Attractions

Killen Falls is located just below the Emigrant Creek dam at Fernleigh and is a spectacular ten-metre waterfall dropping into a large, cool waterhole within a rainforest gully. Ferns and mosses thrive in this damp location, and there is also a natural amphitheatre style cave opening behind the falls, which make a lovely shaded place to relax with family and friends.

Parking is available within 500m of the base of the waterfall. There are two beautiful walks that you can do from the Emigrant Creek Dam car park. The Water Walk is a 200m educational trail displaying many species of flora and fauna that thrive in this protected gully via informative signage along the way.

For those more adept at bushwalking, the other walk is about 500 metres long and takes you through
regenerating rainforest along Emigrant Creek downstream of the dam where a viewing platform is situated over the waterfall. The track is quite rough, however, once at the bottom of the trail, you can explore and keep cool in the beautiful swimming waterhole. The waterhole has some deeper spots closer to the falls; however, jumping from the cliffs or diving in is not ideal as much of the waterhole is shallow around the edges with a rocky bottom.

Crawford House is the home of the Alstonville Plateau Historical Society and a small museum that hosts regularly changing exhibitions. In 2003, the Society restored this Federation style property which displays household items from the 1900s to the 1960s.

It has a research room and a collection of materials relating to the history of Alstonville. Originally known as 'Olivene', the house was built in 1910 by DC Connor of Ballina for Mr William Ambrose Crawford and his new bride, Olive (nee White). Discover how rural families lived in the last century, or research your family history in this lovely Federation home.

Summerland Farm is a beautiful macadamia and avocado farm set high in the Ballina-Byron hinterland. This multi-award-winning attraction is yours to explore and a great day out for all the family. Taste the region’s delicious produce, meet the farm animals and enjoy a day in the country on a real Australian working farm.

A peaceful place to visit and a hidden gem right at the end of Main Street. Have a peaceful afternoon listening to the local bird-life and water flowing over the weir. You may also spot platypus and turtles in the creek. The park features a playground with shade sail, creek, toilets, plenty of picnic areas, off-street parking a garbage bin. Perfect for the whole family of any age.

A popular park with the stunning backdrop of Richmond River. Have a picnic with family and friends while watching the activity on the waterway. The kids can even go fishing off the wharf. The park is situated close to shops and features a shaded ship-themed playground, swings, picnic areas, picnic tables, BBQ facilities, seating, grassed areas, garbage bins, parking and a riverside walkway.

Plan to spend a while at this park. Not only does it have a large undercover play area, but there is also a skate park and amphitheatre. This large open space park is situated on the Richmond River, overlooking the break walls and surrounded by a walking path. The park features, large undercover playground for all weather conditions, liberty swing, BBQ facilities, toilets, seating, picnic shelters, garbage bins and parking.

A park right in the heart of Alstonville. Surrounded by the Main Street, Alstonville Plaza and Crawford House Museum it is the perfect stop. You can visit the memorial, have a BBQ and relax with the whole family. The park features a playground, climbing net, picnic areas, picnic tables, seating, BBQ facilities, grassed areas, garbage bins and parking.

Victoria Park Nature Reserve is a lovely place to relax and walk while listening to birdsong. The park provides a short rainforest boardwalk and the walk takes between 15 and 30 minutes to complete.

As soon as you enter the shady green cool of the lush rainforest, dappled light filters through the dense canopy. Giant Morton Bay fig trees and majestic black beans tower above while Bangalow palms and ferns grow up from below. Despite the small size of the area an unusually wide variety of animals occur in the reserve, and at last count, there were 152 Tree species recorded in this one small reserve.
Take a moment to absorb the serene quiet of the rainforest, and you might catch a glimpse of the shy red-legged pademelon or the colourful wompoo fruit-dove and at least two species of possum.

The informative displays show how the Wildjabul people, of the Bundjalung nation, relied on the local plants and animals for food, medicine and ceremonies. You will also learn how the curved sheath of the Bangalow palm was utilised to carry water, and the sap of the strangler fig used to heal wounds.
When thoughts turn to lunch, enjoy a relaxing barbecue at the shaded picnic tables, to a backdrop of lush rainforest.

The route is signposted, and the reserve is most easily accessed via the town of Alstonville then travelling south 7 km along the Wardell Road and turning onto the Rous Mill Road for a further kilometre.

While visiting our local region, journey to the fascinating and informative Ballina Naval and Maritime Museum.

During 1983 the museum was established by a group of ex-sailors with an interest in preserving our local heritage. Initially, the museum displayed in a small room in the old pilot's cottage, which is now the location of the Ballina Information Centre. However, it quickly outgrew the space and relocated in 1993 to the present position on Regatta Avenue.

The museum has a variety of exciting displays designed to inform and educate the local community and tourists visiting our region. The presentation on the Las Balsas expedition is fascinating and the exhibition features one of the three Las Balsas rafts which travelled from Ecuador to Ballina in 1973.

The facility hosts the most extensive collection of naval and merchant ships in Australia. The models include ships, galleons, yachts, warships and merchant ships; some are up to 3.5 meters long. The models depict life at sea through reproductions of mess decks and ship's cabins. Other memorabilia at the museum include uniforms, communication devices, medals, badges and illustrations along with a souvenir and gift shop. The Ballina Naval and Maritime Museum mission is to collect, preserve and present the rich maritime heritage of Ballina along with past and present mariners.

The Macadamia Castle has been a popular tourist destination since 1975. The Animal Park, Café, Bar Macca, Nut Bar, Fine Food section and Retail store provide a full days entertainment and education. An ideal days outing for the family and a great destination when exploring the Ballina and Byron region.