Aerial view of a line of colourful kayaks paddling the turquoise Brunswick River lined with Norfolk pines

Brunswick Heads · 10 min north of Byron Bay · near Byron Bay

Paddle the calm side of Byron.

Two-hour guided kayak tours on the crystal-clear Brunswick River — timed to the high tide and led by local surf lifesavers. No experience needed.

  • 2 hrsfully guided
  • Ages 3+family friendly
  • 7 dayson the high tide
  • From $75per person
2× GOLD NSW Tourism Awards · Ecotourism

Take it down a notch

We launch on the high tide, when the Brunswick turns glass-clear and still — a gentle two-hour paddle past sand dunes, mangroves and Norfolk pines, with local lifeguards who know every bend of the river.

The tours

Two ways to meet the river.

Same calm water, two very different moods. Both run 7 days a week, at times chosen around the tide so the water is at its clearest.

Kayaks and paddleboarders on the turquoise Brunswick River on a sunny day Daytime · High tide
from$79pp

River Nature Tour

Glide over glassy water at high tide, paddle past sand dunes and stop on the riverbank for a swim and a close look at the marine life in the shallows.

  • 2 hours, fully guided
  • Kayak lesson on the beach
  • Ages 3+, beginner friendly
  • Departs daily on the high tide
Check availability
A happy tour group in life jackets holding hands on the riverbank at sunset Golden hour · Seasonal
only$75pp

Sunset River Tour

Paddle mangrove-lined channels as the sun dips behind the hinterland — rays glide below, birds settle in to roost above, and the river glows gold.

  • 2 hours at golden hour
  • Mangroves & birdlife at dusk
  • Ages 3+, small groups
  • Family & locals discounts
Check availability

Looking for a present? Grab a gift voucher →

The paddle

Your two hours on the river.

Timber footbridge over clear green water with Norfolk pines on the foreshore A parent and young child in life jackets laughing in a double kayak The bow of a turquoise kayak entering a quiet mangrove channel A ray gliding over sunlit sand right beside a kayak Two paddlers in a blue kayak drifting home under a golden sky
01 / 05
  1. Timber footbridge over clear green water 01

    Meet by the river

    Head around to the riverside of the Brunswick Heads Scout Hall, 38–40 South Beach Rd, 10 minutes before departure. Secure storage for your belongings.

  2. Parent and child laughing in a double kayak 02

    Learn on the sand

    Your lifeguard guides fit your life jacket and teach the basics on the beach. Wetsuits are provided in the cooler months.

  3. Kayak bow entering a mangrove channel 03

    Into the mangroves

    Slip into quiet channels and learn how mangroves — nature's filtration system — protect the whole river.

  4. Ray gliding over sunlit sand beside a kayak 04

    Spot the locals

    Rays gliding over the sand, kingfishers, herons, sea eagles and schools of mullet. Your guides know exactly where to look.

  5. Two paddlers drifting home at sunset 05

    Swim, chill, drift home

    Pull up on the riverbank for a dip, breathe in the salty air, then an easy paddle back to the real world.

Who you'll meet

Life on the Brunswick.

Sightings vary with the season — that's half the fun.

Ray gliding over sand
Below

Rays

Graceful rays cruise the sandy shallows — often right under your kayak.

Sacred kingfisher perched on a branch over the river
Above

Kingfishers

Flashes of turquoise along the banks, plus herons, cormorants and sea eagles.

Mangrove roots reflected in calm water
Around

Mangroves

Living forests that filter the river and shelter the fish nurseries.

Bird flying over the river at dusk with silhouettes on the bank
At dusk

Roosting birds

As the light fades, the river becomes a sanctuary and the birdlife settles in.

Aerial view of the Brunswick River meeting the ocean
Everywhere

Schools of mullet

Silver flashes in the clear water — the river's busiest little locals.

Ready to see them for yourself?

Book a tour

Why paddle with us

Locals who look after the river.

Surf lifesavers

Guided by qualified ocean lifeguards.

Owned and operated by Byron Bay Surf Life Saving Club stalwart Kurt Tutt. Every guide is a trained surf lifesaver and a local waterman or waterwoman.

0×

GOLD winners

NSW Tourism Awards for Ecotourism.

Eco Certified

The only tour company in Byron Bay that is Eco Certified and holds the ‘Recognising Our Culture’ certification.

0+

Years and up

Gentle and calm — great for families and fit non-swimmers.

“Look after nature, so it looks after you!”

— The Go Sea crew

Everything's included

  • Stable sit-on-top kayaks
  • Life jackets & safety gear
  • Wetsuits in cooler months
  • Secure storage

Sunset River Tour

Stay for golden hour.

Evenings on the Brunswick are serene, colourful and alive with nature. Here's how a typical sunset paddle unfolds.

  1. Meet, safety briefing & gear fitting
  2. Paddle into the mangrove estuary
  3. Drift as birds settle & rays glide past
  4. Pause mid-river for sunset photos
  5. Back on the sand as twilight falls

Times are examples — they shift with the season and sunset.

Kind words

Calm, beautiful, full of life.

★★★★★
“Calm, beautiful, and full of birdlife — the perfect way to end our trip.”
AAnna · UK
★★★★★
“Loved gliding through the mangroves at sunset, so peaceful.”
JJames · Melbourne
★★★★★
“They have a true appreciation of nature and respect for the ocean. I'd recommend this to people of all ages — solo travellers, families, couples and friends.”
NNaomi B. · TripAdvisor
★★★★★
“Friendly, knowledgeable of the marine park and Aboriginal history, and we always felt safe.”
FFraser J. · TripAdvisor
★★★★★
“The guides were all amazing. It was easy to book and the pricing was reasonable. I would highly recommend them!”
TTatiana C. · TripAdvisor

What's included

  • 2-hour fully guided tour
  • Kayaking lesson from local guides
  • All safety gear & life jackets
  • Wetsuits in the cooler months
  • Secure storage for your things

What to bring

  • Swimwear or light clothes that can get wet
  • Hat, sunglasses & sunscreen
  • A small water bottle
  • Towel & a change of clothes

Find us

Brunswick Heads Scout Hall.

Just 10 minutes north of Byron Bay. Head around to the riverside of the Scout Hall and meet us by the water 10 minutes before departure.

Address
38–40 South Beach Road,
Brunswick Heads NSW
Departures
7 days, timed to the tide.
Check live times when booking.
Call / SMS
0416 222 344
Get directions
Aerial view of Brunswick Heads where the river meets the ocean
We launch here
10 min from Byron Bay

Good to know

Questions, answered.

Anything else? Call or text us on 0416 222 344 — 8am to 6pm, 7 days.

Is it safe for beginners?

Yes. The Brunswick River is calm and protected, and we teach you the basics on the beach before we set off. Our guides keep the pace easy and every one of them is a qualified ocean lifeguard.

Do I need to be able to swim?

Non-swimmers are welcome as long as they're physically fit — a good level of fitness is required. Everyone wears a life jacket, and the river tour is our go-to recommendation for non-swimmers.

How young can kids be?

Children aged 3 and over can join. Little ones usually share a double kayak with a parent — it's a gentle, family-friendly paddle.

Why do departure times change each day?

We paddle on the high tide, when the water is at its clearest and calmest. Because the tide moves every day, so do our times — you'll see confirmed departures when you book.

What wildlife will we see?

We often see rays, mullet, cormorants, herons, eagles, kingfishers and plenty of other birdlife. Sightings vary with the season.

What happens if the weather turns?

If we need to postpone because of the weather, you can reschedule for another day or time, or receive a refund when you've booked directly with us.

Do you run tours year-round?

Yes — 7 days a week, all year. Sunset tour times shift slightly with the season, and we provide wetsuits in the cooler months.

The tide's coming in

See you on the water.

From $75pp 2 hrs · Ages 3+ · 7 days
Book now