Brunswick Heads, NSW: Things to do and accommodation prices

The top things to in Brunswick Heads, NSW, include snorkelling at Julian Rocks and kayaking down the Brunswick River. Brunswick Heads accommodation prices start at around $125.

Sandwiched between the Gold Coast and Byron Bay, Brunswick Heads provides the chilled-out beach town vibe that its bigger neighbours have long since lost.

For the best prices, book your Brunswick Heads hotels and tours in advance.

The town is at the mouth of the Brunswick River, and unsurprisingly, life revolves around the beach here. The Brunswick Heads Main Beach is an undisputed stunner. It stretches 10.5km towards Belongil Creek in Byron Bay, and has several surf breaks along it.

Swimming can be hazardous here – Brunswick Heads Main Beach has a few rips – so stay between the flags near the Brunswick Surf Lifesaving Club at the northern end.

Here’s why you should stay in Brunswick Heads – four fantastic experiences

Take a snorkelling tour to the protected subtropical paradise – at the marine life-packed Julian Rocks.
Take an eco-cruise through the rainforest – in the day time or on a sunset cruise.
Watch migrating humpback whales between June and October – on a whale-watching cruise with a marine biologist guide.
Take a nature kayaking tour along the river – choose from sunrise, daytime and sunset tours.

Things to do in Brunswick Heads, NSW: Julian Rocks diving and snorkelling

If surfing or swimming doesn’t grab you, there are plenty of other watersports on offer in Brunswick Heads. First up is Blue Bay Divers, which runs trips for certified divers to the prodigious marine life around Julian Rocks. Creatures regularly spotted around here include sea turtles, leopard sharks, dolphins and grey nurse sharks.

If you’re not a diver, then there are Julian Rocks snorkelling tours that depart from Brunswick Heads Marina with Out of the Blue Adventures. These tours cost $119, last two hours and come with a marine biologist guide. These tours can be booked online.

What to do in Brunswick Heads, NSW: Kayaking tours & sunset cruises

The other option is to focus on the Brunswick River rather than the ocean. Two hour kayaking tours take in the river, coastal dunes and tea tree-stained lakes. You can pick from a daytime kayaking tour that includes breakfast or an evening tour designed to build in the sunset. Both cost $69 at time of writing.

If paddling seems too much like hard work, you can take a 1.5 hour nature cruise. These Brunswick River cruises focus on the surrounding rainforest and the wildlife within it. Day time cruises cost $70 and sunset cruises cost $95.

Brunswick Heads accommodation prices

Brunswick Heads accommodation prices tend to be a little cheaper than those in Byron Bay. Looking at prices in March – which is neither peak season nor off-season – Australia Travel Questions found doubles available at the Sails Motel for $125. This town centre accommodation is a bit cooler than your average motel, with a rather stylish pool club to enjoy.

The Brunswick River Inn for from $159 and the more glamourous The Brunswick from $190 are also well-rated choices.

Canoeing on the Brunswick River, Brunswick Heads, NSW. Photo courtesy of Destination NSW.

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