facilities are neat and clean.

Isabella

April 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Ballina Beach Nature Resort

We stayed in the ‘luxury swag’ and it was quite nice. It’s got a queen bed and a little kitchen area. The toilets are not too far of a walk. The cafe was great (only down side is that it’s only open fri-sat) and it is really away from everything so be sure to pack food, games etc! It is very family oriented which is great. Has a water play ground and a dog park which is fenced! We loved that we could take our puppy too. Overall a good experience

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best safari tents near Ballina 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.