New South Wales location profile
Alstonville NSW 2477
Leafy plateau town in the Northern Rivers between Ballina and Lismore, known for macadamia farms, heritage streetscapes and a friendly village feel. Appeals to families and retirees seeking a quiet lifestyle with beaches and major services a short drive away.
Explore schools in Alstonville
Compare local schools using the BestSchools list and interactive map.
Why families consider Alstonville
Family and retiree mix with many owner-occupiers on generous blocks; strong community ties, weekly markets and sports clubs. Popular with tree-changers who commute to Ballina or Lismore; local primary and high schools support a family-friendly lifestyle.
Amenities & services
- Alstonville Plaza (Woolworths, specialty shops)
- Alstonville Fair shopping centre
- Main Street cafes, restaurants and pubs (e.g., Federal Hotel)
- GP clinics, dental practices and pharmacies
- Ballina District Hospital (nearby)
- Lismore Base Hospital (regional)
- Alstonville Library (Richmond Tweed Regional Library), Main St, Alstonville
Transport & connectivity
- No local train station; NSW TrainLink coach connections to Casino (XPT), Ballina and Lismore
- CDC Northern Rivers bus routes 640/641 Lismore-Alstonville-Ballina
- Bruxner Highway (B60) and Alstonville/Wollongbar Bypass (Kerry O'Brien Way)
- Ballina Byron Gateway Airport ~18km east
Lifestyle & recreation
- Alstonville Showground and community events/markets
- Alstonville Swimming Pool and sports fields (soccer, cricket, tennis)
- Summerland House Farm (gardens, cafe, mini golf)
- Beaches at Ballina and Lennox Head within 20-25 minutes
- Victoria Park Nature Reserve (Big Scrub rainforest)
- Elizabeth Ann Brown Park
- Alstonville Showground
- Crawford House heritage garden
Education context
Multiple long day care and preschool options (e.g., Goodstart Early Learning Alstonville, community preschool); moderate waitlists for under-2s, with more availability for 3+; additional places in nearby Ballina and Lismore.
- Southern Cross University - Lismore campus (East Lismore, ~15km west)
- TAFE NSW - Wollongbar campus (~3km west)
- Griffith University - Gold Coast campus (approx. 100km north)