San Fran To Bruns: Travel Tips

To get to Brunswick Heads, Australia from San Francisco, California, you would first need to travel to one of the three major airports near Brunswick Heads: Ballina Byron Gateway Airport, Gold Coast Airport, or Brisbane Airport. From San Francisco, you could either drive or take a shuttle bus to the airport. The drive from San Francisco to Brisbane Airport would be the longest, taking around 1.5 to 2 hours. Once at the airport, you can take a shuttle bus or private charter to Brunswick Heads, which is about 25-45 minutes from the airports by bus or 20-35 minutes by car.

Getting to Sydney from San Francisco

Sydney is a popular destination for travellers from San Francisco, with several airlines offering direct flights between the two cities. The flight time is approximately 14 hours and 40 minutes, and prices for a one-way ticket start at $600.

Airports

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the main airport serving the city of San Francisco. It is located 11 miles from the city centre and can be reached by car or public transport, including the BART train.

Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) is the main airport in Sydney, located 8km south of the central business district in the suburb of Mascot. The airport has two terminals, T1 and T2, and offers a range of facilities for travellers, including free Wi-Fi, restaurants, lounges, bars, and retail stores.

Transportation

There are several transport options available at Sydney Airport to get you into the city centre. Taxis are available outside each terminal and cost around $45-$55 one way. The airport is also served by buses, with a one-way trip costing between $2.10 and $7.50. Car rental services are also available, with prices starting at around $40 per day.

When to Visit

Sydney has a temperate and sunny climate all year round, but the city experiences high crowds during the summer months (December to February) and school holidays. The winter months (June to August) offer cooler temperatures, ranging from 47 to 64 degrees Fahrenheit. The spring and autumn months are also pleasant times to visit, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds.

Sydney to Ballina or Gold Coast Airport

If you're flying into Sydney Airport (SYD) from San Francisco, you can then fly directly to Ballina Byron Gateway Airport or Gold Coast Airport.

Sydney to Ballina

There are 174 flights per week from Sydney to Ballina, with an average flight time of 1 hour and 25 minutes. Qantas, Air New Zealand, and Sunstate fly this route directly. The best price for a return flight from Ballina to Sydney is £42.

Sydney to Gold Coast

There are around nine direct flights from Sydney to Gold Coast Airport per day, with an average flight time of 1 hour and 30 minutes. Qantas, Etihad Airways, and Virgin Australia fly direct. The best price for a return flight from Gold Coast to Sydney is $91.

Getting to Brunswick Heads from Ballina or Gold Coast Airport

Both Ballina Byron Gateway Airport and Gold Coast Airport are around 30 minutes away from Brunswick Heads by car.

Ballina or Gold Coast Airport to Brunswick Heads

Ballina Airport to Brunswick Heads

Brunswick Heads is approximately 38km north of Ballina Byron Gateway Airport, which is accessible via car or bus. The car journey takes around 25 minutes, while the bus takes between 40 and 45 minutes.

To get from Ballina Byron Gateway Airport to Brunswick Heads by bus, take the 640 bus from Ballina Byron Gateway Airport, Southern Cross Dr to Lennox Head Coach Stop, Ballina St. Then, take the bus from Lennox Head to Brunswick Heads. This journey will take around 2 hours and 12 minutes in total.

Gold Coast Airport to Brunswick Heads

The Gold Coast (Coolangatta) Airport is around 50km south of Brunswick Heads, about a 35-minute drive or 45-minute bus ride away. Shuttle buses run regularly between the airport and Brunswick Heads, and can be booked via the Brunswick Heads Visitor Centre.

Things to do in Brunswick Heads

Getting to Brunswick Heads, Australia, from San Francisco

The best way to get to Brunswick Heads from San Francisco is by plane. There are no direct flights, so you will need to catch a connecting flight, most likely in Los Angeles or Sydney. The flight time from San Francisco to Brunswick Heads is around 14 hours.

Once you arrive in Australia, you can get to Brunswick Heads by car, bus, or train. If you're flying into Brisbane, the quickest way to get to Brunswick Heads is by car, which takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes for the 95-mile journey. Alternatively, you can take a bus or a combination of train and bus, both of which take around 2 to 3 hours.

Brunswick Heads is a charming coastal town in New South Wales, Australia, known for its beautiful beaches, nature, and laid-back vibe. Here are some of the best things to do during your visit:

• Explore the Beaches: Torakina Beach is a picturesque spot protected from waves, ideal for leisurely floating, snorkelling, and spending time with family. Harry Hills Beach is another great option, accessible via the North Head track, and is a good spot for snorkelling.
• Brunswick River: The Brunswick River is perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking, swimming, and boating. You can also take a relaxing cruise on the river to enjoy the scenery and wildlife.
• Whale and Dolphin Watching: Between May and November, thousands of humpback whales migrate through the waters off Brunswick Heads. You can paddle out in a kayak or join a tour with Blue Bay Whale Watching for a closer glimpse. Dolphins can be spotted year-round, and you might even see one swimming up the river through town!
• Walking Tracks: Brunswick Heads is ideal for walking, with flat topography and beautiful natural surroundings. Take a stroll out to the rock wall to spot dolphins and whales, or walk along the footbridge to spot stingrays and fish below.
• Brunswick Picture House: This eclectic theatre hosts a variety of shows, including circus, cabaret, comedy, cinema, and live music. It's a great place to catch a performance and support the local arts scene.
• Markets: Brunswick Heads hosts several markets throughout the year, including the Brunswick Heads Monthly Markets and the Old and Gold Festival, where you can find local produce, arts, crafts, and vintage treasures.
• Fishing: Beach and river fishing is a popular pastime in Brunswick Heads. Join the locals and visitors alike in casting a line into the Brunswick River or the ocean.
• Surfing: Surfers flock to Brunswick Heads for the year-round, long, and consistent breaks. The waves at the entrance to the Brunswick River are particularly renowned.
• Nature Reserves: Explore the Brunswick Head Nature Reserve and the World Heritage-listed Nightcap National Park to immerse yourself in the area's natural beauty and wildlife.
• Dining and Cafes: Indulge in the local cuisine and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere at places like Hotel Brunswick, La Casita, Happy Dolphin, Table View, and Fleet.

Accommodation in Brunswick Heads

Brunswick Heads is a small village with a population of around 1,600. Unlike other coastal towns, Brunswick Heads does not have large-scale resorts or high-rise apartments. The town offers a variety of holiday accommodation, including motels, holiday parks, a family-friendly hotel, serviced apartments, and holiday houses. Here are some options for places to stay in Brunswick Heads:

The Sails Motel is a resort-style motel with a poolside bar, a mini shop, and simple but well-equipped rooms. It is located just a few minutes' walk from the river and the beach.

Brunswick River Inn is located just 328 feet from the surf and swimming beaches. It offers rooms with private balconies overlooking the Brunswick River and lovely river and park views.

Chalet Motel is a boutique motel featuring stylish guest rooms, a cabana with a BBQ area, and a saltwater swimming pool. The staff are welcoming and helpful.

The Brunswick is an 'adults-only' boutique hotel with environmentally-conscious accommodations and an on-site outdoor area. It is nestled in the seaside village of Brunswick Heads.

Reflections Holiday Parks offers several locations in Brunswick Heads, including Ferry Reserve, Massy Greene, and Terrace Reserve. These holiday parks feature river frontage, well-maintained facilities, and a great location close to the beach and shops.

Jaspers Apartments is located next to the Brunswick Picture House theatre, offering a unique outdoor area and comfortable accommodations.

Broadview Waterfront Apartments are tastefully decorated and spacious, with lovely gardens and a deck offering northerly views. They are located opposite a park and the river, just a few minutes' walk from the town centre.

In addition to these options, there are also bed and breakfasts, retreats, farm stays, and caravan parks available in Brunswick Heads. The town's visitor centre can provide assistance with accommodation bookings, although direct bookings must be made through the accommodation provider or one of the local managing real estate agents.

Frequently asked questions