Ocean Road Magazine – The Tweed TAKE A DRIVE OR TWO IN THE TWEED

WORDS: PHOTOGRAPHY

Extending from coast to countryside, the Tweed region in northern NSW draws travellers from near and far to stunning beaches, green country towns and an endless list of things to do, from adventure to relaxation.

 

Diverse, compact and beautiful, it’s an ideal region to explore at an easy pace, driving from beachside to hinterland.

 

Sparkling seaside communities full of food, coffee and surf breaks, are a short distance from picturesque towns set beside the mighty Tweed River. Along the Tweed Valley Way discover villages full of craft and food markets, art-spaces, hiking trails, local gin, cheesemakers, cafes and a friendly welcome at every turn.

 

Read on for inspiration to map out your next Tweed drive holiday.

 

 

COAST DRIVE

 

From the buzzing hum of Tweed Heads to a string of coast-hugging hamlets dotted along the Tweed Coast Road, take a scenic drive along almost 40 kilometres of pristine beaches and seaside towns, from Fingal Head, Kingscliff and Casuarina to Cabarita Beach, Hastings Point and Pottsville.

 

The Tweed coast combines down-to-earth ease with sophisticated chic; from relaxed waterfront holiday parks to luxury stays with a view, local coffee hangs to awarded dining, and aquatic adventures from surfing and snorkelling, to paddling a SUP or fishing.

 

Coast Road Drive – Experience Planner

 

1. From Tweed Heads, head out on a deep sea or river fishing tour or join a whale watching boat cruise in season (July – September).

2. Learn more the Tweed’s indigenous heritage at the Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Centre (open Monday – Thursday, 10am to 3pm).

3. At Fingal Head, explore the Giant’s Causeway, a stunning rocky outcrop formed centuries ago when volcanic lava flow met the ocean.

4. While at Fingal, visit the Captain Cook Memorial and Lighthouse at Point Danger, keeping an eye out for dolphins and whales (in season).

5. Join a snorkelling tour out to Cook Island to swim in the Tweed’s turtle marine park; a conservation area that is one of the only locations outside of the Great Barrier Reef on the east coast of Australia where visitors can swim with turtles year-round.

6. Stretch your legs at Kingscliff with a stroll along the recently refurbished shoreline, with landscaped gardens, picnic facilities and views out to sea.

7. Hire a board, book a lesson and park up at some of the best surf breaks in Australia, Check conditions, patrolled areas and the right surf for you at beachsafe.org.au

8. Whet your appetite at relaxed cafes or awarded eateries, with delicious options to be found in each of the Tweed’s coastal towns.

9. Take in sunset from one of the area’s spectacular headlands; both Norries Headland at Cabarita Beach and Hastings Point are perfect options.

 

COUNTRY ROADS

 

Where better to start your journey from coast to country than along the expansive stretch of the mighty Tweed River, as it flows from a small ocean inlet between Duranbah Beach and the northern tip of Fingal Head and weaves its way inland through green hinterland towns.

 

From Tumbulgum to Murwillumbah, Crystal Creek to Tyalgum, Uki to Burringbar and everywhere in between, you’ll find historic homesteads to dine at, gorgeous rainforest retreats to sleep in and national parks, shoulder to shoulder, creating endless tracks to explore.

 

Riverside Drive – Experience Planner

 

1. Take a boat cruise along the Tweed River to catch a crab, spot countless birdlife or just enjoy the serenity of coasting alongside lush forest.

2. Visit Husk Distillers to sample locally made gin and rum, take a distillery tour to learn about the process and relax at the cellar door for lunch.

3. Drive to Tumbulgum township, the oldest European settlement in the region set right on the Tweed River, and take time out in its cafe, gallery or tavern.

4. In Murwillumbah, take a self-guided walk to uncover the town’s renowned architecture, with original and restored art deco features.

5. Learn more about the region’s history at the Tweed Regional Museum – check their website ahead of your visit for details on current talks, events and exhibitions.

6. Be inspired at M|Arts Precinct and Gallery DownTown with this contemporary art space offering changing exhibitions, local art shows and on-site creatives making, showing and selling their work.

7. Take time at the Tweed Regional Gallery and Margaret Olley Art Centre to browse national touring shows, local exhibitions and the stunning re-creation of Margaret Olley’s famed Sydney home.

 

Valley Drive – Experience Planner

 

1. Join a tour at Tropical Fruit World to learn how this 165-acre farm grows more than 500 fruits from all over the world.

2. Nearby, experience true farm-to-plate food at Farm&Co with fresh, healthy and tasty harvests served in a burst of colour at the farm’s warm and welcoming cafe.

3. Visit the plantation home of Madura Tea and tour the estate at Clothiers Creek.

4. Call in to Tweed Valley Farmhouse Cheeses to sample and purchase locally made delights from haloumi and brie to feta, labna and ricotta.

5. Take home vintage gold from Heath’s Old Wares in the small country town of Burringbar.

6. In Uki, park up at the much-loved Mount Warning Hotel for lunch with a mountain view.

7. Drive to Clarrie Hall Dam for a relaxed picnic or throw in a line to try your luck at catching a bass fingerling.

8. Head to the base of Wollumbin Mount Warning and take a quick stroll along the lush Lyrebird Trail.

9. Spend some time browsing the beautiful shops lining the main street of Tyalgum village, set amongst green rolling hills and with stunning views of Wollumbin.

 

 

Take a drive, spend some time and stay a few nights in the Tweed to discover all this and more. Call into the Visitor Information Centres at Tweed Heads, Kingscliff or Murwillumbah to meet passionate locals and get more details on experiences, travel routes and places to stay.

 

To plan your next Tweed holiday, go to VisitTheTweed.com.au and find us on Facebook @TheTweed and Instagram @TheTweed_NSW