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Brunswick Heads

Bundjalung Country
Brunswick River
Brunswick Heads

Discover the magic of Brunswick Heads

If your perfect holiday blends the tang of salt on the breeze, the sparkle of morning light on the river, and the easy hum of a town that runs at its own sweet pace, Brunswick Heads is ready to welcome you.

This is a place where beach swims roll into riverside strolls, where the scent of fresh coffee drifts down quiet streets, and where locals greet you like a lifelong friend. Just over 90 minutes from Brisbane and a short hop from Byron Bay, this lively yet laid-back seaside haven invites you to slow down, breathe deep, and make the coastline your new backyard.

Brunswick Heads feels

Where is Brunswick Heads?

Brunswick Heads is located on the NSW far north coast, less than 15 minutes north of Byron Bay via the Pacific Motorway. It’s easy to reach by car, or you can fly into Ballina Byron Gateway Airport (30 minutes away) or Gold Coast Airport (50 minutes away) and take a short drive.

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Brunswick Heads Region Map

Top things to do in Brunswick Heads

Brunswick Heads blends nature and culture in one vibrant package.

Stroll riverside and coastal trails, relax on Main Beach or at family-friendly Torakina, or get on the water with kayaking, SUP or fishing. Discover Crystal Castle, Brunswick Picture House and the monthly Brunswick Heads Markets, plus Byron and Mullumbimby farmers' markets nearby.


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Weather in Brunswick Heads

Brunswick Heads is blessed with a warm, temperate climate, which makes it a joy to visit at any time of year. Summers, from late December to March, are sun-kissed and balmy, with January days averaging 23.8 °C — perfect for long beach swims and lazy river paddles. Even in winter, the air stays mild at around 15 °C, ideal for coastal walks and cosy pub lunches. Rain falls throughout the year, keeping the surrounding rainforest lush and green, with February bringing the heaviest downpours and September the driest skies. The sea is swimmable year-round, warming to a tropical 26.6 °C in February and a refreshing 20.8 °C in August.

Brunswick Heads - stand up paddleboarding

Itinerary Ideas for Brunswick Heads

Wondering what to do in Byron Bay? Start your day with the famous Cape Byron Walking Track, hit the surf at The Pass or simply laze on the beach and soak up the iconic Byron atmosphere. Be careful, though; you might find it hard to leave! Spend the next day exploring world heritage-listed Nightcap National Park, full of gorgeous walks, waterfalls and picnic areas.

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Reflections Massy Greene - surfing

Brunswick Heads Events and Attractions

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Frequently asked questions

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Is Brunswick Heads before Byron Bay?

If you’re in Byron Bay and trying to work out how to get there, Brunswick Heads is just a hop, skip and a jump away. Located a quick 20-minute drive north, it’s nestled between Ocean Shores and Tyagarah in the Northern Rivers of NSW.

When is the best time to visit Brunswick Heads?

For warm weather activities, our top pick is springtime, from September through November. There’s plenty of walks and hikes to tackle, especially in the Brunswick Heads Nature Reserve, and spring is ideal to go whale watching.


What Aboriginal country is Brunswick Heads?

Brunswick Heads is on Bundjalung Country, which extends all the way from Grafton in NSW to the Logan River in Southeast Queensland. It’s a huge coastal region – including Byron Bay, Ballina, Lennox Head and more – that covers different landscapes, including mountains, forests, beaches and rivers.

You can learn more about the indigenous history of the area at the nearby Ballina District Historical Museum and Historical Society.


Why is it called Brunswick Heads?

The town sits at the ‘head’ of the Brunswick River, giving it its name. With a long history for both local Aboriginal peoples and European settlers, nowadays it;s affectionately known as the little cousin of Byron Bay.

What’s to do in Brunswick Heads for a young family?

We’ve got lots of itinerary ideas for you, especially if you’re traveling with the little ones. From fish and chips by the boat harbour to exploring Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens, your biggest problem will be fitting it all in!

Before you pack, make sure you check out Byron4Kids, especially if you’re visiting Brunswick Heads, Ballina or Byron Bay during the school holidays.


Nearby locations in Brunswick Heads

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Ways to stay in Brunswick Heads

Looking for Brunswick Heads accommodation that’s close to it all? There are three holiday parks on offer for you in Brunswick Heads: Reflections Brunswick Heads, Reflections Ferry Reserve and Reflections Massy Greene. They each offer cabins, as well as powered and unpowered sites right on the river, just steps from the town centre and Main Beach.