Tweed Heads

Straddling the border between New South Wales and Queensland, Tweed Heads is a sun-drenched coastal town that feels like a subtropical secret. With its golden beaches, lush hinterland, and a laid-back vibe that rivals its glitzy Gold Coast neighbour, this is where you come to slow down and soak up the scenery. The mighty Tweed River meanders through town, offering endless opportunities for boating, fishing, and kayaking, while the nearby national parks beckon with rainforest walks and volcanic peaks. For international travellers, it’s an ideal base for exploring the northern rivers region without the crowds.

Highlights & What to See

• Point Danger & Captain Cook Memorial: Stand at the border lookout for panoramic views stretching from Surfers Paradise to Byron Bay. The memorial marks where Cook first sighted the Australian coast.
• Fingal Head & the Giants Causeway: A short drive south, this headland features a striking basalt rock formation resembling Ireland’s causeway. Watch for dolphins and sea turtles from the clifftop.
• Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre: Housed in a striking modern building overlooking the river, this gallery showcases the late artist’s studio re-creation and rotating exhibitions of regional art.
• Rainbow Bay & Snapper Rocks: Part of the famous Superbank wave, this stretch of sand is a magnet for surfers. Even if you don’t ride, the views of Mount Warning from the beach are spectacular.
• Mount Warning (Wollumbin): The remnant of an ancient volcano, this iconic peak offers a challenging sunrise hike through subtropical rainforest. The summit views over the caldera are unforgettable.
• Hastings Point: A quiet coastal gem with a rock pool, tidal creek, and excellent snorkelling. Look for sea turtles and rays in the clear shallows.

Suggested Time to Spend

Three days is ideal to experience Tweed Heads properly. Spend the first day exploring the beaches and border walk, then dedicate a full day to Mount Warning – either an early start for sunrise or a leisurely afternoon climb. Use the third day to venture into the Tweed Valley hinterland, visiting the gallery and a few of the charming villages like Murwillumbah or Uki. If you’re short on time, a long weekend can still cover the highlights, but you’ll wish you had longer.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Byron Bay: Just 40 minutes south, Byron offers a more bohemian vibe with its famous lighthouse, surf beaches, and bustling main street.
• Gold Coast: Head north for theme parks, high-rise hotels, and the vibrant nightlife of Surfers Paradise – a stark contrast to Tweed’s calm.
• Murwillumbah: This historic sugar town on the Tweed River is a gateway to the hinterland, with art-deco buildings, a Sunday market, and access to Border Ranges National Park.
• Lamington National Park: A World Heritage-listed rainforest wonderland with ancient trees, waterfalls, and walking trails – about an hour’s drive west.
• Brunswick Heads: A sleepy river-mouth village with a laid-back pub, good fishing, and a family-friendly beach. Perfect for a half-day detour.

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