Lennox Head, New South Wales - Surf Breaks, Tea-Tree Lakes & Coastal Calm

Lennox Head, New South Wales - Surf Breaks, Tea-Tree Lakes & Coastal Calm

On the North Coast of New South Wales, Lennox Head is a relaxed seaside village where surf culture, coastal scenery, and nature-filled escapes blend effortlessly. Located about 754 kilometres north of Sydney and just 20 kilometres south of Byron Bay, Lennox Head feels refreshingly laid-back — a place where mornings start with ocean views and days drift by at an easy pace.

Easy Days by the Sea

On our visit to Lennox Head, we took things slow, wandering through town, soaking up the views from Pat Morton Lookout, and exploring the natural highlights nearby. From freshwater swims at Lake Ainsworth to long beach walks, rainforest waterfalls, and rugged headlands, Lennox Head delivered a perfect mix of coast and countryside.

Pacific Parade, the town’s main street, gently curves along the beachfront and is lined with cafés, restaurants, boutiques, and surf shops. It’s the kind of place where you can grab a coffee, watch the waves, and lose track of time.

Pat Morton Lookout & World-Class Waves

One of the best vantage points in town is Pat Morton Lookout, located at the top of Lennox Point. You can reach it by a short drive or via a scenic coastal boardwalk walk of around 30 minutes from town. From the lookout, the views stretch over Lennox Head village and north along the sweeping sands of Seven Mile Beach.

Lennox Head was declared a National Surfing Reserve in 2007, and the famous right-hand point break here is considered one of Australia’s best waves. The lookout is the perfect place to watch surfers carving across the water — even if you’ve never picked up a board yourself.

Climb the steps to the higher headland lookout and you’ll be rewarded with even broader ocean views. Dolphins are commonly spotted offshore, and during whale season from May to October, you may also see humpback whales migrating along the coast.

Lake Ainsworth - A Fascinating Tea Tree Lake

Just behind the dunes sits Lake Ainsworth, a large freshwater lake covering around 12 hectares. The lake’s distinctive brown colour comes from natural tannins released by the surrounding paperbark trees, giving it a tea-tree hue that’s both striking and soothing.

Lake Ainsworth is a favourite with locals and visitors alike. It’s ideal for swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and canoeing. Walking paths loop around the lake, and there are BBQs, picnic tables, and grassy areas that make it an easy spot to spend a few relaxed hours.

A short walk from the lake brings you straight onto Seven Mile Beach, a long, uninterrupted stretch of sand known for its consistent surf and wide-open feel. Whether you’re surfing, swimming, walking, or just enjoying the sea breeze, there’s plenty of space to spread out.

Rainforest Paths to Killen Falls

Around 14 kilometres inland from Lennox Head lies one of the region’s most beautiful waterfall walks — Killen Falls, located in Killen Falls Reserve at Tintenbar.

A 600-metre return walk through remnants of the ancient Big Scrub rainforest leads to the viewing platform, where Emigrant Creek tumbles around 10 metres over the cliff edge. If you’re up for a little adventure, you can continue down the steep track and follow the rocky creek bed to the base of the falls. The walk to the base is a Grade 3 bushwalk and around one kilometre return. Down below, the falls spill into a circular pool — a peaceful place to sit, listen to the water, and cool off on warmer days.

Basalt Rocks & Ocean Views at Boulder Beach

Between Lennox Head and Skennars Head is Boulder Beach and Headland, a rugged stretch of coastline scattered with dark basalt rocks. Boulder Beach is a popular surf break, especially when conditions are right, and the surrounding headland offers excellent coastal views back toward Lennox Head. At low tide, you can explore the rock pools tucked between the rocks, making this a great spot for a wander and a closer look at the shoreline.

Why Lennox Head Is So Easy to Love

Lennox Head captures the best of the North Coast lifestyle — world-class surf, unique swimming spots, scenic lookouts, and easy access to rainforest and waterfalls. It’s relaxed without feeling sleepy and natural without trying too hard. Whether you’re watching surfers from the headland, floating in the tea-tree waters of Lake Ainsworth, or chasing waterfalls just inland, Lennox Head invites you to slow down and enjoy coastal life at its most effortless.

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