Great Brak River has some lovely beaches and you can reach "The Island" by crossing a single-lane bridge. On the island there are some holiday homes but if you walk for 40 mins past them, you will find another lovely beach.

The town of Great Brak River was founded in the 1850's by the Searle family who received the contract to operate a toll-gate at the causeway over the Great Brak river, to pay for the financing of the bridge.

The Searle's started a small shop at first but later they also constructed a water-mill, a wool-washery, a timberworks, and a tannery. Initially, just to keep himself busy, Charles Searle began making and selling boots and shoes to travellers. Today Great Brak (brakish water) River has a thriving footwear and timber industry.

In the Spanish-style church of Great Brak River you will find a font made from the post of the turnpike built by the first Searle's when they settled there.