The Brunswick Heads North Wall (also known as the Spur Wall) is a rocky breakwater jutting into the mouth of the Brunswick River on the NSW North Coast, just north of Byron Bay. This unique snorkeling spot comes alive on incoming high tides when fresh ocean water floods over the rocks, creating clear conditions teeming with small reef fish, rays, and the occasional turtle. The mix of submerged boulders, sandy gullies, and tidal flow supports an ever-changing underwater landscape. Snorkelers drift along the wall's edge where the river meets the sea, enjoying calm, protected conditions compared to the open ocean beaches nearby.
Brunswick Heads North Wall
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.9 mSwell Period 7.0 sWind Speed 6.2 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase flood
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The spot
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Outgoing Tide Current
Strong tidal outflow from the Brunswick River can sweep snorkelers away from the wall and out to sea. Best snorkeled on rising tide approaching high tide.
Moderate risk: Tidal Current at River Mouth
Strong outgoing tide current can sweep snorkelers out to sea; snorkel only on incoming or slack high tide.
Low risk: Sharp Oyster Rocks
The north wall is lined with oyster-encrusted rocks that can cause deep cuts on exposed skin.
Low risk: Boat Traffic
The river mouth is used by fishing boats and kayaks entering and exiting the Brunswick River. Snorkelers must remain visible near the wall.
Low risk: Shifting sandbars
The river entrance is dynamic with sandbars that shift frequently, altering depth and water flow patterns.
Low risk: Shallow Submerged Rocks
The bommies are low-lying rock outcrops that can be difficult to spot at the surface; risk of cuts and scrapes on exposed rock at low tide.
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Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
From the Pacific Highway, turn into Brunswick Heads and cross the Brunswick River bridge. Turn left onto The Terrace/Main Beach drive and follow North Head Road to the North Head carpark at the end. Walk a short 5-minute track through littoral rainforest to the rocks of the north wall. Alternatively, park at the Brunswick Heads boat ramp area and walk along the beach to the wall.
Parking & facilities
North Head carpark (unsealed, limited spaces) off North Head Road. Can fill up on weekends and holidays.
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports