Lennox Head: Coast, Lake and Culture
Accommodation in Lennox Head
The Lennox Head National Surfing Reserve, Lake Ainsworth, the walk to Pat Morton Lookout and the Lennox Arts Collective represent different facets of the town. This can help you decide whether your trip should focus more on the waterscape, a clearly described walk, or art and history.
Coast and Lake in Lennox Head
The Lennox Head National Surfing Reserve extends 7.2 km from the Lennox Head Surf Club south to Flat Rock. These two endpoints give the reserve clearly defined geographical boundaries. This makes it possible to understand the extent of the coastal stretch using specific place names.
Lake Ainsworth is at the northern end of Lennox Head. It is a freshwater tea tree lake; the dark tannins come from the surrounding paperbark trees. Its location at the northern end and the explanation of the tannins help distinguish Lake Ainsworth as a natural attraction in its own right from the extent of the coastal reserve.
On the way to Pat Morton Lookout
The walk from Lennox Head to Pat Morton Lookout starts in the town centre. It passes Boat Channel and then follows a waterfront promenade along Lennox Point. This sequence connects a starting point in town with two clearly named landmarks; anyone including the lookout in their plans can follow this route.
Boat Channel is at the northern end of Seven Mile Beach, in front of Rutherford Street. Its calm water offers opportunities for swimming, snorkelling and relaxing by the water. This addresses a different planning need from the walk to the lookout: here, the focus is on water activities, while the walk follows a route through Lennox Head to Pat Morton Lookout.
Cultural history and art
Lennox Head's cultural history includes the Lennox Head Aboriginal Area, which is protected to preserve the cultural and historical values of the Ceremonial Ring. For the Bundjalung Aboriginal people, the Ceremonial Ring was a special place where initiation rites for boys were performed. The site consists of a raised ring on sandy ground and is considered one of the best-preserved coastal ceremonial sites in New South Wales. Details about its form, use and grounds for protection connect the site's physical features with its cultural significance and historical use.
The Lennox Arts Collective offers a different cultural focus. It is a gallery on the main street in the centre of Lennox Head, where eight artists exhibit their work. Art workshops are held there on weekdays and weekends. The Collective also hosts exhibitions featuring works by other artists, which change every two weeks. Workshop and exhibition dates may change; if you want to plan your visit around a particular offering, check the current program in advance. This distinguishes two cultural interests: the Collective focuses on artworks and workshops, while the Ceremonial Ring is significant for its historical use and importance to the Bundjalung Aboriginal people.
Discover more destinations: Alstonville, Ballina, Brooklet, Teven.
Return to the main travel overview: Ballina Shire Council.
