The Brunswick, Brunswick Heads

The Brunswick sits in the centre of Brunswick Heads, a short walk from the river, the main street and the sand, and it runs a proper written pet program: dogs are welcome in designated pet-friendly rooms with advance approval from management, at $35 per animal per night. Dogs only, no cats.

Dogs at The Brunswick

Every pet stay needs approval before booking, plus proof of current vaccination and flea treatment. Each dog wears a collar tag with its name and your contact number. In the room, the hotel supplies a dedicated dog bed and food and water bowls, and dogs are strictly off the furniture. Dogs cannot be left unattended at any time, so plan your day around it; during housekeeping the dog either leaves the room or goes in a crate. In public areas dogs stay on lead, and owners carry the can for damage, soiling or noise. The $35 nightly fee applies per animal, so confirm it and the pet-friendly room availability when you book.

The vibe

This is a walk-everywhere base in a small river-mouth town rather than a resort. You park once and do everything on foot: cafes, the river bank, the beach. The town's layout suits dog travel better than almost anywhere on the NSW north coast.

Getting there and parking

Brunswick Heads sits just off the Pacific Motorway between Byron Bay and the Queensland border. The motel is in the town centre, close to the footbridge over the Brunswick River.

Close by with the dogs

The Brunswick Heads Main Beach dog exercise area runs south from near the surf club towards Tyagarah, wide white sand where dogs can run off lead within the intertidal zone. For coffee, the Footbridge Cafe by the water and Old Maids on Tweed Street both welcome dogs at outdoor tables. If you want a caravan alternative, Reflections Ferry Reserve Holiday Park is on the river.

More options are on the NSW dog friendly stays guide and the Brunswick Heads destination page.

Max: no unattended dogs means someone stays back while the others eat out, so work out the roster before you arrive, not at 7pm.