Tweed Valley Farmgate Trail

In the lush green folds of northern New South Wales, the Tweed Valley Farmgate Trail is a self-drive food lover’s paradise that unfurls between the caldera rim and the coast. This isn’t a single attraction but a curated route of farm gates, roadside stalls, cellar doors and artisan producers, all set against a backdrop of volcanic soils and subtropical rainforest. The vibe is unhurried and genuine – you’ll chat with the farmer who picked your macadamias, taste cheese just hours old, and sip coffee grown on a nearby slope. It’s a perfect day out from Byron Bay or the Gold Coast, offering a taste of the region’s paddock-to-plate ethos.

Highlights & What to See

• Norco’s Ice Creamery at South Lismore – Watch ice cream being made from local milk and cream, then sample inventive flavours like macadamia brittle or rainforest fruit.
• Mavis’s Kitchen at Burringbar – A rustic, family-run farm café set in a heritage cottage, serving seasonal dishes from their own garden; don’t miss the legendary scones.
• Zarafa Farm at Cudgen – A biodynamic farm offering tours and a farm shop with organic veggies, free-range eggs, and native bush foods.
• Summit Creek Estate at Terragon – A boutique winery and vineyard with tastings of cool-climate wines and a deck overlooking the valley.
• Bushfoods at The Farm at Uki – Learn about native ingredients like lemon myrtle and wattleseed, and pick up jams, sauces and teas.
• Hinterland Scenic Drive – The trail itself winds through rolling green hills, past dairy farms and stands of remnant rainforest – the journey is as rewarding as the stops.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan a full day – at least 6–8 hours – to do the trail justice. The loop is about 100 km, but you’ll want to linger at each stop, chat with producers, and enjoy a long lunch. Start mid-morning from Murwillumbah or Uki, take the scenic back roads, and finish with a late afternoon wine tasting. If you’re a serious foodie, you could easily stretch it into two days, staying overnight in a farmstay or the town of Uki.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Mount Warning (Wollumbin) – A dawn hike up this ancient volcano offers panoramic views of the caldera and coast.
• Byron Bay – Just 40 minutes south, with its legendary beaches, lighthouse walk and bustling food scene.
• Gold Coast Hinterland – Springbrook and Lamington national parks offer rainforest walks, waterfalls and glow-worm caves.
• Murwillumbah – A charming river town with an art gallery, markets and great bakeries – a perfect base for the trail.
• Kingscliff & Cabarita Beach – Quiet surf beaches and coastal walks just east of the valley.

Please check official sources for current details.