Fast facts
- Holiday village with clean, uncrowded beaches
- Coastal location on the estuary of the Brunswick River
- 797 km north of Sydney, population 2,000
Why go there
Despite the ever-increasing popularity of this stretch of coast, Brunswick Heads has remained almost unchanged, very much a traditional, relaxed and unpretentious coastal town. It's just 15 minutes' drive from Byron Bay.
Situated at the mouth of the Brunswick River, the area has white sandy beaches, a breadwater and harbour. Brunswick Heads is a popular destination for surfing, fishing and other water sports.
History
The Brunswick River was the conduit for cargoes of cedar that were shipped from forests in the hinterland in the 1840s and 1850s. In the 1880s, when the railway line along the East Coast bypassed the town, Brunswick was left to its own calm and quiet ways. The local fishing fleet is an important source of income for the town, which swells with tourists during the summer months.
Things to do
- Explore Brunswick Heads Nature Reserve, a subtropical rainforest and a habitat for a wealth of birdlife.
- Hire a boat and explore the beautiful Brunswick River.
- Dine out on fresh local seafood at one of the alfresco cafes or restaurants.
- Relax and chill out.
Events
- The Fish and Chips Festival held each January brings a touch of carnival to the Brunswick Heads waterfront, especially during the enormous fireworks display that heralds the start of the festival.
- Old and Gold Festival on June long weekend, an all-town garage sale and second hand fair.
Don’t miss
- The river views from the Art Deco-style Hotel Brunswick.
- A hearty breakfast at one of the riverside cafes.
- Community markets on the first Saturday of each month.
- A fishing charter so you can chase the big fish.
- Grab a surfboard and hit one of the uncrowded beaches that spread along the coastline to Byron Bay.
