If you are seeking a little change of pace and scenery from the sometimes frantic and cosmopolitan Byron Bay, somewhere else to consider visiting is the little town called Brunswick Heads. It is just an approx. 20 minute / 20 km drive north of Byron Bay (or you can catch the local public bus; called ‘Blanches’, see your in-house travel desk for a bus timetable.)
Brunswick Heads, is a buzzy little town with a great local feel. It is filled with funky little cafe’s, including ‘Yami’s Falafel’s’ – the original best falafel, up there with Byron Bay’s ‘Orgasmic’. Also try some amazing calamari or the awesome fish burger at ‘Starfish’. There are plenty of retail shops scattered around the main streets of town and of course the infamous Hotel Brunswick (pub) which has awesome bands playing regularly in the huge outdoor area where you can sit and watch the river/ocean activities while having a fresh cold schooner of beer or even a ‘Canadian Club’ n frozen coke slushy… This Pub goes off on a Sunday!
One of the main summer time attractions to do there is to jump off the old wooden bridge into the unbelievable crystal clear blue water of the river – but only at HIGH tide, as this is where the Brunswick heads river mouth flows out to meet the ocean.
To the left of the rock pier is ‘Torakina beach’ this is where the practice of stand up paddle boarding begins. The little nook of a beach is flatter and much less windy on the windy days… and if you do not own your own stand up paddle board, you can do a group 2hr lesson with ‘Byron stand up paddle’ for $60 – $70 for 3 hours door to door. This takes place further inland of the Brunswick heads river mouth. Learn the basics, while you cruise down the river exploring estuaries, and stopping to swim at banks along the way.
So check it out if you have some time you won’t be disappointed with the visit.
Enjoy and peace… xo
