Previously overlooked for its iconic neighbour, Byron Bay, down-to-earth Brunswick Heads is now stepping into the spotlight and winning hearts with its chilled out coastal vibes, chic eateries and boutiques, crystal-clear waterways, and sprawling heritage-listed rainforest reserves – and we are absolutely here for it!
An easy 15-minute drive north of Byron Bay and only 30 minutes from Ballina Byron Gateway and Gold Coast airports, Brunswick Heads sits gracefully on the banks of Simpson Creek, separated from the beach by a wooden footbridge, and serving up a variety of activities and events that cater to families, couples and the most discerning of tourists.
Places to eat and drink
Whether you’re vegetarian, looking for cheap eats or fine European-inspired dining, there’s a plethora of gastronomical delights to discover strolling through the town’s charming streets.
Cadeau
This laidback yet sophisticated bistro serves up fresh seasonal produce and a tasteful selection of natural wines, making it a favourite haunt for locals and travellers alike. Cadeau’s menu is heavily influenced by classic French and British fair – unpretentious, rustic and packed full of flavour. Think crumbed ox tongue, watermelon radish and sauce gribiche, or roast leg of lamb, butter beans and green sauce, followed up with the crème caramel and poached peaches. Bon appétit!
Honour Brunswick Heads
Acting as a deli, café and wine bar effortlessly rolled into one, Honour dishes out relaxed European-style share plates alongside local natural wines, from lunch through to dinner. Expect plates of mouth-watering pork cotoletta topped with parmesan and sage crumbs, fennel and apple salad, or wild venison, pork, anise, orange and hazelnut terrines. There are also plenty of delicious house made goods, from capicola ham to cured belly bacon and patés from the ever-evolving menu showcasing the freshest produce of the Northern Rivers region.
Bruns Bakery
Since the 1950s, Bruns Bakery has been baking gloriously good pastries, cakes, crusty sourdough, hot pies and rolls fresh from the oven each day. In addition, this much-loved local treasure also whips up the most wholesome of salads alongside their own custom blend coffee, freshly brewed in house. Stop by for brunch, lunch or a much-needed caffeine fix and soak up the atmosphere while watching the bakers work their magic in the open theatre-style kitchen, or simply grab a takeaway and enjoy a picnic by the river.
La Casita
Order yourself a mezcal and feast on muchos tasty antojitos and tacos in this charming salmon-hued Mexican cantina, brought to you by the acclaimed team from Fleet (just a few doors down). La Casita’s dishes are simple yet complex in flavour and texture thanks to their quality ingredients, custom-made woodfire and the talented crew. You’ll find authentic, modern Oaxacan flavours, an extensive tequila and mezcal selection, as well as solid cocktails and cerveza made in collaboration with Yulli’s Brews from Sydney.
Places to shop
Brunswick Heads might be a small seaside village, but it boasts an exceptional array of independent designer, vintage and homewares boutiques and local markets.
Re Sould
An absolute must-see for treasure hunters, Re Sould sells re-upholstered retro furniture and lighting to collectables and one-of-a-kind homewares. Born out of a love for all things vintage and a passion for design, Re Sould beautifully restores, reuses and recycles unique furniture pieces, giving them a new lease on life!
Fabulous Mrs Fox
Housed in a historic building just off the main drag of Brunswick, you’ll find the eclectic vintage boutique, Fabulous Mrs Fox. Sift through unlikely and unusual pieces of clothing, furniture, ceramics, jewellery, and retro furniture collected from across the globe. With Christmas just around the corner, this is the ideal place to fill your stocking.
Brunswick Heads Markets
On the first Saturday of each month, the Brunswick Heads Monthly Market comes to life in Memorial Park, from 8am – 2pm. Located on the picturesque riverbank and within easy walking distance to cafes and shops, the market offers a wide mix of locally made and imported crafts and fresh produce.
Places to stay
The Sails Motel
Located in the heart of Brunswick Heads, Palm Springs-inspired The Sails Motel has recently undergone a sleek renovation making it perfect for your next romantic getaway. The hotel features 22 fresh and bright rooms, plus there’s a chic sunlounge-fringed pool where you can grab a martini from the Pool Club bar. The laidback retro vibe will conjure up happy memories of childhood holidays but with a fabulous modern upgrade.
The Brunswick
This adults-only boutique hotel is an idyllic coastal hideaway, featuring stylishly appointed, contemporary and eco-friendly rooms containing Leif botanical amenities and a mini-bar stuffed with locally sourced, gourmet products. Stay in The Brunswick’s poolside or treetop suites and spend the day lounging beneath shady paperbark trees in the tropical garden and let the cares of the outside world melt away.
Reflections Holiday Parks Terrace Reserve
With five-star riverfront views, Reflections Holiday Parks Terrace Reserve is one of the best places to stay in Brunswick Heads. It’s a great spot for families where you can camp out and wake up to the sound of the river and spend your days kayaking, canoeing or paddleboarding on the water. There are powered and non-powered sites available, as well as self-contained and fully equipped riverbank cabins – perfect for chilling on the patio with the family and watching the water glide by.
Things to do
Brunswick Picture House
Local culture hub, Brunswick Picture House adds a touch of sparkle, not just from the building itself, but with the eclectic mix of shows and live performances ranging from circus, cabaret, comedy, cinema to music. Uniquely restored after 30 years out of use, the Brunswick Picture House is an unforgettable glance back at retro Australiana, with timber floors, vintage flair and outstanding acoustics.
Hotel Brunswick
Grab yourself a cold drink at the bar and enjoy some quality live music outside in the beer garden under the shade of beautiful Poinciana trees. Hotel Brunswick serves up a choice of 16 beers on tap, sourced locally, nationally and internationally, as well as classic pub fair with seasonal specials and local seafood caught fresh off the coast.
Simpson Creek and Torakina Beach
At hide tide, we recommend jumping off the Brunswick River Bridge into Simpson Creek and enjoying a refreshing dip in the cool, translucent waters. It’s definitely worth hiring some kayaks or paddleboards and exploring along the mangrove-lined shores to the river mouth. Afterwards, hit the waves at Torakina Beach located left of the rock wall where the river meets the sea. It’s fairly protected from big waves so is an ideal spot for leisurely floating, snorkelling or playing with the kids on the shaded shore.