Lennox Head offers the quintessential coastal holiday with incredible surf breaks, a calm tea-tree stained lake and dreamy hinterland vistas, Lennox is attracting visitors for its relaxed vibe and unpretentious nature. This tiny town, with a population of just over 7,700 is fiercely guarding its way of life but the secret is out.

This unassuming town has progressed from typical takeaway joints to now boasting contemporary dining options, top-notch coffee spots, drinking dens and wholesome plant based goodness.

There’s no shortage of cafes to keep you caffeinated during your Lennox staycay but new kid on the block Kopi is serving up some seriously strong brews alongside brunch time favourites like scrambled eggs with chives. Kopi [koh-pee] traditionally pronounced [copy] translates to ‘coffee’ in owner Jack Lees-Smith’s grandmother’s native Indonesian language. Kopi opened just 4 days into covid lockdown, so it’s a credit to the community support and Jack’s resilience that this new business is thriving.

Another newcomer Papaya, opened just prior to covid, with owners Michelle and Tas identifying a gap in the market for a vegan/vegetarian eatery in Lennox. Locals and visitors flock to Papaya for smoothies, fresh salads and the beautiful blooms that fill the café with joy. Bring your appetite, the popular ‘charcoal breakfast burger’ is layered with grilled haloumi, fried egg and avocado with lashings of house made aioli and relish on a charcoal bun that is as delicious as it sounds.

Penny Lane is a hidden gem; set back from the beach the cosy café is coveted by locals, especially for its signature corn fritters which haven’t left the menu since the day the cafe opened 4 years ago. The crunchy corn fritters are beautifully executed and served with chipotle yoghurt, greens, poached egg and topped with manchego.

As the sun goes down, take a stroll up to Pat Morton Lookout for spectacular views overlooking Lennox and watch the surfers carve a wave or during the winter months, spot whales migrating along the coast.

Head to Shorty’s for pre-dinner drinks, bar bites and enjoy endless summer vibes thanks to a killer soundtrack. Despite the extensive drinks list, it’s hard to go past the signature cocktail selection featuring inventive cocktails highlighting seasonal ingredients sourced from local producers and suppliers. Mixologist/owner Fraser recommends the ‘Razzle Dazzle’ a fun concoction of vanilla vodka, apple, guava and lemon that hits all the right notes for a good night out.

Neighbouring restaurant The Diner has an ambitious weekly changing menu, allowing chef Martin Morelli to showcase the freshest seasonal produce in collaboration with local Northern Rivers growers and suppliers. Expect oysters from ‘Shuck’, meat from ‘Salumi Australia’ fresh cheeses from ‘Byron Bay Mozzarella’ and more, all incorporated in a menu designed to share from a team of seasoned professionals who have made the seachange to Lennox.

For some holiday fun, head to Chido Cantina for modern Mexican flavours. The newly renovated restaurant is bright and welcoming and the cocktail menu focuses on the finest Mexican tequila. We visited during Cinco de Mayo celebrations and the taqueria was jumping! Plenty of gluten free and vegetarian options, including corn ‘tentacles’ with feta, chilli, lime, coriander and smoked paprika.

A must-do on your Lennox eatinerary is to seek refuge at hatted restaurant Shelter Whether it’s for a sunny beachside breakfast, long lunch or grazing from the evening tasting menu, this restaurant provides welcome respite at any time of day. Feel like a local by dropping by for a sunny beachside breakfast with some superb light start options such as organic house granola, seasonal fruits and whipped coconut. Things start to step up a notch in the sophistication stakes for lunch with an a la carte menu featuring favourites such as Hervey Bay scallops, XO, preserved lemon and wild rice. Without the distraction of dazzling beach views, the focus shifts squarely to the menu for the dinner crowd. Opt for the 4 course set menu with matched wines to taste all the Shelter highlights and while seafood is their specialty, the Tea-smoked duck breast with macadamia, beetroot and radicchio was a standout.

While diners may think they have the box seat at Shelter, the best seat in the house is reserved for those staying the night upstairs at Cupola. This two-bedroom apartment features simple coastal styling and lush linen to ensure a comfortable stay. Rise with the sun and check the surf from the comfort of your bed. Order room service or roll out of bed and pop down to breakfast where you’ll feel like one of the Shelter family. You won’t want to leave or at least vow to return soon. The writer travelled as a guest of Destination NSW.