Welcome, Boat Users and Fisherfolk!
Whether you're out on the water most mornings, casting from the shore, new to fishing, or simply passionate about the health of our local waterways, this space is for you.
We’ve brought together useful resources, updates, surveys, and opportunities tailored specifically for the fishing community in and around the Bruns.
From local tide times and safety tools to habitat restoration grants and sustainability tips, our goal is to support both your time out on the water, and the long-term health of the river we all rely on. Dive in, connect, and help shape the future of fishing in the Northern Rivers!
🎣 Fishing & Boating Resources
NSW DPI – Recreational Fishing
- 📍 https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/recreational
- Info on fishing rules, bag and size limits, closed seasons, fishing licences, and sustainable fishing practices.
- Download their NSW Fishing Rules App (Android/iOS) — very handy for checking species limits on the water.
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Marine Rescue NSW – Northern Rivers (Brunswick)
- 📍 https://www.marinerescuensw.com.au/units/northern-rivers/
- Important for logging trips, marine safety updates, and volunteer contact in case of emergency.
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Boating Maps – Brunswick River
- 📍 https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/
- Detailed boating and mooring maps to avoid hazards and check no-wash zones or speed limits.
- Fishing Knots – Animated guides
- 📍 https://www.animatedknots.com/fishing-knots
- If you're just starting out - a great site to see how to tie useful knots, step by step.
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Tide Charts – Brunswick Heads
- 📍 https://tides.willyweather.com.au/nsw/far-north-coast/brunswick-heads--river-entrance.html
- Know when it’s best to head out or come in, especially in a river mouth like the Bruns
🌱 Environmental & Sustainability-Focused Resources
OzFish Unlimited – Northern Rivers Chapter
- 📍 https://ozfish.org.au/
- Local group of rec fishers doing river habitat restoration, fish monitoring, and citizen science. Great to join if you're into giving back to the river.
- Northern Rivers CMA Fish Habitat Network
- 📍 https://www.fishhabitatnetwork.com.au/
- Learn how coastal and river fish habitat supports your catch. Local projects, case studies, and tips for protecting your fishing grounds.
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NSW DPI – Habitat Action Grants
- 📍 https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/habitat/rehabilitating/ahr-grants-program
- If you and other local fishers are keen to restore riverbanks or fish habitat, these grants can fund your project.
- North Coast Local Land Services
- 📍 https://northcoast.lls.nsw.gov.au/
- Supports river health, weed control, and sustainable land/water management — often collaborates with locals for funding or workshops
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CoastSnap – Brunswick Heads
- 📍 https://www.coastsnap.com/
- A citizen science project where you can take phone photos at fixed stations to help monitor coastal change. One is located near Brunswick Heads!
🐟 Weather, Bar & Safety Monitoring
- WillyWeather – Brunswick Heads
- 📍 https://www.willyweather.com.au/nsw/far-north-coas...
- Tides, swell, wind, moon phase, UV – easy to read before you hit the water.
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NSW Bar Crossing Reports
- 📍 https://www.maritime.nsw.gov.au/documents/publications/bar-crossing-guides.html
- Brunswick River bar is infamously rough at times — this site gives guides and live cams or reports where available.
- 📍 https://www.maritime.nsw.gov.au/documents/publications/bar-crossing-guides.html
- NSW Maritime – Boating Safety & Rules
- 📍 https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/operations/maritime
- Everything you need on lifejacket rules, speed limits, safe navigation, and boat licensing. Also includes local restrictions like “no-wash” zones on the Bruns.
- Brunswick River Bar WebCam
- 📍 https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transpo...
- The Brunswick bar can be dangerous in rough conditions, and even experienced boaties have run afoul of it at times. NSW Gov have some useful information about bar crossings here.
