Just a 15-minute drive from Byron Bay, Lennox Head has all the luxuries of its northern neighbour, minus the crowds. Home to world-renowned surf breaks, golden beaches, a tranquil lake, great eating and a classic waterside pub, slow down with the locals on your next North Coast visit.
Highlights
Surfing, beaches & water sports
Lennox Head is serious about surfing. It has been named as one of Australia’s National Surfing Reserves and its world-class right-hand break is the stuff of legend – though it’s strictly for experienced surfers. Beginners can take a lesson with Lets Go Surfing or Soul Surf School. Pat Morton Lookout is a great spot to watch the action. The town plays host to two major surfing comps during the year: the Lennox Longboard One Dayer in May and the Skullcandy Oz Grom Open for juniors in July.
Lennox Head Beach, Lennox Head - Credit: Lennox Head Beach
Swimmers and sunbakers will want to head straight for Seven Mile Beach, a stretch of sand that runs from Lennox Head north to Broken Head. You can even drive a 4WD along the northern end, though you’ll need to buy a permit. The Boat Channel at the southern end of Seven Mile is a favourite with families for its calm, protected waters. It’s also great for snorkelling and has a flock of friendly pelicans that call it home.
Seven Mile Beach Lennox Head - Credit: Ballina Visitor Information Centre
At the northern edge of town is Lake Ainsworth, a freshwater lake lined with tea trees that colour the water with their dark tannins. There’s a safe swimming area for kids and it has excellent facilities for picnics and barbecues. You can also kayak and stand-up paddleboard on the mirror-like waters. Lets Go Surfing can take you out on a tour or hire a board from Lennox Head Surf. The lake can be affected by blue-green algae at times – check the Ballina Council website before you swim.
Lake Ainsworth, Lennox Head
Whales & dolphins
There are plenty of lookouts where you can spot whales on their annual migration along the Australian coast between May and November. Try Pat Morton Lookout or Rocky Point. As the coastline in this region juts further out to the east, the whales can often be seen just offshore. Or take a whale-watching cruise with Out of the Blue Adventures to see them up close. Dolphins often join surfers riding the waves.
Out of the Blue Adventures, Lennox Head
Eat & drink
When you need to refuel, there are plenty of options. Grab coffee and an acai bowl from the Kiosk, right under the surf club, or an organic juice with a wholefood breakfast from Seed and Husk. Williams Street does cool and colourful all-day dining, leading into cocktails and live music in the evening. And you can’t go past a meal and a cold beer at the Lennox Hotel, overlooking the ocean right in the centre of town.
Williams Street Lennox Head, Lennox Head - Credit: Williams St
Copyright: Williams St
Shelter Lennox focuses on seasonal, ethical and sustainable ingredients, creating an ever-changing menu with bold, produce-driven plates. Quattro promises authentic Italian cuisine and woodfired pizza, while Baraka is innovative Middle Eastern fine dining. For the freshest seafood, head for Fishy Fishy – you can eat in or grab takeaway to have on the beach. Toast a successful day on the waves at Jekyll and Hyde, a dimly-lit whisky bar.
Shelter Lennox, Lennox Head - Credit: Shelter Lennox
Where to stay
Accommodation in Lennox Head includes holiday parks, resorts and a huge range of holiday houses, from cosy beach cottages to luxury mansions. Reflections Lennox Head sits on the point between Seven Mile Beach and Lake Ainsworth, and has campsites, cabins, glamping tents and tiny homes. Both Lennox Beach Resort and Lennox Holiday Apartments have self-contained apartments right on the beach.
Lennox Beach Resort, Lennox Head - Credit: Lennox Beach Resort
Getting there
Lennox Head is just under eight hours’ drive north from Sydney or around two hours south from Brisbane. Make a road trip of it and follow the Legendary Pacific Coast route, giving yourself four days to meander along the Pacific Highway exploring sea caves, meeting local wildlife, hiking lush rainforest and paddling through aquamarine waters. The North Coast train line runs between Sydney and Casino, with a coach transfer to Ballina. The whole trip takes around 13 hours. You can fly into Ballina Byron Gateway Airport, 20 minutes away. There are regular direct flights from Sydney and Melbourne.
