How to get to Brunswick Heads

Brunswick Heads Nature Reserve offers all the pleasures of the great outdoors within easy reach of civilisation. Whether you're into fishing, canoeing, birdwatching or picnicking with a view, come and explore this charming reserve nestled between the townships of Ocean Shores and Brunswick Heads.

Spend the whole day fishing on Brunswick River or New Brighton Beach. Drive and walk or cycle all the way to Harrys Hill Beach, on the north bank of the river, for a picnic under shady trees. Head to the north wall to watch for migrating whales in winter. Eagles and kites can also be seen hunting along this northern New South Wales coastline all year round. Take an easy walk from North Head carpark through endangered littoral rainforest on North Head track, or hike a short distance to Marshalls Creek for some more birdwatching.

Canoe, boat or paddleboard on Brunswick River and you might just see an endangered loggerhead turtle or a vulnerable green turtle coming up for air. These are just two of the reserve's many threatened animal species.

Byron Bay is globally renowned for its beautiful beaches, boho vibes and celebrity residents, but it’s also home to breathtaking waterfalls hidden in lush hinterland rainforests.

Brunswick Heads Market is a much-loved monthly event set in the heart of this charming beachside town, just 15 minutes north of Byron Bay. Held in Memorial Park on the first Saturday of every month, the market is nestled beside the stunning Brunswick River—offering a relaxed, coastal setting with all the nostalgic vibes of a classic family holiday.

Wander among a wide variety of artisan stalls featuring handmade and imported goods, fresh produce, plants, clothing, candles, soaps, coffee, and mouth-watering hot food. It's the perfect spot to grab breakfast, stock up on fresh ingredients, or browse for unique gifts.

Once you've explored the stalls, the day is far from over. Brunswick Heads boasts a vibrant mix of quirky cafes, riverside spots for swimming and picnics, boutique shops, and family-friendly parks.

With free parking throughout the town and everything within easy walking distance, Brunswick Heads Market is your perfect excuse for a full day of riverside bliss and beachside charm.

Discover easy, family-friendly walks in Byron Bay and Brunswick Heads, from coastal tracks to riverside strolls perfect for kids.

There is so much to see and do in and around the quaint town of Brunswick Heads and we have the low down of the perfect itinerary when you only have 48 hours in this stunning location.

Take a night-time walk through the rainforest – without a torch. When you go on a Night Vision Walk with Vision Walks Eco-Tours you’ll wear night-vision goggles, giving you an amazing opportunity to see animals going about their nocturnal business, without them knowing you’re there.

You’ll be asked to wear dark clothing so you can stay under the radar, and on a typical night you’ll see the likes of possums, pademelons, leaf-tailed geckos and tawny frogmouths. To wrap things up, you’ll get to enjoy a hot chocolate under the stars.

The operator also runs daytime wildlife tours and walks, including a Wildlife Safari, Bush Tucker Walk, Platypus Walk, Bird Watching Tour and Koala Tour, as well as multi-day wildlife experiences.

Vision Walks’ hinterland tours explore the villages, waterfalls, markets and other highlights of the Northern Rivers region, from a one-day Hippy Trail Hinterland Tour to a five-day Best of Byron Bay and Hinterland Experience.

Discover dog-friendly beaches, parks and off-leash areas in the Northern Rivers NSW, from Ballina to Byron Bay. Plan your next dog-friendly getaway.

Enjoy the comfort of Blue Bay Divers' 8.5 metre Cougar Cat 'Bay Warrior', Byron Bay's most spacious and comfortable dive and snorkel boat.

Blue Bay Divers' friendly professional charter service is conveniently located in the beautiful harbour of Brunswick Heads. Let them take you to fascinating dive destinations like Julian Rocks - one of Australia's top dive sites, but also places where no other operator goes, such as Windarra Banks, the Cape Pinnacle and many more dive sites in the Byron Bay area. With so many dive sites around, the crew at Blue Bay Divers strive to give you variety and excitement while catering to your experience level.

Blue Bay Divers believe in good old fashioned customer service. Their team is dedicated to making your experience exciting but safe and offering the best personalised service possible.

Proudly smashing out local, free-range produce and good coffee from Moonshine Roasters every day.

Their fresh and nourishing dishes are carefully crafted with the finest ingredients all sourced from local suppliers. You can enjoy local coffee, organic bread and milk, free-range eggs, homemade cakes and goodies, free-range chicken, local ingredients as well as gluten-free options.

Enjoy outdoor seating under the sun umbrellas, private interior booths, large interior table seating, window bar and take-away coffee.

With the friendliest service and a commitment to old-school hospitality, Footbridge Cafe pride themselves on offering an exceptional dining experience paired with picturesque river views.

Brunswick River picnic area is a great place to enjoy this peaceful coastal reserve, with views of the river and easy-to-access fishing spots. Enjoy lunch with friends and family in the shade of cottonwood hibiscus, which shows its large yellow flowers in the warm weather, and listen to the wind gently whoosh through the swamp oaks. Then cast a line and relax.

The access road to this picnic area is lined with many threatened rainforest trees, such as marblewood and stinking laurel (which doesn’t actually stink). In spring, the brilliant purple flowers of the hovea bush decorate the way as well.

This quiet spot is ideal for birdwatching. Pied oystercatchers feed on the rocks, while birds of prey - brahminy kites and white-bellied sea eagles – soar overhead. If you’re really lucky, you’ll see an osprey stealthily snatch a fish from the water.