Suburb Profile
Hastings Point
By Aaron Bidwell | Photography Lindsey Bidwell
What a beautiful day out! There is nothing quite like packing the car to go off on an adventure. Somewhere to explore, go for a swim and relax with family and friends. Hastings Point can provide just such a trip. Hastings Point is the smallest coastal settlement of the Tweed shire in NSW. Surrounded by untouched national parks, breathtaking beaches and a beautiful estuary, the region is the ideal location for a trip away. Located just 25kms south of Tweed Heads, Hastings Point features a great selection of caravan and camping options, beaches to explore with family or friends and a laidback atmosphere to recharge your batteries. It has been described as the entrance for the nationally recognised 'Green Cauldron' and is identified without doubt as one of the unique seaside locations in Australia. Those who enjoy fishing will have a great time exploring the estuary, or you can try your hand at beach fishing but remember that a fishing permit is required while fishing in NSW. The village residents help protect, clean and nurture the environment, acting as stewards for future generations. There is an appreciation here for the unspoiled beach and the freedom to experience nature at its finest; there is nothing like it. For as long as one can remember, seasonal campers have been attracted to the natural beauty of Hastings Point, and with good reason.
34 | Local Suburb Profile
Hastings Point is a great little coastal town, the perfect place to take the family and reconnect while spending quality time together, either on the surf beach or by the estuary soaking up the sun, swimming, building sandcastles, surfing, and enjoying a picnic. A wonderful park area is available at Cudgera Creek for local and visiting families. The playground features a play fort, swings, a climbing web and plenty of covered seating areas. My sons, Bailey and Brendan, loved the play area, and their grandparents appreciated the shady trees while they chased them back and forth. It is a perfect position with the ease of going to the river for a swim or building some sandcastles, then back to seating areas and playground. After playing, we set up a picnic with some delicious fish and chips from the Hasting Point General Store. The store offers breakfast, lunch and dinner and features a retail shop with bait and a bottle shop. Next, it was time for a relaxing swim in the river. You can start at the end near the bridge and float out towards the sea. The kids particularly loved this on their bodyboards. Another fun activity is to hire a kayak or standup paddleboard to travel on the beautiful estuary; these are available at the site for hourly, half-day and full-day hire. Check with Caldera Kayak Experience for availability. For those who prefer a relaxing walk, this is a great way to stretch your legs, see the sights, and let the kids go on their bikes, scooters, or skates along the
pathway that stretches over 10 kilometres from Casuarina to Pottsville Waters. A visit is not complete without touring the Hasting Point Headland. The lookout is fantastic for watching the dolphins, fish, and other wildlife go by, along with whale watching, when they are migrating. And, of course, the 180-degree stunning coastline views. It is no wonder that Trip Advisor has accepted 83 reviews as I sit here writing this article, and do you know the most amazing thing about these reviews? Not a single review was 'Terrible', 'Poor' or even 'Average'; there are 17 'Very Good' and 66 'Excellent'. Hastings Point is known as the 'Jewel of the Tweed' for its unwavering natural beauty. The unique seaside location, unspoilt beaches, and luscious rainforest, the perfect setting for a family escape. You can forget the laundry, school runs, making lunches, school projects, work and focus on enjoying the company of your loved ones. A comfortable journey to visit, Hastings Points is under an hour from the Ballina region. An easy drive along the Pacific Highway, take the exit towards Pottsville, then it is a leisurely trip along the coastline to reach Hastings Point. For further information and to learn more about the Tweed region and Hasting Point, visit www.visitthetweed.com.au.
