venue
The 2025 Outdoor Health Forum will be held at the Lake Ainsworth Sport & Recreation Centre, located at 164 Camp Drewe Rd Lennox Head NSW, the northern end of Pacific Parade nestled on the stunning East Coast of Northern New South Wales.
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Set on 118 hectares of coastal land minutes from National Parks and rainforests, this tranquil, nature-rich venue is just:
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15 minutes from Ballina Byron Gateway Airport
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1 hour from Gold Coast (Coolangatta) Airport
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A short 15 minute walk or 5-minute drive from the heart of Lennox Head township
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The venue also has a swimming pool, tennis courts and basketball courts.
accommodation
The Lake Ainsworth Sport & Recreation Centre can accommodate just over 200 participants in comfortable dormitory-style accommodation, spread across multiple rooms. Dorms vary in size, typically sleeping 8 to 18 people per room, and each room has its own ensuite bathroom - no long treks to the loo here!
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Your Forum weekend ticket includes two nights of on-site dorm accommodation (Friday and Saturday nights). If you prefer to stay offsite, that’s absolutely fine—however, please note that no reimbursement can be offered for unused accommodation, as the venue has been booked exclusively for Forum use, and pricing has been structured accordingly.
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Need linen? Each ticket comes with a dorm bed, but you’ll need to bring your own bedding unless you book a linen pack. If travelling light is your thing, linen packs are $45 per person and include: a fitted sheet, flat sheet, pillowcase, pillow, blanket, and towel. Linen pack bookings will be available for purchase when ticketing opens in April.
Want to Stay Offsite? There’s strictly no camping onsite, but if you're bringing a van or want to pitch a tent, check out Reflections Holiday Park Lennox Head—it’s just a 15-minute walk away. There are also a few 4-bed villas available through the Lake Ainsworth Sport & Recreation Centre if you're after a bit more comfort and privacy. Contact (email/phone).
weather
The Byron Shire region of Northern New South Wales, including Lennox Head, enjoys a warm temperate climate with mild to warm temperatures in spring. This means October is a beautiful time of year in this region, often marked by sunny days, light coastal breezes, and mild evenings - perfect for outdoor activities. During this time in Lennox Head, you can generally expect day time temperatures that typically range from 22°C to 26°C and night-time temperatures can drop to around 12°C to 16°C.
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While the weather is usually pleasant, be sure to pack for all conditions in case of the occasional coastal shower or cooler change. Think: layers, a sunhat, sunglasses, rain jacket, swimmers, and a warm jumper for the evenings.
what to bring
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Pillow, pillowcase, fitted sheet (mattress only is supplied on dorm bed)
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Blankets/doona or warm sleeping bag
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Warm clothing
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Bathers/swimmers (for an ocean swim or dip in the onsite pool or lake!)
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Sun protection - hat, sunscreen etc
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Rainwear
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Enclosed footwear
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Personal toiletries
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Towel
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Torch
surrounds
Lennox Head is a laid-back coastal town with a vibrant yet relaxed vibe. Known for its surf culture, coastal walks, and natural beauty, it offers a welcoming mix of local charm and modern conveniences. You'll find:
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Quaint cafes and restaurants with a strong focus on fresh, local produce
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Boutique shops, art, and wellness centres
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A well-stocked supermarket and essential services
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The iconic Lennox Point, popular with surfers and whale watchers alike
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Tea Tree Lake (Lake Ainsworth), a freshwater lake infused with healing tea tree oils
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Endless beach access, scenic trails, and panoramic headland views
The area is part of Bundjalung Country, and the Forum’s location allows you to deeply connect with both coastal and forested environments—the perfect setting to explore outdoor health in action.