Servicing both the iconic Byron Bay and forested Lismore, car hire from Ballina Airport is your ticket to the northern coast of NSW and southern Queensland. The town itself having been established in the late 1840s, it is now home to the world's largest prawn (OK that's not the best thing thing) and outdoor activities. It sits alongside the Pacific Highway for those looking to take off north towards Tweed Heads and Brisbane, or south into some of northern NSW's most pristine coastline.

A visit to Byron Bay is a must for anyone keen to see Australia at its most relaxed and its beaches at their sandy best. In a rental car from Ballina Airport, a trip to Byron Bay takes only 20 minutes, leaving you free to enjoy the diverse accomodation, bare-foot sunny days, vibrant nightlife and friendly locals with the rest of your time. Be sure to visit the Cape Byron lighthouse and stand on Australia's eastern-most tip while you're there!

Further south from Ballina Airport you can explore the isolated coast and country of the Clarence region with its World Heritage listed villages and rainforests. Choose from a variety of activities including 4WD expeditions and horse-riding in the subtropical hinterland, as well as your choice of scenic river tours - all at most a few hours drive in a rental car.

Likewise, an hour or two north and the 37km of deserted national park and beaches that comprise the Tweed and Tweed River surrounds are yours alone to enjoy.

The World's Largest Prawn, Ballina

Image Credit:  koala:bear (Flickr)

Ballina Airport to Byron Bay

1. Head south 700 m
2. At the roundabout, take the 1st exit   Go through 1 roundabout 280 m
3. Turn right at Southern Cross Dr 1.2 km
4. Take the 1st right onto North Creek Rd 280 m
5. Turn right at Pacific Hwy 22.7 km
6. Turn right at Bangalow Rd 5.3 km
7. Turn right to stay on Bangalow Rd 3.6 km
8. Turn left to stay on Bangalow Rd 2.1 km
9. At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Browning St 170 m
10.Turn right at Jonson St 600 m
11.Turn right at Marvell St 51 m
12.Take the 1st left onto Fletcher St 150 m
13.Take the 2nd left onto Byron St