BEST THINGS TO DO IN BRUNSWICK HEADS WITH KIDS

INSIDE: The Best Things to Do in Brunswick Heads with Kids. Updated 2024.

Old school charm.√

Cute cafes, antique shops, and coffee shops galore. √

An iconic old but effervescent pub, and one of Australia’s highest-rated wine bar restaurants? √

And just 15 minutes north of Byron Bay?

We’ve compiled a list of the best things to do in Brunswick Heads.

This laid-back riverside town is on the up, and you need to visit before its overrun!

Disclosure: This article, written by a human (me), without AI input, may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links, we may receive a small commission at NO COST to you. For our Disclosure and Disclaimer statements, and an explanation of our Advertising policy please click here

Table of Contents

BEST THINGS TO DO IN BRUNSWICK HEADS WITH KIDS

Correct at time of publication on Roam the Gnome. Please check with venue for updates. We apologise in advance if there have been any changes we are unaware of. All prices in AUD dollars, unless otherwise stated

Look beyond the burgeoning crowds, and you can find some pretty “daggy” but definitely super cool stuff to do.

The town itself is a 4 minute drive from the highway turnoff, but you might as well be a million miles away.

The best thing about Bruns is that everything is in walking distance, including:

the iconic Bruns pub
the Bruns bakery (TRY THE NUTELLA CROISSANT)
the Bruns river
the footbridge (and the cafe of the same name!)
good coffee,
the Brunswick Picture House for holiday entertainment, and
the library when you need free wifi.

Take a look below for all the local’s favourites.

RELATED: Best Australian Souvenirs you must buy for family and friends (UNIQUE!)

No.1: Housie at the Brunswick Heads Carnival

Housie is a game like BINGO, but it’s Bingo’s cooler cousin.

Played on cardboard bats, these boards have miniature plastic windows that you close over the numbers as they are called.

A Housie caller keeps things lively with unusual patterns to match:

the called numbers might have to create an X, a T, a W
there’s even a call called ‘possums in the roof’ (any three on the top row, and the entire middle row horizontally.)

At 5 games for $1, (20 cents a game!), it’s an old-fashioned game with an old-fashioned price tag.

Cash prizes, and jackpot rounds make this THE best fun you’ve had in years.

This annual event launches in mid-December at the Brunswick Heads carnival, on the night of the Christmas Market.

No.2: Brunswick Picture House

Dress up in your best costume outfit for a Film Event at the quirkily refurbished Picture House.

I’ve been in the audience of DIRTY DANCING when “Johnny” (one of the BPH Team) did his thing down the middle of the aisle, and cheered my heart out when “Baby” aced the lift!

And I’ve called on my inner “Sandy” during a showing of GREASE, singing along to all the hits in my sweetest voice while around me, the local 80’s dance troupe “The Cassettes” bopped their way through a 50’s routine.

They also have monthly Cheeky Cabaret shows where you WILL laugh your pants off.

Bring your grandma, but NOT your kids!

The Picture House has become THE place to be for:

super fun theatre
music
interactive community shows
kids holiday entertainment, and more.

Stop by at least once for some old-school fun!

Our tip: Catch Bunny Racket live, or score yourself and your kids a seat at Dr Hubble’s Bubble Show.

No.3: Brunswick Heads Fairy Trail Map

Explore the town with help of the local Fairy Trail.

Pick up a page of clues and a map from the Visitors Centre on Park Street, and wander your way around town finding all the fairy houses as you go.

Find them tucked into all kinds of nooks and crannies, and these fairies have made their home out front of many community venues including:

the Fire Station
the Police Station
inside the Brunswick Heads library
restaurants
by the footbridge on both sides
shops, and
the local school.

This magical endeavour launched in 2016 and is still going strong.

Families and children LOVE it.

WHERE TO SWIM IN BRUNSWICK HEADS WITH KIDS

Top of the list of the best Brunswick Heads things to do is a river swim!

Do not leave town without taking a dip in the Brunswick River’s crystal clear waters, shining emerald and turquoise, and catch a glimpse of golden sand under your toes.

This river is THE reason we live here.

It’s made its’ way into our hearts and our blood.

I think there’s magic in these waters!

Watch as teens and dads challenge one another to jump from the car bridge into the depths below.
BYO blow-up inflatables to splash and float with your family at high-tide or
hire a stand-up paddleboard or kayak from the Pirate Ship.

It’s the life, we tell you.

(Bet you never want to leave either.)

Hot tip: Brunswick Heads tide times

Go at high tide.

Or a king tide.

It’s peak prettiness.

Check tide times here.

No.1: 5 Best Brunswick River Swimming Spots

Wondering where to swim in Brunswick Heads in the Northern Rivers?

Want the secret to the best kid-friendly river swimming spots in town?

Set up your picnic rug and towels in one of these spots:

At the end of the little ‘add-on’ road leading into Massey Green (very end of Tweed St)
Beyond the memorial pines and the Cenotaph at Fawcett Street (walk through the dune pathway to find grassy areas)
Via the stairs opposite the Bruns Pub (and behind the blue playground) at Banner Park
Via the concrete boat ramp opposite the Bruns Pub (on the left where the car bridge starts)
Via the little pocket of sandy beach to the right of the car bridge. Step down via the sandbags.

There’s a place to hire kayaks and canoes too.

Look out for the Pirate Boat, near the blue playground opposite the Bruns Pub.

No.2: Christmas Beach Brunswick Heads

Don’t visit Bruns without taking a short detour to this locals secret beach in NSW, accessed through the Brunswick Heads nature reserve.

At the very end of a dusty corrugated road, you’ll find a pathway to the most beautiful tropical beach you’ve even seen, and it’s within 25 minutes drive of Byron Bay.

This secret local’s beach doesn’t look like much when you see it from afar, but I guarantee you, once you visit this Brunswick Heads beach, YOU WILL NEVER GO ANYWHERE ELSE.

Take a look below to see why CHRISTMAS BEACH Brunswick Heads is a local’s fave!

(Plus directions!)

Fun Fact: It’s also called Heaven/Harrys Hill/ Christmas Beach Brunswick Heads.

Christmas Beach Brunswick Heads on the north bank of the Brunswick River is a tropical island paradise, with CRYSTAL clear water of the topaz and emerald hues you only find way up north.

There’s NO waves, except for the gentle sway after a boat leisurely glides by.

And, from November to March, the temps are delicious.

What to bring to Christmas Beach near New Brighton

Take cover under the shade of the trees behind, and stay all day.

BYO (bring your own):

picnic food in an esky
snacks – fruit, carrot sticks, hommus and dips, crackers, bread sticks
lots of water in your reusable drink bottles, and
a good book.

If your kids are competent swimmers, and keeping one eye on them is enough, you might actually get a chance to read it.

Snorkels, Masks & Kayaks

This is a top beach in Byron for kayaking, and practicing with snorkel and masks.

Don’t leave them behind.

Paddle on over from the beach entry behind the Anzac Cenotaph.

This place is a magnificent find, and trust me when I say you will never want to leave.

Side note: Every now and then, when the wind blows in the wrong direction, you get those pesky cornflakes in the water, or the water is not perfectly clear.

(If that’s the case, head to our favourite Mullumbimby pool. During school holidays, they have inflatables to bounce on.)

Do be sure to come back when the weather improves, so you don’t miss out on seeing this beach at its’ best.

Christmas Beach Location, Cost and Opening Hours

Address: End of North Head Rd, New Brighton
Telephone: Ranger Station (02) 6620 9300 (Contact hours: 8.30am-4.30pm Monday to Friday) or call Byron Shire Council.
Contact: [email protected]
Website: Click here (National Parks)

Entry is free.

NB: Sometimes people search for ” Christmas Beach Byron Bay ” but there’s no such place. The beach is between Bruns, Ocean Shores and New Brighton.

Nearest takeaway coffee: New Brighton, or Ocean Shores Shopping Centre on Rajah Road.
Toilets: At entrance to North Head track only.
Disability access: Limited. Sandy pathway and stairs at end of track to beach.

Christmas Beach Opening Hours

Christmas Beach Brunswick Heads in the Brunswick Heads Nature Reserve is open daily, from dawn to dusk.

Christmas Beach may be closed times due to poor weather or fire danger.

How to get to Christmas Beach in Brunswick Heads

By Bus: Take the 645 bus from Ocean Shores to River Street, New Brighton and walk approximately 20 minutes.

By Car, or Bike from Ocean Shores:

Travel east along Orana Road.
At Warrambool Road roundabout, turn left to stay on Orana Road.
Continue along Orana Road, which becomes Strand Avenue.
Turn right onto North Head Road and drive all the way to the end of the gravel road, then park your car. (This is the Brunswick Heads nature reserve access road)
Walk 300 metres along the North Head track (starting at the toilet block).
Take the right fork at the sign to find stairs to access Christmas Beach.

A portable cart with beach wheels is not a bad investment if you plan to visit regularly, especially if the toddlers and younger kids can sit in it on the walk in.

By stand up paddleboard, or kayak:

Hire a board at the Pirate Ship opposite the Brunswick Heads hotel, and paddle round.
Or BYO board or boat for a build-your-own-adventure day.

Where to Park at Christmas Beach

There’s free parking for about 20 cars at the end of North Head Road.

Go early in summer.

Those who arrive by 8am, the best time of the day, get the best spot.

The car parking area fills up quickly.

Find more parking along North Head road on both sides as you enter.

Drive up to see how close you can get, and turn around to find a spot on road out if you have to.

Entry via Bushwalk

If you have kids in tow, you don’t want to walk any more than you have to, especially on the return hike after a big day of swimming.

The beach track alone is long enough for little ones.

Note: Avoid this beach on public holidays.

Hot tip: If you are late risers, go after 12 when lots of the families depart for home and midday naps for kids.

No.3: Torakina Beach

If your kids love a little wave action, Torakina Beach, just over the car bridge to your left, is your destination.

Explore nature in this much loved swimming area on your family holidays.

Be sure to park in a designated spot.

The carpark rangers are not afraid to sting you with a steep fine if your car is out of bounds.

No.4: Surfing in Brunswick Heads

If you love surfing and want to catch a few waves on the coast, check out the Brunswick Heads surf cam for a view of the main beach before you go.

Image credit: Resould Bruns

WHERE TO SHOP IN BRUNSWICK HEADS FOR GIFTS AND SOUVENIRS AND MORE

No.1: Resould Brunswick Heads Retro Furniture

Resould Vintage Classic Modern has:

retro antiques
mid century sideboards
funky lamps, and
super cool kitsch memorabilia.

Plus loads of Parker furniture, and hand-crafted goods.

Find Resould at 48 Tweed St.

Shop for cute stuff at any of these spots.

No.2: Lazybones (pictured above)

Find sweet, pretty dresses at our favourite dress shop, Lazybones.

Plus leather shoes, woollen tights, cute cardigans, all for the woman who loves stylish elegant design.

This is the flagship store.

1/8 Park St.

Image credit: Sunshine Trader Bruns

No.3: Sunshine Trader Brunswick Heads

This is one of the best shops in Brunswick Heads for the whole family, with a design edge.

Pick up:

birthday cards
fashion
children’s clothing
good books
homewares
natural cleaning products from Koala Eco
fab hats and leather shoes
candles, ceramics and more.

Find it at 2/8 Park Street

No.4: Fabulous Mrs Fox

You definitely need a sense of humour and irreverence to love this shop but if you have that, you’ll adore it.

Find:

Acacia timber serving platters, perfect for DIY charcuterie boards (find savory ideas & a chocolate charcuterie board tips here)
cologne,
puzzles
teething toys
one of a kind fashion dresses
Saltwater Sandals
perfume oil
MOTEX tape writers and stamps
antiques such as scales and random rocking horses, and more.

10 Park St.

No.5: Violetta’s shoes

Stylish presentation of leather shoes and quirky footwear.

This is one of the loveliest stores in town.

1/10 Park Street.

No.6: Bookshops in Brunswick Heads

If you’re staying in town, and need a good read, head to the Bruns Bookshop.

The Library has a rack outside the front door of old favourites for sale too.

No.7: Jit Chong Brunswick Heads Pharmacy

Surprisingly, the local chemist is a beacon of stylish giftware including:

Butter London nail polish
Loom designs handwoven textiles, homewares, scrunchies, tea towels, bamboo straws, and jewellery
Reality Eyewear

Take a peek inside. You’ll be glad you did.

MORE OF THE BEST BRUNSWICK HEADS SHOPS

No.8: Brunswick Heads Op Shops

For a tiny town, we have our fair share of good quality op shops.

There’s St Vinnie’s on the left of Fingal Street, and there’s another one directly opposite at the entrance to the Memorial Hall.

A third one, the CAWI (Companion Animals Welfare Inc) Op Shop is in the same block of shops as the IGA on Tweed St/Old Pacific Highway.

Image credit: BH market

BEST MARKETS IN BRUNSWICK HEADS

No.1: The Monthly Brunswick Heads markets

Stop by the Brunswick Heads market on the 1st Saturday of every month to find all kinds of treasures, including:

fresh local produce
timber cutting boards
plants
soap
jewellery, and more.

Hot tip: Hungry? Try the Pizza Loca.

BEST PLAYGROUNDS IN BRUNSWICK HEADS

No.1: Waterlily Park in Ocean Shores

THIS is the best playground in the area for kids

Don’t miss it.

Details here: Water Lily Park, Ocean Shores

WHERE TO EAT IN BRUNSWICK HEADS WITH KIDS

No.1: Brunswick Heads Bakery

Forget fashionable food.

Eat like we did as kids, at the best bakery around town.

If you haven’t heard about the GIANT-SIZED slices of cake at the Brunswick Bakery, you have seriously been living under a rock.

Hop out now, and get yourself down to this shining star for:

an enormous Vanilla slice
a non-slimy custard tart
a Nutella-flooded croissant or donut, or
a slab of sponge cake.

FORGET LUNCH.

We go for the sweet stuff, although Ned swears by their Steak Pie.

No.2 Brunswick Heads Hotel & Pub

Eat at The Brunswick Pub.

They serve:

main meals
seafood
burgers
salads
pizza, and
bar snacks.

Hotel Brunswick Bar and Grill servings are gigantic, so share your parma and chips with the kids.

The Buffalo Chicken pizza with pesto is a hot favourite.

Let the kids roam free in the Kids Back Yard play area, with Australiana mural to boot.

Image credit: Brunswick Heads Health Food Store

No.3: Brunswick Heads Health Food Shop

Check out their range of delicious salads, potato bakes, quiches, and good stuff.

Food to nourish your brain and body.

You can also pop into the health food shop to pick up takeaway treats for afters.

Try the DEATH BY CHOCOLATE.

This petal covered, fudgey concoction sells out faster than they can stock it in the cake cabinet.

Get your hands on one today.

(I shouldn’t tell you this, as now I can never get my hands on one!)

No.4: Yami Brunswick Heads

Try the falafel plate at Yami.

It’s hummus, tahini, Israeli salad, tabouli, salsa, lettuce and pickles either in a pita pocket or on a plate.

Or their Melawach, a traditional savoury pastry accompanied with grated tomato, boiled egg & chilli or their famous halloumi burger!

Best Turkish food in the Northern Rivers!

Image credit: Bernadis Gelato Brunswick Heads

No.5: Bernardis Gelato

Buy a scoop or two of Gelato from Bernardi’s Gelato at 22 Fingal St.

Hot tip: Get the DARK CHOCOLATE GELATO.

They are famous for it.

Bernardi’s Artisanal Gelato & Cafe is next to the health food shop.

Find it at 22 Fingal Street.

Bernardis Brunswick Heads is the BEST Value for money, and a local institution.

Don’t be fooled by newcomers.

No.6: Fish and Chips Brunswick Heads

The best fish and chips in Brunswick Heads is at the Bruns Pub.

There’s another fish and chips on the main street if you need something takeaway.

Image credit: Old Maids Burger Store

No.7: Old Maids Burgers

Old Maids Burger Store on Tweed Street is THE spot.

Locals love it.

So do visitors.

It’s ALWAYS busy.

Try St Marie’s Pizza next door too.

Same owners.

No.8: Brunz Indian Brunswick Heads

Head to the IGA in Bruns.

In the same complex, facing Tweed street, you’ll find an Indian takeaway restaurant with all the goods.

YUMMMMMMMM!

One of our faves.

No.9: Best Brunswick Heads Cafes

Grab your coffee at the Footbridge Cafe, or The Terrace cafe on the corner, or circle back to Bruns Bakery (pictured above).

The Footbridge Cafe is the most popular with locals, so it’s a good bet.

Image credit: Brunswick Heads Old and Gold

AWESOME BRUNSWICK HEADS EVENTS AND FESTIVALS

No.1: Brunswick Heads Festivals – Old and Gold Festival

If you covet all things olden, you’ll fall in love with this.

The Annual Old and Gold Festival is held every year on the Saturday of the June long weekend.

The entire town comes alive with:

vintage collectibles
retro finds
local’s second-hand goods for a gold coin or two
sustainable living displays
sausage sizzles and fete food
entertainment and buskers

All-day entertainment includes:

a Marble Rolling competition
Horse and Carriage rides
busking
entertainment
food trucks, and
Grandma’s favourite cake stalls (bags the Lemon Slice).

Image credit: McGregors Family Carnival

No.2: “McGregors Family Carnival”

Housie continues to operate (volunteers willing) for 5-6 weeks over Christmas and New Year as part of the Brunswick Carnival and Sideshow Alley.

You’ll also find these things at McGregors Family Carnival:

rides including the swinging chairs, giant slide, dodgem cars,
sideshow alley
popcorn, waffles, and fairy floss food trucks
hot dogs, dagwood dogs, and hot chips food trucks
jumping castle
meet characters such as Paw Patrol or Elmo!

Enjoy fireworks on the Christmas Fair night too.

No.3: The Festival of the Fish n’ Chips Wood Chop carnival

The Brunswick Heads Woodchop starts with the Festival of the Fish n’ Chips

The Festival of the Fish ‘n’ Chips commences with the Twilight Markets on Banner Park.

The Festival of Fish and Chips continues with :

the Brunswick Heads Woodchop Carnival for Australian and international competitors
A mega fireworks display

The Brunswick Heads Woodchop competition includes approximately 34 events, including 2 Australian Championship titles.

BEST BRUNSWICK HEADS DAY TOURS

Book a Sunrise Balloon Ride to see this beautiful scenic area from up high!

Book this Australian Wildlife Tour (ask for a pick up from Bruns)

WHERE TO STAY IN BRUNSWICK HEADS

Best Brunswick Heads Hotels & Motels

These are the best places to stay in Brunswick Heads with kids.

All four are on the main thoroughfare.

No.1: Chalet Motel Brunswick Heads

Our favourite. You can borrow their cool mint-green bikes, complete with hessian baskets to carry your phone and towel, to get around town. Super cute hotel with retro, Palm Springs feel.

No.2: The Sails Motel Brunswick Heads (pictured above)

Right above the Saint Maries Pizza. Ok if you don’t mind a bit of noise from revellers on weekends (or if you are one!)

No.3: Brunswick Heads Motel

Enjoy the pool out front, and the refurbed rooms.

No.4: The Brunswick River Inn

Seriously the best views of the Brunswick river and the footbridge from here, plus it’s right above Trawlers and a few metres away from all the best Brunswick Heads cafes (The Footbridge is our pick), Hoopers Burger Bar, and In the Pink Gelato shop.

All of these hotels are within 5 minutes walking distance of town and the river.

No.5: Brunswick Heads Holiday Parks (Now: Reflections Holidays Parks )

Reflections Holiday Parks have three caravan parks in Brunswick Heads.

Reflections Holiday Parks Terrace Reserve

Our pick. Right on the river. Best spot if you want to launch a canoe or kayak from the steps leading down to the water.

Terrace Reserve Holiday Park has cabins on the water, near the footbridge.

Massey Green Caravan park

Massy Greene Holiday Park (on the other end of town, near the Caltex and War Memorial and Mexican restaurant.

It’s also right on the river, with lovely views.

It’s very close to the best Brunswick Heads burger bar – Old Maids Burger Bar, and the very hip Saint Maries pizza bar too.

Ferry Reserve Caravan Park

Ferry Reserve Holiday Park is on the other side of the highway, so about a 20 minute walk or a 10 minute bike ride to town.

Too far in our opinion.

No.6: Best Brunswick Heads Camping Ground

Our pick of the best is Terrace Reserve, as the camping area is treed, and shady, and quiet but only two minutes walk to the main street.

This camping spot has stairs access to the best part of the river.

Launch your kayak easily from here.

There are two amenities blocks available, and the park runs along a residential road.

It’s safe and secure for your belongings too.

No.7: Brunswick Heads Holiday Rentals

There’s plenty of these too.

Contact the Tourist Office on 02 6685 1002 for information.

How to get to Brunswick Heads

It’s easy. Head north from Byron Bay on the M1 highway. Go past the two mullumbimby exits. The next one is the Brunswick Heads exit. Cross over the highway and follow the road into town.

Hot tip: Crystal Castle Mullumbimby

If you have a car, don’t miss visiting Crystal Castle, about 20 minutes drive from Bruns in the Byron hills near Federal and Mullumbimby. (Or book a Crystal Castle tour here)

It’s the only place in the world where you can sit inside a giant AMETHYST CAVE!

LOOKING FOR MORE FUN CITIES TO VISIT WITH KIDS?

Click the links in blue below for our Ultimate Family Travel Guides.