Lennox Head Boardwalk

The Lennox Head Boardwalk is the paved coastal path that runs from the southern end of Seven Mile Beach, past the surf club, and along the cliffs toward Pat Morton Lookout. It is the easy scenic walk in town: flat, sealed, pram and wheelchair friendly, with open ocean the whole way and whales passing offshore from May to November. Dogs are welcome on it, on a leash.

The walk

Roughly 1.4 kilometres one way, about 15 to 30 minutes at an easy pace, and sealed and level the whole way. It links the village shops to the lookout, so you can do as much or as little as you like and turn back whenever it suits. Longer legs can continue along the clifftop section of the coastal shared path that pushes south toward Ballina.

Leash status

The boardwalk itself is strictly on-leash under Ballina Shire Council rules, because it is a shared path carrying walkers, runners and prams. The off-leash running is on the sand: Seven Mile Beach north of the surf club is the designated off-leash zone, while the beach south of the club stays on-leash near the patrolled flags. Dogs are not allowed in the dunes, the revegetation areas or the flagged swimming zone at any time.

Water and terrain

Dog water bowls are often found near the surf club, and waste bags and bins sit at the main access points, though carry your own supply as backup. The surface is sealed and sun-exposed with almost no shade, so it heats up fast. The beach below gives wet paws and a cool-down if you drop down onto the sand where it is allowed.

Max: The pavement holds the heat long after the air cools. Test it with the back of your hand before you commit, and walk this one early or late in summer.

Getting there and parking

Set navigation for the Lennox Head Surf Life Saving Club on Pacific Parade for the central starting point. Free street parking runs along Pacific Parade, with a larger carpark near the surf club and another at the base of Pat Morton Lookout. Ballina Buslines stops on the main street, a short walk from the southern end of the path.

When to go

Weekday mornings and sunrise are the quietest, and low tide widens the beach below if you want an off-leash leg on the sand. This suits older or smaller dogs well: a steady, sealed walk with a view, no stairs and plenty of turn-back points. It is less right for dogs that need soft ground or big off-lead distance on the path itself.

Pair it with

The Seven Mile Beach Dog Beach Car Park puts you at the off-leash sand straight after the walk, and Papaya or The Point Cafe in the village handle the coffee leg with outdoor tables. Staying over, Reflections Lennox Head keeps you in walking distance of the path.

More coastal options are on the NSW dog trails guide and the Lennox Head destination page.