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" />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
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
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
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
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.
Kathy was a 50 something year old when she started up this blog 6 years ago, but has since turned over another decade and is now in her early 60s. She is married with two adult children and lives on the Tweed Coast of New South Wales, Australia. Kathy enjoys living life to the fullest and loves to keep fit and active by maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly. Some of her interests include reading, photography, travelling, cooking and blogging! Kathy works part-time as a freelance writer but her real passion is travelling and photographing brilliant destinations both within Australia and overseas and writing about it.
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Jan
January 29, 2020Kathy you have a wonderful writing style. I always enjoy your posts. We love Lennox Head also. The northern New South Wales coastline is beautiful.
Kathy
January 30, 2020Thank you so much Jan. Lennox is a family favourite of ours and we have spent many weekends and Easters camped here. I think the Northern New South Wales coastline is extraordinary with so many little places to camp.
Life Images by Jill
January 30, 2020certainly does look lovely. Thanks Kathy for another great post about fabulous Aussie destinations! Happy travels
Kathy
January 30, 2020Lennox is a great little spot on the northern New South Wales coast. We’re so blessed to have so much beauty within a short driving distance from where we live.
Sharon Veleff
February 22, 2020I’m very new to blogging I really love reading your blogs. I myself love travel as my husband and I have done a lot over the years. But really finding the time to get started. I live in the beautiful South West of Western Australia. I know its just confidence and just giving it a go is going to be the hurdle.
Sharon
Kathy
February 22, 2020Hi Sharon, welcome to my blog. We travelled to the spectacular South West of Western Australia in 2014 in our caravan and fell in love with this part of Australia. It is rather difficult getting started in the world of travel blogging. I’ve been at it for six years now and I still enjoy it immensely. Once you have your website set up it’s fairly smooth sailing from there. Let me know if you need any help and I will look forward to reading about your travels eventually.