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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.

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How to get more out of your Gold Coast walks

With the weather cooling, now is the perfect time of year to explore the city on foot. But if you find walking tedious or you’ve been particularly unmotivated, consider stepping things up with these ideas for Gold Coast walks.

Moving meditation

Turn your walk into a moving meditation by leaving the headphones at home and focusing on your steps. The key is to let go of your to-do list and simply be present, so pick somewhere you can hear the ocean or local birdlife. Of course, not everyone is a master meditator. If counting your breaths isn’t enough and you’d like a little more guidance, apps like Headspace and Calm both have dedicated walking meditation series. Medito is another alternative that’s free and non-profit. Just consider open-ear headphones so you stay aware of your surroundings.

Picture hunt

Before you head out, assign yourself a colour – electric blue, vivid green, deep red – and snap photos whenever you spot it. It’s a surprisingly meditative exercise that rewires how you look at your surroundings. Burleigh Heads is ideal: the green paths, blue ocean and bright shops and signage mean you’ll find almost any colour hiding in plain sight.

Awe walk

An awe walk is about tuning your ears instead of your eyes and really listening to the world around you. Resist the urge to identify every sound; just let them wash over you. Head to the Coombabah Reserve, where the boardwalk carries you through mangroves alive with birdcall and rustling. Keep your eyes peeled too – kangaroos are a regular sighting, and the odd koala has been spotted in the canopy above.

Café crawl

The Gold Coast’s café culture is strong enough to anchor a whole walk – or as we like to call it, a café crawl. Just take Currumbin: start at Kinship or Salt Mill for a coffee at sunrise, then grab something small from Barefoot Barista before making the trek to Tarte Beach House – by then, you’ll have worked up enough of an appetite for a big breakfast, which they happen to specialise in. It’s about 2km of mostly flat walking, and one of the best ways to start a weekend.

Shopping spree

With shopping centres reigning supreme, when was the last time you wandered along a strip of independent boutiques? Palm Beach is a great option – low-key enough to browse without feeling overwhelmed. Here, you’ll find sustainable gems (Hand on My Heart and Recycled), overflowing op shops (Lifeline, Salvos and Vinnies – the holy trinity), and cool boutiques (Gritty Garms and Billy Bones Clubhouse) – and all within walking distance.

Soundtrack walk

There’s something cinematic about stepping outside with a great album queued up, and nowhere to be until it ends. Pick something you love but haven’t listened to in a while – or a new release you’ve been meaning to dive into – and let it set the pace. For a breezy, feel-good walk, you can’t go past Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Rumours’ or Tame Impala’s ‘Currents’. If you want something with a bit more propulsion, Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ or Jungle’s ‘Volcano’ will have you walking faster without even realising it.

Nature bingo

Before you head out, jot down a list of things you might spot – a pelican, an unusual dog breed, a food truck, a red front door, a kid on a scooter. The goal isn’t to find them all; it’s to walk with your eyes genuinely open. Anywhere along the Broadwater Parklands in Southport works brilliantly for this, with a mix of water birds, market stalls, locals, and ever-changing activity along the foreshore to keep you looking.

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The scout six: The best Korean restaurants on the Gold Coast

If you thought their skincare and head spas were good, wait until you try Korean food. From bibimbap to barbeque, kimchi to bulgogi, Korean cuisine is distinct for its bold flavours, sizzling heat (temperature and spice alike) and filling portions – and there are plenty of places you can find great Korean food on the Gold Coast.

Atto Korean, Southport

A favourite for good reason, Atto Korean is all about big flavours and perfect portions, served in an upscale setting. Think braised pork belly, bubbling stews and comforting rice dishes – the kind of place you go when you want to celebrate (and leave very full).

www.attokoreancuisine.com

Itaewon Korean Restaurant, Southport

From their giant hotpot to snack-size gimbap, Itaewon has you covered whatever your appetite. With two locations – one in Southport central, the other at Australia Fair – it has fast become one of the Gold Coast’s most popular Korean restaurants (and claims to be its most authentic).

www.instagram.com

Hyo Kye, Southport

You don’t need to travel to the backstreets of Gangnam to find delicious Korean barbecue – Southport’s Hyo Kye serves up sizzling Korean fare (almost) all week long. Whatever you’re craving, their authentic barbecue experience serves up meats, noodles, rice bowls and more. They’ve even got Korean beer to quench your thirst.

www.instagram.com

Assah, Southport

Proving that Southport is the Gold Coast’s home for Korean food (and Asian cuisine in general), Assah is yet another must visit when you’re in the city’s north. If you’re looking for a super authentic Korean experience here on the Gold Coast – not just in terms of menu items, but the warm hospitality typical of a restaurant in Hongdae – look no further.

www.instagram.com

Seoul Garden Korean BBQ, Broadbeach

A familiar name for a reason, Seoul Garden delivers a reliably good Korean barbecue experience. Expect tabletop grills, generous meat platters and all the banchan (side dishes) you could want – best tackled with a group and a big appetite.

www.seoulgarden.com.au

The Moon Café, Benowa

A little further south, The Moon Café blends Korean flavours with a modern café-style twist. It’s a go-to for casual catch-ups, with a menu that spans everything from Korean-inspired brunch dishes to indulgent desserts – perfect if you’re easing into the cuisine or craving something a little different.

www.mooncafebenowa.com

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Historic towns that are worth the drive

Australia’s coastal capitals tend to get all the spotlight, but we’re making the case for places where things move a little… slower. Step back in time with a visit to one of Australia’s best historic towns.

What makes a town historic, you ask? Not just any old place (literally) can make the cut. The best historic towns are about age and atmosphere.

We’re talking towns, not cities – generally under 15,000 people – where heritage buildings aren’t just dotted around, but define the place. Think preserved streetscapes, pubs that have been pouring since the 1800s, and post offices, courthouses and churches from the earliest days of settlement.

Charleville, Queensland

If you’re looking for classic outback charm – wide streets, federation-era buildings and a strong railway history – look no further than Charleville. Explore its rich heritage at the historic railway station or the remnants of the top secret WWII base (operated by the US Air Force), stargaze at the Cosmos Centre, and extend your stay at one of the historic Hotel Corones or classic Warrego Motel.

Charters Towers, Queensland

Walking down the main streets of Charters Towers, it’s easy to believe it was once one of Australia’s richest gold rush towns. From the grand Stock Exchange Arcade (Charters Towers is home to one of the world’s first regional stock exchanges) and towering bank buildings to the old-school pubs with their classic verandah dining, Charters Towers may be just 90 minutes from Townsville – but it feels like a step back in time.

Braidwood, New South Wales

Many towns have a heritage-listed building or two, but few are heritage-listed in their entirety – that’s what makes Braidwood so special. Established in the mid-1800s, Braidwood has become a popular tourist destination – not only for its rich history, but its slightly bohemian feel, too. Browse the bakeries and boutiques, hunt for antiques, and soak up the charm of small-town life (and all just one hour from Canberra).

Morpeth, New South Wales

Established in the early 1800s, this historic river port has been beautifully preserved over time – even despite its decline with the arrival of the railway in the late 19th century. Now, a stroll through Morpeth isn’t complete without a visit to the old wharf precinct, a peak inside its sandstone buildings or a stop at the Historic Arnott Bakehouse.

Berrima, New South Wales

Boasting one of New South Wales’ most intact colonial streetscapes, and Australia’s oldest continually licensed pub (the Surveyor General Inn, established in 1834), Berrima is a must-visit if you’re exploring the picturesque Southern Highlands. Visit the historic courthouse and Berrima Gaol, shop for antiques and artisan goods, and find out why Berrima has been frozen in time since the late 1800s.

Beechworth, Victoria

What sets a gold rush town apart from the rest? Some Ned Kelly lore, that’s what. Beechworth was the site of Ned Kelly’s 1880 trial, meaning a visit to its historic courthouse and 30-plus National Trust-listed buildings is a must-do when you’re in town. Find out why they say that Beechworth’s paths were paved with gold, then explore its darker history with a ghost tour you won’t soon forget.

Port Fairy, Victoria

It doesn’t get much more charming than Port Fairy, Victoria’s heritage fishing village. Beginning as a whaling station in the 1830s, and becoming one of the country’s busiest ports two decades later, Port Fairy has retained more than 50 National Trust-classified buildings. Walk the wharf, admiring its whitewashed cottages, and take in the sea air at a waterside pub. The perfect end to a Great Ocean Road adventure.

Bright, Victoria

Once a thriving gold rush town, nowadays, Bright shines for a different reason – the vivid autumn leaves that line its quaint streets. Close to Mount Hotham, it’s the perfect place to go if you’re looking for an alpine escape – especially one that includes cosy cafes, a strong brewery scene and rewarding rail trails.

Hahndorf, South Australia

Unique Hahndorf was established in the 1830s by German Lutherans, making it Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement. Nestled near the Adelaide Hills wine region, its famous for its 19th century Prussian architecture and delicious German fare, meaning Aussies don’t need to travel to Hanover to indulge in authentic schnitzel or pretzels.

Richmond, Tasmania

Tasmania is rich in history, but the fittingly-named Richmond is one of its most famous villages – for good reason. Dating back to the 1820s, when it began as a convict-era garrison town (military outpost), Richmond’s streetscape hasn’t changed all that much since then. Pay a visit to Australia’s oldest stone bridge, one of the country’s oldest gaols, and the many cosy tearooms and shops in the town’s centre.

York, Western Australia

Western Australia’s oldest inland town – with one of the state’s best heritage main streets – York was a key stop en route to the 1890s goldfields boom. Set in the beautiful Avon Valley, about an hour and a half from Perth, it provides the perfect day trip destination: country pubs, wildflowers, and heritage stays if you can’t bear to leave just yet.

New Norcia, Western Australia

Founded in 1847 by Spanish Benedictine monks, New Norcia is Australia’s only monastic town. It was first developed as a mission, but has bloomed into a religious and cultural centre in the decades since. Quiet, contemplative and honestly surreal, its distinct European architecture and classic outback setting make it well worth the two-hour drive from Perth.

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Easter Sunday brunches on the Gold Coast

Think everything is closed on Easter Sunday? Think again. With no Monday morning alarm, it’s the perfect opportunity to really enjoy a Sunday brunch – and whatever comes after it. Here are five Easter brunches happening on the Gold Coast.

QT Gold Coast

As part of their Easter offering, QT Gold Coast is transforming into the Mushroom Kingdon – a pixelated wonderland of edible treasure. The limited-edition Ultimate Power-Up High Tea is available until May 8.

Book now

Le Jardin and Il Barocco at Imperial Hotel

Easter calls for a little indulgence, and The Imperial Hotel Gold Coast has you covered. Their Easter high tea is all about classic favourites with a seasonal twist – think delicate pastries, chocolate treats and plenty of reasons to linger a little longer with friends and family.

Book now

Easter Long Weekend at The Langham

If you’re leaning towards something a little more elevated, Easter Afternoon Tea at The Langham Gold Coast’s Palm Court delivers. Expect an elegant spread of sweet and savoury bites – from smoked Tasmanian crepes to chocolate opera cake – plus warm scones with cream, lemon curd and raspberry preserves.

Book now

Easter High Tea at Tarte Tea Garden

This is your last chance to indulge in Tarte’s must-try, super limited edition Easter high tea spread – before it hops away forever. Think crème brûlée custard eggs, hot cross bun scones with praline, savoury favourites and more.

Book now

Easter Sunday at Lulu Rooftop and Bar

If your Easter plans lean a little more playful, Lulu Rooftop & Bar is hosting a bunny-themed brunch worth rounding up the group for. Expect pastel styling, classic brunch favourites with a festive twist and plenty of chocolatey extras – all designed for easy, feel-good long weekend catch-ups.

Book now

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