Tweed Heads

Perched on the New South Wales–Queensland border, Tweed Heads is a sun-soaked coastal town with a relaxed, subtropical vibe. It's the quieter, less commercial sibling to its Gold Coast neighbour, offering uncrowded beaches, lush hinterland, and a laid-back café culture that feels a world away from the high-rises. The mighty Tweed River winds through town, providing a scenic backdrop for waterfront dining and water-based adventures. Whether you're here to surf, explore national parks, or simply soak up the coastal atmosphere, Tweed Heads is a rewarding stop on any east-coast road trip.

Highlights & What to See

• Fingal Head – A dramatic headland with a historic lighthouse, ancient hexagonal basalt columns, and excellent whale-watching from June to November. The short coastal walk offers stunning views north to Point Danger and south to Byron Bay.
• Point Danger – The official border point between NSW and QLD, with a striking memorial and panoramic ocean views. It's a prime spot for sunrise photography and dolphin spotting.
• Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre – A world-class gallery showcasing Australian art, including a dedicated wing to the late painter Margaret Olley. The hilltop setting offers sweeping views across the Tweed Valley.
• Mount Warning (Wollumbin) – A sacred peak and the remnant of an ancient volcano, offering a challenging dawn hike rewarded with the first rays of sunlight in Australia. The surrounding Wollumbin National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed rainforest wonderland.
• Greenmount Beach & Rainbow Bay – Two of the area's best patrolled beaches, with gentle waves perfect for swimming and beginner surfing. The headland walk between them passes through coastal heath with wildflowers in spring.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most travellers find two full days ideal for Tweed Heads. Spend day one exploring the beaches and coastal highlights – a morning swim at Greenmount, a walk to Fingal Head, and lunch by the river. Day two is best dedicated to the hinterland: tackle the Mount Warning climb (start pre-dawn) or explore the lush caldera via scenic drives and short rainforest walks. If you're short on time, a single day can cover the main coastal sights and a meal at a riverside café, but you'll miss the hinterland's magic.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Byron Bay – Just 40 minutes south, this iconic surf town offers a vibrant food scene, Cape Byron lighthouse, and stunning beaches.
• Gold Coast – Immediately north, with world-class theme parks, surf breaks, and the buzzing Surfers Paradise strip.
• Murwillumbah – A charming historic town in the Tweed Valley, with art deco architecture, the Tweed River Art Gallery, and access to Mount Warning.
• Lamington National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage rainforest with ancient trees, waterfalls, and excellent hiking trails, about a 90-minute drive west.
• Kingscliff – A relaxed coastal village with a long patrolled beach and a popular Sunday farmers market, 15 minutes south.

Please check official sources for current details.