The Tweed Area

The Tweed on the far NSW North Coast offers visitors every kind of attraction – from uncrowded beaches to world-renowned surf breaks and a beautiful river which winds its way right through town and empties out into the Pacific Ocean. It’s also developing a reputation as a delicious destination for foodies.

Woman enjoying scenic views across the Northern Rivers region at the Plantation House in Duranbah

Rainforests and mountains

In the Tweed, you can lose yourself in some of the largest and oldest tracts of sub-tropical rainforest left on Earth in the World Heritage-listed Wollumbin National Park. Amongst this stunning natural landscape of beaches and forest you’ll find an array of outdoor adventures and cultural experiences.

There are seaside towns and hinterland villages all set within a green caldera, the crater of the extinct Tweed Volcano, now covered in rainforest and farmland. A towering volcanic peak called Wollumbin by the local Aboriginal people, and Mount Warning by Captain Cook, is the centrepiece.

Friends enjoying a picnic at Tropical Fruit World, Duranbah, Tweed Area

Towns and villages

Tweed Heads is the region’s main town, nicknamed the Twin Town because it’s joined with neighbouring Coolangatta. You’ll find a range of things to do, from rainforest river cruises and houseboat holidays, to deep-sea fishing charters and whale watching, or you might just relax on its beaches.

Kingscliff is home to stunning beaches and fantastic waves. Tasty cafes and restaurants dot Marine Parade and Bells Boulevard, like Greek-inspired Taverna, set within a 1930s converted fishing cottage. A short drive inland is Tropical Fruit World, where you can also get up close to kangaroos.

Murwillumbah, a riverside hinterland town, is home to the Tweed Regional Art Gallery where the Margaret Olley Arts Centre honours its namesake, one of Australia’s most celebrated painters. The town and the nearby villages of Uki and Tyalgum are on the doorstep of Wollumbin National Park.

Women enjoying a Catch A Crab tour along the Tweed River, West Tweed Heads, North Coast

Things to do in the Tweed

You can go snorkelling or diving in the Cook Island Aquatic Reserve, a haven for green sea turtles, giant gropers and grey nurse sharks. Watersports Guru in Kingscliff, a popular beach holiday town a short drive south of Tweed Heads, will take you to the marine sanctuary on a snorkelling tour.

The Lyrebird track is a great way to experience the natural beauty of Wollumbin National Park. You can explore the region’s Aboriginal culture at the Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Check out the events calendar for festivals, markets and sports, like the Tyalgum Festival of Classical Music and the Australian Longboard Surfing Open.

Friends enjoying their stay at The Hideaway, Cabarita Beach, Tweed Area

Getting there and where to stay

Getting to the Tweed region is easy. It’s around nine hours’ drive from Sydney or 80min from Brisbane. You can fly into the Gold Coast Airport, a 10min drive away, or into Ballina Byron Gateway Airport, one hour away. Accommodation suits a range of budgets, from camping and holiday parks to motels, luxe retreats and beachside resorts.