The best safari tent rentals near Brunswick Heads, New South Wales

At the mouth of the Brunswick River, the seaside village of Brunswick Heads is just 20 minutes drive north of Byron Bay, but it feels a world away. A much less frenetic version of Byron Bay, pretty Brunswick Heads—Bruns to the locals—has all the things that make Byron Bay so popular, like a beautiful surf beach, vegan cafes, hippy tarot card readers and a friendly pub with a shady beer garden, but without the traffic snarls and parking meters. Family friendly, the river has some good swimming spots ideal for little kids. An added bonus is that the three caravan parks are all riverside, and campsites are much more affordable because the celebrities and fashionistas haven’t discovered just how great this place is yet.Proudly boasting that it’s ‘the biggest little town in Australia’s Mullumbimby (locals call it Mullum), is just a 10-minute drive west of Brunswick Heads. Like nearby Nimbin, it’s a centre for counter culture, although a little less in your face. Full of lovely historic buildings, it makes for a great day trip from Brunswick Heads or Byron Bay. Attractions include the colourful Mullumbimby markets (every third Saturday) and the Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens, home to some of the tallest crystals in the world. (https://www.crystalcastle.com.au/) Part of the World Heritage Gondwana rainforest, Border Ranges National Park and the neighbouring ridges that flank the coast are part of ancient volcano. The Tweed Valley is the crater. You can explore it by car on the Tweed Scenic Drive that runs along the edge of the caldera. Highlights include rainforest walking tracks and spectacular lookouts, as well as some lovely rainforest campsites in the national parks. It’s almost impossible to resist the siren call of the shops and boho glitz of Byron Bay, which is only 16km south of Brunswick Heads. It's the place to go for shopping and fine dining or perhaps a spa treatment. Go for the day and enjoy the surf beaches, soak in the view from the Cape Byron lighthouse, and indulge in some people watching.Follow the coast road, rather than the Pacific Motorway, north from Brunswick Heads to Tweed Heads at the southern end of the Gold Coast and you’ll discover a string of sleepy little seaside communities such as Pottsville, Mooball Creek, Cabarita and Kingscliff, each with their own beachfront caravan park or camping ground.

95% (181)

Top-rated campgrounds

At the mouth of the Brunswick River, the seaside village of Brunswick Heads is just 20 minutes drive north of Byron Bay, but it feels a world away. A much less frenetic version of Byron Bay, pretty Brunswick Heads—Bruns to the locals—has all the things that make Byron Bay so popular, like a beautiful surf beach, vegan cafes, hippy tarot card readers and a friendly pub with a shady beer garden, but without the traffic snarls and parking meters. Family friendly, the river has some good swimming spots ideal for little kids. An added bonus is that the three caravan parks are all riverside, and campsites are much more affordable because the celebrities and fashionistas haven’t discovered just how great this place is yet.Proudly boasting that it’s ‘the biggest little town in Australia’s Mullumbimby (locals call it Mullum), is just a 10-minute drive west of Brunswick Heads. Like nearby Nimbin, it’s a centre for counter culture, although a little less in your face. Full of lovely historic buildings, it makes for a great day trip from Brunswick Heads or Byron Bay. Attractions include the colourful Mullumbimby markets (every third Saturday) and the Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens, home to some of the tallest crystals in the world. (https://www.crystalcastle.com.au/) Part of the World Heritage Gondwana rainforest, Border Ranges National Park and the neighbouring ridges that flank the coast are part of ancient volcano. The Tweed Valley is the crater. You can explore it by car on the Tweed Scenic Drive that runs along the edge of the caldera. Highlights include rainforest walking tracks and spectacular lookouts, as well as some lovely rainforest campsites in the national parks. It’s almost impossible to resist the siren call of the shops and boho glitz of Byron Bay, which is only 16km south of Brunswick Heads. It's the place to go for shopping and fine dining or perhaps a spa treatment. Go for the day and enjoy the surf beaches, soak in the view from the Cape Byron lighthouse, and indulge in some people watching.Follow the coast road, rather than the Pacific Motorway, north from Brunswick Heads to Tweed Heads at the southern end of the Gold Coast and you’ll discover a string of sleepy little seaside communities such as Pottsville, Mooball Creek, Cabarita and Kingscliff, each with their own beachfront caravan park or camping ground.

95% (181)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Ingenia Holidays Byron Bay

94%

(286)

15km from Brunswick Heads · 214 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Byron Bay, NSW

This northern New South Wales hotspot needs no introduction. Byron Bay attracts some two million visitors to its sandy shores each year. To see what makes this beach holiday destination so alluring, stay amongst Ingenia Holidays Byron Bay’s 28 acres of parklands which fronts onto the famous Tallow Beach. Whether you like to caravan, camp, or stay in a cabin, there is a range of accommodation options at Ingenia Holidays Byron Bay to suit any holiday style.

2. Ballina Beach Nature Resort

91%

(79)

37km from Brunswick Heads · 194 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Ballina, NSW

Ballina Beach Nature Resort is more than a campground, glamping retreat, caravan park or short-stay hotel - we're a family; offering adventurers, from the local region and across Australia, the opportunity to experience NSW, Ballina, the Byron Bay region and natural coastal wildlife. Whether you're a grey nomad, van-life enthusiast, an admirer of nature, in search for your next romantic getaway, or looking for an afternoon coffee or takeaway, our beach resort accommodation and Turtles Café have got you covered!

3. NRMA Treasure Island Holiday Resort

88%

(4)

71km from Brunswick Heads · 189 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Gold Coast, QLD

Treasure Island Holiday Resort is more than a caravan park, it is a bounty of adventure and relaxation on the iconic Gold Coast. For the young and young-at-heart, we’re all about fun. Little swashbucklers enjoy wall-to-wall adventure, where a splashpark and year-round kids’ activities are just the beginning. Set up a home base in one of our camping or caravan sites, cabins and villas, or step it up with a glamping tent. Our activities schedule has something to delight every member of the family, while poolside lazing is encouraged at our four resort-style pools. We’ll even shake you a cocktail at our licenced Galleons Bistro, where meals together are made easy. Beyond our fair shores you’ll find everything the Gold Coast is famous for: shopping, theme parks, beaches and nightlife. But with all the ingredients for a holiday they’ll remember forever right here, once you drop anchor at Treasure Island you may never want to leave.

4. Clouds On Beechmont

58km from Brunswick Heads · 3 sites · Lodging · Beechmont, QLD

Welcome to Clouds on Beechmont Perched high on the scenic ridge, Clouds on Beechmont offers a truly unforgettable hinterland escape. Expect sweeping panoramic views overlooking the Numinbah Valley and Lamington National Park. Our property provides the perfect blend of secluded nature and easy access to the best of the Scenic Rim. Wake up above the clouds and experience the peace and tranquillity of the mountain air. What Guests Can See and Do On-Site Relax and Reconnect: Enjoy stunning sunrises and sunsets from your vantage point. The crisp mountain air is perfect for stargazing, reading, or simply listening to the local birdlife. Local Adventures and Experiences We’re ideally located near the heart of the Beechmont–Canungra area, offering countless day-trip opportunities: • Lamington National Park (Binna Burra Section): Just a short drive away, explore the World Heritage-listed rainforest with its network of walking tracks, ancient trees, and beautiful waterfalls such as Moran Falls and Elabana Falls. • Rosins Lookout: A must-see spot for hang gliding, paragliding, or simply soaking up breathtaking views across the Numinbah Valley and towards the coast. • Local Flavours: Discover the charm of Beechmont and nearby Canungra, home to cozy cafés like The Flying Bean Café and local treasures. Don’t miss O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards or the monthly Beechmont Markets. • Wildlife: Beechmont is a haven for native wildlife. Look out for colourful birds, wallabies, and—if you’re lucky—a platypus in the local creeks.

5. Trickling Waters Retreat

20km from Brunswick Heads · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Commissioners Creek, NSW

Nestled in the beautiful rainforest of Commissioners Creek, Trickling Waters Retreat is a peaceful sanctuary where forest, water, and wildlife come together to create a truly grounding escape. Our land offers a blend of comfort and raw natural beauty, the perfect setting for unwinding, reconnecting, and slowing down. Wake to birdsong, fall asleep to the soft rush of the creek, , wander through open grassy spaces, or relax by the water’s edge. The creek flows year-round sometimes deep enough for a refreshing dip, and other times shallow, cool, and perfect for wading, creek-walking, or just sitting with your feet in the water while listening to the trees. In the evenings, gather around your private fire area, Or wander over to our handcrafted communal fire pit, a stunning circle built from Grand Natural stones unearthed from the property itself. You’re welcome to ask your hosts to light it for you. Whether it’s shared with other travellers or enjoyed quietly on your own, it’s one of the most peaceful spots on the property, perfect for slow conversations, warm or cold drinks, and unwinding by the glow of the flames. and letting the stars take over the sky. It’s a quiet, peaceful spot where guests often tell us their minds finally stop racing. We currently offer a spacious glamping tent overlooking the creek, plus beautifully spread-out grassy areas ideal for campers seeking privacy and a true nature experience. Guests also have access to our modern amenities pavilion, hot shower, flushing toilet, and an outdoor wash-up area to make your stay effortless. Whether you’re a couple seeking a romantic nature getaway, solo traveller wanting space to think, or small group looking to unplug and breathe again, Trickling Waters Retreat offers a calm, memorable escape on one of Commissioners Creek’s most serene pockets of land.

6. Trees Rd Glamping

45km from Brunswick Heads · 1 site · Lodging · Tallebudgera, QLD

Tent with queen bed Outdoor Kitchen and bathroom private use. No pets. Swimming pool, spa and sauna non private use. There is 150 acres, of Nature Reserve, opposite the property for bush walking. It is a Koala breeding area, with kangaroos and other native wildlife. Kookaburras visit daily for feeding with parrots and galas. Beautiful bush outlook, private access and parking with stairs to the tent site and upstairs to the pool spa and sauna. The tent is the only one, with a private home, a unit and a tiny home on the property. The tent has an outdoor fire and fire pit area and outdoor lounge area. Location is 15 mins to beach and great restaurants at Burleigh Heads. 5 mins to local grocers, pizza, fish n chips.

Stories from the community

D

Drew

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Ballina Beach Nature Resort

Great stay with good amenities and hot showers, will stay here again!

L

Liezl

May 2025

1 night at Ballina Beach Nature Resort

Loved camping here. The wildlife in the evening as well as the birds in the morning was amazing. Facilities are neat and clean.

Isabella

April 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Ballina Beach Nature Resort

We stayed in the ‘luxury swag’ and it was quite nice. It’s got a queen bed and a little kitchen area. The toilets are not too far of a walk. The cafe was great (only down side is that it’s only open fri-sat) and it is really away from everything so be sure to pack food, games etc! It is very family oriented which is great. Has a water play ground and a dog park which is fenced! We loved that we could take our puppy too. Overall a good experience

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best safari tents near Brunswick Heads guide

When to go

Like nearby Byron Bay, the weather is kind all year round, so there’s no really bad time to go, although it does get a bit rainy in February and March. It gets very busy during summer and Easter school holidays, when it pays to book campsites well in advance.

Know before you go

Go retro in style and hire a vintage caravan, set up with everything you need. It will be waiting for you at the camping site of your choice. https://retropod.com.au/
Brunswick Heads is almost exactly halfway between Ballina and the Gold Coast airport in Queensland, which doubles your flight options. If you do fly in or out of the Gold Coast remember there’s a one-hour time difference between NSW and Queensland thanks to daylight saving in summer.
The Brunswick River is perfect for kayaking. Hire a kayak from the Scout Hall (across the footbridge from town) and paddle the Brunswick River brunswickriverkayaktours.com.au
Ask at the Brunswick Heads Visitors Centre (7 Park St, Brunswick Heads) for a free ‘clue sheet’ and use it to follow the Brunswick Heads Fairy Trail to find little fairy houses that have been hidden all over town. Adults love it just as much as kids.