Car Rental in Ballina

Why rent a car in Ballina?

Located near the border between New South Wales and Queensland, flying into Ballina is the perfect kick-off point for a road trip through the beautiful Northern Rivers area, and beyond. A region famous for its splendid coastline, relaxed beach villages, great surf, countless waterfalls, and boundless natural beauty, there is plenty to explore. With a rental car, a number of other destinations like Brisbane and famous national parks are also within your reach.

Top ways to enter Ballina

• Ballina Airport: Also known as Byron Gateway Airport, it serves about 300,000 travelers every year. The airport offers flights to and from some of the largest Australian cities like Melbourne, Sydney, and Canberra. The airport is located just west of Ballina center.
• Lismore Airport: Another small and regional airport, it serves the largest settlement of the Northern Rivers. The airport hosts flights to and from Sydney, as well as a couple of regional destinations. Lismore Airport is about 40 km (25 miles) west of Ballina and can be reached in 40 minutes.
• Gold Coast Airport: Serving the famous beach destinations the Gold Coast and Surfers Paradise, this international airport offers flights by nine different airlines and serves both domestic and international routes. Located about 88 km (55 miles) north of Ballina, it can be reached in one hour.
• Brisbane Airport: By far the largest ariport in Queensland and the third-busiest in Australia, Brisbane Airport handles more than 20 million passengers every year. In addition to many domestic flights, the airport also provides connections with destinations in Oceania, South and East Asia, the Middle East, and North America. Located 195 km (121 miles) north of Ballina, the airport can be reached in two hours and ten minutes.

Top sights and activities

• Byron Bay. The main settlement of the Northern Rivers, Byron Bay receives a whopping 1.7 million visitors every year, nearly 60 times the amount of its permanent residents. While some feel the town has become too crowded and look for more relaxed alternatives in coastal villages up and down the coast, Byron Bay remains an amazing place to visit. While in Byron Bay, challenge yourself on a surfboard, watch whales, hike up to the iconic lighthouse, kayak alongside plentiful marine life, visit the town’s many delicious cafés and restaurants, go bar hopping, or simply soak up the sun. Just off the Byron’s coast, you’ll also find Julian Rocks Nature Reserve, one of the best dive sites in all of Australia.
• Lennox Head. Located just 20 km (12 miles) south of Byron Bay and 15 km (9 miles) north of Ballina, Lennox Head is another beloved beach destination. Famous for its stunning coastline and many restaurants and bars, the area is also home to an official national surfing reserve, beautiful reefs, and some of the best snorkeling in all of Australia.
• Mount Warning National Park. Its name might sound ominous to some — it is named after the world’s largest extinct shield volcano — but Mount Warning National Park is one the most scenic areas in the Northern Rivers region. Located just over an hour’s drive north of Ballina, the park’s hiking trails weave through a tropical highland landscape with a truly primeval atmosphere. While at the national park, pay a visit to the World Heritage Rainforest Centre to learn more about the ecosystem around you. If you’re keen, the most popular activity is to hike Mount Warning in the early morning, to watch the sun rise from the peak. Other nature areas near Ballina include Mount Jerusalem, Nightcap, and Richmond Range National Parks.

Traffic and parking

• One of the largest road hazards in Australia are the wildlife, especially outside cities and towns. Take extra caution when driving in bad weather, at dawn, dusk, and after dark, as this is when most of the collisions with wildlife - such as kangaroos - take place.
• Mobile coverage is very rarely available outside of major highways and population centers, so take extra caution when traveling in nature areas.
• Another great risk when traveling outside of main highways is the heat. The temperatures can reach extremes very easily, especially during the summer months and in inland areas. Always stay properly hydrated and set out your route in advance to be able to supplement your water supplies. It’s also a good idea to bring food, water and other survival supplies with you, just in case.
• Driving under influence laws differ from territory to territory in Australia. In New South Wales, the legal alcohol limit is 0.05% for experienced drivers and 0.00% for novice drivers and drivers with provisional licences. Exceeding the limit can lead to large fines and a driver licence ban.
• The insurance and car documentation needs to be in the car whenever you’re driving.
• If you’re the driver, you need to have your passport or ID card with you at all times.
• The primary, nationwide emergency number in Australia is 000. The New South Wales Poisons Information Centre number is 131 126.

Toll roads

There are a number of toll roads in Australia, mainly in the states of New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland. In New South Wales, there are nine currently active toll roads, which is more than in the rest of the country combined.

Most toll roads in Australia use an “open toll system” with mainline barrier toll points. All toll roads in Australia use a cashless payment system. You can purchase a prepaid pass for most toll roads. Some rental cars in Australia are equipped with an electronic toll transponder, the price of which is usually included in the rental price. Ask your car rental supplier about it in advance. 

Different toll roads are operated by different companies, so there is no nationwide fee system in place.

Car rental prices in Ballina

• Vans - from $122 per day
• Medium cars - from $45 per day
• Large cars - from $59 per day
• SUVs - from $42 per day