Meet the site
Lennox Reef is named and mapped separately from the broader Black Head reef complex to its south, sitting on the stretch of coast between Ballina and Lennox Point proper, though in practice the two are dived as a continuous system by the handful of private boats and club divers who make the trip out from the Richmond River. The reef structure continues the same broken rock, ledge and gutter pattern found along this section of coast, in a comfortable 8 to 20 m depth range that keeps it accessible without any particular technical demands beyond general reef-diving competence. As with the neighbouring Black Head grounds, the main draw for local divers is the seasonal chance of grey nurse sharks moving along this stretch of coast between the aggregation sites further north at Tweed/Nine Mile Reef and further south toward the Solitary Islands, along with turtles, wobbegong sharks and a typical subtropical reef fish community of kingfish, snapper and mulloway working the structure. Because the site sits a little further from the river mouth than the closer Black Head reefs, it sees even less regular attention, making sightings here feel correspondingly more exclusive when conditions align. Access follows the same pattern as the rest of Ballina's diving: no resident dive shop, a private boat or club connection required, and a crossing of the sometimes-hazardous Ballina bar before reaching open water. Documentation of Lennox Reef as a distinct site from the broader Black Head system is limited, and the boundary between the two is more a matter of local convention than a formally marked feature, so prospective divers should treat the description here as indicative of the general character of this stretch of coast rather than a precisely bounded, independently verified site.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Ballina – Lennox Reef is recorded as Reef in Ballina & Evans Head. The listed access is boat. Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
Historical access notes exist for this record, but have not been independently verified for current use. Request current directions from the operator or site manager rather than following an old entry description.
Questions, answered
Is Ballina – Lennox Reef suitable for my certification?
The record lists Advanced Open Water. That does not establish suitability for every route or day. Share your training, recent experience and equipment needs with the operator and ask about the specific proposed dive.
Can I book Ballina – Lennox Reef through YouDive?
YouDive is an independent research directory. Contact an operator directly to confirm whether it currently runs the trip, the inclusions and the booking terms.
What you might see
Grey nurse sharks (seasonal), turtles, wobbegongs, kingfish, snapper, mulloway
Location
A discrete reef system between Ballina and Lennox Head, named separately from the general Black Head reef complex, dived by private boat from the Richmond River when conditions allow.
Before you make plans
Conditions, access and operator schedules can change. This is a location guide, not a dive plan. Ask a local operator about current conditions and suitability for your training and experience.
Sources & further reading
marinelife.org.auRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.