mosey

Brunswick Heads NSW, Australia

February 2026 Edition (updated bi-annually)

While small in size, this laid-back spot in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales has plenty to offer and is a perfect alternative for anyone seeking a slower pace away from the crowds in Byron Bay.

Brunswick Heads Neighbourhood Guide – $5.00

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Snapshot

A stay in ‘Bruns’ (as it’s known by locals) revolves around the water. Whether it’s a swim at one of the stunning beaches, paddle-boarding down the river, jumping off the bridge or fishing off the rocks, salty hair and bare feet are encouraged.

Aside from its natural beauty, you’ll find excellent cafes and restaurants, shops filled with local products and crafts, and a friendly community ready to welcome you. Plus there are local markets to meander and a World Heritage-listed rainforest to roam.

The basics

  • Where is it?

    On the New South Wales far north coast, 15 minutes drive north of Byron Bay.
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  • When to visit?

    June–September for less crowds and the opportunity to see whales passing by. Winter days are typically sunny with the temperature hovering around 20 degrees, falling to a cooler 10–12 degrees in the evenings.
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  • Where to stay?
    Book a room at The Sails or The Chalet motels – both put a new spin on retro coastal nostalgia (The Chalet is even dog-friendly!). There are plenty of great options available on Airbnb, or check out one of the three caravan parks around town which are all located at different spots along Brunswick River.

Brunswick Heads is a classic Australian seaside town, set amongst a lush rainforest where the river meets the sea.

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The guide

  • Digital guide – instant access and a mobile-friendly format, for easy use while on the move.
  • Curated list – 53 of our favourite places, including restaurants, bars, coffee spots, retail and more. Plus ‘sidewalks’ if your exploring takes you further afield.
  • Online directory – A comprehensive and easy-to-navigate directory that’s accessible any time, anywhere.
  • Interactive map – An exclusive custom map with colour-coded pins for easy use while on the move, including our favourite places, sidewalks, and some extras for you to explore.
  • Free updates – Every time the guide is updated, you will receive all new content at no extra cost.

Our curated guide showcases the very best of Brunswick Heads, ensuring you can spend less time researching and more time roaming.

Tried & tested

We are Tim and Steph, two creatives hailing from the vibrant city of Melbourne, Australia (learn more about us ). Over countless trips, we’ve built a habit of digging deeper than the typical tourist trail.

We sort through the viral TikTok venues and the overpriced tourist traps, and we collect tips from friends who have visited. We chat with chefs, baristas and shop owners and ask about their must-visit destinations and locals’ secrets — not the places on the ‘top ten’ or ‘hot’ lists, but the ones that locals return to again and again. Slowly piecing together a picture of what makes each place unique.

Then we try them all ourselves, hand-picking our favourite places to eat, shop and explore, and the experiences that capture the heart of each neighbourhood.

The neighbourhood places that are recommended are obviously chosen with great care and discerning taste.

- Ben, Thornbury Guide

Mosey guides are such a fun adventure. You think you know somewhere, and then you’re sent off on a treasure hunt, and the treasure is always good!!

- Lisa, Pererenan Guide

For the cost of a cup of coffee, you can find out where to go for the best coffee, a relaxed vibe, fabulous food or a delicious pastry.

- Mary, Thornbury Guide

The guide is extremely informative and detailed. We have visited many of the hand picked spots and used the interactive map.

- John, North Melbourne Guide

Explore more

Sunday 9am, Main Beach, Brunswick Heads