The original inhabitants of Brunswick Heads were Aboriginal people from the tribe commonly known as Dur-ung-bil, which was part of the larger Midjungbal tribe. These people established gunyahs where the present township of Brunswick Heads is situated.

Early records show the Dur-ung-bil people were a peaceful group who shared their knowledge of the local area with the early European settlers. One historical account of a ship-wreck at New Brighton in 1849 records the assistance given by local Aboriginal people in rescuing two sailors trapped in the hull.

The first pioneers to the Brunswick Valley were cedar-getters Steve King, a former convict, and two brothers named John and Edward Boyd. For many years, the indigenous population of the Brunswick Valley out-numbered the Europeans. As there was an abundant food supply all year round, the Dur-ung-bil people were a strong, healthy group who knew the area well and made good use of the natural resources. Steve King established a good relationship with the Dur-ung-bil people and enlisted their help in locating cedar trees. Records show that as numbers of Europeans increased, a peaceful relationship between settlers and local indigenous people lasted for many years.

Cedar and other local timbers were excellent for boat building so it is not surprising that boat building became a major industry of the Brunswick Valley. Supplies were shipped to Sydney by sea and the constant movement of ships between townships like Ballina, Murwillumbah and Byron Bay made it necessary to have efficient boat-building and repair facilities. Brunswick Heads quickly became a vibrant sea port with its own boat-building industry. The "Emma," a 51 ton schooner, was one of the boats built at Brunswick Heads in 1851.

Thirty two years after the first European settlement at Brunswick Heads, the first farmers of the district occupied their selections. Dairy farming began in 1881 but it wasn’t until 1892 when paspalum grass was introduced that the dairy industry thrived. The opening of the railway in 1894, with a station at Billinudgel provided transport to the butter factory at Byron Bay. Another boost to the local dairy industry.

Other industries to develop included bananas and sugar cane. Bananas were grown on the steep slopes which could not be used for dairy cattle. After packing in wooden cases, the bananas were transported by rail from Billinudgel to the markets in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide.

Sugar cane grew successfully in the Brunswick Valley but cane farming did not become a major industry. Mostly the sugar cane was used as fodder for the stock, particularly during dry periods.