Make tracks to morning coffee and eggs over easy at Tyalgum General Store, a short stroll down Coolman Street. Grab some locally made snacks, from corn chips and dips to cheese and breads, in case of hungry moments on your day out, touring in and around Tyalgum.
Start with a view from on high – it’s a short drive north along Limpinwood Road to Tyalgum Lookout where you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views out to the green caldera and majestic Wollumbin Mount Warning.
Wind your way through the gorgeously verdant winding roads of the valley to Chillingham for a visit at the eponymous Buck’s Farm. Buck has been growing local and exotic fruits here for 40 years and a stroll through his Bush Tucker Garden reveals the rich fertility of the Tweed’s volcanic soil. You can buy some fresh garden goodness here to take home or try some of Buck’s homemade body, hair and skincare products.
Take a stroll along the Rous River into the tiny Chillingham township to the Old Butcher Shop Gallery, a restored heritage space that is now a showcase for locally made ceramics. Next door is the stunningly preserved Chillingham General Store building, dual post office, eatery, coffee shop and community hub.
Continue the journey along gentle roads, lined with farms and paddocks and, in the near distance, stands of ancient Gondwana era rainforest, to the endearingly named Crystal Creek. Make your way to Crystal Creek Estate for a taste of the country with lunch at the cafe overlooking Crystal Creek itself and a browse (and buy!) at the nursery garden.
Continue on to Murwillumbah, and after a couple of hours spent marvelling at the Tweed Regional Museum, learning about the history of the area’s land, life and culture, circle back via Bray Park Road for the return drive towards Tyalgum.
On the way, you’ll follow the wending ways of the Oxley River and observe the many, changing faces of Wollumbin Mount Warning as you round its towering presence.
Back at your lodgings in Tyalgum, refresh and recline on the wide verandah of Celestial Dew as the sun sets to the west then prepare yourself for a fun night with the local Tyalgum community at the weekly Friday night wood-fired pizza and live music session at Flutterbucks Pizzeria.
Awake to the hum and buzz of the monthly Saturday morning Tyalgum Village Markets where you’ll find endless creativity and inspiration from local artists and craftspeople, artisan small-batch food and drinks crafters, fresh local produce, garden plants and eco-lifestyle products.
The market vibe extends down to the Tyalgum General Store at Stump Corner with crafters, music, food, a kids space and good vibes in large doses.
Quench your thirst with an irresistible gelato, crafted by Italian master maker Valentino at his Tyalgum Gelato Store, where the flavours of Italy come to life on the main street of Tyalgum.
Experience an enchanting high tea inside a charmingly decorated cottage at Flutterbies Cafe. Sip sparkling champagne adorned with pink fairyfloss and flower petals and you savour a three-tiered high tea delight.
If you’ve timed your visit with a Saturday night performance of song, music or dance at the Tyalgum Community Hall you’re in for a treat. This heritage listed hall has hosted performances since it was built in 1908, with annual events including the Tyalgum Dance Spectacular, each features on the national arts calendar.
Start your day with ease and depart at leisure – via the Tweed Regional Gallery and Margaret Olley Art Centre in Murwillumbah and Husk Distillers in Tumbulgum if you’re heading back towards the coast. Or if north is your way home, head out via Numinbah Gap Lookout and the stunning spectacle of Natural Bridge nearby Springbrook NP. Or southbound, be sure to stop in at Bastion Lane Espresso in Uki and Heath’s Old Wares and Collectables in Burringbar.