How to spend 72 hours in The Tweed

First 24 Hours

First step for your 72 hour Tweed escape is to get here. Our tip, fly with Australia’s newest airline, Bonza, direct into the Gold Coast Airport (known by aviation buffs as OOL) for quick and easy access into the Tweed region. From 15 November, Bonza will be flying 13 direct routes from around Australia into the GCA, making it easier than ever to arrive in the Tweed.

On touch down, head straight to the friendly folk at the SIXT car rental desk at GCA to pick up your keys to a fun few days ahead. We mentioned it’s quick and easy to get to the Tweed from GCA, in fact it’s only about 10 min drive to Tweed Heads and a quick 30 min to Murwillumbah. Fun Fact: Did you know that GCA is actually half in Queensland and half in New South Wales? SO close to the Tweed!

With Tweed Heads so close, our first tip is to stop by Rob Roy Drinks & Deli and stock up on a few mouth-watering necessities for the coming days – like local area cheeses, regional charcuterie meats and Tweed-brewed beers and spirits.

Photography by Jeffrey Keiffer

Onwards to picture perfect views at Tweed River House, where a relaxed and elegant setting meets delectable Chef Hatted dishes to create the perfect long lazy way to start your Tweed holiday.

Next, head further inland to your serene overnight lodgings at the stunning Avion Retreat, set on 150 lush acres in the Tweed hinterland. Avion’s architecturally designed glasshouses provide both a place of rest and a constant connection to nature. Order ahead for a tempting range of in-glasshouse dining options, with a focus on locally sourced produce.

Second 24 Hours

With breakfast supplies provided at Avion Retreat, start your day slow and enjoy a quiet morning from your glasshouse. But – not toooo slow as adventures await!

Ready for action, head to Murwillumbah and get prepped for some time in the great outdoors along Australia’s newest rail trail. The crew at Hirehood will kit you out with an e-bike just right for you so you can maximise your explore time.

The Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is 24km end to end, from Murwillumbah’s historic train station, the official head of the trail, to Crabbes Creek. Plan for a full day to take in all the sights and tastes of the trail, taking in restored heritage bridges and long rail tunnels (be sure you have a head torch or bike light – the tunnels are dark!) as well as local villages.

Photography by Kiff & Culture

First stop, park up and lock your bike and take the stairs up to the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre. Browse the gallery’s many engaging exhibitions and don’t miss an original Monet piece, on loan to the TRG from 1 November.

In need of a quick coffee? Grab a sip and snack at the onsite Apex Dining.

Back on the trail, continue across Dunbible Bridge to Stokers Siding village. Take a breather here to visit the sweet local Post Office with a relaxed cafe and stroll the short main street, home to a number of art-spaces.

Just nearby here is Hosanna Farmstay, a must-stop for visitors of all ages with happy farm animals, great coffee and food (cafe open every day, food options only on certain days – check ahead!) and a dam and water slide for those who need refreshing!

Through the long and exhilarating Burringbar Tunnel, keeping an eye out for glow worms (and other trail-goers!), you’ll wind your way by farmland and avenues of pine trees to arrive at the village of Burringbar. Browse antique goods at Heaths Old Wares, pick up some natural wine for later at the Natural Wine Store (check opening times) and have lunch at the friendly Teakwood Cafe.

Onwards to the cow-themed fun of Mooball. Take time to read the trail info boards and if you missed lunch at Burringbar, call in to the Moo Moo Roadhouse or enjoy a relaxed bite at the gorgeous and historic Victory Hotel.

Take the last section of the trail through to Crabbes Creek and choose to retrace your path back to Murwillumbah or plan ahead for a shuttle return if that’s enough pedaling for one day.

Head home to Avion to refresh and enjoy sunset across the rolling hills and soothing scenery.

For dinner tonight, head into nearby Tyalgum, for a hearty pub meal at the gloriously restored historic Tyalgum Hotel. If your timings line up, head to Flutterbies Cottage Cafe on Friday nights for woodfired pizza and live music.

Last 24 Hours

This morning, after another chilled brekky at your lodgings, take the scenic drive via Chillingham, stopping at the Chillingham Store and Buck’s Farm for take-home produce and local products, and stop for a coffee and browse at Crystal Creek Estate, also home to a sweet plant nursery.

Photography by Sally Singh Photography

For more insight and inspiration about the area, call into the Tweed Regional Museum to take in fun and informative exhibitions, and browse the remarkable M|Arts Precinct to meet local artists, take home regional cheeses, pick up art supplies or buy a gorgeous flower bunch for home.

Final stop for your trip – the gorgeous Husk Farm Distillery, home of Ink Gin and Australian rum. Book a picnic spot on the expansive lawn for a delicious lunch, take a distillery tour to learn and sip and be sure to visit the cellar door to take home some spirits of choice.

Photography by Kiff & Culture

If time permits before your return flight, take a coastal drive to stop by one or more of our beach villages, from Pottsville in the south to Cabarita and Kingscliff.

Otherwise, start planning now for your next 72-hour Tweed mini-break to be a beach-hopping one, with seafood, water play and waking to the sound of waves all on your itinerary!