Lennox Head is a small coastal village about 25 minutes south of Byron Bay, known for its headland walk, its world-class point break and its views up and down the coast.
Lennox Head at a glance
- Where: about 25 minutes south of Byron Bay, in Ballina Shire
- Best lookout: Pat Morton Lookout, on top of Lennox Point
- Easy walk: the boardwalk from the lookout into town, about 1.5 km
- Surf: Lennox Point, part of a National Surfing Reserve declared in 2007
- Swimming: Seven Mile Beach, or the calm, fresh water of Lake Ainsworth
- Whale season: roughly May to November
The headland walk
From Pat Morton Lookout, on top of Lennox Point, you get sweeping views north along Seven Mile Beach towards Byron Bay. For a longer walk, follow the track up over the headland and south towards Boulder Beach. It’s short but steep in places. You can also follow the boardwalk downhill into the village for a coffee.
Whale watching from Lennox Head
Humpback whales pass this stretch of coast on their annual migration, roughly from May to November. The headland is one of the best places in the region to watch for them from land, and we regularly see dolphins in the waves below, so bring a camera.
Surfing at Lennox Point
Lennox Point is a famous right-hand point break and part of a National Surfing Reserve declared in 2007. It’s a wave for experienced surfers, but the lookout above is the best seat in the house to watch.
Tips for visiting
Go late afternoon for the best light, and hold on to your hat. The headland can be very windy. Lake Ainsworth is at the northern end of town if you want a calm swim afterwards.
Lunch at Lennox Head on our day tour
We stop in Lennox Head for lunch at a local cafe. Lunch isn’t included, but every guest gets 10% off their total lunch order. 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
How far is Lennox Head from Byron Bay?
About 25 minutes by car. Local buses also run between Byron Bay and Lennox Head, but services are infrequent.
What is there to do in Lennox Head?
Walk up to Pat Morton Lookout and over the headland, watch the surfers at Lennox Point, swim at Seven Mile Beach or Lake Ainsworth, and grab lunch or a coffee in the village.
Where is the best place to watch whales at Lennox Head?
Pat Morton Lookout and the headland above Lennox Point have wide views of the ocean. Humpback whales pass roughly from May to November.