Things to do in the Tweed: a guide to beaches, coastal towns and local flavour
The Tweed Coast has in recent years 'grown up', and these days it's not just the pumping surf and laid back holiday parks that bring the holiday makers. The rich local food scene, vibrant villages and incredible range of cultural experiences make it a truly special place to visit.
This transformation has not gone unnoticed. Lonely Planet has given the Tweed a nudge into the international spotlight, naming it the number two place to visit in Oceania in its Best in Travel 2027 list.
In this stretch of northern NSW between the Gold Coast and Brunswick Heads, surf beaches, volcanic headlands and quiet river towns sit within easy reach of delicious culinary options – everything from a perfect pub schnitty to sophisticated dining.
The coast is an easy place to start. Follow it south from the border and the mood shifts from world-famous surf breaks to family-friendly creek swims, relaxed beach towns and hinterland farms. The best plan is to leave some room in the day: for a long lunch, a detour, or the view that makes you pull over.
Where to eat
The Tweed is studded with coastal culinary gems. In Kingscliff, the Kingscliff Beach Hotel is made for a classic pub meal with a sea breeze, while Cudgen Headland Surf Life Saving Club puts its bar and bistro right above the sand. Further south, Salt Bar & Bistro is an easygoing option in Salt Village.
Cabarita Beach brings a different kind of occasion. Paper Daisy, inside Halcyon House, makes a stylish stop for a slower meal, while nearby the Cabarita Beach Hotel keeps things more casual.
For a taste of the Tweed Valley, head inland to Farm & Co, a working farm with a restaurant among the fields. And if your idea of holiday planning involves finding the best pastry before the day gets going, The Bread Social’s Tweed Heads café is worth adding to the list.
Where to play
The coast serves up a different scene at every stop. Snapper Rocks, just across the border in Coolangatta, is a dramatic introduction: a rocky point above Rainbow Bay, with the celebrated Superbank break drawing surfers and spectators alike. It’s technically Queensland, but an easy addition to a Tweed coastal itinerary.
At Fingal Head, walk out to the headland for a close look at the basalt columns known as the Giant’s Causeway. They formed when lava from the ancient Tweed Volcano flowed towards the sea and cooled into striking geometric shapes. The result is a rocky, almost island-like point with wide ocean views.
Ideal for families is the gentler Hastings Point. At low tide, Cudgera Creek opens into shallow water and sandy edges that can suit little kids for a paddle. Keep an eye on the tide and conditions, then settle in for the unhurried rhythm of a beach day.
There are plenty of ways to get out on the water, too. Hire a houseboat with Berger Houseboat Holidays and let the Tweed River set the pace, or join a Catch a Crab tour for a hands-on cruise with crab trapping, fishing and pelican feeding. For a deeper connection to Country, Tweed Escapes’ Fresh Water Indigenous Yarning Tour shares stories of the region’s waterways and landscapes.
Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Centre is another place to learn about local Aboriginal culture and history. If it’s on your itinerary, check its current opening days before you go.
Where to shop
Shopping in the Tweed is best approached as part of a coastal wander: duck into a boutique between swims, browse for something to take home, then stop for a coffee. Kingscliff’s Marine Parade has the feel of a beach village high street, while Cabarita’s compact centre mixes surf shops, homewares, cafés and independent stores. Pottsville is another good place to browse, with a slower village feel and shops suited to picking up a gift or something for the beach house.
If your visit lines up with market day, Kingscliff’s beachside markets run on the second and fourth Saturday of the month, while Pottsville’s community markets are held on the first and third Sunday. Expect local produce, handmade pieces, art, clothes and plenty of food stalls. Check dates before you go, as market schedules can change.
For a broader retail fix, Tweed City is the more appealing of the two main shopping centres, with a wide range of stores and a modern Hoyts cinema for a rainy afternoon.
Where to stay
For a boutique beachside base, Halcyon House at Cabarita is the ticket. Mantra on Salt Beach and Peppers Salt Resort & Spa in nearby Casuarina put you close to the sand, restaurants and cafés at Salt Village. A coastal holiday park makes a handy base for beach days and creek swims. At Hastings Point, Tweed Holiday Parks offers Surfari tents beside Cudgera Creek, with ensuite facilities and a deck for easing into the day outdoors.
For a more tucked-away stay, Hazy Stays near Pottsville was a runner-up in Hipcamp’s 2023 Best Cabin Stay in Australia awards. It’s a good option for swapping the beachside bustle for a slower country setting, while keeping the coast within reach.
