Bruns beach dog exercise area

This off-lead strip runs south from the Brunswick Heads Surf Life Saving Club towards the Tyagarah Nature Reserve boundary, and it is the calmer alternative to the surf beaches further north: no big breaks, gentler water near the river mouth and plenty of open sand.

The rules

The off-lead zone starts about 20 to 50 metres south of the surf club and runs roughly 400 metres down to the nature reserve boundary, off lead at all hours under Byron Shire Council's dog exercise area rules. The catch that trips people up: dogs are permitted in the inter-tidal zone only, the wet sand and shallows, and must stay completely off the dunes and dune rehabilitation plantings.

Dogs are prohibited north of the surf club access point, on the breakwall, in patrolled swimming areas and at spots like the boat ramp, Banner Park and Torakina Park. Even off lead, your dog must stay under effective voice or hand control, and you need to pick up waste and use the bins near the access points.

Pepsi: the calmer water near the river mouth makes this a good pick for dogs who like a paddle without fighting a surf break.

The water

The southern end sits near the Brunswick River mouth, where the water runs gentler than the open coast, which suits paddlers and cautious swimmers. Waves build towards the northern end of the beach, so nervous dogs do better closer to the river side.

What's there

This is a natural beach with minimal gear: bins near the main access points and little else, so bring your own water, bowl and poo bags as backup. Shade is thin, so pack your own if you are staying a while.

Getting there

Access is via South Beach Road off The Terrace, with paid parking at the South Beach Road car park an easy walk from the access paths. The beach is also walkable from the Brunswick Heads town centre, which keeps the dog on lead the whole way in until you cross the zone marker.

Watch-outs

The inter-tidal rule is the one rangers enforce, so keep runs to the wet sand. Read the signage at each access point because boundaries are marked and do shift with dune works, and keep well clear of the patrolled flags during patrol hours.

When to go

Early morning or late afternoon skips the weekend crowds, and low to mid tide gives the most sand to run on. Summer middays are hot with little shade, so go early with a dog.

After the beach, the Footbridge Cafe and Drift 2483 both welcome dogs outdoors, and Saint Maries covers dinner. More options are on the New South Wales dog beaches page and in the Brunswick Heads guide.