You gained’t discover Brunswick Heads topping many ‘typical’ East Coast Australia bucket lists – however after 12 years (and counting) of travelling this nation, I’m simply going to come back out and say it: that is my favorite spot in Australia.
Tucked away in Northern NSW and simply quarter-hour north of Byron Bay, Brunswick Heads is a laid-back riverside, beachfront city that seems like a throwback to the Byron of years passed by. Whereas Byron Bay nonetheless has its distinctive magic, its roads and pathways are sometimes crowded with vacationers and upscale institutions. Brunswick Heads, however, presents the identical barefoot, carefree vitality that all of us fell in love with in Byron – simply with out the crowds.
Recognized for its calm estuary, the place freshwater from the river meets and mixes with saltwater from the ocean, time in Brunswick Heads (or Bruns, because the locals name it) is all about having fun with unspoilt nature and a buzzing area people. Days in Brunswick Heads are greatest spent swimming within the river, browsing light seaside breaks, having fun with lengthy brunches (plus glorious espresso), and absorbing the sort of coastal life-style that makes you need to promote up and transfer right here instantly. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!
Whether or not you’re trying into tenting in Brunswick Heads, looking Brunswick Heads accommodations, or planning meals round the perfect Brunswick Heads eating places, this little city delivers… and a few.
Whereas Brunswick Heads, NSW, nonetheless seems like a locals’ secret, it’s quietly gaining consideration – with artists like Fred Once more, Ziggy Alberts and Lime Cordiale popping up for intimate gigs on the iconic Brunswick Lodge over latest years.
So, for those who’re dreaming of sluggish mornings, salty swims and an off-the-beaten-track gem right here in Australia, you’re in the correct place. This Brunswick Heads journey information is full of all the perfect issues to do in Brunswick Heads, together with native recommendations on the place to swim, surf, eat, train, watch the sundown, and – after all – the place to seek out the easiest brunch and occasional spots in Brunswick Heads. Let’s tuck in.
Attending to Brunswick Heads
Brunswick Heads is best to succeed in by automotive, making it the right cease in your East Coast street journey. There may be a bus that runs from Byron Bay to Brunswick Heads (about 35 minutes vs. the 15-minute drive), however, as in most of Australia, until you’re within the metropolis, I wouldn’t advocate buses. You’d be higher off hiring a automotive for the day and gifting your self the liberty and suppleness to take pleasure in it at your individual tempo.
When you’re flying in from interstate or abroad, the closest airports are Ballina Byron Gateway Airport and Gold Coast Airport, each about 20 minutes away.
Alternatively, by automotive, you possibly can drive south alongside the scenic Pacific Freeway from Brisbane (about 2 hours) or north from Sydney (round 8 hours) to reach in Brunswick Heads. Once more, although, I’d extremely advocate having a automotive – there’s a lot to discover close by and within the hinterland, together with beaches, climbing trails, waterfalls and nationwide parks like Springbrook NP.
The place to Keep in Brunswick Heads
Although Brunswick Heads is a small city, there are many choices to select from relating to lodging. When you’re wandering about locations to remain, listed below are some suggestions I’ve for you:
When you’re hoping to go tenting in Brunswick Heads, you’ve Reflections Brunswick Heads Vacation Park, Reflections Massy Greene Vacation Park and Ferry Reserve Vacation Park & Caravan Park.
When you choose a lodge in Brunswick Heads, you’ve Lodge Brunswick (a part of the enduring pub) Brunswick River Inn (proper within the coronary heart) or set again slightly from the centre of city however nonetheless strolling distance, there’s The Sails Motel and Chalet Motel. These are the perfect accommodations in Brunswick Heads.
Actually, although, there’s not likely a nasty place to remain on the town; all the things is inside strolling distance, which is what makes it so particular right here.
When is the perfect time to go to Brunswick Heads?
I’d say the perfect occasions to go to the Northern Rivers and Brunswick Heads are spring (September–November) and autumn (March–Could).
Throughout these months, you’ll discover that the climate is delicate and also you’ll additionally keep away from the crowds. Summer season (December–February) can also be improbable, it’s simply the height time. There’s loads of nature to share, however it will possibly get busy, and parking is proscribed, which might be irritating. Winter (June–August) presents a peaceable time to go to, with alternatives to identify Whales migrating and benefit from the cooler temperatures in Brunswick Heads, NSW.
Australia Journey Assets for you:
This publish has been a very long time coming. I’m so excited to share with you at present the perfect issues to do in Brunswick Heads (IMO), whether or not you’re chasing journey, nature, or simply need to loosen up with an important espresso and absorb the native Aussie life.
Get out on the Brunswick River
Brunswick River, particularly when the solar is out, is totally beautiful. The sort of stunning that can have your jaw drop to the bottom. Which is why getting out on the water, whether or not that’s kayaking, paddleboarding or canoeing, is totally the most effective issues to do in Brunswick Heads.
The picture beneath was taken on a Sunday in Bruns, which appears to be THE DAY that everybody comes down with all types of apparatus, floaties and snorkels to take pleasure in this paradise.
When you don’t have your individual flotation gadget, there are a few corporations on the waterfront which have SUPs, kayaks, canoes and boats you possibly can rent!
Adventures on the river could have you glide previous mangroves, observe native birdlife, and on a transparent day you’ll see simply how thriving the underwater world is right here!
Have a grass-fed burger at Outdated Maids
It wasn’t going to take me lengthy to come back in scorching with this suggestion. I’ve misplaced depend of what number of occasions I’ve eaten right here, and I reckon I’ve almost made my manner via the entire menu right here, haha.
When you’ve been out on the water, there’s nothing higher than heading to Outdated Maids for a grass-fed beef burger with a aspect of candy potato fries with the chipotle mayo (belief me). My favorite burger is are ‘What She’s Having’ nom nom nom. Thank me later.
Not solely are the burgers a ten/10, however the vibe can also be ON right here. This can be a actual locals’ hangout and presents a gorgeous dose of weekend social.
P.S. When you don’t fancy a burger, the pizzas subsequent door at Saint Maries are the BEST on the town. With these two eating places aspect by aspect and the choice to remove and eat by the ocean, too, you can not go improper.
Head to the Brunswick Lodge on a Sunday for a drink and reside music
The right Sunday in Brunswick Heads ends with a drink on the Brunswick Lodge as you absorb some native reside music.
This actually is the hub of the city, and significantly on a Sunday, when the solar is out, that is the place everybody gathers.
I’d extremely advocate trying out their reside music schedule right here while you’re on the town. Even when it’s a short cease off, you possibly can’t go to Brunswick Heads with out visiting Lodge Brunswick.
Word: The kitchen has just lately been taken over right here by the superior Three Blue Geese, and so you would even get your dinner right here (see the menu) and select from seafood favourites, house-made pizzas, and their tackle pub classics.
Seize one thing from Bruns Bakery and have a picnic at Torakina Seashore or Tyagarah Nature Reserve
There are such a lot of beautiful spots to pitch up alongside the river or on the seashores right here in Brunswick Heads. I don’t even have to advocate spots, you’ll discover them and it’s so enjoyable going for slightly wander to seek out your individual. Nature is so ample right here.
I extremely advocate packing a picnic and a rug and discovering your individual little nook to take pleasure in for the morning or afternoon – or the entire day.
If you’d like your picnic made for you, pop all the way down to the well-known Bruns Bakery and choose up some scrumptious savoury and candy treats – all made on web site.
Stroll the Brunswick Pier
That is one thing you are able to do at any time of day and offers you beautiful views throughout the principle seaside and down the river to all of the beautiful little white sandy seashores dotted alongside it.
I’ve had probably the most magical moments on this pier: watching the surf, the native fishermen, recognizing migrating whales, watching the moon rise, and easily having fun with my morning espresso.
Whether or not you go for a stretch of the legs, a surf examine, otherwise you take your dinner to take pleasure in within the night mild, a stroll down Brunswick Heads pier can’t be missed and is up there with the perfect issues to do in Brunswick Heads.
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Surf the Bruns Seashore break (or watch with a espresso)
When the swell hits proper, an extended, sandy seaside breaks open off the Brunswick River mouth wall. So when you’ve got your board, maintain a watch out for a south-east swell with offshore winds and bounce on in. Observe it up with a lazy morning on the seaside earlier than heading into city for brunch.
Or for those who’d moderately observe from the sidelines, seize your favorite espresso on the town (I’ll share my favs beneath) and sit on the pier for the perfect surf views on the town.
Go for a river swim or snorkel at excessive tide
Precise heaven on earth.
There isn’t any higher strategy to cool off than to leap into the clear river waters right here in Brunswick Heads. I imply… take a look at that water. Pack your swimmers as a result of I promise, particularly on a scorching day, you won’t be able to withstand it!!!!
The underwater world is flourishing right here so when you’ve got a snorkel, carry it and are available down at excessive tide to take pleasure in this paradise at its absolute peak.
Seize brunch or espresso and absorb the morning Bruns buzz
If there’s one factor Australia is aware of the right way to do higher than anybody else, it’s the espresso scene. And even in a small city like Brunswick Heads, NSW, you’ve loads of selection.
- Outdated Maids – for the vibes, the brunch and the perfect chai on the town.
- BK’s – small espresso store however stable 10 for espresso
- Drift – one other 10 on the espresso entrance, stable matcha sport and a menu crammed with juices, smoothies and lightweight meals decisions
- Footbridge Cafe – a preferred brunch spot with the total works on the menu
- Bruns Bakery – in your coffees and pastries!
Be a part of a exercise/yoga class/e book a restoration session at B3
When you’re trying to transfer or nourish your physique, apart from leaping within the river or ocean, you’ll need to take a look at B3.
B3 first opened its doorways on the finish of final 12 months (2024) and is the primary fitness center in Australia to mix breathwork, useful coaching and distinction remedy (ice baths) into one session. Not solely is that this the most popular place on the town to embrace group health (there’s a yoga and pilates studio too), however the neighborhood vibe right here is unmatched!
You possibly can view the full class schedule right here. Drop-in passes can be found for those who’re solely on the town for the day and need to embrace the beautiful facility!
P.s. You possibly can at the moment discover me instructing right here each Tuesday within the Breathwork studio!!! Sure, I’m fortunate sufficient to name Brunswick Heads house.
Calm down at Brunswick Heads principal seaside
Whereas Brunswick River beneficial properties a variety of traction right here in Brunswick Heads NSW, there may be additionally the choice to discover and benefit from the seaside! I imply, simply check out it beneath on a summer time’s day. Say no extra.
Pack your seaside baggage, your swimmers, your suncream (and a solar umbrella when you’ve got one) and pitch up right here for the day. There’s loads of room to take pleasure in your individual nook, and a bit of the seaside can also be dog-friendly. When you’re on the lookout for a dog-friendly seaside or strolling spot in Brunswick Heads, the principle seaside is your spot!
When you look carefully sufficient, you possibly can see the Byron Bay Lighthouse within the distance there!
Have a date evening dinner and cocktails at Hassle San
If you want to deal with your self to a scrumptious dinner with a barely fancier atmosphere, look no additional than Hassle San, positioned on the nook by the principle bridge in Brunswick Heads.
This non-traditional Japanese izakaya menu has some insane flavours woven into it, notably the KINGFISH SASHIMI, KARATE CHICKEN and WAGYU STRIPLOIN.
I child you not. Your style buds can be dancing like loopy.
Mix it with a glass of wine or one in all their in home cocktails (i like the cherry blossom) and you’ve got your self the PERFECT date evening. View the total menu right here.
Stroll the North Head Observe and spend the day at Christmas Seashore
When you’re on the lookout for a haven away from the centre of Brunswick and you’ve got a automotive, drive 10 minutes round by way of New Brighton and park up at North Head automotive park.
From right here, it’s a 15-minute stroll via the protected rainforest earlier than you arrive to this… Christmas Seashore.
I’m going to go away it there. I’m undecided this view wants any additional rationalization other than bringing your esky and plan to remain for the day.
Different adventures close to Brunswick Heads:
Byron Bay
Duh! When you haven’t been already, it’s time to swing by this iconic coastal city made well-known for its laid-back barefoot life-style, beautiful seashores, constant surf breaks, its brunch scene and iconic lighthouse stroll.
Springbrook Nationwide Park
Springbrook Nationwide Park is a lush rainforest escape tucked simply off the Gold Coast hinterland, a part of the UNESCO-listed Gondwana Rainforests. Recognized for its beautiful waterfalls, historic Antarctic beech timber, and iconic spots like Purling Brook Falls and the Pure Bridge glowworm cave, it’s a nature-lover’s HEAVEN. Springbrook is a straightforward day journey or weekend escape for anybody trying to swap the seashores of Brunswick Heads for rainforest magic.
Have you ever been to Brunswick Heads, NSW?
What are the perfect issues to do in Brunswick Head,s NSW? Something you’d add to this Brunswick Heads, NSW bucket checklist?
Love as all the time and completely happy adventuring…