The Seven Mile Beach is an obvious starting point for daytime activities. Boasting strong currents and challenging waves, the beach is a magnet for lovers of all wind-propelled toys. Don’t worry if you don’t intend participating! Sitting on the beach and simply observing the master surfers doing their thing is quite the entertaining activity.
A truly relaxing spot to enjoy calmer waves is found just north of Lennox Head village. Lake Ainsworth is the perfect spot for families with young children, or keen amateur surfers. The fresh water lagoon is protected by high sand dunes and there isn’t a breath of wind to be felt here. I do urge you not to be perturbed by the colour of Lake Ainsworth. Yes indeed, it seems like you’re swimming in a weak cup of tea (the brownish tinge not overly attractive) BUT, if you must know, this is due to the surrounding tea-tree plants and in fact, the water is said to have therapeutic and rejuvenating effects. I certainly won’t argue with that, and thoroughly enjoyed a tranquil swim here after the adrenaline-filled one at Seven Mile! Lake Ainsworth is well serviced by surf, kayak and catamaran hire centres. Looking for an unforgettable way to end your day out in Lennox Head? Then I suggest you walk up to the Pat Morton Lookout for priceless views of the village, the beaches, and to enjoy a truly breathtaking sunset.
Credit: Colin Heaney
For the more relaxed visitor, a spectacular reef off the southern end of the beach provides brilliant snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities. A vast array of endemic sea life, including stingrays, blue gropers, bream, kingfish as well as nudibranches and sea stars are all visible merely 15 m below the water surface. A night-time dive could see you come face-to-face with a rock lobster, a curious nocturnal crustacean that prefers to hide in caverns during the day.