48 Hours in Brunswick Heads

The stunning township of Brunswick Heads is a standout location on the Far North Coast, renowned for its quaint, village vibe, beautiful beaches and endless opportunities for outdoor explorers enjoy the thrill of the outdoors.

A stone’s throw away from Byron Bay, you won’t find any Chris Hemsworth spotters or celebrity influencers here! The old-world feel of the town, the crusty sourdoughs from the Bruns Bakery, and the hard-to-beat location right on the river, offer the perfect holiday spot for any adventurer. Our young-at-heart explorers can also embark on a great escapade seeking the homes of the town’s magical critters on the Bruns Fairy Trail.

So, if you're seeking the perfect waterfront (and cold weather) escape, Brunswick Heads awaits! Our guide to discovering the magic of this charming town in just two days will leave you refreshed, restored, and wanting more. Two days may not seem like much, but you can pack a lot of local experiences into 48 hours.

Exploring Brunswick Heads Day 1

Check-in at Reflections Brunswick Heads, where waterfront living meets local delights and endless adventures await! Once you’re settled, it’s time to get outdoors. Plus, nature doesn’t wait for anybody, so move like you would for the last parking spot at the beach 😉 Once you're out there, take it slow or chase adventure—this adventure is yours ⛺️

Coffee ‘n brekky

In the mood for great service, specialty coffee & seriously mouth-watering food? Start your day at BK's.

⏰ Best time to visit? 6am to 1pm daily, 7 days a week.
📍 BK’s Brunswick Heads, 30 Mullumbimbi St, Brunswick Heads NSW 2483
🤤 Snoop the visual menu: https://www.instagram.com/bksbruns

Pedal into adventure

Novice riders and cycle enthusiasts alike will love Brunswick Heads for its coastal roads and scenic views. Saddle up and choose from the below suggested-routes.

🚲 Option 1: Bruns to Byron

🚲 Option 1: Bruns to Mullum

Picnic by the river

Pack a lunch and kick-back with your fam and friends under the shade of the cottonwood hibiscus.

💡Remember to bring drinking water and take your binoculars if you want to bird watch!
📍Brunswick River Picnic Area, Brunswick Heads Nature Reserve Rd, Ocean Shores NSW 2483

Take in some culture

Explore the Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Centre in South Tweed Heads - the museum is open Monday to Friday, while the 1km Walk on Water Boardwalk and Bora Ring loop goes through the eucalypt forest, taking in the animal and bird song learning about Minjungbal culture and local bush tucker.

⏰ Best time to visit? 9am-3pm Monday - Friday.
📍 17 Kirkwood Road, Tweed Heads South, NSW, 2486

Head downstream

Explore the river and observe native wildlife when you Kayak or Stand-up Paddle Board down the river.

⏰ Best time to visit? This comes down to personal preference, so we'll leave this one to you!
📍 Ferry Reserve Caravan Boat Ramp, Brunswick Heads NSW 2483

Need a kayak?

Hire your Canoe, Kayak or Stand-up Paddle Board from the folks at Brunswick Boat Hire.

⏰ Best time to visit? 8am-6pm daily.
📍 Brunswick Buccaneers Boat Hire, 1 Mullumbimbi St, Brunswick Heads NSW 2483

Grab some fish 'n chips

Tuck into the best local kind of local fare—fish 'n chips.
Grab some Starfish takeaway, then pick a beaut spot to catch the sunset—Bruns is brimming with them after all!

💡 GF, VG, VEGO & DF options available.
⏰ Best time to visit? Monday to Sunday from 11am 'til close.
📍 Starfish Take-Away, 20 Mullumbimbi St, Brunswick Heads NSW 2483
🔗 Feast with your eyes first: https://www.instagram.com/starfishtakeaway/?hl=en

Drinks, beats 'n eats

Enjoy laid-back vibes, grab a classic pub dish and catch a live gig at Hotel Brunswick, all year round. Visit this quintessential Aussie pub and expect to see International acts to local blues, funk and rock tunes.

⏰ Best time to visit? All year round.
📍Hotel Brunswick, 4 Mullumbimbi St, Brunswick Heads NSW 2483 

Settle in for a show

Fancy a unique entertainment experience?
Head to the historic Brunswick Picture House and their lush garden and choose from a mix of live cabaret, comedy, live entertainment or films.

⏰ Best time to visit? All year round.
📍Brunswick Picture House, 30 Fingal St, Brunswick Heads NSW 2483

Exploring Brunswick Heads Day 2

Head for a surf

Catch some waves at Bruns Bar, a best-loved spot, suitable for beginners to experienced surfers!

📍Brunswick Heads Main Beach, Brunswick Heads NSW 2483
⏰ Best time to visit? Mid to high tide, which can vary each day.
🔗 Check the local tide charts here: https://bit.ly/TidePredictions

Need a Surfboard? Hire 'em from the good folks at:📍Brunswick Surf, 1/12 The Terrace, Brunswick Heads NSW 2483

Eat & shop local

Peruse the views, locally made wares and imported goods or indulge in delicious hot food at the Brunswick Heads Monthly Markets!

⏰ Best time to visit? 8am-2pm on the first Saturday of the month.
📍Brunswick Heads Memorial Park, 11 Fawcett Street Brunswick Heads, NSW 2483

Hike Cape Byron

Hit the road and head to Cape Byron, a unique coastal experience that’s a must-visit for hikers and sightseers.

🥾Cape Byron Coastal Track (3.7km) - Hike through rainforests, across clifftops, and enjoy stunning ocean views.
🎒 Drinking water, hat, sunscreen
💡 Prefer an easier walk? The track can be walked in shorter sections.

Snack 'n snap

This is the most easterly Point of the Australian Mainland. Home to diverse wildlife—think dolphins, whales (in season) and seabirds—and breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Sounds like a great spot to have a snack and take a snap, right? 📸

📍 Most Easterly Point of the Australian Mainland
Cape Byron Walking Track, Byron Bay NSW 2481

Keep an eye out

🐳 Visiting between June or November? Keep an eye out for humpback whales during their annual migration!
💡 Cape Byron is one of five National Parks in Australia that host the national whale migration census day in June.
🔗 Learn More: https://www.visitnsw.com/articles/whale-watching-in-byron-bay

Take a lighthouse tour

Cape Byron Lighthouse is a must-loved location for Byron Bay locals and tourists alike. Brimming with significant cultural and historical importance—plus stunning views - this is high atop our must-do list!

⏰ Best time to visit? Any time! Otherwise, you can join a lighthouse tour between 10am – 3pm daily for a gold-coin donation.
📍Cape Byron Lighthouse, Lighthouse Rd, Byron Bay NSW 2481

Drop a line

Keen to try your hand at beach fishing? Drop a line at The Pass! A popular spot—among locals and tourists alike—best known for a variety of fish species (tailor, bream, and whiting), as well as surf breaks, dolphin or whale sightings and sunset strolls.

⏰ Best time to visit? Typically early morning and late afternoon—especially during sunrise and sunset.
📍 The Pass, Beach in Byron Bay, New South Wales
🔗 Check the local tide charts here: https://bit.ly/TidePredictions

Beats, eats and ocean views

Looking for the perfect spot to end the weekend? Pull up a seat at The Beach Hotel...
Picture an oceanfront view with a crisp cold one in hand and a side or epic live music and laid-back atmosphere 🤩

⏰ Best time to visit? Sunset, of course!
📍 Beach Hotel, Bay St, Byron Bay NSW 2481

Fuel up

Fuel up 'n hit the road, it's time to make the journey home
⏰ Best time to visit? 6am to 8pm, daily.
📍 EG Ampol Byron Bay, 76/78 Shirley St, Byron Bay NSW 2481 - 🔗 Store locator: https://eg-australia.com/eg-store-locator/

Your playlist?

Need some trip favourites to keep you company on your drive? 🎵 Give this Spotify playlist a listen.

Ready to hit the Road?

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or long-time caller, we hope your stay in Bruns felt like home! Remember to leave only footprints, take only memories and share your moments with us! 📸Your snaps help us inspire others to see why Life’s Better Outside. #OutsiderReflections #lifesbetteroutside

Where to stay in Brunswick Heads

Reflections have 3 fantastic accommodation options in and around the Brunswick Heads Region. Reflections Brunswick Heads can be found right in the heart of it all, right on the Brunswick Heads River, and a short stroll to all the amenities which Brunswick Heads has to offer. This park has sites and cabins, with powered sites right on the water and spacious superior cabins overlooking the river.

Reflections Ferry Reserve is slightly closer to the freeway, but still only a few minutes drive to town, this park has the same scenic water views you have come to expect from Reflections, with campsites right on the water and fab refurbished cabins and tiny homes with water views.

Finally, Reflections Massy Greene is right by the boat harbour and marina, while the other side borders the Brunswick River, this park is a haven for water enthusiasts. With cabins and sites to choose from, it's the place to be!