This is a public service announcement, a public decree so you'd better listen up. There are so many things to do on the Tweed Coast and this is the perfect time of year to pay us a visit. And let's be honest, the drive really isn't that far from the Sunshine Coast...now is it gang?
The Tweed Coast is a stunning slice of Northern NSW, from the foothills of Mt. Warning to the foreshore of Kingscliff get on the road to experience it all and bring an empty stomach people…you’ll need it.
Cafes
Hymn
Tweed Heads
Pump the brakes Aunty Susan, Hymn are just one turn from the M1 heading into Tweed Heads! A little roadside cafe you say? Pffft this place is so much more with arguably one of the best breakfast menus in the area. We recommend their famous “Hawker Roll” an Asian inspired creation of Jack Sprat’s bacon, fried egg on roti flatbread with greens, crispy onion, secret house BBQ sauce & condensed milk mayo. Did we mention they serve St. Ali coffee? Swerve Aunty Susan swerve!
The Bread Social
Tweed Heads
Ever been to The Farm in Byron? Love their sweet goodies? Well why not visit Bread Social in Tweed Heads and eat from the creators of those tasty pastry treats without the Byron traffic? With an amazing variety of freshly baked bread and patisserie goodness be sure to grab a coffee and then hover at their display cabinet for half an hour trying to decide what to order.
Cubby Bakehouse
Chinderah
Do you love Paddock Bakery? How about Bam Bam Bakehouse? Well praise be to the puff pastry gods, because the team behind these Gold Coast institutions are in the midst of bringing the love south side to the sleepy little river town of Chinderah with Cubby Bakehouse. Pastry delights right on the riverfront, watch this space.
The Salt Mill
Kingscliff
Positioned meters from Kingscliff’s famous river mouth is Currumbin native The Salt Mill. Holding what may be one of the best positions in town to sip on some Allpress coffee, no need to dust the sand off here it’s a casual affair specialising in Acai bowls and super chill smoothies.
Ben's Patissere
Murwillumbah
If you like your French Patisseries’ with genuine French dudes behind the counter than Ben’s is the place for you. Danishes, eclairs, croissants & flan’s oh my! We love a French flan! Pack them all into your picnic basket and head river side for a day in the country sun.
Restaurants
Taverna
Kingscliff
Our favourite spot for a long lunch in Kingscliff is this cute as a button modern Greek ‘Taverna’. Picture sitting under a breezy white umbrella, meters from the ocean front, sipping on a “Santorini Martini” made from Brookies Gin, Campari & limoncello whilst wafts of charred octopus float out Taverna's windows.
Osteria
Casuarina
Let the kids run free on the grass as you sip some vino over a fabulous pasta reminiscent of Italian summers past. Designed to reflect the simplicity and quality that traditional Osteria’s are known for, this coastal incarnation is just what the family needs after a long day on the beach.
Paper Daisy
Cabarita
Heading south from Kingscliff into the quiet town of Cabarita you’ll find Paper Daisy nestled inside the Halcyon House boutique hotel. With interior design by the famous Anna Spiro this restaurant is a sight to behold and we recommend settling in for a four-course dinner to really take in both its unique coastal design as well as the creative modern menu.
Potager
Carool
The hills are ALIVE! Well, these hills certainly are because snuggled in amongst them is Potager restaurant sitting just at the edge of the Tallebudgera Valley and only 25 minutes’ drive from the Gold Coast Airport. Rustic, garden to table cuisine is what this intimate restaurant is famous for, using a variety of site grown or locally sourced produce, a perfect way to finish of a country Sunday drive.
Mavis's Kitchen
Mt Warning/ Wollumbin
There is a local tradition that after you visit Mt. Warning you must drink 3 glasses of Pinot Noir over a long lunch, immersed in a fabulous organic garden. Never heard it? Hmmm strange. Mavis’s Kitchen is an idyllic setting that showcases what the beautiful Tweed hinterland has to offer, we’re talking pan seared scallops with cauliflower & pistachio puree!
Fitz & Potts
Murwillumbah
Add this on to your list of ‘Things to Do’ because the upcoming M/Arts Precinct in Murwillumbah will be home to a snazzy new bar/restaurant from the award-winning gang at Fitz & Potts. Cutting their chops in the big city lights of Brisbane these guys are heading M’bah way and will be right at home amongst art studios and gallery spaces at this yet to be completed development.
Husk Distilleries
Tumbulgum
Perched on grassy, picturesque farmland far from the city bars that pour their famous purple Ink Gin is Husk Distilleries. In the midst of putting the final touches to their cellar door, Husk will soon open to the public allowing us all to discover the processes behind their Agricole Rum and how their surrounding cane farm contributes to its unique flavour. Drinking & learning? It’s at the top of our list of things to do in the Tweed!
Farm & Co
Kingscliff
Deep red soil has created the perfect growing conditions for a sweet little farm stall in the hills just behind Kingscliff. More though than just a collection of fruit & veggies, Farm & Co. often have a visiting coffee cart on the weekends perfect for sipping as you stroll their impressive crop of sunflowers. (BYO Insty husband for the perfect pic) Keep your eyes peeled for farm cat ‘Schmokey’ out and about the fields in between naps.
Tumbulgum Tavern
Tumbulgum
Known as the ‘Tumby Pub’ there is possibly no better view of the mighty Tweed River than from this traditional country town tavern. (Please insert Stone and Wood schooner in hand here) Check their gig guide for some stomping local tunes.
Ilnam Estate Winery
Carool
Yes we have a winery in the Tweed…sigh, is there anything this shire can’t do? Cellar door tastings at Ilnam Estate Winery available Friday to Sunday, a perfect way to cap off your Tour de Tweed.
Halcyon House Spa
Cabarita
Dry winter skin is upon us dear crustaceans, so we recommend you head to the stunning sanctuary at Halcyon Spa. Bookings of an hour or more have access to their complimentary steam bath so come early and truly relax before you’re led into one of the prettiest treatment rooms you will ever experience. Our pick is the ‘Vitality’ treatment which includes a Himalayan salt scrub to have you glowing top to bottom.
M/Arts Precinct
Murwillumbah
Fancy some slow-paced walking to wear off all those eats? Visit M’bah’s newest art and all things creative precinct. Wednesday’s see the artists open up their studio space for you to watch the magic happen up close or wander multiple exhibition spaces showcasing talented local artists. Soon you will be able to pull up a stool at ‘Fitz & Potts’ fluro pink bar to discuss booking your next art workshop!
Watersports Guru
Cudgen Creek & beyond
Some of the best things to do on the Tweed Coast involve getting wet and salty (no…put the margarita down Susan damn it!) Your best bet is to book an aquatic adventure with the gang at Watersports Guru. These guys will have you swimming with sea turtles, up close with whales or stand up paddle boarding quicker than you can say ‘back to front wetsuit’.
Tasting Plate Gourmet Food Tours
Tweed & beyond
We’ve done it again… Bamboozled you with too much choice for one little foodie weekend away. Alas do not sigh into your double macchiato, we have a tasty solution. Book a “Tempted In The Tweed” tour which visits Tweed’s iconic coastal restaurants. Taverna, Osteria, Paper Daisy and more all offering you a glass of wine to go with a sample of their distinct version of modern coastal dining. There’s also an option to go inland covering the M’Bah farmers markets and out to Mavis’s kitchen. You’re welcome.
The Commons
Casuarina
But what dear The Urban List if I want to drink, shop AND graze all in one convenient sea side location? Hmmm? What then smarty recommender person? Well we say head straight to ‘The Commons’ located 5 minutes south of Kingscliff. ‘Tucker’ is where your caffeine fix can be sorted paired with a sneaky Rosti Benedict to boot. Next a visit to Nikkou store, a pastel pink heaven of beautifully curated brands for both Mum & baby. And then when it’s become all too exhausting follow the wafting smells of smoky BBQ to The Crafty Cow for some ribs and an ice cold Balter beer. There your Sunday has been sorted!
Kingscliff Farmers Market
Kingscliff
Every Saturday located at the Kingscliff TAFE these abundant farmers market of over 40 stalls creates a buzz of activity. Come early for the Portuguese Tarts that always sell out or bring a basket to fill with locally grown produce. Our favourite? Handmade cheese direct from a jersey farm from the team at ‘Cheeses Loves You’.
Worked your way through Tweed and ready to hit another awesome suburb? Check out our guide of all the things to do, eat and see in Currumbin.
Image suplied: Brooke Darling, Hayley Williamson for The Urban List