Best Day Rides from Ballina: the Coast-and-Hinterland loop via Lennox Head, Bangalow and Mullumbimby
From Salt Creek Motorcycles
This is the mirror image of the classic rainforest-and-rivers run to Nimbin. Instead of heading inland, you point the bike north up the coast, chase the ocean along The Coast Road to Lennox Head, then peel back into the hills for a lazy figure-of-eight through the Byron hinterland. It is a day of two moods: salt air and surf breaks in the morning, rolling green farm country and heritage villages in the afternoon.
The riding is relaxed rather than white-knuckle. Expect gentle coastal curves out of Ballina, then a run of quiet, well-cambered hinterland lanes linking Bangalow, Federal and Mullumbimby, with a few tighter, tree-shaded sections thrown in to keep you honest. Between the corners there are lookouts over the whole caldera, roadside produce stalls, and more than enough cafes to justify a second coffee stop.
Budget a full, unhurried day. The distances are modest, but the towns are made for wandering and the views are worth pulling over for. Ride it in a clockwise direction and you finish the loop rolling back into Ballina from the west, coast and hills both ticked off in a single day.
Along the way
- 1
Pat Morton Lookout, Lennox Head
Perched on Lennox Point above the town, this grassy headland gives long views south over Lennox Head and north up Seven Mile Beach. It is a prime whale and dolphin watching spot from May to October, a launch pad for hang gliders and paragliders, and a grandstand over the famous right-hand point break below. An easy, scenic first stop just north of Ballina.
- 2
Lennox Head village and Seven Mile Beach
A low-key surf town strung along the beachfront, good for a coffee, a leg stretch and a look at one of the region's longest, most open stretches of sand. Fuel and food are easy to find here before you turn inland.
- 3
Bangalow
One of the area's country gems: a largely nineteenth-century streetscape of tall verandahed buildings, shady trees and quiet parks along Byron Creek. Wander the boutiques and galleries, grab lunch at one of the well-regarded cafes, and if your timing is right the monthly Bangalow Markets are held on the fourth Sunday.
- 4
Scarabelloti's Lookout, Coolamon Scenic Drive
A short detour off Coolamon Scenic Drive rewards you with a sweeping panorama taking in Cape Byron and its lighthouse, Mount Chincogan and, on a clear day, Wollumbin (Mount Warning) rising out of the caldera. A natural photo stop between Bangalow and Mullumbimby.
- 5
Federal
A tiny hinterland village surrounded by macadamia country, best known to riders as a coffee-and-cake pause. It sits neatly on the winding run between Bangalow and Mullumbimby and makes a good midway breather.
- 6
Mullumbimby
Billed as the region's 'biggest little town', Mullumbimby has an easygoing main-street vibe, buskers, cafes and shops, all under the watch of Mount Chincogan. It is the northern turning point of the loop before you swing back south toward Ballina.
- 7
Newrybar
A photogenic Federation-era village on the return leg along the Hinterland Way, with tin-roof homesteads, boutiques and a well-known cafe and deli. A relaxed last stop to fuel up on macadamias and local produce before the final run into Ballina.
Before you go
- Fill the tank in Ballina before you set off. There is fuel at Lennox Head, Bangalow, Byron Bay and Mullumbimby, but stations thin out on the quieter hinterland lanes, so top up when you can.
- The hinterland roads, particularly Coolamon Scenic Drive between Bangalow, Federal and Mullumbimby, are narrow, winding and tree-shaded with tight corners, patchy edges and the occasional damp, mossy or gravel-strewn patch. Ride to the surface, not the map.
- This is tourist country. Expect slow-moving traffic, cyclists, pedestrians and cars pulling in and out of produce stalls and lookouts, especially around Byron Bay, Bangalow and on market weekends.
- Watch for wildlife and livestock near dawn and dusk, and take extra care after rain, when shaded hinterland corners and painted lines stay slippery for a long time.
- The Coast Road at Lennox Head is occasionally affected by roadworks and short-term closures; check for current detours before you go. This route is a suggestion only, so ride within your limits and adjust for the conditions on the day.
Ride it on a ReviRide bike
Helmet and 800 km/day included.
Routes are suggestions only. Roads, conditions, and access can change — check current conditions, ride to your ability and the conditions, and obey all road rules.