Just north of the Ballina, NSW, township, is the Ballina Headlands Leisure Park. It’s the kind of place that people keep coming back to. In fact, its popularity as a summer getaway is such that visitors book for their stay the following year upon their departure.

It’s not hard to see why. Its many sites and cabins are shaded by palm trees, and the park is only a short walk from Sharpes Beach, where there’s good surf fishing to enjoy and a variety of walking tracks. But if your Ballina holiday is more about the sun and a good book, then the soft sand would make a great place to spread your towel, don your sunglasses, hat and sunscreen, and relax.

Attention to detail

Ballina Headlands Leisure Park is a family owned and operated 4.5-star Top Tourist Park.

The park was established 35 years ago on what was farming land. It was operated for 20 years by Robert and Shirley Gray, but is now managed by their daughter, Suzanne Vagne, and her husband, Jardon, in conjunction with Suzanne’s brother, Graeme, and his wife, Natasha.

The care and attention to detail that comes with having such family ownership and continued involvement is evident, from the well maintained resort-style outdoor pool with beach entry, solar heating, spa, and wading pool for children, to the manicured lawns: bore water is used to keep the grass lush.

There are 33 regular caravan sites, five drive-through sites, which Suzanne says are becoming more popular at the park, and eight ensuite sites.

Those who prefer to stay in cabins are well looked after at Ballina Headlands Leisure Park, with a wide range to choose from, including deluxe spa cabins and cabins for budget conscious visitors. There is also a cabin with disabled access.

The tent camping area is relatively small, with eight powered sites and eight unpowered sites available. The enclosed camp kitchen, near the pool, has a good spread of facilities, including a fridge, sink, and free barbecue outside. With enough seating for about 20 campers, the kitchen is cosy and has a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.

The amenities block is somewhat tucked away, hidden by a garden and shrubbery. Well presented and clean, there are a range of sinks, toilets, and the shower cubicles each have their own curtain, as well as a lockable door, for additional privacy.

The laundry has all that you would need and expect, including permanently installed ironing boards.

The games room will keep teenagers busy on nights too cold for a walk or stargazing. It includes a pool table, arcade games, a separate movie room, and there’s even a book exchange library. Although there are plans to establish a wireless Internet hotspot within this vicinity, online access is limited to an Internet kiosk.

Best of Ballina

Established by 19th century British settlers, Ballina was first named Deptford. But as the town grew, an Aboriginal word, ‘bullenah’, apparently meaning ‘place where oysters are plentiful’ became the town’s name. And, with a town in Ireland named Ballina, the similar pronunciation lead to a change in spelling.

However, appreciation of the area’s seafood and fishing industry is evident in at least one of its tourist attractions: the Big Prawn.

Ballina, with 32km of magnificent coastline to boast of, is on the northern bank of the Richmond River on the north coast of NSW. The township is bordered by North Creek and The Canal, technically making Ballina an island.

Richmond River has an abundance of marine wildlife and has been for many years the waterway of choice for local anglers and boating enthusiasts.

With its own airport, Ballina is also the gateway to the NSW north coast for people arriving by airplane. Located within 5km of the town proper, the airport is also only a short drive north to the popular tourist destination of Byron Bay. But if your idea of relaxation involves sport, there’s the Ballina Golf Club, the Teven Golf Course, and the Evans Head Golf Club to choose from. But if it involves more traditional activities, between June and November there are whale watching opportunities, with a number of reputable charterboat operators conducting tours.

Be sure to check out the Ballina Maritime Museum (on the main street – an extension of the Pacific Highway), where the 12m Las Balsas is kept. The balsa wood raft is the main attraction. It landed at Ballina in 1973 following its 3760-nautical-mile, 178-day journey across the Pacific from Ecuador.

In the coastal getaway of Ballina, there are a vast number of ways to spend your time. There are also many places to stay, but for my money the Ballina Headlands Leisure Park is the pick. Excellent amenities, grassy sites shaded by palm trees, the salty smell of the surf on the breeze, a short walk to the beach, and within easy driving distance of the town… need I go on?

By Max Taylor (pics Carlisle Rogers), as featured in Caravan World issue 449, January 2008.

Fast facts

Ballina Headlands Leisure Park, Skennars Head Road, Ballina, NSW 2478, phone (02) 6687 7450, or visit www.ballina-headlands.contact.com.au

The Ballina Maritime Museum is open daily from 9am to 4pm, phone (02) 6681 1002 or visit www.bigvolcano.com.au/custom/maritime/ballina.htm

Ballina Visitor Information Centre, River Street, Ballina, phone (02) 6686 3484.