scout about: Lennox Head

Welcome to scout about, our series exploring the small (but mighty) regional towns around the Gold Coast. This time, we’re driving past Byron Bay to somewhere a little more serene – where you can be floating on a tea tree lake, surfing world-class breaks and downing spritzes by the beach, all in the same hour. Welcome to Lennox Head.

Why visit Lennox Head?

It depends on who you ask, really. Surfers flock to Lennox for the famed righthand break (surfing champ Owen Wright even calls the village home), families for the lakeside campground, and foodies for the sprinkling of cosy cafes and quality restaurants that have been cropping up in recent years.

Just 20 minutes from the centre of Byron, and less than 15 from Ballina, Lennox puts you in the heart of the action – yet away from the hustle and bustle. If you’re looking for a place to unwind, but not fully unplug, Lennox is perfect.

Where to eat in Lennox Head?

Ask for food recommendations in Lennox, and Shelter will be one of the first names to come up. Open from breakfast to dinner Thursday through Saturday (and breakfast and lunch the rest of the week), with live music, Shelter has every meal covered – and a menu that’s mouthwatering no matter what time it is.

If you’re fanging for a coffee, you’re in luck – Lennox has plenty of great cafes to choose from. Kopi is one of our favourites, conveniently located on Ballina Street (the main drag) and serving up café classics with a twist (hello, jaffles!). Nearby, family-owned Papaya is another must-visit. They’re open for lunch, if you fancy a sleep in.

For a classic pub feed, it has to be the Lennox Hotel. Perched by the beach, with views up towards the point, it’s the perfect place to take in the views (and some next-level fish and chips). And if you’re looking to keep the night going, it’s gotta be dinner at Baraka (modern Middle Eastern) before heading to Rhea, a moody wine and vinyl bar that feels worlds away from the coast.

Things to do in Lennox Head

No visit to Lennox is complete without a splash around in Lake Ainsworth, the large tannin-stained lake at the top end of town. We recommend bringing an inflatable and floating through the calm water – just be cautious of the blue green algae that can pop up in summer.

When it comes to beaches, you’re spoilt for choice. Seven Mile Beach is the northernmost option, named (obviously) for its length – expect flat white sand, as far as the eye can see. Closer to the action is Lennox Beach, the main swimming spot which wraps around to Lennox Point. A little further south, toward Skenners Head, you’ll find Boulder Beach – a rugged, rocky cove that’s ideal for dolphin spotting.

But every Lennox local knows that the best views are enjoyed from the headland, so pack a picnic and make the trek. There’s nothing quite like setting up on the grass at Pat Morton Lookout and watching the sun rise or set.