For the past five years I was privileged to call the pristine beaches and luscious Hinterland region of the New South Wales North Coast home. Most well known for its annual music festivals, consistent surfing breaks, and year-round warm climate, Byron Bay has for decades been the region’s must-visit location for domestic and international travellers alike. While Byron is as beautiful as the postcards, all it takes is a rental car and an inquisitive mind to uncover the North Coast’s real gems without the throngs of backpackers in the foreground, and my local town of choice is Lennox Head.
Lennox Head viewed from Wave Hill House.
Lennox Head boasts a thriving protected marine reserve, and National Surfing Reserve with one of the country’s best right-hand point breaks, Lennox Point. The village is situated right on the beachfront, with maintained grassed areas running right along the foreshore, making the place popular with families and retirees, which all adds to its sweet coastal village vibe. At the northern end you’ll find Lake Ainsworth, a large tea-tree stained dunal lake tucked just behind Seven-Mile Beach, naturally set-up for picnics and my favourite place to throw down a towel and read a book under the trees.
Lennox has gained popularity over the years, and if you visit during school holidays or over the Christmas break you’ll certainly find frustrations with the influx of visitors. Instead, schedule a short break during the off-season, and roll around at a local’s pace to truly enjoy the best of this sweet coastal village.
Local Lennox Head surfer Dustin Hollick. Photo: Angie Davis
Points of Interest
Lennox Head Village for shopping, cafes, and restaurants; Lennox Beach for frolicking in the shallows and lovely beach strolls; the Boat Channel for safe swimming with the kids; Lake Ainsworth for picnics under the tea trees and water activities on the lake; Lennox Head Lookout and the beautiful cliff top walk for unrivalled views out over the ocean and town.
Where to Eat
Williamsburg
Breakfast, burgers, beer, cold-pressed juices and a damn good coffee, or chai, Williamsburg is tucked away from the main village in the residential part of town, opposite the beach on your way toward the Surf Club. With a true local’s vibe, and an al fresco style setup that allows the sea breeze to flow through from the beach out front, take your togs and nip over for a swim before your coffee.
50 Pacific Parade, Lennox Head
(02) 6687 4333
Where to stay
Wave Hill House
Wave Hill House
The beauty of Lennox is you won’t find high-rise hotels or five-star resorts, instead live like a local and rent a private house, it’s the best way to enjoy the village. Wave Hill House is a luxury family-friendly property perched high above The Coast Road looking down over the ocean and much of the village. Fully equipped, this three-bedroom, two bathroom house has a huge living space, open kitchen, outdoor swimming pool and deck, BBQ facilities, spa bath in master bedroom, and an East-facing deck perfect for soaking up the sunrise and watching the surfers have a crack down below.
Wave Hill House, 23 N Creek Rd, Lennox Head
Contact Paula de Vos: 02 66877888
Lennox Markets
Running since the 1980s, the vibrant Lennox Head Markets are held on the second Sunday (and when applicable, the fifth Sunday) of the month, on the grasslands behind the Community Centre one street back from town. Join in the community spirit and sample some of the region’s delicious produce, support local artisans, and enjoy live music.
https://www.facebook.com/Lennox-Community-Market-175270312488906/
How to get there
Ballina Gateway Airport is the closest and most convenient airport, with Jetstar and Virgin flights operating daily from most capital cities. Lennox Head is a short 15-minute drive from the airport; be sure to rent a car in advance.