Lennox Head & Ballina

Lennox Head

Lennox Head is a spectacular headland 17km south of Cape Byron and Byron Bay.  The headland is popular with hang-gliders and surfers, while Lennox township has a range of restaurants, cafes and souvenir and resort shops, as well as accommodation.  Take a picnic up to the headland and enjoy the views north towards Cape Byron. 

The beach at Lennox north of the Surf Life Saving Club is dog-friendly, and it's here that you can take horse rides on the beach.  [Search this site for Seahorses Riding Centre to book.]  Further south, the beach by the town centre is safe for children and patrolled in summer.

Lake Ainsworth, a large tea-tree coloured lake at the northern end of town, behind the Surf Life Saving Club, offers freshwater swimming and water activities.  Lake Ainsworth is sometimes closed to swimmers, so check first with Ballina Visitor Information Centre on 1800 777 666 or 02 6686 3484.

Ballina

Ballina is truly a seaside town, with enough of the old-fashioned flavour of the past to enchant visitors.  Situated on a bend in the Pacific Highway, on an island in the Richmond River, Ballina has plenty to see and do.  For example, the river estuary for fishing, sailing and swimming is very popular with families, while a drive to the hinterland will reward you with a rainforest experience you won't forget. 

River Street, which runs along the river, has a wide variety of interesting shops and cafes.  Walk through one of the arcades or side streets to the river and have lunch overlooking the water.  Casual and laidback, Ballina is relaxing, quiet in the evening and with plenty of general shops and government services such as Medicare and the Roads & Traffic Authority.

Don't leave Ballina without a visit to the Ballina Naval and Maritime Museum, which houses maritime treasures, including the 1973 Las Balsas raft from the trans-Pacific expedition, giant models of battleships and naval memorabilia.  Phone 02 6681 1002 for further information.

And if you're into skateboarding, Ballina has one of the world's best arenas, at Missingham Bridge Park at the northern end of town.

Call Ballina Visitor Information Centre for more details on 1800 777 666 or 02 6686 3484.