Bird's eye view of a bridge over turquoise water with people swimming and jumping into the water, and others walking and standing on the bridge, surrounded by trees and a sandy area.
A person wearing white shorts holding a surfboard on a sandy surface with large green leaves in the background.

Bruns Heads. Where the river meets the ocean.

River swimming. Surfing and beaching. Sundown drinks. Bruns is a relaxed slice of paradise, nestled between Byron Bay and the Gold Coast. Here’s our guide to a few of the best ways to spend your day.

Things to do in Brunswick Heads

  • A yellow surfboard being launched into the air above the ocean waves during sunset or sunrise.

    Swim and surf

    Brunswick Heads’ main surf beach stretches as far as the eye can see, wide and often uncrowded. Early mornings bring locals walking their dogs, surfers checking the swell, and the particular quiet that belongs only to coastal towns.

  • People on a wooden bridge over the river, with one person jumping into the water and others watching nearby.

    Relax in the river

    The Brunswick River is the town’s centrepiece. Calm, wide and impossibly clear at high tide, it’s ideal for morning swims, paddleboarding or simply floating with the current.

    Torakina Beach, where the river meets the ocean, is one of the most loved swimming spots in the Northern Rivers — protected, gentle and edged by pandanus and pines. It’s common to begin and end the day here.

  • A hand holding a small sandwich with bacon, a fried egg, and meat in a toasted bun.

    Our favourite cafes

    Old Maids is just around the corner, and has a brilliant brekkie burger. We also love Footbridge Cafe - located (you guessed it) a skip and jump from the foot bridge over the river. And BK’s has fantastic brekkie rolls and coffee. Photo: Old Maids

  • Resould

    Vintage!

    Our favourite is Resould. Lou’s small store is packed with Parker furniture, tiki barware and local art. Lou made our gorgeous lamp shades. 48 Tweed St, Brunswick Heads Photo: Resould

  • Lounging on the front of the boat

    MV Jasmine

    It’s a cruisy life on board the MV Jasmine, a luxurious new river vessel in Bruns Heads. Local chefs and DJs make this a day on the water to remember. Photo: MV Jasmine

  • Six oyster shells with raw oysters topped with a green oil drizzle on a white plate.

    Raco Ramen

    Roco Ramen is a long standing pop up serving super fresh modern Japanese, with a fantastic selection of sake. 2/16 The Terrace, Brunswick Heads. Photo: Raco Ramen

  • A pizza topped with zucchini slices, crumbled cheese, chopped herbs, caramelized onions, and ham on a wooden serving board.

    St Maries

    The neighbourhood comes together at the sidewalk tables and cozy inside booths at St Maries. Pizzas, negronis, and natural wines that hit all the right notes. Corner of Fingal and Tweed Streets, Brunswick Heads . Photo: St Maries

  • Night scene outside 'Brunswick Picture House'. People are gathered outside, some sitting, some standing and talking, with a bright billboard on the right saying 'Get Off The Couch'. The building has string lights and appears to be an entertainment venue.

    Brunswick Picture House

    Strap yourselves in for a wild ride at this converted movie house - now a live performance venue for burlesque, comedy and off the wall circus troupes. Photo: Brunswick Picture House

  • Hotel Brunswick

    Hotel Brunswick

    Your favourite old time boozer has a new energy, now allowing dogs, with a full new menu from the Three Blue Ducks crew and sold out dj gigs from Fred Again and The Presets. Hurray! 4 Mullumbimbi Street Brunswick Heads Photo: Hotel Brunswick

Explore the Hinterland
and Surrounds

  • View of an outdoor swimming pool with mosaic tiles, adjacent concrete poolside, and small seating areas with checkered green and white tile benches, accented by string lights and potted plants.

    The Banya

    Luxe bathhouse and spa with a wine bar on the side! Social place to relax and soak in the hot mineral pools, wood-fired sauna and cold plunge pool. 35-37 Burringbar St Mullumbimby Photo: Banya

  • View from an art studio window showing green rolling hills, trees, a small pond, and mountains in the distance on a sunny day.

    Tweed Regional Gallery

    In Murwillumbah, this is one of Australia’s best regional galleries. Some may come for Margaret Olley’s reconstructed Paddington home, but it has a superb collection of other artists and hosts excellent visiting exhibitions. It’s part of a growing art scene, including the shipping container artist studios at the M|Arts Precinct and Keith, a cafe and bar with a rotating series of art shows.

  • The Salty Mangrove

    The Salty Mangrove

    The ultimate Northern Rivers spot, this all day cafe and resto is perfect for a post swim visit. Keep an eye out for their one off events, from markets and Balearic DJs to open pit grills cooking up local seafood 50A River St, New Brighton Photo: The Salty Mangrove

  • A woman smiling and selling bread at an outdoor market stall.

    Mullum Farmers Market

    In our humble opinion, this is the best farmers market in the Northern Rivers. Shop for local bananas, Cooper Shoot tomatoes, bangalow pork sausages, plus fresh baked bread from nearby Crabbes Creek. Stay for an interesting breakfast. Open from 7am every Friday morning. Photo: Mullum Market

  • A bike path leading through tall grasses and dense green trees, with mountains in the distance under a cloudy sky.

    Northern Rivers Rail Trail

    Bucolic bike ride or stroll through the Northern Rivers countryside, across bridges and through glow worm tunnels. You can rent bikes in Mooball or Murwillumbah, or bring your own!

  • People dining inside a restaurant during sunset, with large open windows and string lights hanging from the ceiling, palm trees outside, and a bright orange sky.

    Wandana

    You’re gonna wanna beer, here. It’s craft beer (plus food trucks on weekends). If your thirst isn’t quenched here, try Husk Distillery near Murwillumbah, Red Earth Brewery’s barn location near Cudgel or Stone & Wood just outside Byron. Photo: Wandana

  • Pipit

    Pipit

    This Pottsville fine diner is both sensational and sustainable, with locally sourced seafood and ingredients, all coming together in one thoughtful package. 8 Coronation Ave, Pottsville Photo: Pipit

  • Julian Rocks

    Julian Rocks / Nguthungulli

    Swim, snorkel or dive with a fantastical array of sea creatures, from graceful manta rays to curious sea turtles. Wild Byron Sea Safaris run daily tours embarking from the Bruns marina, just a short walk from the Shack. Photo: Wild Byron Sea Safaris

  • Minyon Falls

    Minyon Falls

    Do go chasing waterfalls, high up in the Byron hinterland. Start at the viewing platform then you can descend down a windy path for a swim right underneath the falls that drop 100m down the mountain side.