Byron Bay may steal the spotlight all year round, but just a stone’s throw from it, a quieter stretch of the Northern Rivers delivers the kind of coastal escape that’s becoming increasingly hard to keep under the radar. The Tweed brings together a string of laid-back coastal towns, beautiful beaches and a lush hinterland, with excellent cafes, restaurants and outdoor adventures scattered throughout the region. And it seems the secret is officially out. Lonely Planet has named The Tweed one of its Best in Travel destinations for 2027, and it’s the only Australian destination to feature on the coveted list. With summer around the corner, now is the perfect time to plan a trip. Here’s what to see, eat and do while you’re there.
What to see and do in The Tweed
You’ll naturally want to start along the coast, with Kingscliff making an excellent base for exploring the region. The relaxed seaside town has a long stretch of beach for swimming and surfing, while a coastal path follows the shoreline and provides an easy way to explore on foot or by bike. From here, continue south to Cabarita Beach, where the coastline offers rugged scenery around Norries Headland. The short climb to the top rewards you with turquoise ocean views, and between May and November, it’s also a prime spot to look for migrating whales.
Further north, Fingal Head is home to one of The Tweed’s most unusual natural wonders. The headland was shaped by ancient volcanic activity, leaving behind the distinctive basalt columns of the Giant’s Causeway below the cliffs. A walking track through coastal vegetation leads towards Fingal Head Lighthouse, with Cook Island visible offshore. Tweed Heads offers another change of pace, with riverside walks and easy access to beaches around the Queensland border, while Pottsville combines an uncrowded coastline with the calm waters of Mooball Creek.
Inland, Murwillumbah sits among the green landscapes of the Tweed Valley and marks the beginning of the Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail. The former railway line has been transformed into a cycling and walking route through farmland, forest and historic villages. Nearby, the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre is a stellar cultural stop showcasing a variety of exhibitions, activities and events, while serious hikers can venture further into the hinterland on the multi-day Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk, a 42km trail winding past ancient rainforest, lush rainforest scenery, emerald waterfalls and incredible scenery through the Tweed Byron Hinterland.
Where to eat and drink in The Tweed
The Tweed’s food scene is surprisingly diverse, whether you’re after coffee and pastries or a long dinner by the coast. In Chinderah, Cubby Bakehouse is a popular stop for house-baked pastries, sourdough and baguettes, while Caba Social in Cabarita Beach covers the breakfast-and-coffee brief with a seasonal all-day menu. For something more polished, Paper Daisy serves produce-led dishes inside the stylish Halcyon House, and nearby No.35 Kitchen and Bar leans into Italian-inspired food designed for sharing.
Meanwhile, Hummingbird bakery & gelato in Pottsville specialises in pastries, cakes and house-made gelato, while Baker and Farmer puts local produce at the centre of its cafe menu. For drinks, Husk Distillers in the Tweed Valley offers cocktails and distillery tours among the surrounding cane fields.
Explore the local markets
The region’s markets are also worth working into a weekend itinerary. The Farmers Market runs in Murwillumbah on Wednesday mornings, bringing together local growers, bakers and producers, while the Kingscliff Markets combine food stalls with fashion, homewares and locally made goods close to the beach. Further inland, Uki Buttery Bazaar Market takes over the village on selected Saturdays with produce, crafts, plants and second-hand finds.
Getting there
The Tweed is located in far northern NSW, between Byron Bay and the Queensland border. From Sydney, the drive takes around 8.5 hours, while Brisbane is roughly 1.5 hours away and the Gold Coast is even closer. If you’re flying, Gold Coast Airport is the most convenient option, sitting just across the state border and around 15 minutes from Tweed Heads or 20–25 minutes from Kingscliff. Hiring a car is the easiest way to explore once you arrive, particularly if you plan to move between the coastal towns, hinterland villages and national parks. Plan your trip on Transport for NSW.
