LENNOX TO BALLINA

Pristine beaches unmarred by crowds, surf breaks you can keep to yourself and a plethora of perfect picnic spots are among the attractions when you cruise the cruisiest coast.

Lennox Head and Ballina, about an hour south of the Gold Coast Airport, provide a taste of the relaxed beachside lifestyle.

Start your adventure with a beachfront breakfast in Lennox Head — I’m partial to the community-minded Shelter on Pacific Parade.

With windows thrown open to that blue view and ocean breeze, buttermilk pancakes topped with fresh blueberries, ricotta and honey are made for munching in the morning sun.

Grab a coffee to-go and roll up the headland to Pat Morton Lookout.

It has never let me down when it comes to spotting dolphins and, when the season is right, migrating whales.

Take the stairs from the carpark to an easy coastal track through littoral rainforest, heading south to rugged Boulders Beach.

Borrow a bike in Ballina to explore the network of trails.

Hire a tinnie and drop a line in the tranquil Richmond River, or book a lunch or sunset river cruise around beautiful Ballina Island.

Ballina also features laid-back shopping and dining options, my favourite of which is The Belle General on Shelly Beach Road.

Don’t forget to snap a selfie with the famous Big Prawn while you’re in town.