Brunswick Heads History

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A peaceful village on the river by the sea, north of Byron Bay.
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Brunswick Heads History

European History
The Brunswick River, which was the focus of the cedar trade for the valley, was discovered by Captain Rous of the Royal Navy in 1828, and named for Queen Caroline of Brunswick. The district was opened up during the 1850's. Cedar from the area was reputed to be the best ever cut, and the mighty logs were floated down the river and then hauled out into the surf to the schooners waiting offshore.

Aboriginal Heritage
The original inhabitants of the Brunswick Valley were Aboriginal people from the Minjangbal and Durrungbil Tribes. The Minjangbal people lived in the New Brighton and Ocean Shores areas while the Durrungbil Tribe lived at Brunswick Heads. These people were strong and healthy due to the plentiful food supply. They became known to the cedar-getters and continued to live in the area for many years after European settlement began.