I have many favourite places along the coast of Northern New South Wales that evoke wonderful memories of camping when our kids were young. One such place is the lovely Lennox Head situated about halfway between Byron Bay and Ballina in the Northern Rivers region. We recently spent a few nights here in our caravan and reminisced about the good old days of staying at the Lake Ainsworth Holiday Park.

What is so special about Lennox Head is that is it not only a world-renowned surf break with a long stretch of golden sand, but also features a tea-tree freshwater lake. So there is something for everyone. This super-relaxed coastal town is also well-equipped with cafes, restaurants, surf shops and trendy boutiques, bowls club and waterfront pub.

The Lennox Hotel in town Image credit: Colourful Distractions

Lake Ainsworth

The tea tree lined shores of Lake Ainsworth give the refreshing water a brown tinge. It is said that the tea tree oil that seeps into the water is good for your skin and hair. The sandy bottomed lake is shallow along the shoreline and is the perfect spot for families with small children for swimming in safe calm waters. It was extremely hot during our stay here and we were so grateful to have this lake to cool off in.

Shores of Lake Ainsworth

The shores on the southern end on the lake have grassy areas with shelters and picnic tables, so it’s a great spot to have a picnic or barbeque. The lake is also suitable for stand-up paddle boards, kayaking and canoeing, but no motorised craft are permitted on the water.

Tea-tree stained water in Lake Ainsworth

On the northern end of Lake Ainsworth is a Sports and Recreation Centre that provides a range of services, facilities and accommodation options for school camps, family camps, kids’ camps, sporting events, weddings, weekend getaways, community programs and more.

Tea Trees and the path around the lake to the Recreation Centre

We took our esky down to the lakeside just before sundown each day to enjoy the stunning sunsets over the lake. Although these photos aren’t indicative of a normal sunset due to the effects of bushfire smoke at this particular time. But were nevertheless spectacular!

Waiting for the sunset at the lake

An amazing orange sunset reflecting on the lake

Lennox Head Beaches

Having the honour of being one of Australia’s National Surfing Reserves, surfers love the waves at Lennox Head’s beaches. There is a choice of Boulders Beach or Lennox Point that has a legendary near perfect right-hand break that attracts surfers from around the world.

View towards Lennox Point

Further south of the headland is another beach called Skennars Beach that has good protection from the southerly winds.

Ramp access to Lennox Head Beach

Seven Mile Beach on the northern end of town is a pristine stretch of sand that runs from Lennox Head north to Broken Head. The great thing about this beach is that it is dog friendly and off-leash, so your dog can run and swim freely. You can also drive a 4WD along the northern end.

The dog friendly Seven Mile Beach

We spent both mornings strolling along this beautiful beach with our dog and enjoyed a coffee afterwards from the kiosk at the Surf Club. I’m sure our dog Stella would give it a big thumbs up (if she had thumbs!)

The coffee kiosk at Lennox Head Surf Club

Lennox Headland

For the best views of Lennox Head and its stunning beaches, walk or drive up the grassy headland to Pat Morgan Lookout. Located on the top of Lennox Point, the lookout offers extensive views out to the ocean and north stretching up Seven Mile Beach.

Views back over Lennox Head from Pat Morton Lookout on the headland

It’s an ideal whale watching spot (during whale season) and perfect for spotting dolphins, it is also the best vantage point for watching the surfers at its famous right hand break.

The boardwalk up to the headland

Lennox Head Accommodation

We stayed at the Lake Ainsworth Holiday Park located on the shores of Lake Ainsworth and a short stroll away from the beach. It’s a large grassy caravan park with plenty of good sized caravan or camping sites and also has cabins available.

Looking west at sunset in the Lake Ainsworth Holiday Park

Lennox Head has plenty of other accommodation options with holiday apartments, resorts, holiday homes, airbnb’s and a motel. Book your Lennox Head Accommodation HERE.

Quarterdeck beachfront holiday accommodation

Our stay in Lennox Head was only short but very sweet indeed. If you’re looking for a seaside holiday spot that is much more low key than Byron Bay or the Gold Coast, then I would highly recommend Lennox Head. The great thing about it is that it’s only a short drive to the city of Ballina and also close to Byron Bay to the north.