Alstonville

Alstonville Family

From swimming and farm animals to library sessions and school-holiday care, families around Alstonville have several practical ways to play, learn and spend time together. Nearby and regional services also offer support through early childhood, the school years and young adulthood.

🌟 Local play, outings and learning

Summerland Farm

Visit a working macadamia and avocado farm in Alstonville, see farm animals or book a paid animal encounter. Check current encounter times and booking options before setting out.

Alstonville Aquatic Centre

Families can use a heated 50-metre pool, heated learn-to-swim pool and splash play area for younger children. Pool access ramps, picnic areas and barbecues are available. Check lane availability before visiting.

Elizabeth Ann Brown Park

At 10 Wardell Road, this local park offers play equipment, a climbing net and grassed open space for supervised outdoor play. Seating and a barbecue make it a straightforward picnic option.

Alstonville Library

Free library entry and Baby Time give younger families an opportunity to read, learn and connect. During the cultural centre upgrade, the service is temporarily operating from Wollongbar Community Hall, where accessible amenities, parking and Wi-Fi are available.

📅 School-holiday activities

Northern Rivers Community Gateway Vacation Club

The Alstonville school-holiday program provides vacation care, with seasonal activities that may include STEM, crafts, excursions, performance art and athletics. Consult the current program for enrolment requirements, eligible ages, costs and arrangements for each day.

💛 Early childhood and parenting support

FCS Brighter Beginnings — Social Futures

Families in Ballina and surrounding areas can receive free navigation and connection support for children aged 0–5. The service helps families find health, wellbeing, family and NDIS-related supports. Self-referral is available, with no appointment or referral letter required.

Child and Family Health Services — Ballina Community Health

This free NSW Health service in nearby Ballina supports families with children aged 0–5. Parents and carers can access child health and development checks, information about feeding, sleeping, settling, development and behaviour, and referrals when needed. No referral is required.

🧡 Emotional wellbeing and counselling

Child and Family Counselling Service

Based at Ballina Community Health, this Northern NSW Local Health District service assists children aged 0–12 and their families or carers with behavioural difficulties, stress, anxiety and mood concerns. Parents and carers may make a referral.

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)

CAMHS provides free specialised mental health services for young people aged 0–17 and their families across Ballina Shire. Access is through a local Community Mental Health Service, referral from a health professional or the Mental Health Line.

headspace Lismore

Young people aged 12–25 can access free, confidential assistance with mental health, physical health, alcohol and other drugs, work and study, as well as social groups. Services are also accessible at 32 Swift Street, Ballina; young people can walk in to arrange an appointment, call or email.

✅ Before you go

• Confirm current sessions, availability and booking requirements directly with the provider.
• Check age limits, enrolment conditions, supervision arrangements and any current costs.
• Ask about accessibility before visiting if your child or carer has particular access needs.
• For support services, confirm the referral pathway and whether the young person needs to attend.

📌 Run a family-focused business, service, activity or community group that serves Alstonville and nearby families? Add your own listing or update its details so local parents and carers can find current, practical information.

⚠️ Accuracy Note: We do our best to keep this information useful and up to date, however details can change over time. If you notice anything that appears incorrect or out of date, please let us know and we will review it. Local business owners and community leaders can also help keep local information accurate by logging in and creating or managing their own listing and useful content on alstonville.nsw.guide.