Located at the mouth of the Brunswick River, Brunswick Heads is a small NSW north coast holiday village, one of a string of small villages along the coast between Byron Bay and Tweed Heads. Nearby is the town of Mullumbimby and, in the hinterland, the dramatic peak of Mount Warning can be seen. Nestled within the breakwater at Brunswick Heads there is the safe peaceful Torakina beach, while a white sandy surf beach stretches to the south of the breakwater.

North of the river is Brunswick Heads Nature Reserve, a coastal sanctuary for migratory birds and a popular spot for picnics, bushwalks and river fishing. The north bank of the river hosts a protected rainforest and the southern bank provides a harbour and small marina for fishing boats and small craft. Mt Chincogan and Mt Warning provide a spectacular hinterland backdrop to the river that meanders up to the small town of Mullumbimby. To the south is Tyagarah Nature Reserve, 8 km of secluded and unspoilt beach that is popular for walking and bird watching.

Despite the surrounding coastal development, Brunswick Heads has retained its traditional seaside village atmosphere. Timber bridges link the riverside to a safe, quiet beach at the mouth of the Brunswick River and to the surf beach that spans the coastline all the way to Byron Bay.

A sheltered harbour and small marina at Brunswick Heads is home to a fleet of fishing boats and other craft. The town has always been a popular holiday spot and today visitors can still enjoy its laid back lifestyle where you can enjoy the simple pleasures of life. There are cool surf shops, great fashion to buy, an art gallery specialising in contemporary Aboriginal arts and craft, massage and beauty treatments on offer plus cafes and restaurants.

Brunswick Heads enjoys refreshing summer breezes and warm dry winter weather with a short rainy season usually around February or March.

Brunswick Heads had a resident population of 2000+.

The small community of Brunswick Heads has ensured that there is a quality mix of cafes, restaurants, specialty shops, accommodation and a variety of activities to cater for families, couples and the most discerning visitors.

Brunswick Heads is situated 15 minutes north of Byron Bay up the Pacific Highway and 40 mins minutes travelling time from both Coolangatta and Ballina airports.

Enjoy fresh fish and chips across the road from the Brunswick River at the art deco Hotel Brunswick (where you can hear live music Thursday-Sunday in a relaxed beer garden atmosphere), or on the harbour - fresh from the Fishermen's Co-op.

History

Originally inhabited by the Bundjalung people, the Brunswick River was rediscovered by Captain Rous of the Royal Navy in 1828 in search of cedar.

The surrounding area was opened up in the 1850s and 1860s, with Brunswick Heads the port. Rous named the township after Queen Caroline of Brunswick, wife of King George IV.

The township went into decline with the construction of the railway station at Mullumbimby but Brunswick’s popularity for family seaside holidays grew again throughout the early 1900s and at that time fishermen’s cottages and fibro shacks sprang up all over the town.

Informal camping grounds along the foreshore were later replaced by three caravan parks.