Lake Ainsworth

Lake Ainsworth sits at Lennox Head, on the Northern Rivers coast near Byron Bay, just back from the beach. A much-loved tea-tree lake, it's a genuine local treasure — a beautiful freshwater lake famous for its tea-tree-stained water, calm conditions and lovely setting right beside the ocean, the kind of unique, family-friendly natural spot that draws swimmers, paddlers and relaxers.

The appeal is that combination of a gorgeous, calm freshwater lake and a brilliant location beside the beach: the tea-tree waters, the relaxed setting and the grassy surrounds make it a wonderful spot for a swim, a paddle, a picnic or a relaxed day outdoors, with the surf beach just across the road. Its distinctive tea-tree lake is a real point of difference on the coast.

With a 4.6 rating from more than 520 reviews, it's clearly a much-loved spot. The lake is free and open, but facilities, water conditions and supervision vary — it's generally a calm spot but, as with any open water, take care, keep an eye on children and check conditions and signage — so it's worth taking sun protection and being water-aware, then enjoying the lovely Lake Ainsworth at Lennox Head.