Lake Ainsworth is a freshwater lake at Lennox Head, about 25 minutes south of Byron Bay. Tea trees growing around its edge stain the water a deep amber colour, which is why locals call it the tea tree lake.
Lake Ainsworth at a glance
- Where: Pacific Parade, at the northern end of Lennox Head
- Drive from Byron Bay: about 25 minutes
- Size: about 12 hectares of calm, fresh water
- Good for: swimming, stand up paddleboarding and kayaking
- Facilities: public toilets, barbecues, picnic tables, a cafe and a car park
- Water quality: monitored by Ballina Shire Council, which posts blue-green algae alerts
Why is Lake Ainsworth brown?
The colour comes from tannins and oils that leach out of the tea trees around the lake. The water is fresh and calm, and swimmers love how soft it feels.
Swimming and paddleboarding
The lake is shallow at the edges with a sandy bottom, and the water is usually far calmer than the surf at the beach next door. That makes it one of the best spots in the area to try stand up paddle boarding. We bring our boards on every tour, so you can paddle out across the lake.
Is it safe to swim in Lake Ainsworth?
Lake Ainsworth is a popular family swimming spot, but like many still lakes it can be affected by blue-green algae, mostly in the warmer months. Ballina Shire Council samples the water regularly from November to April and puts up warning signs when levels are high. Check the council website and any signs at the lake before you swim.
A special place
The lake was an important ceremonial place and campsite for local Aboriginal people. Please treat it with care: stay on the paths around the edge and take your rubbish with you.
Tips for visiting
- Go early on summer weekends, when the lake gets busy with families.
- The surf beach is a short walk away if you want to swap fresh water for salt.
- Combine it with a walk up to Pat Morton Lookout at the southern end of Lennox Head.
Paddleboard Lake Ainsworth on our day tour
We bring stand up paddle boards to Lake Ainsworth on every tour. We pick you up from your Byron accommodation at 11am for a six-hour day with a small group: a swim at Killen Falls, paddleboarding on Lake Ainsworth, lunch in Lennox Head and a bush walk through Broken Head Nature Reserve to quiet beaches and the Three Sisters lookout. The order of stops changes with the weather, tides and conditions, and you’re back by 5pm at the latest.
Bring your swimmers and a camera. We’ll bring the paddleboards and the playlist.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Lake Ainsworth brown?
Tannins and oils from the tea trees around the lake stain the water a deep amber colour. It is natural, and it is why it is called the tea tree lake.
Can you swim in Lake Ainsworth?
Yes, it is a popular swimming spot for families. Ballina Shire Council monitors the lake for blue-green algae, so check for alerts on the council website or signs at the lake before you swim.
Can you paddleboard on Lake Ainsworth?
Yes. The calm, sheltered water makes it one of the easiest places near Byron Bay to try stand up paddleboarding. Boards are included on every Behind the Bay tour.
How far is Lake Ainsworth from Byron Bay?
About 25 minutes by car. It is at the northern end of Lennox Head, on Pacific Parade.