Why do you want to go to Ballina captainadar?

That port is regularly closed because of its bar. You can be trapped inside for weeks!
What I mean by 'closed' is that its very dangerous for yachts with limited HP to exit the river.
You will notice that all the fishing boats extend their anti-roll gear when entering and exiting, its that bad!

I can say all this as I made the mistake of going into Ballinain in 2011 and I escaped on what VMR called the best
day in weeks and it was a very exciting but dangerous exit that I made. NEVER GOING BACK!! EVER!

But if you need to go north about now is the time, just wait for a southerly to go through and
jump on the back of it until you loose it to the NE'ers. Wait for the next southerly etc etc.

From Sydney to Pittwater to Swansea/Newcastle to Port Stephens to Camden Haven to
Coffs Harbour to Richmond River to Ballina or Gold Coast. Easy.

Have a great trip and don't forget to call into the Camden Haven.

Yamba

I live in ballina and agree with jack, cross the bar on the flood towards high tide. Recently the bar in ballina has been better with deeper depths (5m) and therefore safer crossings but dont be complacent. Marine rescue can give good advice. Over 2.5m swell think twice about crossing. Drop me an email when you arrive. I can help out with a tender untill you find one.
As for sailing north, a southerly is useful. Current can be painful. I check currents on bom and head out wide if needed to use counter currents. Other times best sitting in close to 20m contour and using the longshore current heading north. If you have the time experience and well found boat heading to lord howe can help...
Best luck
James sv santana