How to get to Lennox Head

Getting around Lennox Head

Getting ready for your next escape to this Northern Rivers oasis? Let's make a plan. Create memories on a family road trip or take the scenic route by train, the choice is yours! No matter how you choose to travel, there's a coastal paradise waiting for you when you arrive.

To get you started, here's how to get to Lennox Head...

Plan your travel

Lennox Head

By Car By Bus By Plane By Train By Bike By Foot

How to get there

Part of Ballina Shire, Lennox Head is a popular holiday destination for families, locals and international travellers. It's where Byron Bay Road and The Coast Road meet off the Pacific Highway (M1), the main arterial that runs down Australia's beautiful east coast.

Unlike its famous neighbour Byron Bay, Lennox sees a little less traffic and hype, making it a great spot for anyone looking to relax, but not go completely off-grid. You'll find Lennox Head right by Lake Ainsworth, and Lennox Head Beach is right there.

Modes of transport

Here are key transport options for car, bus, plane, train, bike and by foot. No matter how you choose to travel, there are ways to arrive and get around with less stress and more fun!

By Car

Driving is the easiest way to get to Lennox Head, especially if you're coming from Brisbane (about 2 to 2.5 hours) or Sydney (around 8 to 9 hours). It’s a straightforward coastal drive via the Pacific Highway (M1), and having a car makes it much easier to explore nearby spots like Byron Bay, Brunswick Heads and Ballina.

Here are some other popular places travellers depart from and how far they are from Lennox Head (fastest routes):

Ballina: 15 minutes / 13 km
Coraki: 46 minutes / 60 km
Maclean: 1 hr / 105 km
Iluka: 1 hr 12 minutes / 106 km
Gold Coast: 1 hr 25 minutes / 120 km
Grafton: 1 hr 30 minutes / 150 km
Tamworth: 5 hr 30 minutes / 450 km

By Bus

You can catch a long-distance Greyhound or Premier Motor Service coach to nearby Ballina or Byron Bay, then take a short local bus (route 640 via CDC NSW) or a rideshare/taxi to Lennox Head. It’s a good option if you don’t want to drive, but you’ll likely need that final short transfer.

By Plane

The closest airport is Ballina Byron Gateway Airport, which is only about a 15-minute drive from Lennox Head. You can fly with Virgin Australia and Qantas from Sydney, Melbourne or other major cities, then grab a hire car, shuttle bus or rideshare straight to town. Alternatively, you can fly into Gold Coast Airport and make your way down the coast for more flight options.

By Train

There’s no train station in Lennox Head itself, so most people take the NSW TrainLink train to Byron Bay Coach Stop or Casino, then connect by bus to Ballina/Lennox Head. It works, but it’s slower and involves a transfer or two, which has the upside of giving you some wonderful sightseeing if you have the time.

By Bike

Cycling to Lennox Head is great if you’re already in the Northern Rivers region, with scenic coastal paths and quieter roads linking Ballina, Lismore, Bangalow and surrounding towns. If you're coming from further away, however, it’s more of an adventure ride and long-haul trip to plan for than a practical way to travel.

By Foot

Once you’re in Lennox Head, it’s super walkable, especially around the village, lake and main beach. You can easily stroll between cafés, the headland, Lake Ainsworth and the surf beach, though a car or bike helps if you want to get out and explore more of the region. There's also plenty of walks and hikes to tackle for when you want to get active.

Top things to do in Lennox Head

Where to eat on your Lennox Head holiday

When you think camping cuisine what comes to mind? Baked beans on toast? Cuppa soups? Well, forget that kind of simple fare. Stay at Reflections Lennox Head and you’re in for a treat. Wander into the village and indulge in the top-notch cuisine at one of the town’s many restaurants and cafes. Here are a few to get you started.

Lennox Head Beach

Lennox Head National Surfing Reserve is one of Australia's most iconic surf destinations. Declared a National Surfing Reserve in 2007—the third in the country and the largest at the time—it spans 7.2km from the Lennox Head Surf Club south to Flat Rock.

The right-hand point break at Lennox Head is world-renowned—powerful, consistent, and endlessly photographed. It draws experienced surfers from around the globe, offering a thrilling ride for those skilled enough to navigate its strength and the locals who know it best. The wave breaks over sand with some smooth rock, making it a visually stunning but challenging spot. Not ideal for beginners, this is a surf zone that commands respect.

Beyond the waves, Lennox Head offers breathtaking coastal beauty, perfect for beach walks, whale watching in season, and soaking in ocean views from the headland. North of the surf club, dogs are welcome to join you on-leash, making it a great place for active travellers and locals alike.

Whether you come to surf, stroll or simply take in the atmosphere, Lennox Head is a must-visit gem on the NSW North Coast—a natural wonder with a laid-back charm and a deep connection to Australia's surfing heritage.

Simple pleasures - A weekend family getaway to Lennox Head

Ambassador Krystal Knight and her family recently visited the glamping tents at Reflections Lennox Head for a family getaway.

Shelter Lennox

Dine in a relaxed, elegant coastal setting and enjoy a chef-selected six-course seasonal menu, perfectly paired with a bottle of natural wine. This curated experience showcases the region's finest produce, with each dish reflecting a commitment to quality, sustainability, and flavour.

The menu is ever-changing, driven by what is fresh, local, and in season. Ingredients are thoughtfully sourced, with a focus on sustainable practices and organic farming principles wherever possible.

Open seven days for breakfast and lunch, with dinner service available from Thursday to Saturday. Whether you're visiting for a casual morning meal or an immersive evening dining experience, expect warm hospitality and a deep respect for regional produce.

Lennox Arts Collective

The Lennox Arts Collective is a collective of eight artists who work together to exhibit their work in their main street gallery in the heart of Lennox Head.

Regular guest exhibitions ensure there is always something new to see.

The gallery began more than a decade ago, when a group of Lennox Head artists decided to open their own gallery. As a collective they share the expenses and the day to day running of the gallery. Art workshops are run on weekdays and weekends.

The collective also hosts exhibitions of other artists' work, which change fortnightly.

Open daily making it convenient to pop in any time.

Best dog-friendly parks and beaches in the Northern Rivers of NSW

The Northern Rivers of New South Wales is a paradise for dog lovers. With its stunning landscapes and friendly communities, it's the perfect place to explore with your furry friend. Whether you're near Ballina, Evans Head, Brunswick Heads, Lennox Head, or Byron Bay, there are plenty of dog-friendly parks and beaches to enjoy.

Quattro Lennox Head

Located in the heart of Lennox Head, Quattro serves up an extensive, mouth-watering menu celebrating the flavours of traditional Italian cuisine. Think wood-fired aromas, generous plates, and the kind of classic dishes that turn any meal — casual catch-ups or intimate dinners — into a moment worth savouring.

With its relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere and warm service, Quattro has long been a favourite with locals. The restaurant sits just across from the beachfront, making it an ideal spot to unwind after a day by the water or to enjoy a long dinner as the sea breeze rolls in.

Whether you're craving a comforting bowl of pasta, a perfectly crisp pizza, or a leisurely Italian feast, Quattro delivers a welcoming dining experience that keeps people coming back.

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Frequently asked questions

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Where is Lennox Head?

Lennox Head is a charming coastal town on the Northern Rivers of New South Wales, located between Ballina and Byron Bay. There's endless greenery and hinterland to its west and the Pacific Ocean to the east, so expect sand, surf, headland views and a laid-back village feel to match.

What is the closest airport to Lennox Head?

The closest airport is Ballina Byron Gateway Airport, around a 15-minute drive slightly southwest. There are regular flights from major cities like Sydney and Melbourne, making it the easiest way to fly in.

How far is Lennox Head from Byron Bay?

Lennox Head is about 20 km south of Byron Bay, which is roughly a 20 to 25 minute drive. It’s close enough for an easy day trip, but far enough to feel quieter and more low-key. There's a whole assortment of different towns to explore in the area, too, when you're looking for things to do on your break.