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Brunswick River picnic area

Brunswick Heads Nature Reserve

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Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about the Brunswick River picnic area.

Getting there and parking

Brunswick River picnic area is in the Oyster Lease precinct of Brunswick Heads Nature Reserve. To get there:

  • Drive north from Brunswick Heads along Brunswick Valley Way and cross Brunswick River on Durrungbil Bridge
  • When on the northern side, do a U-turn at the first roundabout (Rajah Road) to head south along Brunswick Valley Way.
  • Take the first left into Oyster Lease Road
  • Follow to the carpark at the end

Road quality

  • Unsealed roads

Vehicle access

  • 2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

  • All weather

Parking

There's parking in a gravel carpark at Brunswick River picnic area.

Best times to visit

There are lots of great things waiting for you in Brunswick Heads Nature Reserve. Here are some of the highlights.

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.

Weather, temperature and rainfall

Summer temperature

Average

20°C and 27°C

Highest recorded

35.1°C

Winter temperature

Average

12°C and 19.5°C

Lowest recorded

3.3°C

Rainfall

Wettest month

March

Driest month

September

The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

350.4mm

Facilities

Drinking water is not available in this area.

Picnic tables

Step-free access

The picnic area is mostly flat and step-free. There are a range of surfaces including flat grass, hard-packed ground and soft sand.

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

Fishing safety

Fishing from a boat, the beach or by the river is a popular activity for many national park visitors. If you’re planning a day out fishing, check out these fishing safety tips.

Mobile safety

Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

Accessibility

Disability access level - medium

The picnic area is mostly flat and step-free with a mixture of surfaces including flat grass, soft sand, gravel and hard-packed ground. People with reduced mobility may need assistance on some of these surfaces.

Permitted

Fishing

A current NSW recreational fishing licence is required when fishing in all waters.

Prohibited

Fishing

  • This area is within Cape Byron Marine Park. Next to the fishing area is a sanctuary zone, where fishing is not permitted. Check out the Marine Parks Authority website for more information or call on 02 6620 9300.
  • Spear fishing is prohibited here and in all of the Brunswick estuary

Pets

Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.

Smoking

NSW national parks are no smoking areas.

Brunswick River picnic area

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