Swim in fresh, tea-coloured water with soft sand under your feet in this large coastal perched lake in Lennox Head, right behind the main surf beach. It is perfect for groups where
some people want a surf in the ocean at a patrolled beach and some want to swim in calm, fresh water, as these two options are less than 100 metres apart here.
Above: The submerged ramp into the water at Lake Ainsworth
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Formed on a sand dune, the entry into the water is gradual. For the best swimming locations, head into the water either from the ramp in the south-east corner of the lake,
behind the surf club, or from the little sandy beach in a gap between the lakeside vegetation, about 200 metres further to the west along Camp Drewe Road.
Access to the water along the eastern (inland) side of the lake is more difficult because of the scrub, but there is a walking track / bike path that heads along the
western edge of the lake, north of the surf club, which offers further possibilities to get into the water. Once you are in the water, swimming can be almost unlimited,
with a total lake length of over 500 metres.
Above: Have a barbecue by the lake at sunset at Lake Ainsworth
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The only drawback to this swim is that it can occasionally be closed for swimming by the managing authority due to poor water quality after heavy rain.
The lakeside facilities are pretty good, with picnic tables dotted at various locations around the southern and western edge of the lake, plus several sheltered public
barbecues. It is a relaxing way to spend an evening before sunset, with a swim, a meal, and a light sea breeze running through the tea tree overhead.
There is also a caravan park across the road if you are lucky enough to get a spot there.
Above: The kiosk at the surf club directly behind Lake Ainsworth
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Other Information Before You Go:
Location: Camp Drewe Road, Lennox Head, 190 km (approx. 2 hour 15 min drive) south of Brisbane and 750 km (approx. 8 hr drive) north of Sydney.
Latitude:-28.785159
Longitude:153.590761
Getting there: From the Pacific Hwy (A1) at Tintenbar, head east along Ross Lane, then south along the Byron Bay Road and then east again along Byron Street
into Lennox Head. At the end of Byron Street, turn left along Pacific Parade and follow it until the end, where you will reach Camp Drewe Road. Parking for the lake
is available along Camp Drewe Road.
Facilities: Car parking, bike path, sheltered and unsheltered picnic tables, sheltered public barbecues, rubbish bins. Public toilets are available beside the bike path
next to the surf club (near the south-east corner of the lake) with a kiosk at the surf club itself.
Entrance fee: None
Water temperature: Mild
Water clarity: Clear but with a tea coloured hue
Under foot: Sand
Maximum water depth: Greater than 2 metres
Minimum swimming proficiency required: Inexperienced swimmers (under supervision) can swim in the shallows
Prohibitions including whether you can bring your dog: No dogs, no unauthorised vehicles, no camping or staying overnight, no rubbish dumping,
no fires, no horses, no motorcycles, no litter, no golf, alcohol prohibited 10 pm to 7 am, no motorised watercraft, no trapping, no spearfishing.
Sun shade: No shade in the water. Natural and constructed shade available out of the water on the foreshore.
Opening times: Always open except when closed after floods due to poorer water quality
Accommodation Options: See my
camping, hotel and homestay suggestions including a spot across the road from Lake Ainsworth.
Wheelchair access: Wheelchair accessible path and ramp to the edge of the lake. Priority parking space for the disabled. I am not sure whether the toilet block near the surf club
was wheelchair accessible.
Managing authority: Ballina Shire Council
Nearby attractions: Killen Falls, 15 km by road to the west.
Before you head out, make sure to read the
swimming safety information. Specific to this site, the managing authority advises that there is
uneven ground, slippery surfaces, shallow edges, drop offs in the water, deep water, no lifesaving services in the lake, recreational watercraft (e.g. passing canoes), and
variable water quality.
Locality Map:
The marker indicates the approximate location of the little sandy beach on the southern edge of the lake. If the map is not zoomed in locally, as can sometimes occur when loading, simply click or tap on "View Larger Map" below.
View Larger Map
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