Brunswick Heads Nature Reserve

Brunswick Heads Nature Reserve brings together coastal walks, river views and wildlife experiences in the landscape between Ocean Shores and Brunswick Heads, near Byron Bay. It is a spacious outdoor setting where visitors can spend time walking, cycling, fishing, canoeing, birdwatching or settling in for a picnic. The reserve offers an easy way to get into nature without being far from local townships, making it practical for a half-day outing or a longer visit.

For walkers, North Head walking track is a notable option. The route begins at North Head car park and follows an easy path through endangered littoral rainforest towards the Brunswick River, with scenic views and opportunities to stop for a picnic. A shorter walk towards Marshalls Creek adds another chance to look for birdlife. Cycling and walking can also take visitors towards Harrys Hill Beach, where shady trees provide a setting for a riverside picnic on the north bank.

The reserve’s waterways and coastline broaden the experience beyond walking. Brunswick River is suitable for canoeing, boating and paddleboarding, while fishing is available along the river and at New Brighton Beach. Visitors may spot a loggerhead or green turtle surfacing in the river, although wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. The north wall is identified as a good vantage point for migrating whales in winter, and eagles and kites may be seen hunting along the coastline throughout the year.

This is a flexible choice for families, school groups, couples and solo visitors, with activities ranging from a gentle rainforest walk to a full day outdoors. It also suits people who prefer to set their own pace: bring binoculars for birdwatching, a picnic for the Brunswick River area, or a canoe or paddleboard for time on the water. As a protected NSW national parks site, the reserve also provides habitat for threatened species and forms part of broader conservation work, adding a thoughtful environmental dimension to a visit. Check current alerts before heading out, as conditions such as poor weather or fire danger can affect access.