Brunswick Heads

Beach, river and rainforest

We are beginning our first longer trip away – a two-month loop of Northern NSW. We’ll be heading down the coast to the Hunter Valley and returning to the Sunshine Coast via the New England region and Stanthorpe. Seems like there is already the beginnings of a grape theme to our travels… ????

Our first stop is Brunswick Heads, a place we know and love.

Brunnie, as the locals call it, is home to a fabulous 1940s art-deco hotel that has been owned for many year by Delvene and John Cornell – of Paul Hogan fame. We suspect it is one of the best pubs in Australia, but intend to do the research to validate our theory…

There are three caravan parks to choose from – Ferry Reserve has become our favourite as it is the quietest and accepts pets. It is a peaceful and relaxing spot – serenity by the river. It also has amazing sunsets.

Other top attractions include Tokarina Beach – a great swimming spot nestled behind the breakwater of the river inlet. The beach has crystal clear water and no waves. A big thumbs-up from Merle for a lazy float around. Then there is the Starfish fish and chip shop, where they make the best potato scallops (potato cakes for the Mexicans), in the world…  If you don’t believe us, try one – you will be a convert! Nothing beats a cold beer at the pub, with a potato scallop, after setting up the caravan on a hot, humid day. 

The hinterland has beautiful, rolling green hills, waterfalls and rainforest. We visited Minyon Falls, which was flowing nicely thanks to the recent rains and then braved the dirt track out to Protester’s Falls at Terania Creek.

The walk through the rainforest and along the river to the waterfall was truly magical. This was the site of the first major eco-campaign in Australia in the late seventies where protestors banded together to stop the logging of the old-growth forests of the Nightcap Ranges. Many of the protesters stayed and helped create the nearby hippie town of Nimbin – where the grass is even greener than on the rolling hills… ????

Next stop, the almost unpronounceable Woolgoolga! Stay tuned…

There was nowhere to go but everywhere, so we just kept rolling under the stars.

Merle, via Google