Take The Slow Road

Take time with the family to make memories and enjoy moments on a one-day journey into the lush Tweed Valley, from Chillingham and Crystal Creek to the eclectic charm of Tyalgum.

Explore friendly country towns, immerse in nature, taste fresh local flavours and relish a slower pace of life. This easy one-day drive itinerary of hinterland highlights takes in stunning vistas, popular family favourites and a selection of hidden gems that are sure to delight all ages.

Get your road trip playlist ready to roll and get an early start for your family day out in the Tweed.

Tip: When coming from Queensland, did you know you can head inland to make this itinerary a circuit with some amazingly scenic driving along the way?

Travelling from Brisbane or the Gold Coast, steer inland from Currumbin to chart the Queensland and NSW border along Currumbin Creek Road once you head up the escarpment you can take a beautiful hinterland drive though Tomewin and Dungay as you enter New South Wales.

Alternately if coming from the Pacific Highway, a drive through the beautiful art deco vibes of Murwillumbah is always a great start to the day.

Stop 1 – Crystal Creek Estate & Nursery

Whether entering from the Queensland hinterland or coming through Murwillumbah, set your map for Crystal Creek Estate & Nursery.

From Currumbin (via Tomewin), it’s about a 40min direct drive to this sweet plant farm and café full of tasty breakfast treats. Order from a menu that ranges from simple fruit toast to cooked fare such as corn fritters, eggs and local ham, perfect with a side of house-made chilli jam. Browse the green-stocked nursery for garden inspo or some plant picks to take home

Stop 2 – Buck’s Farm

Well-fuelled and ready to continue exploring the Tweed’s gorgeous hinterland ambience, continue along Numinbah Road for a short drive to the bucolic charm of small and sweet Chillingham.

Your first stop in this heritage-feel town is Buck’s Farm, an iconic and much-visited fruit farm that’s been growing fresh goodness in the valley for over 50 years. Enjoy meandering around the farm beneath laden fruit trees, spotting different varieties, including native finger limes and lemon myrtle as well as exotic Asian species like Japanese yuzu.

Be sure to pick up some delicious fruit snacks from Buck’s Barn, where visitors and locals alike shop for their fresh fruit supplies. You’ll also find hair and skincare products made from natural ingredients grown on-site.

Stop 3 – Chillingham General Store

Just along Numinbah Road a few steps is the character-filled local hub, the Chillingham General Store. Call in to soak up the friendly welcomes, great coffee and cake and relaxed garden setting.

Perfect for a morning tea stop, the store also hosts regular weekend live music sessions that draw followers from across the region and beyond. Good to note for your next longer trip!

Stop 4 – La Markette Lane

Continue on east along Zara Road and Limpinwood Road to your main destination today, the quaint and vibrant Tyalgum, a town that is brimming with creative folk, award-winning food experiences and boutique stores that will see your boot filled in no time!

First up, meander through the remarkable labyrinth of La Markette Lane which unfolds beneath the shade of trees and blue skies to invite you into a network of gorgeous stores. Browse eco-styled fashion, children’s toys and books, giftware, and garden-ware as well as a range of artisan offerings, including handcrafted jewellery and restored furniture pieces.

Stop 5 – Flutterbies Cottage Cafe and Tyalgum General Store

It’s lunchtime in Tyalgum and we’ve curated two tasty options, one for the girls and one for the guys.

For Mum and daughter, take a seat at Flutterbies Cottage Cafe, surrounded by pretty pink interiors and shelves of teddy bears, angels and sprites, watching over your delicious High Tea lunch. Regularly awarded for its swoon-worthy high teas, Flutterbies is all elegance and playful fun and an idyllic spot to connect with loved ones and savour the peaceful ways of country life.

For Dad and son, amble a short way along Coolamon Street to the well-stocked shelves and tempting lunch aromas of the Tyalgum General Store, a mecca for quick pantry shopping or lazy meals under lush trees. The store has a strong focus on supporting locally produced foods, from fruit and veggies to cheese and honey, so you can shop for home as well as ordering from the menu. Tip: the burgers here are worth the drive alone! Make a plan to reunite the gang at Tyalgum Gelato for refreshing icy treats to round out lunch.

Stop 6 – Tyalgum Gelato

Valentino, a second-generation gelato maker from the Cinque Terre region in Italy, is ready and waiting to say “Benvenuto” as you arrive at Tyalgum Gelato, where authentic tastes await. As well as the usual favourites of lemon, chocolate and macadamia, Valentino is a creative whizz at concocting wild and wonderful flavours such as red grape sorbet, walnut and caramelised figs and Dutch liquorice – amongst many many others!

Homeward Bound

With full stomachs, happy hearts and memories made, it’s time to head home. Try a different route this time, heading north from Chillingham along Numinbah Road to travel back across the border and alongside Springbrook National Park.

Tip: Take a short side drive to enjoy sweeping views and fresh country air at the Best of All Lookout. It’s a short stroll along the ‘Best of All Lookout track’ for panoramic vistas back out over the Tweed Valley to Wollumbin Mount Warning and the lush green of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage area.