Driving up to the,
Ballina Travellers Lodge, you'd probably think, like I did that you were about to go on a trip down the 1980's lane - which isn't always bad, especially for GvW, who loves quirky. However, this hotel on the outside hides a very well kept secret within the walls of the rooms.

Little Europe on the East Coast
They are spectacular - like being in a boutique London or New York hotel room - plush carpet under foot, a cloud for a bed, with extra soft/fluffy blankets, unique & interesting decor - and you can tell they've redone the whole place with an accent on saving money - but they did it well, re-painted the rooms white to brighten them up, change too modern tap fittings and throw in a comfy couch.

80's exterior hides modern luxury
The room was $125 and for Ballina, you could stay at the Slipway Hotel (one of the pubs in town) for $99/night or at the fanciest place in town, Ballina Manor Boutique Hotel for $170/night - so it's the best low/mid range hotel in town.

Always something to do in Ballina
Walk up the road and watch a play at the Ballina Players, one of the oldest Community Theatres in Australia, head downtown to the
Red Wok for excellent Thai & table service, or grab a surfboard/fishing rod and head to the beaches/rivers surrounding.