TRA IL 3
Step Back in Time
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PEOPLE, PLACES, EVENTS AND STORIES OF THE TWEED AND DISCOVER HOW THESE PAST MOMENTS HAVE SHAPED OUR PRESENT.
From a proud Indigenous culture to the drama of ancient landscapes and from heritage towns to evolving trades, there are tales aplenty to be told and heard in the Tweed. Follow our trail to Tweed cultural enlightenment on a three day journey that takes you deep into bygone days and a land as old as time itself.
DAY 1: Tweed Heads, Murwillumbah
Begin at the beginning and gain an appreciation for the region’s Indigenous peoples with a visit to the Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Centre in Tweed Heads. Operated by the local Aboriginal community, the centre’s exhibits, tours, art and occasional performances will ground you in knowledge of our respected cultural core. Check ahead for opening times. Before heading inland, also call into the Tweed Regional Museum’s smaller branch at Tweed Heads, housed in the area's original Court House and built in 1926. Follow the Tweed River, carved from the long-ago flow of an ancient shield volcano, to Tumbulgum. Enjoy lunch at the Tumbulgum Tavern, the area’s first licensed pub built in 1870, or at the picturesque House of Gabriel, set on Riverside Drive. The flavour-filled restaurant feels right at home in what was a local bakery and confectionary store over 120 years ago.
Here too, overlooking the Tweed River, is a tribute to Faith Bandler (nee Mussing) who grew up in Murwillumbah. Recognised with an Order of Australia, declared a living treasure by the National Trust and presented with a peace award by Nelson Mandela, Faith was a campaigner for human rights whose persistence led to the inclusion of Aboriginal Australians in the census from 1967, giving longawaited recognition and the right to vote. Round out your day of immersive learning with a self-guided walk, Facade, that leads you through the stunning Art Deco streets of Murwillumbah. Decimated at the turn of the century by fire, the town was rebuilt in the style of the time, with pressed metal and sunburst ceilings, lead light windows and curved edge walls, all standing the test of time. Browse gifts and goods at The Foundry, housed in a restored 1908 space, then rest up overnight at the glorious 1932 Imperial Hotel, where you'll also find a warm bistro and local Stone & Wood beer on tap. VISITTHETWEED.COM. AU
18
