Gold Coast - Brunswick Heads

Today Sunday Drive will take you on a trip down into northern New South Wales and the small, laid-back town of Brunswick Heads. Here you can go fishing, surfing, swim in a protected inlet, hire a canoe for a paddle on the river, have lunch at the local hotel, or get some take away and sit on the edge of the river to munch away while the kids play in the playground.

From the Gold Coast, this is an easy drive through some rolling open countryside. By going south on the Pacific Motorway (M1) which is quick to access, running along the western edge of the Gold Coast, you quickly leave the dense view of concrete and enter some open, green vistas and rolling hills, backed by an ancient volcanic rim. The trip is along dual highway for almost the entire journey.



Brunswick Hotel. Great atmosphere here.



Looking towards the riverside playground. Shops on right.

There are two bridges across the river.  One is footbridge only and runs to path down to surf club.  The other takes cars too.  It is on the northern end of the park.  People often fish from these bridges. 



View north from the footbridge. Park and playground on left. Beach to right.



View across river from park. Sheltered inlet just behind cars on far bank.

The river is shallow, especially at low tide.  At the beach end of the bridge in the background, you can find a sheltered inlet.  This is particularly good if it is windy on the beach or if the surf is too big for the kids.



Sheltered inlet, away from surf at Brunswick Heads.



Brunswick Heads surf beach. Patrol and flagged area in distance.

There is lots to do here.  You and the kids can spend time in the water with an easy break for lunch.  It is a relatively short drive down to Brunswick Heads and offers a beach environment different from that on the Gold Coast.

Well worth the drive down.

Gold Coast - Bangalow Markets

This is a fun trip with interest for all the family. The Bangalow Markets hold surprises and curiousities for everyone. The markets are held on the fourth Sunday of each month. It opens early and slows down around mid afternoon local time.

From the Gold Coast, this is an easy drive through some rolling open countryside. By going south on the Pacific Motorway (M1) which is quick to access, running along the western edge of the Gold Coast, you quickly leave the dense view of concrete and enter some open, green vistas and rolling hills, backed by an ancient volcanic rim. The trip is along dual highway for almost the entire journey.



Some of the scenery along the way

On the left soon after you go over the Queensland-NSW border, there is large service station for a quick toilet or food break. There are many sidetracks you could take but keep going south, turning left at the Bangalow turnoff which is about 6 km south of the Byron Bay turnoff. From here Bangalow is about 1 km. You won't be disappointed. This is a large market placed in a picturesque village where you can explore both market and shops. There is ample parking in the showground right next to the market for just $2; well worth it. There are few parks in the street. Just go down the hill of the main street and you will easily find the entrance to the showground on the left.




Bangalow Markets and Village

'Volunteer' assistants for the street entertainer

Once inside the markets you will be drawn in all directions, wanting to more closely inspect the contents of the stalls; there are a lot of them. Find an usual souvenir as a reminder of your trip; taste a variety of foods; pick up an unusual piece of clothing to match the hippie feel of the day; watch the buskers who create a marvellous backdrop; pick up artwork. The stalls are shaded by some grand trees. Don't forget that the village adjacent to the market is equally fascinating. Cottages and red brick buildings line the street. They contain all manner of goods. It is a pleasure to cruise shop to shop. Stop for a drink or snack, even a beer at the Bangalow Hotel. I doubt you can resist the smells, feels, looks, and sounds of this whole scene. A buzz of a day out.