Burns Point Ferry, Ballina: Timetable, prices & information

The Burns Point Ferry crosses the Richmond River from Ballina, NSW. This Richmond River cable ferry operates from 05.30 to 12.30 daily, with one way fares on the Burns Point Ferry costing $7 per car.

What is the Burns Point Ferry?

The Burns Point Ferry is a ferry service across the Richmond River in New South Wales, Australia. It connects the village of Keith Hall to the regional hub town, Ballina.

The Burns Point Ferry is of most use to travellers exploring beaches south of Ballina, including Robins Beach and Beswicks Beach. Both of these are essentially extensions of the enormous Evans Head Beach from Evans Head.

The Burns Point Ferry is 12km to the north of the Wardell Bridge, the nearest alternative crossing point on the Richmond River.

How big is the Burns Point Ferry?

The Burns Point Ferry is a vehicle-carrying cable ferry. It is 24 metres long and seven metres wide, which means it can carry 12 normal-sized cars at any one time.

5 Ballina experiences to book in advance

Go on a dolphin watching cruise – sightings are very reliable.
Take a guided coastal walk – learning about the natural environment on the way.
Clink glasses as the sun goes down – on a Richmond River sunset cruise.
Take a cruise to the Julian Rocks Marine Reserve – with a marine biologist pointing out the dolphins, turtles and dramatic cliffs.
Learn to surf – on a private surfing lesson.

Burns Point Ferry timetable and crossing time

The Burns Point Ferry only takes around four minutes to cross the Richmond River from Burns Point to Burns Point Ferry Road in West Ballina.

There is no Burns Point Ferry timetable as such – the ferry operates continually, crossing from bank to bank. However, there are operating hours – the first Burns Point Ferry service of the day leaves at 05.30, and the last at 12.30.

Drivers are told to expect waiting times of up to 15 minutes.

Burns Point Ferry fare prices

For most users of this Richmond River ferry service, a one-way crossing will cost $7 per car. For motorbikes, the Burns Point Ferry costs $3 one way. For a car and caravan, it’s $16.

All times and prices are correct at the time of writing, but subject to change in future. For up-to-date information, visit the Ballina Shire Council website.

Things to do in Ballina include visiting the Big Prawn, Lighthouse Beach and North Creek Beach.

Also close by are the Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary in Knockrow and Killen Falls in Tintenbar.

Where to stay in Ballina

The top Ballina accommodation options are:

For charm and personality: Ballina Manor Boutique Hotel.
For a holiday park with family-sized cabins and lots kid-friendly facilities: Discovery Parks Ballina.
For a relatively cheap, good quality motel: Almare Tourist Motel.
For riverside location: Ramada Hotel and Suites.