From ball or water sports, to gyms with classes there’s plenty on offer near Ocean Shores
From South Golden Beach to Ocean Shores and Brunswick Heads, there’s no shortage of coastline to enjoy – so as you can imagine, a lot of the amazing sports and recreational activities are water-based.
But that’s not to say there aren’t fantastic facilities for those who prefer to get active on dry land, in fact, there’s heaps on offer in this central region of the Byron Shire. Many sporting clubs and associations welcome volunteers, so are a great way to help out and immerse yourself in the local community. If you’re wondering where, and how, to get involved, here’s how to get your heart pumping – all while thoroughly enjoying yourself.
Water sports
As already mentioned, with the Pacific Ocean on your doorstep, it would be hard to go past getting out on it at some point. Surfing is most certainly a central part of the culture in our beach-side towns and villages, and if that sounds like something you’d like to have a go at, get in touch with Brunswick Surf who can connect you with a friendly, experienced local teacher for lessons. Don’t forget – everyone has to start somewhere, so even if you’re a newbie, but you’ve been keen to give it a go for a while, just do it!
If you’re after an amazing underwater experience, Blue Bay Divers is ready to show you everything the deep blue ocean has to offer. From a range of spectacular dive sites to snorkelling and freediving, and even whale watching – you can do it all on the spacious, 8.5 metre ‘Bay Warrior’. Head out from Brunswick Heads to Julian Rocks, one of Australia’s top dive sites, where you’ll spot sharks, turtles and manta rays among hundreds of other marine species.
Image source: Blue Bay Divers
As a quintessential Australian pastime, being a part of your local Surf Life Saving Club is almost a prerequisite when you’re living on the coast. And Brunswick Heads SLSC is always happy to welcome new members, whether you’d like to be a senior patrol member or enrol the kids as nippers – there are always plenty of fun ways to get involved. And if you don’t feel like getting out into the ocean, the Brunswick River is very popular for swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing and other water sports.
Gyms and classes
If cardio and group fitness classes are more your thing, check out BrunsGym in Brunswick Heads. From a free weights room to a cardio room with pin loaded equipment, there’s also more than 40 fitness classes available per week, as well as a swimming pool, sauna and cycle room.
Looking to energise, detox, relax and regenerate? Then head to The Corner in New Brighton. It offers pilates reformer classes for strength, balance, agility and flexibility, alongside manual therapies (dry needling, cranio-sacral therapy, neuromuscular and manual therapy), an infrared sauna and a health spa.
Image source: The Corner in New Brighton
Sports clubs
Grab your clubs and get your golf on at the Ocean Shores Country Club. There’s a stunning 18 hole championship golf course for members and visitors to enjoy, and at the end of a round (or two), you can have a drink at the bar or a meal at the bistro. In between rounds you could also have a go at lawn bowls, have a dip in the swimming pool or browse the pro shop.
At the Brunswick Heads Bowling Club you can have a whole lot of fun with friends – and make some new ones while you’re there. As a member, you can also enjoy access to regular entertainment at the club, and dine at their on-site restaurant.
Fancy a bit of football? The Shores United Soccer Club has two locations – New Brighton and Ocean Shores – and they cater for all ages, from four years of age to the politely named age bracket of ‘seniors’ (individuals over 18).
Getting out and about in your local community is a great way to not only meet new people but also enjoy all the benefits that come from staying active – we all feel better when we get moving right? And there’s no doubt the Byron Shire has plenty on offer, all set in a beautiful natural landscape.
Interested in learning what other sports and recreational centres are in the area? Check out our business directory.
