Can I let you in on a little secret? Nestled in between two popular holiday destinations, the Gold Coast and Byron Bay is a little place I like to call home. Filled with natural beauty from coast to hinterland, and experiences to delight the young and old, I am ready to share this gem with you. It’s too good to keep to myself. Let me tell you about the beautiful Tweed.
One week back in 2012, we drove up for a holiday in The Tweed (Kingscliff to be more precise) and I knew we had to live here. The sunsets got me, then the beaches, and then the chilled out vibe. It was relaxed, friendly and welcoming. So a few months later we called it home.
While I am lucky enough to call this area home, and my own playground to explore, I recently spent a weekend jam-packed with fun adventures and good eats with my family so I could put together the ultimate list of things to do with your family while visiting The Tweed.
Fun Things To Do In The Tweed
1. Explore Murwillumbah
It might seem odd to start off my list with a single town, but this deserves its place on top of the list because this town, our beautiful Murwillumbah, has a little bit of magic about it that I think everyone should enjoy experiencing. It’s like stepping back in time, but also in an artistic paradise where creativity is encouraged and inspiration can be found in bucketloads. With views of Wollumbin (Mount Warning) as you drive in, and the sugar cane lined roads lead you to good eats and fun times. In summer, head to the pool for diving boards and hills lined with waterslides.
2. Get historical at Tweed Regional Museum
It’s always interesting to find a little more about the history and heritage of a place you’re visiting, especially when it’s done in a beautiful setting with a little interaction and interesting, often-changing exhibits. With activities for the kids to get into, and beautiful displays for the adults to lose themselves in, the Tweed Regional Museum delighted us more than I imagined it would or could. When I told my kids it was time to leave, there was much moaning and groaning. They loved their time here, very much!
3. Get a bite to eat at Keith
Unpretentious, yet ultimately cool and ever-so delicious, Keith is a must-try when visiting the town of Murwillumbah. With delicious bites, like flaky pastries (the square quiches are most excellent) and delicious toasted sandwiches, it has so many nooks and crannies to perch yourself in and watch the world go by.
4. Get cool at Gelato & Co
It should be a rule that nobody can leave Murwillumbah without stopping in and trying the award-winning ice creams at Gelato & Co, located just outside the Imperial Hotel. The range of gelato is gluten, gelatin and egg free, and they even often sell hot donuts that are gluten-free and vegan-friendly. Be sure to try the mint chocolate, it’s my favourite!
5. Immerse yourself among the M-Arts
The M-Arts Precinct is a funky little area in Murwillumbah, filled with renovated shipping containers, where around 28 artists create their wares for you to watch on, or to buy a little piece to take home. This little hub is a great place to bring lunch, and sit down in the communal areas and just take in the artistic vibes. During our visit my girls got talking with a local potter, and she generously showed them her process and encouraged the kids to get their hands dirty whenever they could get the chance. This space is generous, and inspiring, and somewhere I like to pop my head in every time I’m in town.
6. Take it all in at the Tweed Regional Art Gallery
Perched on a hill in the countryside, with an ideal view of Wollumbin, the Tweed Regional Art Gallery is a beautiful space, with seasonally changing exhibitions (entry is free to the public). There’s always something to delight here, and often activities for the kids to get involved in too during school holiday periods. There’s also a dedicated space in the gallery where a part of the home of artist Margaret Olley has been carefully transported into its own permanent exhibition. We’ve probably visited over 15 times, and each time we still see something new in Magaret’s home.
7. Stay and play at Peppers, Salt Village
Located just out of Kingscliff, in its own little village on the beach, Peppers is the perfect resort to really unwind and relax. It has a beach-like pool, with sand, palm trees and loads of loungers to lie down and chillax. I like that the rooms are roomy, so it doesn’t feel like you’re living on top of each other. Best of all it’s right near the beach, so you can see the sunsets and sunrise, and there are great restaurants within walking distance, so everything is right at your finger tips. Oh, and the day spa is the best in the area… (make that happen!).
8. Witness a Tweed Sunrise
There’s something magical about a sunrise, especially a Tweed sunrise. Seeing the water rise over the water is just beautiful, and a great way to start the day. The best spots to witness the sunrise? Fingal Head, Salt Beach or Cabarita Headland. They’re my favourite spots to take it all in.
9. Eat at Mahsuri Thai
All of the eateries at Salt Village are worth stopping in for a bite to eat, and you could make your way through them with much joy and ease. We’ve been visiting Mahsuri Thai for many years now, and it never disappoints. Lots of flavour, a great cocktail list, and great people watching too. TIP: Always look at the specials menu! It’s worth ordering something from there every time. Always a winner!
10. Take a tour of Tropical Fruit World
You might think that a visit to Tropical Fruit World is walking through some orchards and eating some fruit. You’d be thinking wrong. Instead it’s a fun tractor ride through the farm, tropical fruit tasting, a boat ride, a chat with a farmer where you’ll learn a thing or six, and a fun stop for the kids to play, feed the farm animals, and zoom on the flying fox. They also have fresh markets on a Saturday with great eats for breakfast. I highly recommend getting an ice cream after your tour, you can choose the ice cream and what fruits you want blended in. So good!
11. Have a play at Hosanna Farmstay
Hosanna Farmstay is a local spot where people can go and stay for a while. They have campsites, cabins, and even a homestead for large groups to stay as well. Best of all they also have day visits ($7 per person), where families can come in for the day, play with the animals, go down their huge waterslide and swim in the dam. Or come for their Saturday night, where you can pack a picnic (or they have hot pizza and a dinner menu available). For just $10 a family, you can sit by the fire, listen to live music and have a cracking good time.
12. Fill your belly at Cubby Bakehouse
If you’re wondering where locals love to eat, it only takes one visit to realise that Cubby Bakehouse is a keen favourite for locals, and for visitors too. Located right on the beautiful Tweed River, this trendy location has delicious eats, from baked treats, to flavour-packed salads and banh mi, to their signature breakfast, Bam Bam Benny (eggs benedict on a croissant, you have to try it!). You can eat in, or order online and grab-and-go for breakfast on the riverside.
13. Hike up to Fingal Head Lighthouse
I say hike, but it’s more of a leisurely walk that anyone can do (not recommended for strollers or wheelchairs because of a few stairs). This quick walk will take you up to Fingal Headland where you’ll be treated to beautiful ocean views, Cook Island (an uninhabited island with great snorkeling and turtle viewing – you’ll need to get a boat out there to do this) and a prime spot for whale watching in winter.
14. Head to Cabarita Headland
Grab a picnic blanket, and prepare to take in the most beautiful views. Cabarita Headland is a popular spot to hang, picnic, watch surfers in summer, or try to spot whales in winter.
15. Get close up with the whales
Getting close-up with the whales is my favourite thing to do, and we’re so lucky here in the Tweed as the whales seem to think this is a great playground during winter as they head for warmer waters. We recently headed out with Coolangatta Whale Watch and we were treated to whales swimming under the boat, breaching in front of us, and splashing about with much enthusiasm. For our family of four it cost $253 for 3 hours.
Start planning your next holiday to The Tweed HERE.
Got a question about the Tweed? Let me know, I’ll answer below.
