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Checked 14 Oct 2026, 5:05 am
No current alerts or closures are published for Brunswick Heads Nature Reserve.
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.
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.
Access, facilities and practical details.
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.
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.
Stay, explore and relax across the park.
Grade 2 · Easy · 0.7km return · 15 - 30min
Protected species listed by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.
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Opening
Always open
Nearby towns
Brunswick Heads (2 km) · Mullumbimby (10 km) · Byron Bay (19 km)
Phone
1300 072 757Website
Visit websiteByron Bay office
02 6639 8300npws.tweedbyron@environment.nsw.gov.au22 Tallow Beach Road, Byron Bay 2481
Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm
Brunswick Heads NSW 2483