Brunswick Heads Nature Reserve

Attraction
Beach area along North Head walking track in Brunswick Heads Nature Reserve. Photo: John
Woman walking along the beach at North Head walking track in Brunswick Heads Nature Reserve. Photo:
Aerial view of Brunswick River picnic area in Brunswick Heads Nature Reserve. Photo: John
Brunswick Heads Nature Reserve. Photo: L Cameron/NSW Government
Brunswick Heads Nature Reserve. Photo: L Cameron/NSW Government
A woman walking along North Head walking track beneath a canopy of trees in Brunswick Heads Nature
Gallery showing 6 of 6 images

Park alerts

Brunswick Heads Nature Reserve

Checked 14 Oct 2026, 5:05 am

No current alerts or closures are published for Brunswick Heads Nature Reserve.

About

Brunswick Heads Nature Reserve offers all the pleasures of the great outdoors within easy reach of civilisation. Whether you're into fishing, canoeing, birdwatching or picnicking with a view, come and explore this charming reserve nestled between the townships of Ocean Shores and Brunswick Heads.

Spend the whole day fishing on Brunswick River or New Brighton Beach. Drive and walk or cycle all the way to Harrys Hill Beach, on the north bank of the river, for a picnic under shady trees. Head to the north wall to watch for migrating whales in winter. Eagles and kites can also be seen hunting along this northern New South Wales coastline all year round. Take an easy walk from North Head carpark through endangered littoral rainforest on North Head track, or hike a short distance to Marshalls Creek for some more birdwatching.

Canoe, boat or paddleboard on Brunswick River and you might just see an endangered loggerhead turtle or a vulnerable green turtle coming up for air. These are just two of the reserve's many threatened animal species.

The park at a glance

Brunswick Heads Nature Reserve, situated between Brunswick Heads and Ocean Shores townships is great for school excursions and offers fishing, birdwatching, walking, canoeing, cycling and picnicking.

Brunswick Heads Nature Reserve offers all the pleasures of the great outdoors within easy reach of civilisation. Whether you’re into fishing, canoeing, birdwatching or picnicking with a view, come and explore this charming reserve nestled between the townships of Ocean Shores and Brunswick Heads.

Spend the whole day fishing on Brunswick River or New Brighton Beach. Drive and walk or cycle all the way to Harrys Hill Beach, on the north bank of the river, for a picnic under shady trees. Head to the north wall to watch for migrating whales in winter. Eagles and kites can also be seen hunting along this northern New South Wales coastline all year round. Take an easy walk from North Head carpark through endangered littoral rainforest on North Head track, or hike a short distance to Marshalls Creek for some more birdwatching.

Canoe, boat or paddleboard on Brunswick River and you might just see an endangered loggerhead turtle or a vulnerable green turtle coming up for air. These are just two of the reserve’s many threatened animal species.

Picnic areas
1
Walks
1

Plan your visit

Access, facilities and practical details.

Best times to visit

Spring

During this season humpback whales accompanied by new calves and migratory shorebirds can be seen. Look out for bar-tailed godwits, which undertake the longest non-stop migratory flight of any bird in the world.

Winter

Late June and early July is the peak time to see humpback whales migrating north to mate and calve in tropical waters. New Brighton Beach and the north wall of Brunswick River are the best viewing spots.

Places to discover

Stay, explore and relax across the park.

1 places

Walks in this park

1 walk

Plants and animals

3 species

Animals

  • Grey-headed flying-fox (Pteropus poliocephalus)
  • Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)
  • White-bellied sea eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster)

Protected species listed by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Frequently asked questions

7 questions

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Before you go

Opening

Always open

Nearby towns

Brunswick Heads (2 km) · Mullumbimby (10 km) · Byron Bay (19 km)

Get in touch

Byron Bay office

02 6639 8300npws.tweedbyron@environment.nsw.gov.au

22 Tallow Beach Road, Byron Bay 2481

Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm

Where you'll be

Brunswick Heads NSW 2483