Kingscliff

Tucked between golden beaches and the sparkling Tweed River, Kingscliff is a laid-back coastal gem perfect for sunseekers and nature lovers alike. Spend your days snorkelling with sea turtles off Cook Island, kayaking through tranquil estuaries, or casting a line in the calm waters of Cudgen Creek. After a morning in the surf, unwind at one of Kingscliff’s vibrant cafes or seafood restaurants, where fresh local flavours meet ocean views.

Highlights

Swim, dive and snorkel

This part of the Tweed is a magnet for water sports enthusiasts, drawn here to swim, surf, snorkel (green sea turtles are a highlight) and sail along the Tweed River. You can even spot whales as they migrate up and down the coastline from May through November. Join Cooly Eco Adventures to swim with whales, dolphins or turtles.

Cook Island, Fingal Head

Kayak and paddleboard

There are lots of places to kayak and paddleboard near Kingscliff, from the breakwater at Cudgen Headland in the south to Dreamtime Beach at Fingal Head in the north. The diverse conditions across the long stretch allow for calm waters in estuaries, ideal for young kids.

Book a tour with Watersports Guru to explore the region in kayaks, on stand-up paddleboards or on a snorkelling tour to Cook Island Aquatic Reserve. If you have children in tow, Guru hosts a program designed especially for kids looking to become more confident in the water.

Where the Cudgen Creek flows into the ocean, Kingscliff - Credit: Ryan Fowler, Destination Tweed

Cudgen Creek, Kingscliff - Credit: Ryan Fowler, Destination Tweed

Surf and longboard

Kingscliff is home to the annual Australian Longboard Surfing Open, attracting wave riders and their entourages for one of the biggest World Surf League longboard events in Australia. If you feel inspired by the professionals, and are keen to try a board with a little assistance, this is the place to do it. In2surf Surf School and Salty Girls Surf School both offer classes that will have you riding the waves in no time. Experienced surfers will enjoy Cudgen’s legendary right-hander.

In2surf Surf School, Kingscliff - Credit: In2surf Surf School

Bike routes and cycling hire

Back on dry land, you can hire beach cruisers, mountain bikes and e-bikes from Kool Bike Hire. From here, head along the bike path north to Fingal or south to Casuarina, Cabarita, Hastings Point and Pottsville, on the lookout for dolphins and whales the whole way. Download the Tweed Shire Cycleway Map before your adventure, to help plan your day on two wheels.

Kool Bike Hire, Kingscliff - Credit: Kool Bike Hire

Cafes, restaurants and markets

When you’re on the coast, your first though come mealtime is, naturally, seafood. There’s no better place to sample the regional delicacies than at Fins, known for using the freshest sustainable and organic produce the region has to offer (the seafood tasting menu is epic). It’s hard to look past the beautifully renovated 1932 Kingscliff Beach Hotel for a classic pub meal – with a modern seafood twist.

Fins Restaurant and Bar, Kingscliff - Credit: Tweed Coast Guide

The bounty at one of Australia’s best regional Greek restaurants, Taverna, looks like it has landed in NSW via Santorini. Just south, more fine dining awaits at Spice Den in Casuarina, serving flavour-packed fare from across Asia; or the highly awarded Paper Daisy at Cabarita Beach, set inside the luxe Mediterranean-styled motel Halcyon House.

Paper Daisy restaurant located within the Halcyon House

Paper Daisy restaurant, Halcyon House

More low-key, but just as tasty, is the fresh regional produce on sale at the Kingscliff Market, held the second and fourth Saturday of the month. Families will also love a visit to nearby Tropical Fruit World, where (in season), you can sample exotic chocolate pudding fruit, finger limes, ice-cream beans and tamarillo. Or enjoy a cup of coffee as you try pottery at Crockd Studios.

Tropical Fruit World, Duranbah

Beachside accommodation

When you arrive, camping and holiday parks right on the beach are great for families or those with pets in tow, such as Tweed Holiday Parks Kingscliff Beach and Ingenia Holidays Kingscliff. For something more indulgent, chic boutique stays include Mantra on Salt Beach, Peppers Salt Resort and Spa, Oaks Casuarina Santai Resort and the newly-renovated, retro-cool Blue Water Motel.

Mantra on Salt Beach, Kingscliff - Credit: Mantra on Salt Beach

Getting there

Just a short drive from two airports, fly to either the Gold Coast Airport (15-minute drive) or Ballina Byron Gateway Airport (one-hour drive). For a road trip to remember, drive north from Sydney to Kingscliff along the Legendary Pacific Coast. The route takes nine hours with lots of places to stop at and explore along the way. From Brisbane, it’s an 80-minute drive south to your destination.