10 minute read
Go with the River Flow
FLOWING FROM THE SEA AND WEAVING ITS WAY INLAND BESIDE TOWNS BOTH PEACEFUL AND VIBRANT, THE MIGHTY TWEED RIVER IS A STUNNINGLY EXPANSIVE WATERWAY INVITING EXPLORATION AT EVERY TWIST AND TURN IT TAKES.
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Where better to start your journey from coast to country than along the expansive stretch of the Tweed River, as it flows from a small ocean inlet at Tweed Heads, between Duranbah Beach and the northern tip of Fingal Head, crosses paths with the Rous and Oxley Rivers, and curves its way through the green towns of the valley and beyond. Stretch out, breathe in and feel invigorated by a little river exploration at your own pace, from bustling Tweed Heads to peaceful Tumbulgum and onwards to Murwillumbah.
ASK A LOCAL
LEE EYRE, Owner — The Oyster Shed & Catch-a-Crab
For more than 30 years, Lee and Rob Eyre, together with son Matt, have owned and operated the iconic Catch-a-Crab river tour, a favourite with families and groups, and also for international visitors, until COVID-19 hit in 2020 and forced the family to rethink everything. Harnessing their oyster farms on the Tweed River, Lee and family set about re-inventing their boatshed space to emerge as a rustic and welcoming seafood mecca, The Oyster Shed, overlooking Terranora Lakes, just 100 metres from their oyster lease.
Serving their own Sydney Rock Oysters, local fresh seafood as well as cold beer, hand-picked wines and tropical cocktails, Lee and family call this their ‘salty’ version of a paddock-to-plate Tweed food experience.
Explore: Cove at Cabarita Beach has been a favourite for a long time, and the nearby headland is perfect for whale-watching during winter, too. Sip: With a menu of margaritas, mojitos and martinis right by the beautiful Tweed River... why — The Oyster Shed of course! (seriously!) Also love Cudgen’s Earth Brewery for a cold beer — or two.
Eat: I go back to Potager Kitchen Garden at Carool time and time again. Small and special, it’s my favourite dining space with an ever-changing menu of seasonal local produce. Shop: I could get lost at Bowerbird Emporium in Murwillumbah — unique, eclectic, beautiful homewares and gifts. Do: Pick a beach (any beach!) for a long, relaxed walk, followed by lunch or coffee at a Kingscliff cafe — try Choux Box!
Tweed Heads
THE REGION’S NAMESAKE IS AN IDEAL COMBINATION OF FISHING AND RIVER CRUISING, WORLD-FAMOUS WAVES AND AN EVOLVING CAFE CULTURE.
Duranbah Beach may be less than 200 metres in length, but the break-wall of the Tweed River at the southern end forms a nice right-hand wave, loved by surfers from all over. If you’re staying out of the water, head to Point Danger, a natural amphitheatre that invites holiday-goers to take in sweeping vistas.
Heading in from the coast, the stunning Tweed River plays host to peaceful cruise tour opportunities, or you can hire a boat to track your own river path. Throw in a line for bream, flathead or jewfish (note there is a recreational fishing fee in NSW). Tweed Heads sits on the northern border of New South Wales and is often referred to as Twin Towns with Coolangatta (on the Queensland side). There’s a choice of shopping from boutique to national clothing brands and a constantly evolving cafe and dining scene, serving up barista coffee and food both fresh and delicious.
Tumbulgum
ROLLING OFF THE TONGUE AS TUMBULGUM, THIS TWEED RIVER TOWN IS SIMPLY GORGEOUS.
Arching around the shoulders of the river, Tumbulgum is where the Tweed and Rous Rivers intersect, and is said to take its name from a local indigenous word for ‘meeting of the waters’. Tumbulgum has a tucked-away, timeless ambience, set back quietly from the main road and opening up to surprise first-time visitors with its picturesque setting. Try the ready bustle of cafe fare or heritage pub vibe at the local tavern. Jump on board a cruise to really take in the grandeur and beauty of the river system, spot myriad birdlife and see Wollumbin Mount Warning from a new vantage point. For the more active, hire a SUP or kayak to navigate these ancient waters. Visitors to Tumbulgum can take things at their own pace, with a simple picnic and spot of fishing or a gin and rum distillery tour at the stunning Husk Distillers, home to the famous and tasty Ink Gin, creating a holiday vibe that’s just perfect for the moment.
THE OYSTER SHED
11-17 Birds Bay Drive, Tweed Heads West 07 5599 9972 | info@theoystershed.com.au
theoystershed.com.au
Located on absolute riverfront at Tweed River’s beauti ful Birds Bay, The Oyster Shed off ers casual, relaxed dining that showcases the freshest of farm oysters and wild-caught local seafood, alongside Australian wine and beers. Dine on freshly shucked Sydney Rock Oysters – all while overlooking the oyster leases that are just a stone’s throw from shore. SCARLETT’S WARDROBE VINTAGE
35 Wharf Street, Murwillumbah 0419 111 155 | scarlett swardrobe@gmail.com
instagram.com/scarlett swardrobevintage
A Bouti que Store that breathes the love of Vintage clothing and accessories – ti meless pieces to have as that special vintage piece. Opening hours – Tuesday & Wednesday 9.30am to 3.30pm; Thursday & Friday 10am to 4pm; Saturday 9.30am to 2pm – happy to meet via an appointment.
CUBBY BAKEHOUSE
162 Chinderah Bay Drive, Chinderah 0458 958 852 | gday@cubbybakehouse.com
cubbybakehouse.com
If you’re obsessed with almond croissants, go weak at the knees for cream-fi lled eclairs and can’t say no to a gooey cookie, then follow your nose to Chinderah’s Cubby Bakehouse. Overlooking the Tweed River, Cubby specialises in classic Parisian baguett es and fresh sourdough bread, while the cabinet is graced with a mouthwatering line-up of its iconic handmade pastries and sweet treats. Sit amongst the acti on inside or soak up the sunshine in the picnic area (hint: look for the big red truck) while tucking into Cubby’s all-day brunch menu – there’s everything from Croissant Eggs Benny and house-made sausage rolls to a punchy karaage-chicken banh mi served on a crunchy house-baked roll. Sip on Byron Bay’s Marvell Street coff ee while you’re at it. Opening hours – 5:30 am to 2:30 pm, 7 days.
TWEED ECO CRUISES
07 5536 8800 | info@tweedecocruises.com
Tweedecocruises.com
Tweed Eco Cruises have been cruising the Tweed for over 30 years, off ering beauti ful cruises on the River. Get immersed in local knowledge, tasti ng local food and drinks, while viewing the wildlife and the landscape of the Tweed, on our historic River Cruiser the Golden Swan. Tweed River and Rainforest Cruises with lunch Booningbah to Fingal
Morning Tea Cruises
MINJUNGBAL MUSEUM & CULTURAL CENTRE
Cnr Kirkwood Rd & Duff y St, Tweed Heads South 07 5524 2275 minjungbalmuseum@tweedco-op.com.au
facebook.com/MinjungbalMuseum
We are located within the Tweed Heads Historic Site, which adjoins the Ukerabagh Nature Reserve. This cultural heritage site provides a facility for all people to explore and enjoy the beauty of the nati ve coastal bushland. Learn from the detailed exhibits in the Museum about how Aboriginal people lived. Explore the natural surrounds and see an authenti c Bora Ring. Visit the museum and take home a souvenir from the shop. This beauti ful site is just 5kms south of the border.
JODHA BAI RETREAT
38 Sunnycrest Drive, Terranora 0417 947 723 | jodhabairetreat@bigpond.com
jodhabairetreat.com
Two huge ultra luxurious bungalows, 6 star (Guest rated) private oasis situated in the picturesque Tweed Valley of NSW. Inspired, designed and built around the original 450-year-old Jodha Bai Palace in India and incredibly craft ed with over 300 tonnes of hand carved Indian Red sandstone. Indulge in the fi nest food and luxury in this adults only private retreat.
COOKS ENDEAVOUR MOTOR INN
cooksendeavourmotorinn.com
Clean Quiet Comfortable All ground fl oor units Ideally located www.tripadvisor.com/1974150
TWEED ULTIMA
20 Stuart Street, Tweed Heads +61 (0)7 5599 3500 | info@tweedulti ma.com.au
tweedulti ma.com.au
Welcome to Tweed Ulti ma Apartments, located in the heart of Tweed Heads and Coolangatt a, off ering a variety of spacious one and twobedroom apartments. The apartments have full kitchens and large shutt ered balconies. They also have an underground carpark, heated pool, heated spa and barbecue area. A small private gym is available for a small fee.
The resort is a short walk to patrolled surf beaches, shopping, restaurants, bars, the entertainment precinct of Twin Towns and Coolangatt a, and only minutes from Gold Coast airport.
TWEED HARBOUR MOTOR INN
tweedharbourmotel.com.au
Complimentary conti nental breakfast, cheese and biscuits, and bott led water. 15 spacious refurbished motel units Queen/Family/2 bedroom units Free WiFi Shaded saltwater pool
COOLANGATTA & TWEED HEADS GOLF CLUB
Soorley Street, Tweed Heads South 07 5524 4544 | Golf Bookings 07 5619 5112 enquiries@cooltweedgolf.com.au
cooltweedgolf.com.au
Every golfer who visits the Tweed should plan a round of golf at the famous Coolangatt a & Tweed Heads Golf Club. Located on the banks of the Tweed River, it is one of just a few clubs in Australia to off er 36 championship holes over two courses. The River and West courses are ranked in the top 100 public access courses in Australia. Both are nestled within 100 hectares of idyllic riverside nature reserve, which is home to more than 200 species of birds and nati ve wildlife. There is a Pro Shop onsite and dining at the Balcony Bar & Café. Enjoy breakfast or lunch on the outdoor deck with spectacular views of the course. Visitors are welcome, seven days a week.
TWEED MALL
Cnr Wharf & Bay Streets, Tweed Heads 07 5536 4066 | info@tweedmall.com.au
tweedmall.com.au
Only a short stroll from the sandy beaches of Coolangatt a, right next to the Jack Evans Boat Harbour and Twin Towns Service Club.
We’ve got you covered, from homewares to designer swim wear or fresh food to the unexpected with a medical precinct. Plus, home to all 3 supermarkets under one roof – ALDI, Coles and Woolworths. With over 900 free carparks, including 3 levels of undercover, plus 60+ specialty stores, Tweed Mall is your convenience away from home.
