This maritime museum in Ballina displays the Las Balsas rafts alongside extensive naval history exhibits, providing educational insight into regional shipping, shipwreck history, and diverse ocean-faring vessels.
About Ballina Naval and Maritime Museum
The Ballina Naval and Maritime Museum houses a significant collection of maritime artefacts and vessels on the banks of the Richmond River. Visitors can view the original Las Balsas raft, which completed a trans-Pacific journey from Ecuador to Australia in 1973. The facility features a range of scale models, including naval ships and merchant vessels, alongside detailed displays documenting the navigational history of the Northern Rivers coastline. Dedicated galleries explore the engineering and personal stories behind regional shipping industries.
Located in the heart of Ballina, the museum is a short drive from the iconic Big Prawn landmark. It provides a structured look at naval history, featuring interactive exhibits and historical documentation suitable for all ages. The site includes a research library and a gift shop focused on nautical themes. It serves as a central point for understanding the local maritime heritage that shaped the development of this coastal town and its surrounding waterways.