Are you heading to the beautiful North Coast region of NSW? Do you want an alternative to Byron Bay? There are plenty of things to do in Lennox Head Australia and the surrounding hinterland that will keep your family and friends occupied for at least a week on your next NSW staycation.
Map of Lennox Head
Why stay in Lennox Head NSW?
Lennox Head is well known for its surfing spots making it a very popular area for surfers and those wanting to learn how to surf. The town also has a vibrant cafe scene. There are walks to the top of Lennox Head and around the freshwater Tea Tree Lake (aka Lake Ainsworth).
Do you enjoy 4WDriving? Lennox Head is tops for that as well! Head to the northern end of Seven Mile Beach for your next adventure.
Are you a paraglider? Join the many when the wind is right at the top of Lennox Head for your next exhilarating ride.
Our guide will cover:
- what to do in Lennox Head
- popular things to do in Bryon Bay
- Craft beer and a gin distillery
- the hinterland towns of Bangalow and Newrybar
- where to eat in and around Lennox Head
- Our great accommodation “find” that will suit a family or a group of friends
- How to get to Lennox Head
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What To Do In Lennox Head
Group 2 hour Surf Lesson in Lennox Head
A 2-hour lesson perfect for beginners learning how to paddle, catch waves and stand.
Kayak, Canoe and Stand Up Paddle Board on Lake Ainsworth
You can find Lake Ainsworth (aka Tea Tree Lake) at the end of Pacific Drive. BBQ facilities and picnic tables are available
as well as parking and new pathways.
Good to know: Blue-green algae appear at certain times and it is not suitable to undertake water sports at these times.
Paraglide and Hang Glide from Lennox Head
Paraglide with Poliglide or hang-glide with Byron Airwaves.
Head to the Pat Morton Lookout for views over 7 Mile Beach and the Pacific Ocean
Walk the Lennox Head Boardwalk – stroller and bike-friendly
Visit The Lennox Head Market – Community Market
Held on the 2nd Sunday of the month and if there is a 5th Sunday in the month as well.
Address: Mackney Lane Lennox Head beside the Lennox Head Cultural Centre
A skate park is available for the kids, lots of local farmers produce for sale, food stalls and arts and craft.
Popular Things To Do in Byron Bay
Byron Bay to Ballina Whale Watching Premier Cruise
The 2.5-hour whale watching cruise departs from Byron Bay from May to November.
- A two hour cruise through the stunning waters of Cape Byron seeking out the astonishing Humpback Whale
- Departs from Ballina Richmond River, experience breathtaking scenery and picturesque backdrops and pristine waters of the Cape Byron Marine Park
- The approachable onboard Marine Biologist will enthusiastically narrate your trip with in-depth knowledge of the area and answer every question
- The vessel is equipped with a hydrophone, allowing you to hear the humpback whale song
- Experience one of the most astonishing ocean mammals in their natural habitat
Hot Air Ballooning in Byron Bay
There is nothing more spectacular than a hot air balloon ride! Enjoy a 1-hour sunrise hot air balloon ride over Byron Bay, Australia’s most easterly point followed by a delicious gourmet breakfast.
Byron Bay Dolphin Kayaking Tour
Kayak around Byron Bay meeting the local Bottle-nosed dolphins, sea turtles and depending on the time of the year the migrating humpback whales. Your 3-hour tour includes morning or afternoon tea.
Tweed River and Rainforest Lunch Cruise
A 3.5-hour river cruise through cane fields and the rainforest with optional lunch available.
- The tour provides commentary where guests learn about the region’s history and world-class ecosystem that forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Gondwana Rainforest.
- Enjoy a bird feeding experience with birds of prey and pelicans at Stotts Island Nature Reserve
- Morning tea and a delicious lunch made with locally sourced food and a complimentary glass of red or white wine
Visit Seven Mile Brewery in Ballina
Address: 188-202 Southern Cross Drive, Ballina NSW 2478
Opening Hours: Friday – Sunday from 12.00 to 6.00 pm
Seven Mile Brewery is a family-owned micro-brewery based in Ballina. They source local ingredients where possible and all organic plant waste goes to feed local pork and beef stock. Check out their range of craft beer and enjoy a range of local food trucks providing the best of food to enjoy with their beers.
Visit Husk Distillery in North Tumbulgum
Husk Distillery is located at 1152 Dulguigan Road North Tumbulgum. If you are travelling from Lennox Head you will need to allow at least 55 minutes for the 80 km journey.
Husk Distillery launched in 2012 to create the best rum from their sugar cane grown on the farm. During the growing season of the sugar cane, they create their very special Ink Gin made from a special range of botanicals including from Thailand the Butterfly Pea.
Good to know: It is recommended to book their Distillery tours in advance
Why not stay for lunch and also don’t forget to visit their shop.
Visit the Hinterland Towns of Bangalow and Newrybar
Imagine rolling lush green hills, rich farmlands, quaint villages and a slow-paced way of life and you have reached the hinterlands outside Byron Bay. If you can spare a day from the beach this is where you should head.
Our two favourite towns are Bangalow and Newrybar.
Bangalow is located 21 km from Lennox Head, the drive taking around 18 minutes. The town was founded around the 1880s. Stroll down the main street of Bangalow and you will pass a group of shops known as “The Strand” that were originally built in 1908. Those 4 shops have now been reconstructed in brick when the originals were destroyed by fire in 1909. The main street is full of boutique shops, cafes and restaurants.
If you are visiting in November make sure you check out the local Bangalow Show. Other events included:
Bangalow Music Festival – August
Sample Food Festival – first Saturday in September
Bangalow Markets – fourth Sunday of each month at the A & I Hall at the bottom of town
Farmers Market – held behind the Bangalow Hotel on Saturdays from 8 am to 11 am
Billy Cart Derby – May
Bangalow BBQ and Bluegrass Festival – August
Newrybar is a small village located 15.2 km from Lennox Head or 14 minutes driving time. At Newrybar you will find the famous Harvest Restaurant, deli and bakery.
Newrybar has a small range of boutique shops – Driftlab, Newrybar Merchants and Luther and Co. For coffee head to Zentvelds Coffee Plantation and Roastery, open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.
Where To Eat in and around Lennox Head
Lennox Head Restaurants and Cafes
Williams Street Lennox Head – address 50 Pacific Parade. Excellent menu with local produce, fully licensed, with some excellent margaritas.
Open for breakfast and lunch 7 days a week from 06.30 to 14.30
Open for dinner from Thursday to Sunday from 4.00 pm to 10.30 pm – our favourite best restaurant in Lennox Head
Papaya Lennox Head– address Shop 5/76-78 Ballina Street, Lennox Head – excellent vegetarian menu – try their Acai bowls.
Open daily from 6.30 am to 2.00 pm
Harvest Newrybar – address 18 – 22 Old Pacific Highway Newrybar
Superb menu sourced from local produce with an extensive Australian wine list.
Open for lunch from Wednesday to Sunday from 12.00 to 2.30 pm
Dinner Friday and Saturday from 5.30 pm to 8.30 pm
Deli is open 7 days a week from 8.00 am to 3.00 pm
Coffee Cart is open daily from 6.30 am to 3.00 pm.
Treehouse on Belongil at 25 Childe Street Byron Bay
Open from 07.30 am for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Great atmosphere, excellent menu, try the pizzas and enjoy a margarita or two with them.
Hotel Brunswick Brunswick Heads – Address 4 Mullumbimbi Street
A great Aussie pub with an excellent beer garden. Great pub food, cold beers and good Australian wines. The 1940s building has 14 rooms to stay in as well. Great views over the river.
The Hut – Address 471 Friday Hut Road Possum Creek
Open Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12.00 to 6.00.
Excellent Mediterranean menu with locally sourced produce with an extensive wine list. The setting is beautiful in the lush green countryside 26 km from Lennox Head. A very special restaurant with excellent service, which we would recommend highly. Bookings need to be made in advance here.
Head to the Lennox Head – Alstonville Surf Club at Pacific Parade Lennox Head for homemade food, coffee, drinks and ice cream. Open 7 days a week from 7 am to 2 pm.
Get your fish and chips from Fishy Fishy at 3/80-84 Ballina Street Lennox Head
Where to stay in Lennox Head – Airbnb Lennox Head
Looking for accommodation in Lennox Head? We were fortunate to find the perfect tropical getaway Airbnb in Lennox Head right across from the beach. “La Luna” is suitable for 6 guests, 2 bedrooms, 4 beds and 2.5 baths.
The property has been exquisitely styled by the owner who has a background in interior design and the stylish artwork compliments the tropical setting. There is a fully equipped kitchen and laundry. There is a large outdoor entertaining area perfect for family BBQs or friends get together with a hot tub. Parking is available. The owner has also provided three bikes and two kayaks.
If you are self-catering IGA Lennox Head is located at 80 – 84 Ballina Street Lennox Head.
We would definitely stay here again.
For more accommodation in Lennox Head – click here for more options
Booking.comLennox Head Camping
Looking for Lennox Head Camping spots – check out this website
How To Get To Lennox Head
The closest airport to Lennox Head is Ballina Airport 13.5 km away.
For the latest flight deals from your departure point click here for more information
Car rental is available from Ballina Airport. Book in advance for the best deals. Find out more here.
Driving distances to Lennox Head:
Sydney to Lennox Head – 744 km – 8. 30 hours driving time
Brisbane to Lennox Head – 184 km 2.5 hours driving time
Gold Coast to Lennox Head – 114 km 1.40 hours driving time
Byron Bay to Lennox Head – 20 km .20 minutes driving time
Private Transfers to Ballina Airport and Byron Bay
Private Tesla Transfer from Ballina to Byron Bay
We’ll drive you from Ballina Airport to your address in Byron Bay
- Zero emission transport.
- 2% of every fare donated to Northern Rivers Community Foundation.
- Our team of professional and courteous drivers will greet you at the airport and assist you with your luggage, ensuring a smooth and stress-free transfer.
- Save time, get to your destination without detours stopping for other passengers.
- Travel in style and comfort in a Tesla Model Y, one of the most advanced and stylish electric vehicles on the market.
Lennox Head Weather – Best Time To Visit Lennox Head
The best months to visit Lennox Head are April, May, August, September and October.
Travel Insurance
We always recommend that you take out travel insurance when you book flights, pay. for deposits on tours etc. Find out more here.
Conclusion
We hope you have enjoyed our article on the best of Lennox Head attractions and the surrounding areas.
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Feel free to share our article with family and friends. If you visit Lennox Head let us know what your favourite things to do were!
Where will your next Staycation be?
Have you thought about your next staycation? Why not visit Yamba or Nambucca Heads?
How about travelling the East Coast of Australia?
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