Ballina · New South Wales · Australia
Lighthouse Beach
You'll smell the salt hitting the rocks before you see the white tower standing sentinel on the point. Lighthouse Beach curves north from the headland, serving up consistent waves that draw local boardriders year-round. The path from the carpark winds past Norfolk pines older than the surfers below.
Reading live conditions…
Live from Open-Meteo · sea surface temperature and wave data modelled at 1-km grid resolution for Lighthouse Beach. Numbers refresh at the hourly tick.
- Purity
- 0%
- Conditions
- 0%
- Crowd
- 0%
- Vibe
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The OnlyBeaches Index weighs four pillars against your chosen persona. Purity comes from water clarity and air-quality heuristics; Conditions from Open-Meteo waves, wind and temperatures; Crowd from historical patterns; Vibe from nearby events within 50 km. The score rebalances throughout the day.
You'll smell the salt hitting the rocks before you see the white tower standing sentinel on the point. Lighthouse Beach curves north from the headland, serving up consistent waves that draw local boardriders year-round. The path from the carpark winds past Norfolk pines older than the surfers below.
Photos
8 captures from Lighthouse Beach
About this beach
Where it is
Lighthouse Beach
Ballina, New South Wales, Australia
-28.8717°, 153.5952°
Top things to do
At Lighthouse Beach
Ride the Point
Consistent right-hander off headland rocks
Lighthouse Platform Views
Dolphins, trawlers, and sweeping coastline
Coastal Headland Walk
Track to river mouth breakwall
Foreshore Barbecue
She-oak shelters with ocean outlook
Near this beach
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Lighthouse Beach.
Questions people actually ask about Lighthouse Beach.
Is Lighthouse Beach Ballina safe for swimming?
Lighthouse Beach is a patrolled surf beach with varying conditions. Swim between the red and yellow flags during patrol hours (generally daily during summer, weekends in shoulder seasons). The beach can experience strong currents, rips, and moderate to large surf, making it more suitable for experienced swimmers and surfers. Beginners should stay in the flagged areas and check conditions with lifeguards first. The beach's eastern headland can create powerful shore breaks. Always observe warning signs and ask lifeguards about current conditions before entering the water.
What is the best time to visit Lighthouse Beach Ballina?
Lighthouse Beach is enjoyable year-round, with each season offering different appeals. Summer (December-February) brings warm water temperatures around 23-25°C and consistent lifeguard patrols, ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Autumn and spring offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds and good surf conditions. Winter (June-August) sees cooler temperatures but produces excellent surf swells for experienced surfers. The beach faces east, making sunrise visits particularly spectacular. For families, summer offers the safest swimming conditions with full lifeguard services and warmer weather.
