Top arts & culture experiences in the Tweed

Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre

Housed in an architecturally award-winning building just outside of quaint Murwillumbah is the spectacular Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre. Awaken your senses as you wander through a dynamic array of regionally and nationally significant exhibitions, both historical and contemporary, before admiring the permanent recreation of Margaret Olley’s home studio, Australia’s most celebrated still-life painter. 

Gaze through the glass panels and you’ll find the gallery’s surrounds as visually moving as its interior – with sweeping views of Wollumbin Mount Warning, the Tweed River and slow-moving cows nibbling the lush grass. Perhaps the views are best taken in with a crisp white wine in hand as you graze on nourishing local produce at the on-site cafe. You can even cycle to the gallery on the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.

Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre, Murwillumbah

M|Arts Precinct

Peer behind the Art-Deco façade of the M|Arts Precinct in Murwillumbah and you’ll discover a vibrant honeycomb of artists’ studios, retailers, micro galleries and eateries – all housed together in a network of renovated shipping containers set in a warehouse. With industrial flair in spades, this is a place where you’ll delight in connecting, eating, drinking and creating in between artist studio visits. Swing by on a weekend to sip brews from Spangled Drongo’s pop-up bar; lounge about to a funky vinyl session or some live music; and pick up a unique piece direct from the maker. The space often plays host to a fabulous artisan market, and there are constantly rotating workshops where you can rediscover a lost art or stumble upon a new hobby – from drawing classes accompanied by live guitar music to raffia basket weaving.

M|Arts Precinct, Murwillumbah - Credit: Mitchell Schultz, ZASK Pty Ltd

Banaam’s On Country Cultural Experience

Join Banaam’s On Country Cultural Experience to enjoy a guided walk through the headlands of Fingal Head. Over a shared lunch prepared by local Aboriginal people, hear stories passed down generations, before visiting a special spot of cultural significance. Through hands-on activities, learn about traditions including rope-making, bush food gathering and preparation, and language. As you spend time on Country, be guided by experts to understand ancient ecological practices and how to care for the land.

Fingal Head, The Tweed - Credit: David Kirkland

Art Post Uki

Nestled in the adorable town of Uki, the still fully functioning heritage-listed post office has been handsomely restored and transformed into sophisticated gallery and cafe, Art Post Uki. Savour a coffee as you admire a roving exhibition of thought-provoking regional work curated by an independent panel of artists – all while observing the comings-and-goings of the vibrant community. The space is hip and inviting, and also sells its bespoke hand-roasted beans, so you can take a tiny piece of Uki home with you. 

Art Post Uki, The Tweed