The main arm of the Brunswick River rises in the Nightcap Range to the north west of Mullumbimby and flows for 25 km before reaching the sea at Brunswick Heads. At Mullumbimby the river is joined by Mullumbimby Creek which rises in the western reaches of Koonyum Range, and Chinbible Creek which drains the southern flanks of Mt Chincogan.

Further south, Pipeclay Creek drains the Myocum area and flows into Kings Creek which drains the Montecollum area and joins the Brunswick River east of Mullumbimby.

Several small creeks in the Tyagarah area join the Simpsons Creek which rises at St Helena and flows north to Brunswick Heads where it becomes the south arm of the river. [Photo right, by Adam Begg]

In the north of the catchment, Lacks Creek drains Middle Pocket and flows into Marshalls Creek which drains the Pocket area and becomes the north arm of the Brunswick River, flowing through Billinudgel to join the main arm at Brunswick Heads.

At Byron Bay, Belongil Creek drains the hills south of the town and flows into the sea just north of the town. Technically not part of the Brunswick catchment, this area is counted as part of Brunswick Valley Landcare because it lies within the same encirclement of ranges.

The Brunswick River’s main arm has a tidal length of around 10 km; the north arm 5 km and the south arm 15 km. The river receives treated effluent from three sewage treatment works at Mullumbimby, Ocean Shores and Brunswick Heads while Belongil Creek receives treated effluent from West Byron sewage treatment works.

The Brunswick River estuary is an important area for oyster growing and spat collection. The river has around 0.8 km2 of seagrass meadows here, and the north and south arms both have extensive areas of mangroves and SEPP 14 wetlands.

In 1962, extensive rock training of entrance channels to provide safe boat passage and a commercial fishing port were built in the estuary.

A new bridge carries the Pacific Highway across the river north of Brunswick Heads.

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