Top 10 Things To Do on the Tweed Coast
From the mountains to the sea, Cabarita and its surrounds have long been a well-kept local’s secret.
With lush farmland, beautiful beaches, and charming towns to explore, together with a fast-growing gourmet scene, the hardest part is knowing where to begin. To help you uncover the region’s best, here are 10 of the top things to see and do locally.
1. Hit the beach for some fun in the sun
A hidden gem of the Tweed, Norries Headland at Cabarita is an oasis of azure waters, white sands, and emerald pandanus casting dapple shadows. Take the winding boardwalk to the headland for a picture-perfect 180-degree view. If you’re visiting June to November, keep an eye out for humpback whales passing on their annual migration.
2. Dine at Paper Daisy
One of the most highly awarded restaurants in the region, Paper Daisy is an absolute must-visit for any food lover. Guided by the skilled hand of Executive Chef Jason Barratt, this hatted restaurant offers a feast for the eyes, as well as the stomach. Located poolside at Halcyon House, you don’t have to go far to experience its mouth-watering delights.
3. Visit the brand-new Husk Distillery
The Tweed is pretty great at growing things – sugar cane, in particular. As you drive around, you’ll notice vast plantations of it stretching toward the horizon. Though most is grown to make sugar, Husk Distillers have taken a more ‘paddock-to-bottle’ approach by growing their cane to produce Agricole rum – a Caribbean-style rum made with fresh cane juice instead of molasses. Stop by their new distillery and cellar door in Tumbulgum to sample their award-winning rums, as well as their famous colour-changing Ink Gin.
4. Enjoy a Halcyon House Signature Beach Picnic
There’s something special about a picnic lunch. Is it a throwback to school recess? We don’t know, but the Halcyon House Signature Beach Picnic is everything you could want from a packed lunch and more. Catered by hatted restaurant Paper Daisy, the curated hamper includes yummy sandwiches, sparkling water and snacks to enjoy, all artfully arranged for you on the beach out the front of Halcyon House at your chosen time.
5. Take the coast road to Brunswick Heads
Around 30-minutes’ drive south of Cabarita is the sleepy seaside town of Brunswick Heads, home to cute cafes, a grand country pub, and a magnificent river that calls out to be swam in. Though you can get there on the Pacific Highway, take the scenic route along the coast via Cabarita and Pottsville, through Wooyung Nature Reserve and along the Brunswick Valley Way.
6. Go stand-up paddle boarding on Cudgen Creek
Not to be outshined by the Brunswick River, the calm waters of nearby Cudgen Creek are also worth discovering. With over nine-kilometres of crystal-clear water lined by mangroves and casuarina trees to explore, it’s a perfect spot for stand-up paddle boarding. Bring your own board if you have one, or sign up for lesson with the team at Watersports Guru.
7. Treat yourself to an indulgent spa treatment at Halcyon Spa
Holidays are a perfect time for me-time, so why not treat yourself to a bit of pampering at the Halcyon Spa. From a customised facial using products from Australian skincare brand Sodashi to an essential healing massage, a visit will leave your body feeling relaxed from head to toe.
8. See the Margaret Olley exhibition at Tweed Regional Gallery
One of Australia’s most celebrated still life and interior artists, Margaret Olley truly left her mark on the art world. You can see some of her exquisite works on permanent exhibition at the Tweed Regional Gallery’s Margaret Olley Art Centre, as well take a glimpse into her home studio – which has been re-created onsite with incredible attention to detail. The views over the farmland from the gallery café are the perfect backdrop for lunch too.
9. Explore the region by bicycle
Cabarita and surrounds are home to some pretty spectacular cycling and walking trails. To help you discover them, take advantage of the complimentary Halcyon House bike hire. You could cycle south to Hastings Point, a scenic headland featured in Hollywood blockbuster Aquaman, or perhaps peddle north to gorgeous Salt beach and Kingscliff. And, because balance is important, make sure you take time to enjoy the many cafes along the way.
10. Go chasing waterfalls
Natural Bridge in Springbrook National Park, just across the Queensland border in the World Heritage Listed Gondwana Rainforest, is perfect for a day trip. Less than an hour drive via Murwillumbah and Crystal Creek, or maybe a bit longer if you take your time to enjoy the beautiful scenery, this plunging waterfall and glow worm cave are simply magical. The one-kilometre round-trek down to the falls, beneath the remnant rainforest, listening to the sound of running water and birdsong, is an amazing way to reconnect with nature.
