20 minute read
Beside the Sea
GORGEOUS BEACH VILLAGES HUG THE TWEED COASTLINE, FROM THE URBAN VIBRANCY OF TWEED HEADS IN THE NORTH TO THE SERENITY OF POTTSVILLE BEACH IN THE SOUTH.
Dotted along the Tweed Coast Road and offering almost 40 kilometres of pristine beaches, our seaside towns are distinctive, yet also weave seamlessly into one another as you journey along the scenic stretch from Fingal Head, Kingscliff and Casuarina to Cabarita Beach, Hastings Point and Pottsville. Our coast combines down-to-earth ease with sophisticated chic — from relaxed waterfront holiday parks to luxury stays with a view, and local coffee hangs to awarded dining, there are endless ways to relax into your next Tweed beach break.
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Fingal & Chinderah
AS THE LONG, STRAIGHT STRETCH OF COASTLINE FROM TWEED HEADS TRACES SOUTH, FINGAL HEAD JUTS OUT TO SEA, POINTING TOWARDS NEARBY COOK ISLAND.
At Fingal Head is a rocky outcrop known as Giant’s Causeway, so named after the similar UNESCO Giant’s Causeway World Heritage Site in Ireland, which was formed by lava flows halted by the cool ocean, resulting in rock pillars that rise like steps to a peak with views clear out to the horizon. For the local indigenous people, Fingal Head is known as Booninybah, said to mean ‘home of the giant echidna’, with the volcanic columns resembling an echidna’s spiny covering. In tranquil Fingal, you’ll also find fun surf breaks, laid-back fishing spots, chilled eateries and caravan and camping options close by. Nearby Chinderah is a restful riverside getaway, just a stone’s throw from the beach and ideal for a bit of R&R for those who like to take it easy on holiday.
Set on the banks of the Tweed River, your Chinderah holiday to-do list could include relaxed boating with a fishing rod, SUP or kayak paddling, slow walks along the winding river, 18 holes at the local course, browsing and buying antiques with a marine theme, lazy picnics in the park, fish and chips in the sun and good cheer at the local tavern overlooking the water.
Cook Island Aquatic Reserve
KNOWN BY THE PEOPLE OF THE LOCAL BUNDJALUNG NATION AS JUNGARNGAHRIYAHN (JOONG-URRA-NARRIAN), SAID TO MEAN ‘PELICAN DANCE’, COOK ISLAND HAS ALSO BEEN KNOWN AS TURTLE ISLAND AND CONTINUES TO BE A SANCTUARY FOR BIRD AND MARINE LIFE TO THIS DAY.
One of only 13 aquatic reserves in New South Wales, Cook Island Aquatic Reserve is around 600m off shore from Fingal Head and comprises 80 hectares of protected marine area, which nurtures fish habitats and threatened species, conserves marine biodiversity and supports research and education.
Formed by lava flows from a vast shield volcano over 20 million years ago, the island has both hard and soft corals, with boulders forming walls and caves descending to the sandy sea floor. It’s thought that Cook Island, Julian Rocks near Byron Bay and the Solitary Islands further south, are a kind of ‘stepping stone’ pathway for tropical marine species moving up and down along the coastline. Arguably the stars of the show are the resident green sea turtles, ever-present in and around the Cook Island Aquatic Reserve and best encountered on an organised snorkelling tour out from Fingal Head, with sightings possible all year around. Temperate, subtropical and tropical species of fish, crustaceans and molluscs are also abundant in the complex rocky reefs of Cook Island, which also accommodates nesting seabirds, seeking a calm place to birth and raise their young. As a safe harbour, Cook Island and its surrounding reserve provide habitat and resource for countless marine animals, including pufferfish and clownfish (hi Nemo!), as well as nudibranchs, stingrays, wobbegongs and even leopard sharks over summer.
Several threatened or protected species are also found in the reserve, including the giant Queensland grouper, black rockcod, gold spotted rockcod and the grey nurse shark. Cook Island is a popular base for aquatic tours, with snorkelling trips available to explore the island’s marine life, along with scuba diving, boating, snorkelling and whale watching in season (fishing is not permitted within the reserve). Cook Island itself is a nature reserve with recreational use not permitted.
For more details head to the Department of Primary Industries’ website.
Kingscliff, Salt & Casuarina
DISCOVER BUSTLING HUBS TO SUIT ALL HOLIDAY NEEDS, FROM A CAFFEINE BOOST TO GLOBAL DISH, AQUATIC ADVENTURES AND BOUTIQUE BROWSING OR JUST A SKATE, CYCLE OR STROLL ALONG THE WATER’S EDGE.
Kingscliff has evolved into an urbane holiday offering, with upmarket resorts and a celebrated food scene, and it’s grown while retaining a laidback personality that still feels familiar, down-toearth and generous. Everything is close by in Kingscliff village, whether you need to get the heart rate up with a surf lesson, paddle along Cudgen Creek or a snorkel beside green sea turtles; or you’re wanting something more chilled like a foreshore bike ride, beach-view sip, round of lawn bowls or a spot of retail therapy.
If you need more Tweed holiday inspiration while in Kingscliff, pop into our light-filled and friendly Visitor Information Centre, right beside the sea. At the neighbouring Salt Village, you’ll find familiar five star resorts just a short step from rolling waves and a literal world of food, from seafood and Italian to Mexican, Indian and Thai, as well as French pastries come morning.
Neighbouring Casuarina, named for the wispy sheoak trees that fringe the beachfront, is a quiet local enclave that welcomes holiday-makers to enjoy its casual ambience and quality cuisine from coffee and pastries to hip Mexican drinks and dishes and mouth-watering Greek flavours. You’ll not go hungry in this part of The Tweed, with nationally acclaimed restaurants tempting you at every turn, and a focus on locally sourced food, sustainable practices and impeccably styled interiors.
ASK A LOCAL
Laura Proctor, General Manager — Halcyon House
I moved from Brisbane to the Tweed nearly eight years ago with my family after my husband relocated here for work. I noticed construction at what is now Halcyon House and was intrigued as to what was happening. A few years later I commenced at the hotel working closely with former General Manager Mauro de Riso who has been a huge influence on where I am today. The Tweed has come a long way in the short time I have been here. I enjoy riding to Hastings Point and Kingscliff with my family, exploring the local waterfalls including Minyon Falls and Killen Falls, and spending time on the Tweed River. The Tweed is so diverse and offers unlimited opportunity for exploring. There is always something to do here! EXPLORE: I recently had lunch at Tweed River House in Murwillumbah. What an amazing experience that was, meeting the owners and hearing about the building’s history was a true insight.
SIP: One can never go past a cocktail in the afternoon on the grass at Husk Distillers soaking in the gorgeous surroundings. EAT: Rather biased, but I adore Jason Barratt’s Wagyu and Rosemary Skewers with a glass of Halcyon Days Nero d’Avolo at Paper Daisy. DO: Currently my Sunday morning is spent at Nippers on Cabarita Beach with the family. We love the beach and enjoy the community here. Following that we usually have lunch somewhere local and then catch up with friends and family.
Cabarita
THE TWEED’S COASTAL TOWNS MAY HAVE SMALL FOOTPRINTS BUT THEY FIT A LOT IN TO EACH STEP AND CABARITA CAPTURES THIS PERFECTLY.
It’s where boutique luxury meets the simple joy of rock-hopping, and delectable menus that spark national conversation sit comfortably alongside surf shops, coffee stops, cocktail bars and hip homeware stores.
Caba, as it’s known on the street, effortlessly strikes this balance between indulgence and simplicity, with heavenly scented day spas and beach-view bars adjoining quiet family beaches, famous surf breaks and short walks to stunning viewpoints, such as Norries Headland. Families and nature-lovers are drawn here for the sweet picnic spots and play-parks for kids, as well as the preserved flora and fauna of Cudgen Nature Reserve and the birdwatching and water play of nearby Cudgen Lake. Weddings and romantic holidays for two are also well catered for. Accommodation in Cabarita ranges from beachview apartments to stylish boutique luxury and gorgeous luxe glamping close to the sea.
Hastings Point & Pottsville
FOR TRANQUILLITY, MEANDER FURTHER SOUTH ALONG THE TWEED COAST ROAD TO HASTINGS POINT AND POTTSVILLE, PROMISING VISITORS A RETREAT FROM THE HUBBUB OF LIFE AND A HOLIDAY REMINISCENT OF SIMPLER TIMES.
Back from the beach is a network of creeks and estuaries that guarantee endless water play and moments of calm.
The dark mangrove-coloured fresh waters of Cudgera Creek provide a stunning and shallow place to paddle with holiday park lodgings right at the banks, while the saltwater Mooball Creek is fed by the inlet at Potts Point, an ideal splash pool for kids. In these sweet villages you can cue all the anticipated coastal holiday highlights of fishing, lowtide rock pools, river kayaking, seaside picnics, fresh seafood, crisp fish and chips, laid-back caravan parks, local markets, barbecues and most other things sure to be on your relaxed getaway checklist. Pottsville’s food and drink scene ranges from casual coffee and aromatic bakehouse to a hip local bar for a laid-back sip and a not-to-be-missed culinary buzz.
HALCYON HOUSE
halcyonhouse.com.au
Australia’s most unique beachside property. Halcyon House is a bouti que hotel with a spectacular beachfront locati on in Cabarita Beach. Featuring 22 rooms with bespoke interiors you can spend your Halcyon days poolside sipping cocktails, dining in Hatt ed restaurant Paper Daisy or relaxing at Halcyon Spa.
thebeachcabarita.com.au
The Beach off ers luxury apartment accommodati on on absolute beachfront at Tweed’s idyllic Cabarita Beach. Step out onto the sand for a family holiday, romanti c getaway or surfi ng adventure. Cabarita Beach was recently named Australia’s best beach by Tourism Australia’s Beach Ambassador, and delivers the classic seaside village setti ng. Choose from beauti fully appointed 2 or 3 bedroom fully self-contained apartments, with ocean beachfront, pool-side or hinterland views. Faciliti es include gym and heated outdoor pool and spa, with direct beach access and patrolled beach. With only a very short walk to shops, cafes, restaurants, bars, bouti ques and galleries, relax at The Beach Cabarita Apartments and immerse yourself in this perfect beachfront holiday. CABARITA
CABA BREAK HOLIDAY APARTMENTS
cababreak.com.au
Four spacious 4 Bedroom Apartments in the heart of Cabarita Beach. Perfect locati on for large family groups or corporates. The Pandanus Room is available with your stay to host your own family or corporate event. Walk to the beach, shops and cafes on your doorstep.
OAKS CASUARINA SANTAI RESORT
9 Dianella Drive, Casuarina 1800 882 360 | Santai@theoaksgroup.com.au
oakshotels.com/en/oaks-santai-resort-casuarina
Located just 5 minutes from Casuarina beach and featuring contemporary and traditi onal Balinese design giving a haven of space and comfort. Relax under a leafy cabana by our grand pool and spa, dine at the onsite restaurant ‘The Spice Den’ or pamper yourself at our onsite wellness spa. Studios, one and two-bedroom self-contained apartments with inclusive Wi-Fi and Foxtel. CABARITA BEACHFRONT APARTMENTS
cabaritabeachfrontapartments.com.au
Enjoy a relaxed beach holiday in these selfcontained apartments located opposite beauti ful Cabarita Beach. Overlooking Norries Headland, the apartments are perfectly positi oned between the patrolled main beach and the peaceful south beach – off ering swimming, surfi ng, beach/ nature walks and whale watching.
INGENIA HOLIDAYS KINGSCLIFF
46 Wommin Bay Road, Kingscliff 02 6674 2505 | kingscliff @ingeniaholidays.com.au
ingeniaholidays.com.au/kingscliff
Nestled on the northern coastline of New South Wales, you’ll fi nd Ingenia Holidays Kingscliff perched on a peninsula of the Tweed Coast, with the Tweed River in its front garden and Kingscliff Beach out the back. Sett le into caravan, camping or cabin accommodati on privately scatt ered across its 10 acres of subtropical gardens and make Ingenia Holidays Kingscliff your home base for holiday adventure. Onsite, you’ll fi nd all the usual Ingenia Holidays ameniti es like a resort-style swimming pool, playground and games room for litt le ones, and then there’s camp kitchens, laundries and WiFi for mum and dad too. With world famous beaches on its doorstep, it’s no surprise this holiday park books out well in advance, so bookings are essenti al.
SEASIDE CAMPING WITH THE UPSIDE OF LUXURY
PC Tennille Fink
FINS AT PLANTATION HOUSE
13 Duranbah Road, Duranbah 02 6674 4833 | events@fi ns.com.au
fi nsatplantati onhouse.com.au
The coast’s most iconic wedding and events venue, managed by celebrity chef Steven Snow from FINS. Located 15 mins from the Gold Coast Airport and 30 mins from Byron Bay, our luxe venue is situated on a 65 hectare exoti c fruit plantati on with majesti c sunset views of Mt Warning to the west and the Pacifi c Ocean to the east.
TAVERNA KINGSCLIFF
Taverna.net.au
Located in Kingscliff on the beachfront, Taverna Kingscliff is a Greek-inspired modern restaurant. With just 60 seats and an ocean view, Taverna Kingscliff is the perfect spot for a long lunch, quiet dinner or beachside cocktail. The menu at Taverna Kingscliff is designed to share and uses only the freshest produce from the local region. Each dish has been carefully constructed to take advantage of the best seasonal produce enhanced with Greek fl avours. On off er is an à la carte and 5 course Banquet menu. Every Sunday night our Chef takes care of the menu for you with a set 4 course ‘Chef’s Sustainable Banquet’. This menu changes weekly and is selected by the Chef on the day – a chance to sample items from our à la carte menu in a banquet style.
PIPIT RESTAURANT
Shop 4, 8 Coronati on Ave, Pott sville 0490 380 117 | hello@pipitrestaurant.com
pipitrestaurant.com
Pipit is a celebrati on of our coastal lifestyle, great local produce and wood-fi red cooking in an open plan kitchen. This contemporary Australian restaurant by chef Ben Devlin was also named the Regional Restaurant of the Year (Good Food Guide 2020).
KINGSCLIFF ACCOMMODATION
kingscliff accommodati on.net
Your host on The Tweed Coast. Off ering a variety of holiday accommodati on, from luxurious houses to self-contained apartments, from Tweed Heads to Pott sville.
Let Kingscliff Accommodati on be your host on The Tweed Coast. CHOUX BOX CAFE
chouxbox.com.au
In the heart of Kingscliff opposite the picturesque beach, the Choux Box is a family run establishment that has been an insti tuti on for locals and holiday makers since 1993. Whether you’re looking for an early morning coff ee, breakfast, morning tea (choose from the array of desserts all baked fresh daily on premises), lunch or a cocktail, the Choux Box has what you need! Open Mon-Fri 6am-2pm & Sat-Sun 7am-2pm. RESTAURANT • BAR
cudgenslsc.org.au
The Cudgen Headland Surf Life Saving Club, Bar & Bistro is the only true beachfront venue in Kingscliff , off ering a 180° view of the Pacifi c Ocean.
Our beachfront deck is a great place to visit for a meal or drinks with friends and family. With an extensive bar menu, seasonal bistro meals, weekend breakfast, courtesy bus, live music and our very own beachfront Zinc café, we look forward to welcoming you. Be social with us on Facebook and Instagram and stay up to date with our latest specials.
WOOYUNG BEACH HOLIDAY PARK
515 Wooyung Road, Wooyung 02 6677 1300 | info@wooyungbeach.com.au
wooyungbeach.com.au
Wooyung Beach Holiday Park is one of Tweed’s best kept secrets, one of the very few remaining coastal bush campgrounds left on the East Coast of Australia. Enjoy an Old School camp, bring your dog and have a cosy campfi re at your site. Make forever memories with loved ones. Surfi ng, fi shing, bird and whale watching are popular on the 10kms of unspoilt beaches on our doorstep.
WOOYUN G BEACH HOLIDA Y PARK
SHINY BREW
shinybrew.com.au
Take a load off at our family owned eatery, where polished concrete fl oors, multi -coloured chairs and wall art set the scene for catching up with friends over a coff ee, breakfast, brunch or lunch bite. Using speciality roaster, Industry Beans, we cater for all dietary needs with our house made goodies as well as being fully licensed we happily provide a spot for locals and visitors to catch up. CABARITA BEACH BOWLS AND SPORTS CLUB
cabaritasportsclub.com.au
The perfect place to catch up with family and friends & home to The Cheeky Chopsti ck, the best Chinese restaurant on the Tweed Coast. Outdoor children’s area and beer garden Café | Pizza Entertainment Free courtesy bus Bott le shop
Cabarita Beach BOWLS & SPORTS CLUB
BLACK DROP
Shop 4, 18 Philip Street, Pott sville blackdropmail@gmail.com
blackdropcafe.com.au
Black Drop loves every experience to be special. Whether it’s a quick coff ee or friends gathering we are passionate about providing delicious and creati ve food, the highest quality coff ee and drinks with att enti ve and friendly service.
MIST GALLERY
1/51 Tweed Coast Road, Cabarita Beach 0419 870 305 | mist.gallery.cabarita@gmail.com
mist-gallery.com.au
Mist Gallery is a local arti st owned and run art gallery, specialising in local contemporary art with over 40 exhibiti ng arti sts from the Tweed Shire and surrounds. Our gallery is always fi lled with a beauti ful range of landscapes, seascapes, abstracts, ceramics and sculptures at aff ordable prices. Our exhibiti on schedule is busy, so we always have lots of new works coming in.
BLUE GINGER PICNICS
Kingscliff , New South Wales 0424 604 028 | picnichq@bluegingerpicnics.com
bluegingerpicnics.com
Australia’s #1 outdoor dining experience for couples and inti mate groups. Imagine arriving at a stunning locati on to discover an elegant picnic setti ng, complete with a platt er of 100% local and seasonal produce. Surprise your lover, friends or family at your unforgett able, Australian Tourism Awards Gold winning, alfresco celebrati on of food, friends and nature. SORELLA KINGSCLIFF
Shop 27, 28 Pearl Street, Kingscliff 02 6674 4192 | sorella.kingscliff @gmail.com
facebook.com/sorella.kingscliff
A coastal bouti que with a carefully curated range of beauti ful and eff ortless pieces, SORELLA is your one-stop shop for all things fashion, interiors and gift s. Nestled in the balmy beachside town of Kingscliff , SORELLA off ers a shopping experience that will simplify the art of perfectly styling yourself and your home. Find us in the shopping village, pop in and say hi.
KALM SPRINGS
The Commons Shop 7, 480 Casuarina Way, Casuarina 0499 252 569 | hello@kalmsprings.com
kalmsprings.com
Kalm Springs is an indulgent seaside sanctuary providing premium fl oatati on sensory deprivati on Pods, Infrared Saunas and LED light therapy at the beauti ful Casuarina, in Northern NSW. We invite you to unwind in our warm and spacious private space. Let this be your ti me to Relax, Heal and Exhale.
ASK A LOCAL
JAMES AND EMILY, Black Drop Cafe
James and Emily moved from regional Victoria to the Tweed five years ago. Having worked in hospitality for nearly 15 years they were ready to open their own cafe, landing in seaside Pottsville. Given its location, Black Drop Cafe attracts beautiful morning light, as well as sandy feet, through its doors and occasionally the couple can take a cheeky lunchtime dip in the creek. Chef Andy Mac works wonders in the kitchen creating a beautiful seasonal menu and sweet treats for the cake cabinet.
EXPLORE: We love getting in the car to explore the Northern Rivers hinterland. There are so many wonderful waterfalls and swimming holes to discover.
SIP: The new and exciting Brooklyn Tasting Room in Burringbar is intimate, local and has so much on offer. You can grab a bottle for later too! It’s also really nice to share a bottle of fizz on the deck of Tweed Regional Gallery with friends after checking out the latest exhibition.
EAT: For the best burger you’re likely to sink your teeth into, look out for JR’s Smokehouse BBQ events at Keith’s in Murwillumbah. The DJ and beer helps too! We also love to grab a cheeky bite to eat at Black Drop!
SHOP: Murwillumbah Farmers Market — live music, fresh produce, fun times. We love grabbing some delicious cheese from Deb Allard (Cheeses Loves You) for a little picnic somewhere.
DO: We love that the best things to do in the Tweed are also free! We spend our spare time either at the beach or the Pottsville creek. We also love hitting Hastings Point headland from July to October to watch the whales meander by.
