Byron Hinterland Pub Guide
Brunswick Heads Pubs Guide: Hotel Brunswick, Billinudgel And Mullum
Brunswick Heads has one pub, Hotel Brunswick, a heritage-listed riverside hotel open 10am to midnight every day, with a dog-friendly beer garden, an enclosed kids' play area and free live music every Sunday. It is about 12 minutes' drive from Middle Pocket. The closest pub of all is the Billinudgel Hotel, about 7 minutes away, and Ocean Shores (about 12 minutes) and Mullumbimby (about 18 minutes) add a tavern, two more pubs and two big clubs. This guide compares them all for spring and early summer 2026, including Melbourne Cup Day on Tuesday 3 November.
Key Takeaway
Hotel Brunswick is the only pub in Brunswick Heads itself: river views, a big beer garden, a Three Blue Ducks kitchen and a busy gig calendar through November. For a quieter country-pub night, the family-owned Billinudgel Hotel is the closest. For golf, bowls or a club meal, head to Ocean Shores.
Before You Head Out
A few quick checks make the night easier.
Pick By What You Need
Each venue suits a different kind of night.
Brunswick Heads Pubs And Nearby Locals At A Glance
The venues below are all within about 18 minutes of Middle Pocket, using the drive times on the Figtree Creek Retreat listing for each town. Hours are as published on each venue's own website on 19 October 2026. Public holidays, functions and big events can change them, so check on the day.
| Venue | Town and drive | Published hours | Kitchen | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billinudgel Hotel | Billinudgel, about 7 min | 10am–10pm | Lunch 12–2pm, dinner 5:30–8pm, 7 days | Closest classic country pub |
| Hotel Brunswick | Brunswick Heads, about 12 min | 10am–midnight daily | Mon–Fri 12–3pm and 5–8:30pm; Sat–Sun 11:30am–3pm and 5–8:30pm | River beer garden, gigs, dogs, kids |
| Brunswick Heads Bowling Club | Brunswick Heads, about 12 min | Not published online; call (02) 6685 1328 | Pacific Bistro, lunch and dinner daily | Budget lunch, club feel |
| Ocean Shores Tavern | Ocean Shores, about 12 min | Mon–Sat 8:30am–late; Sun 10am–11pm | Lunch 12–2:30pm, dinner 5:30–8pm | Smokehouse food, sport, playground |
| Ocean Shores Country Club | Ocean Shores, about 12 min | From 10am daily; closes 9pm–10pm by day | Pacific Breeze, 12–2:30pm and 5–8pm daily | Golf, bowls, family events |
| The Middle Pub | Mullumbimby, about 18 min | Opens 10am Mon–Sat, 11am Sun | Pub classics and kids meals | Sunday afternoon music |
| Top Pub | Mullumbimby, about 18 min | Bar 10am–9pm daily | Burgerlesque, 12–2:30pm and 5–8pm | Burgers and Tuesday trivia |
| Mullumbimby Ex-Services Club | Mullumbimby, about 18 min | From 10am daily; closes 9pm–11pm by day | Gurkhas on Dalley, 12–2pm and 5:30–8pm | Free Sunday Sessions, Melbourne Cup |
Kitchens close early by city standards, so aim to be seated by 7:30pm.
Hotel Brunswick: The Riverside Pub In Brunswick Heads
Hotel Brunswick sits at 4 Mullumbimbi Street in the middle of Brunswick Heads. Its own website describes it as an "iconic heritage-listed venue" set on the Brunswick River. The hotel is open from 10am to midnight, seven days.
The pub has teamed up with Three Blue Ducks, the restaurant group, and describes the menu as "a modern twist on pub classics alongside coastal Cali-inspired bites", built on local Northern Rivers produce. Bistro hours are 12pm–3pm and 5pm–8:30pm on weekdays, and 11:30am–3pm and 5pm–8:30pm on weekends. Pizza can be ordered online for pick-up, daily from 12pm to 8:30pm (in-venue deals do not apply), which is handy for a night back at the cottage.
The functions page describes the Lower Beer Garden as shaded by day, lit with festoon lights at night, heated and weatherproof, with a section overlooking the river. There is also a river-view Pavilion near the music stage and a sports bar.
If you only have one pub night in the area, this is the easiest pick: it suits couples, young families and dog owners at once.
What's On At Hotel Brunswick: Late October To November 2026
Hotel Brunswick says it brings live music every weekend. These are the listings on its What's On, Gig Guide and event pages on 19 October 2026.
| Date | Event | Entry as listed |
|---|---|---|
| Friday 23 October | Babe Rainbow, doors 6pm | Ticketed |
| Saturday 24 October | Riverfest 2026, 12pm–8pm by the river: live music, food and drink stalls | Free |
| Friday 30 October | Springfest 2026, doors 6pm | Ticketed |
| Tuesday 3 November | Melbourne Cup Day: sweeps and games, Fashions on the Field 2:30pm, race 3pm, then Benny O'Dwyer | Book a table |
| Friday 6 November | The Tracks Party Tour, doors 6pm, 18+ only | Ticketed |
| Saturday 7 November | Bottomless Brunch with live music, 10:30am–1pm | $99 per person, bookings essential |
| Friday 13 and Saturday 14 November | Matt Corby, two shows | Sold out |
| Friday 20 November | Kevin Morby, doors 6pm | Ticketed, listed as selling fast |
| Friday 27 November | Peter Garrett, doors 6pm | Ticketed, listed as almost sold out |
Free acts are also listed on weekends and some weeknights, including Bullhorn on Sunday 1 November, Luke Hayward Band on Saturday 7 November and Fat Picnic on Sunday 15 November. Every Sunday is Sunday Brunsday, with free live music listed from 4pm to 8pm.
Billinudgel Hotel: The Closest Country Pub To Middle Pocket
The Billinudgel Hotel at 1 Wilfred Street is about 7 minutes from Middle Pocket, according to the property listing, which calls it "the renowned Billinudgel Hotel". It is family owned, open from 10am to 10pm, and serves what its website calls traditional pub fare, with lunch from 12pm to 2pm and dinner from 5:30pm to 8pm, seven days.
The weekly calendar is simple and useful for planning: Pasta Day on Monday, Kids Eat Free on Tuesday, Snitty Day on Wednesday, Burger Day on Thursday and Raffle Night from 4pm on Friday. Musicians play most weekends, such as The Neighbors on Saturday 24 October at 6:30pm and Sam Buckley on Sunday 1 November at 1pm. The pub also pours its own Easy Ale, made with Earth Beer Company.
The hotel's history page tells a long story. Billinudgel's first hotel, the Tramway Hotel, went up around 1892 during railway construction, burned in 1898 and was rebuilt on the current site, then burned again in 1906 before today's building was built. In 1914 it was renamed the New Brighton Hotel and kept that name until 1995. Margaret "Ma" Ring bought it in 1929 and ran it for 53 years until her death in 1983, aged 101. In 2000 Ken Barnham, son of Ma's niece Marjorie Barnham, who ran the pub day to day from the early 1960s, bought back the lease and licence. He still holds the licence and runs the hotel alongside his sons.
On dogs, the hotel's own site says nothing, while the NSW Government's visitor listing marks it "Pet Friendly - Enquire". Ring (02) 6680 1148 before you bring one. The same listing tags the pub as family friendly with lawns and gardens.
Weekly Pub Specials Near Middle Pocket, Day By Day
These are the regular deals published by each venue on 19 October 2026. Prices and conditions can change, and some deals exclude public holidays.
| Day | What is on |
|---|---|
| Monday | Billinudgel Hotel Pasta Day; Mullumbimby Ex-Services Club schnitzel night from 5:30pm, schnitzel, chips, gravy and a drink for $12 ($10 for members, conditions apply) |
| Tuesday | Billinudgel Hotel Kids Eat Free; Top Pub trivia 6:30–8:30pm |
| Wednesday | Hotel Brunswick $20 grass-fed rump from 5pm; Ocean Shores Tavern $22 400g T-bone from 5:30pm; Billinudgel Snitty Day; Middle Pub musical bingo from 6:30pm |
| Thursday | Hotel Brunswick half-price pizza in the pub from 5pm; Billinudgel Burger Day; raffles at Hotel Brunswick and the Middle Pub |
| Friday | Billinudgel Raffle Night from 4pm; Middle Pub Balcony Beats DJ 5–8pm, then karaoke from 7:30pm |
| Sunday | Hotel Brunswick free live music from 4pm; Middle Pub live music from 3pm; Ex-Services Club free Sunday Sessions 3–6pm |
| Weekdays | Hotel Brunswick happy hour 3–5pm, $7.50 tap beers; Ocean Shores Tavern $12 cheeseburger and chips at lunch; Ex-Services Club $13 lunch special 12–2pm |
| Every day | Top Pub happy hour 4:30–5:30pm, $6.50 schooners |
A good rhythm for a four-night stay is one pub dinner, one club meal, one pizza pick-up and one night cooking at the cottage.
Ocean Shores Tavern: Smokehouse, Sport And A Playground
Ocean Shores Tavern at 84 Rajah Road calls itself a sports bar, burger bar and smokehouse, and the menu backs that up with smash burgers, smoked brisket and wings. It opens from 8:30am Monday to Saturday and 10am on Sunday, closing late on most nights and at 11pm on Sunday. The kitchen serves lunch from 12pm to 2:30pm and dinner from 5:30pm to 8pm.
For families, two details matter. The tavern says it has "a playground for the kids" and "a riverside beer garden out back". The kids menu lists burgers with fries at $15 and chicken nuggets with fries and coleslaw at $12. The weekday lunch special is a $12 cheeseburger and chips, and Wednesday night brings a $22 400g T-bone from 5:30pm. Both exclude public holidays.
The tavern is honest about its setting: its About page notes that "the view out front's a car park". Go for the food, sport and playground, not the sunset.
Ocean Shores Country Club: Golf, Bowls And A Club Dinner
Ocean Shores Country Club, at 113A Orana Road, has golf, bowls, a cafe, a bar and the Pacific Breeze Restaurant, which serves pub classics and Asian dishes from 12pm to 2:30pm and 5pm to 8pm daily. The clubhouse opens at 10am and closes between 9pm and 10pm depending on the day.
Visitors can play golf. The club's fees page lists $75 for 18 holes and $40 for 9 holes, with motorised cart hire at $50 for 18 holes and club hire at $37. A golf package with lunch and a shared cart is $85 per person on Tuesday to Friday and Sunday after midday, based on two players, and is not offered from Boxing Day to Australia Day. On 19 October 2026 the club reported the course and the bowls green open.
Social bowls suit non-golfers. Non-members cannot use the online booking system, so phone the Pro Shop on (02) 6680 1008 (extension 1) to book a rink and arrange bowls hire. Organised events require flat-soled shoes.
Brunswick Heads Bowling Club: A Bowlo Lunch On Tweed Street
Brunswick Heads Bowling Club on Tweed Street is the low-key alternative to Hotel Brunswick in the same town. The club says it welcomes visitors and is family friendly, and its Pacific Bistro is open for lunch and dinner daily. The club promotes its $10 "Bruns Bowlo" lunches.
Its website does not publish opening hours or barefoot bowls times, and its bowls schedule and entertainment pages (trivia on Tuesday, a SuperDraw on Wednesday) date from 2015 and 2023, so ring (02) 6685 1328 before you plan around it.
Mullumbimby Pubs: The Middle Pub And The Top Pub
Mullumbimby is about 18 minutes from Middle Pocket, and two of its pubs sit on Burringbar Street.
The Middle Pub, at 46 Burringbar Street, describes itself as the centre of the Mullumbimby community since 1904. It opens at 10am Monday to Saturday and 11am on Sunday, and serves pub classics and kids meals. The regular program includes Jag the Joker from 4pm and musical bingo from 6:30pm on Wednesday, raffles on Thursday, a Balcony Beats DJ from 5pm to 8pm and Krappyokee karaoke from 7:30pm on Friday, and live music from 3pm on Sunday.
The Top Pub, at 31 Burringbar Street, says it was "Built in 1898 and rebuilt in 1983". The bar opens 10am to 9pm daily, and the Burgerlesque kitchen serves burgers from 12pm to 2:30pm and 5pm to 8pm. Happy hour is 4:30pm to 5:30pm daily with $6.50 schooners, and trivia runs on Tuesday from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. It also has a drive-through bottle shop.
The Top Pub sends visitors to Facebook for its events, and its website footer is dated 2024. Treat both pubs' weekly programs as a guide and check their social pages for the current week. If your trip lines up with the show, our Mullumbimby Show 2026 guide covers the showground side of town.
Mullumbimby Ex-Services Club: Sunday Sessions And Visitor Rules
The Mullumbimby Ex-Services Club at 58 Dalley Street opens at 10am daily, closing at 9pm on Monday and Sunday, 9:30pm on Tuesday, 10pm on Wednesday and Thursday, and 11pm on Friday and Saturday. Gurkhas on Dalley, the bistro, serves lunch from 12pm to 2pm and dinner from 5:30pm to 8pm, and there is a cafe in the morning and afternoon.
Free Sunday Sessions run from 3pm to 6pm, with dates listed on 25 October and 1, 8, 15 and 22 November. The Neily Diamond Dinner Show is listed for Saturday 21 November from 6pm, with guest tickets at $70. Weekday lunch specials are $13 from 12pm to 2pm.
Coming straight from the beach? Pack a shirt and shoes in the car.
Melbourne Cup Day 2026 Near Middle Pocket: Where To Watch
The Victoria Racing Club lists Melbourne Cup Day as Tuesday 3 November 2026 at Flemington. Three venues within about 18 minutes of Middle Pocket have published plans, and all ask you to book or buy tickets.
| Venue | Time | What is listed |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel Brunswick | All day; race 3pm | Sweeps and games, Fashions on the Field at 2:30pm, Benny O'Dwyer after the race; tables of six or more booked for the day get a bottle of Squealini while stocks last |
| Ocean Shores Country Club | 12pm–4pm | $70 per person: welcome bubbles, canapés, alternate-drop main, dessert station, live music 12–3pm, race screening, best dressed and sweeps; limited tickets at reception |
| Mullumbimby Ex-Services Club | 12pm–5pm | Free entry, full race coverage, TAB from 10am, sweeps and a $50 cheese and charcuterie platter to pre-order |
The Billinudgel Hotel's calendar did not list a Melbourne Cup event when we checked, so ring ahead if you would rather watch the race at the closest pub.
Dog-Friendly Pubs: What The Venues Actually Say
Figtree Creek Retreat welcomes pets, but only one venue in this guide states a clear dog policy on its own website.
- Hotel Brunswick: "We are a dog friendly pub!" Dogs are welcome in outdoor areas; check with staff before live gigs.
- Billinudgel Hotel: its own site is silent, and the NSW Government visitor listing says "Pet Friendly - Enquire". Phone first.
- Ocean Shores Tavern, the clubs and the Mullumbimby pubs: no dog policy is published. Ask before you go, and expect dogs to stay outdoors at most.
Getting Home Safely From A Pub Night
Every venue in this guide is a drive from Middle Pocket, and the last stretch back is on country roads after dark. Plan the trip home as carefully as the table booking.
NSW Police list a zero alcohol limit for learner, P1 and P2 drivers, including visitors on overseas or interstate learner or provisional licences, and an under 0.02 limit for heavy vehicle, dangerous goods and public vehicle drivers. For everyone else, the police page states: "Under 0.05 is the legal limit for most drivers." The simplest plan is a designated driver who does not drink at all.
Rotate the driving job across the stay. Do not count on finding a taxi or rideshare late at night in the hinterland, and drive slowly on the valley roads after dark, watching for wildlife.
Why Figtree Creek Retreat Suits A Pub-And-Valley Weekend
Figtree Creek Retreat is a private A-frame cottage in Middle Pocket for up to six guests, with three bedrooms, five beds and one bathroom. The listing puts Billinudgel about 7 minutes away, Ocean Shores, New Brighton and Brunswick Heads about 12 minutes, and Mullumbimby about 18 minutes, so every venue in this guide is a short drive.
The cottage gives you a good reason not to go out every night. Upstairs there is an open-plan kitchen, dining and living area with a hanging daybed, and a private balcony with a barbecue and views. Outside there is a pool (heated in winter), a fire pit with seating, hanging swings and a private creek to swim in or try to catch a fish. On clear nights the listing promotes stargazing, which is easier when you are not driving home in the dark.
It also suits the way pub weekends often go. Self check-in by smart lock from 3pm means you can arrive, unpack and still make a 5:30pm dinner sitting in Billinudgel. Pets are welcome, which matters if Hotel Brunswick's dog-friendly beer garden is on the list.
Where Figtree Creek Retreat fits a pub-and-valley weekend
Figtree Creek Retreat is a three-bedroom A-frame cottage in Middle Pocket for up to six guests, about 7 minutes from the Billinudgel Hotel and 12 minutes from Hotel Brunswick in Brunswick Heads. Self check-in from 3pm leaves time to unpack before a pub dinner.
On the nights you stay in, there is a balcony barbecue, a pool, a fire pit with seating and a private creek. Pets are welcome, which suits a visit to Hotel Brunswick's dog-friendly beer garden.
Figtree Creek Retreat
Who This Stay Suits And How A Group Uses It
A pub-and-valley weekend works well for groups of friends, couples on a slower break and families with children young enough to love a playground and a pizza night.
For a group of six, the simplest pattern is one shared pub dinner and one or two nights at the cottage. The kitchen has induction plates, an electric portable oven, an air fryer, a rice cooker and a Nespresso machine, so a pick-up pizza from Hotel Brunswick or a barbecue on the balcony is easy. The fire pit makes a natural after-dinner spot.
Families get a trampoline and monkey bars, games for adults and kids, and a high chair, travel cot and baby gate on request. Couples can ask about the infrared sauna and the outdoor cinema, which are available by arrangement.
A Three-Night Pub Weekend Itinerary From Middle Pocket
This plan covers a Friday-to-Monday stay, using venue hours published on 19 October 2026 and drive times from the property listing. Adjust it to the gig guide and the weather.
Friday: Arrive And Keep It Local
Check in from 3pm, then drive about 7 minutes to the Billinudgel Hotel for Friday raffle night and dinner (service ends at 8pm). Finish at the fire pit under the stars.
Saturday: Beach Morning, River Afternoon
Spend the morning at New Brighton or Brunswick Heads, about 12 minutes away, then lunch in the Hotel Brunswick beer garden (weekend kitchen from 11:30am). On Saturday 24 October, Riverfest runs there from 12pm to 8pm with free entry. Swim in the pool or creek in the afternoon and keep dinner at the cottage: a Hotel Brunswick pizza pick-up or the balcony barbecue.
Sunday: Music Or A Game Of Bowls
Pick one: free Sunday music at Hotel Brunswick from 4pm, or Mullumbimby (about 18 minutes) for the Middle Pub's music from 3pm or the Ex-Services Club's free Sunday Sessions from 3pm to 6pm. For a game instead, book a bowls rink at Ocean Shores Country Club by phone in advance. Check-out on Monday is by 10am.
Staying Over Tuesday 3 November?
Add Melbourne Cup Day. Book the Country Club package or a table at Hotel Brunswick or the Ex-Services Club in advance.
Before You Go: A Pub Night Checklist
Ready to plan the weekend? See the Figtree Creek Retreat listing for dates and house details, browse every stay on WTP Holiday Homes, or read more Middle Pocket guides, including the Byron Hinterland markets and food weekend guide and beaches near Middle Pocket for the daytime half of the trip.
Sources And Dates Checked
Every fact in this guide was checked against these sources on 19 October 2026. Hours, prices, specials and events change often, so confirm with the venue before you go.
- Hotel Brunswick: home page, What's On, Gig Guide, Eat and Drink, Kids, Functions, Riverfest 2026 and Melbourne Cup Day event pages
- Billinudgel Hotel: home page, Events and History
- NSW Government: Billinudgel Hotel visitor listing
- Ocean Shores Tavern: home, menu, about and contact pages
- Ocean Shores Country Club: home, Dining, Golf fees, Bowls, Melbourne Cup Day and Family Fun Day
- Brunswick Heads Bowling Club: home, contact and entertainment pages
- The Middle Pub, Mullumbimby: home and entertainment pages
- Top Pub Mullumbimby
- Mullumbimby Ex-Services Club: club info, events, specials, Melbourne Cup 2026 and club policies
- NSW Government (Liquor and Gaming NSW): club rules for visitors
- Victoria Racing Club: Lexus Melbourne Cup Day 2026
- NSW Police Force: drink driving limits
- Figtree Creek Retreat listing for property features and drive times
FAQs About Brunswick Heads Pubs And Nearby Locals
How many pubs are in Brunswick Heads?
Brunswick Heads has one pub, Hotel Brunswick, at 4 Mullumbimbi Street on the Brunswick River. The town also has the Brunswick Heads Bowling Club on Tweed Street, which serves lunch and dinner daily. For more pubs, Billinudgel, Ocean Shores and Mullumbimby are all a short drive away.
What are Hotel Brunswick's opening hours?
Hotel Brunswick lists its hours as 10am to midnight, Monday to Sunday. The bistro serves 12pm–3pm and 5pm–8:30pm on weekdays, and 11:30am–3pm and 5pm–8:30pm on weekends. Pizza for pick-up is available daily from 12pm to 8:30pm. Check the website on public holidays.
Is Hotel Brunswick dog friendly?
Yes. The pub's website says "We are a dog friendly pub!" and that dogs are welcome in its outdoor areas. It asks owners to check with staff ahead of live gigs. Keep your dog on a lead and choose a quieter session if it is not used to crowds.
Is Hotel Brunswick good for kids?
Yes, it is set up for families. The Backyard is an enclosed playground with a climbing frame and slippery slide, covered by large shade sails, with a misting system in summer. The menu has a Ducklings kids section. Lunch or an early dinner is the easiest time with young children.
Who is playing at Hotel Brunswick in November 2026?
The venue lists The Tracks Party Tour on 6 November (18+ only), Matt Corby on 13 and 14 November (sold out), Kevin Morby on 20 November and Peter Garrett on 27 November. Doors open at 6pm for the Tracks, Morby and Garrett shows. Free acts play many weekends, and Sunday Brunsday music is free.
What is the closest pub to Middle Pocket?
The Billinudgel Hotel at 1 Wilfred Street, Billinudgel, is about 7 minutes' drive from Middle Pocket according to the Figtree Creek Retreat listing. It is family owned, opens from 10am to 10pm and serves lunch from 12pm to 2pm and dinner from 5:30pm to 8pm, seven days.
How old is the Billinudgel Hotel?
The hotel's home page says the pub was established in 1898. Its history page explains that Billinudgel's first hotel went up around 1892, burned in 1898 and was rebuilt on the current site, then burned again in 1906 before today's building went up. It was the New Brighton Hotel from 1914 until 1995.
Where can I watch the Melbourne Cup near Brunswick Heads?
On Tuesday 3 November 2026, Hotel Brunswick is taking table bookings for sweeps, Fashions on the Field and the race, Ocean Shores Country Club runs a $70 lunch package from 12pm to 4pm, and Mullumbimby Ex-Services Club offers free entry from 12pm to 5pm. Book ahead and arrange a designated driver.
Show 3 more questionsShow fewer questions
Can visitors play golf or bowls at Ocean Shores Country Club?
Yes. The club's fees page lists $75 for 18 holes and $40 for 9 holes for visitors, with carts and club hire available. For bowls, non-members phone the Pro Shop on (02) 6680 1008 to book a rink and hire bowls. Organised bowls events require flat-soled shoes.
Do I need to be a member to visit the Mullumbimby Ex-Services Club?
No. Visitors usually sign in on arrival, and the NSW Government says they are asked for photo ID such as a driver licence showing their current address. The club's policy page asks for proof of residence. Under-18s must stay with a responsible adult, and the dress code rules out swimwear, hats, caps and men's singlets.
What are the drink-driving limits in NSW?
NSW Police list a zero limit for learner and provisional drivers, including visitors on overseas or interstate learner or provisional licences. Drivers of vehicles over 13.9 tonnes gross vehicle mass, dangerous goods vehicles and public vehicles such as taxis and buses must be under 0.02. Most other drivers must be under 0.05.
Other properties to compare
Explore other stays connected to this area, guest type or holiday guide.
