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Hit the road in a car rental from Ballina Airport
Ballina makes a fantastic base for anyone exploring New South Wales’ gorgeous coastline. The small coastal town is close to other popular spots like Byron Bay and is fully equipped to service visitors and holidaymakers with two shopping areas, fully patrolled swimming beaches, a range of eateries, and plenty of accommodation options.
Important information for car rentals in Ballina
Ballina Airport guide
Ballina Byron Gateway Airport is a small regional airport along Southern Cross Drive with flights arriving daily from Sydney, Melbourne, and other Australian cities. It has one terminal and one runway and is located six minutes drive from Ballina city centre and 30 minutes drive from Byron Bay.
Inside the terminal building, there are necessary amenities including bathrooms and a cafe. Accessible toilets are available. Car hire Ballina Airport counters are easy to spot within the small terminal, and there are also shuttles, taxis, and transfer services. There are short stay and long stay parking lots outside the terminal building.
Driving a hire car in Ballina and New South Wales
The best way to ensure that you have an enjoyable and positive holiday with your Ballina car rental is to stay safe on the roads. These tips are just a few things that you should keep in mind as you touch down, pick up your wheels, and get moving.
Don’t forget to drive on the left! In Australia, traffic drives on the left-hand side of the road, and in the vast majority of vehicles, the driver sits on the right. This is the opposite of what many international visitors are used to. If you haven’t experienced this layout before, we recommend that you take some time to get acclimated on quiet roads at low speeds before going on a road trip in your Ballina car hire.
You may come across some spectacular views while driving your hire car along the New South Wales coastline. To take them in properly, find a lookout or some place you can stop, pull over, and enjoy. Distracted driving is dangerous, so build extra time into your itinerary for safe sightseeing.
All speed limits are posted in kilometres per hour, and distances in kilometres. Always have your Australian driving license/International drivers licence ready to avoid any hassle.
The border with Queensland is not too far north of Ballina. If you cross it, be aware that there will be some small changes to the road rules—for example, the safe driving distance between cars is set at three seconds in New South Wales and two seconds in Queensland.
If you enjoy travelling to NSW wine regions or just the local bars in Ballina, arrange alternative transport. The legal blood alcohol concentration limits for drivers in the state are set low at 0% for anyone holding a learner or provisional licence, 0.02% for those driving heavy vehicles, public vehicles, or dangerous goods, and 0.05% for everyone else.
Plan your trip with a Ballina Airport car rental
Having your own set of wheels in this spectacular part of New South Wales opens up so many wonderful destinations. It’s a popular spot for a coastal road trip, particularly for visitors who like to swim and surf, but that’s not all that’s on offer here. There are plenty of exciting cities and sizable towns to discover, national parks, wildlife encounters. With the freedom of a car rental Ballina Airport, you may even feel the call of Australia’s vast and wild Outback.
Here are a few of the best things to see and do within a few hours’ drive of Ballina Byron Gateway Airport. We hope they serve as inspiration for your own car hire itinerary!
Byron Bay
Unmissable. Just half an hour’s drive from Ballina, this bustling beach town is very popular—but for good reason. The friendly vibes here are unmatched, and it is a meeting place of residents and visitors from all corners of the globe. The beach has epic surf breaks and warm, clear waters. There are plenty of walking tracks along the coastline, and from June to October, you can often see migrating humpback whales. The Cape Byron Lighthouse is a great vantage point for whale watching!
Nimbin
If you’re heading inland, make a stop at Nimbin. This lush hinterland town is known for its hippie ethos and aesthetics. The counterculture is strong here, and it’s also a significant centre for the traditional landowners, the Bundjalung people. Check the calendar before you visit, as you may find an event to attend. Nimbin is often hosting arts and music festivals.
Brunswick Heads
This is a fantastic destination for outdoorsy travellers and can be found just a short drive up the coast past Byron Bay. Canoeing, fishing, stand-up paddleboarding, and eco river tours are all on offer here from various providers. Head into the small village to visit the market that runs on the first Saturday of every month or enjoy some local culinary delights. If you have more time to spare, you can also cruise the Richmond River and enjoy fishing.
Nightcap National Park
This park contains some World Heritage-listed ancient rainforest, making it a great place to hike, camp, and just enjoy the marvels of Australia’s unique flora and fauna. Of note are the population of rare and threatened frogs which inhabit the park’s waterways, the spectacular waterfalls, and the sites of historic significance both colonial and Aboriginal.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Many visitors to Australia want to see the amazing native wildlife, and for good reason—some fascinating creatures live here! Currumbin is an advanced Eco-Tourism Certified facility that allows people to get up close and personal with the incredible wildlife while also supporting conservation efforts in the region and nationwide. Here you can see koalas, kangaroos, an array of birds, crocodiles, dingoes, Tasmanian devils, wombats, and more. You can also participate in or observe feeding sessions, shows, and cultural presentations.
Ballina Airport car hire: Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to hire a car at Ballina Airport?
The cost of hiring a car at Ballina Airport varies based on vehicle type and season. A compact car may cost less than AUD $60 per day, while a large SUV could be several hundred dollars daily. Use the Airport Rentals search engine to compare options and find the best deal for your budget.
What is the cheapest car hire agency at Ballina Airport?
Budget Car Hire is often an affordable option at Ballina Airport.
What car rental companies are at Ballina Airport?
Car rental companies at Ballina Byron Gateway Airport include Europcar, Hertz, Dollar, Thrifty, Budget, Keddy, and Avis. Follow signs to the rental car park to collect your vehicle.
Which car hire companies in Ballina have updated their vehicle cleaning and safety policies because of coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Most rental providers in Australia have updated their cleaning and safety policies due to COVID-19. Look for ""Enhanced Cleaning"" in search results or check supplier websites for more information.
Can I collect a car from Ballina Airport and return it somewhere else?
Yes, one-way rentals are allowed by most suppliers if they have depots at both ends of your route. Specify pick-up and drop-off locations when booking and double-check details before confirming.
What is the most popular car hire in Ballina?
Compact vehicles like the Nissan Micra are currently the most frequently booked rentals in Ballina.
What are fuel prices like in Ballina?
Fuel prices in Ballina align with national trends. Check current prices online before your trip for accurate information.
Where are the best places to park in Ballina?
Ballina Airport has 650 parking spaces outside the terminal. Downtown offers both free and paid parking; check signs for restrictions or fees when parking on the road.
What’s the speed limit in Ballina?
The default speed limit for built-up areas in New South Wales is 50 km/h. Always look for posted signs for accurate speed limits.
How far is Ballina Airport from central Ballina?
Ballina Byron Gateway Airport is four kilometers from central Ballina, approximately a six-minute drive.
To discover other areas near or around Ballina Airport, check out the following car hire locations:
