Tweed Heads

Straddling the border between New South Wales and Queensland, Tweed Heads is a laid-back coastal town where the Tweed River meets the sea. It’s the quieter, less touristy sibling to Coolangatta just across the border, offering uncrowded beaches, lush hinterland, and a relaxed vibe that makes it a perfect base for exploring the northern rivers region. The town’s subtropical climate, friendly locals, and excellent fishing and surfing spots give it a genuine, unhurried charm.

Highlights & What to See

• Fingal Head – A wild, scenic headland with a historic lighthouse and the extraordinary ‘Giant’s Causeway’ – hexagonal basalt columns formed by ancient volcanic activity. Great for whale watching in season.
• Point Danger – The actual border point offers panoramic views from Coolangatta to the Gold Coast skyline. The Captain Cook Memorial and lighthouse here are iconic photo stops.
• Tweed River – Kayak, paddleboard, or take a scenic cruise along this serene waterway, fringed by mangroves and birdlife. The river is also a top spot for fishing.
• Hastings Point – A beautiful, family-friendly beach with rock pools and calm waters, ideal for swimming and picnicking. Nearby Cudgen Nature Reserve has walking trails through coastal heath.
• Mount Warning / Wollumbin – Though technically just over the border, this ancient volcanic plug is the spiritual heart of the region. Sunrise hikes to the summit are legendary, offering the first rays of sunlight on mainland Australia.
• Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Centre – Learn about the local Bundjalung people’s history, traditions, and connection to the land through artefacts, artworks, and guided bush tucker walks.

Suggested Time to Spend

Two to three days gives you ample time to explore Tweed Heads’ beaches, river, and headlands at a relaxed pace. Use one day for the coastal highlights – Fingal Head, Point Danger, and Hastings Point – and another for a river adventure or a trip to Mount Warning. If you’re self-driving, the town makes a convenient stopover between Sydney and Brisbane or as a base for exploring the Tweed Valley and Byron Bay hinterland.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Coolangatta – The Gold Coast’s southernmost suburb, just a five-minute drive across the border, with a vibrant café scene, surf breaks, and the iconic Snapper Rocks.
• Byron Bay – About an hour south, this bohemian coastal town offers world-class beaches, the Cape Byron Lighthouse, and a lively arts and food scene.
• Murwillumbah – A charming historic town in the Tweed Valley, gateway to the lush hinterland and Mount Warning. Don’t miss the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre.
• Brunswick Heads – A sleepy, unpretentious coastal village with a beautiful river mouth, perfect for kayaking and laid-back lunches.
• Gold Coast – Thirty minutes north, with its famous theme parks, shopping, and nightlife, but Tweed Heads offers a calm alternative after the glitz.

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