At the very north of New South Wales, sandwiched between Byron Bay and the Gold Coast, is the Tweed. Though it might not be as well-known as its two neighbours, its beautiful coastline, lush rainforest, rolling hinterland, and varied attractions, along with a subtropical climate, make it the perfect destination for a quintessential Australian beach holiday. You could easily spend a week here, but two days in the Tweed is enough to fall for its relaxed coastal charm.ย So I’ve put together what I think is the perfect 2 Day Tweed Itinerary.
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Getting to the Tweed
Fly to Gold Coast Airport (Coolangatta Airport), which is just a 10-minute drive from Tweed Heads and 20 minutes from Kingscliff. It’s a one-hour flight from Sydney and two hours from Melbourne, making it a very easy choice for a weekend away. If youโre travelling during the summer, watch out for the time change, as Queensland doesn’t move to Australian Eastern Daylight Time like the other Eastern states. Youโll gain an hour when you arrive and then lose it again as soon as you drive over the border into New South Wales. If youโre coming from Brisbane, itโs about a 90-minute drive.
Where to Stay
Mantra on Salt Beach, Kingscliff is a beautiful resort right on the beach, with a lagoon-style freshwater pool, tennis courts and lovely gardens. Itโs located in Salt Village, where youโll find a good selection of restaurants, shops, cafรฉs and bars. So if you are looking for a hassle-free trip, you barely need to leave the resort.
Mantra on Salt Beach is a great hotel for families as it offers one and two-bedroom apartments, complete with a full kitchen and laundry. So you can cook your own meals if you prefer and relax in the apartment lounge after the kids have gone to bed. During the school holidays, Mantra offers activities and arts and crafts for kids, giving parents a chance to unwind by the pool and have a drink at the pool bar. There is also free bike hire (including child bikes and seats), so you can ride along the 3km boardwalk to the town of Kingscliff without needing to use a car.
If you’re travelling without kids – as I was this trip – it’s also a lovely choice, due to its beachfront location, excellent restaurant options and the nearby Spa at Salt. I particularly liked the spa bath in my room. As someone who rarely gets time alone, it was such a treat to enjoy a spa bath at the end of a busy day exploring the Tweed.
Getting Around
This itinerary works well with a car, so I recommend picking up a rental car at the airport. However, you can do it without, and Iโve included options for that within the itinerary.
2 Day Tweed Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival & Relaxation
Arrive in the Tweed and drive/taxi to Mantra on Salt Beach. Drop your bags, kick off your shoes and wander straight down to the sand. The wide, golden beach stretches all the way from Kingsliff village in the north to Cabarita in the south. Enjoy a long walk or a quick dip to refresh after your journey.
If you arrive early, wander/cycle into Kingscliff village. Thereโs a great local food scene here, with relaxed cafรฉs, boutique shops, and a holiday vibe.
Head back to the resort and Salt Village for dinner. The village is small but has some excellent options, from locally sourced, line-caught fish at Finns to handmade pasta at Giulia Italian. Take a twilight walk on the beach before turning in for an early night; tomorrow is an active one.
Day 2 – Northern Rivers Rail Trail
Have breakfast in your apartment at Mantra on Salt Beach or pop to the neighbouring Peppers Salt Reort & Spa for brekkie at their restaurant, Seasons. Then drive inland to Murwillumbah and the start of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail. As the name suggests, this is a cycle/pedestrian path that follows the route of an old railway line (which was originally built on an Aboriginal songline path).
Rent e-bikes from Better By Bike (which includes helmets, lights and panniers for all your stuff), and set off on the trail.
The 24km Tweed section of the trail takes you through farmland, rainforest and small country towns, and itโs worth allowing time to stop along the way to enjoy some of the lovely cafes and attractions en route, and there are plenty of photo opportunities too.
The first stop after 2.2km is the Tweed Regional Gallery and Margaret Olley Art Centre. Set within an architecturally award-winning building with sweeping views of Wollumbin (Mount Warning), the gallery showcases an ever-changing program of national and regional exhibitions, including the renowned Olive Cotton Award for photographic portraiture. The Gallery also houses the Margaret Olley Art Centre, celebrating Australiaโs most beloved painter through exhibitions and an incredible recreation of her home studio.
At around 7km is a little fruit and veg stall, where you can grab a little snack before continuing on to Hosanna Farmstay. This is a good spot to stop for lunch. Either bring your own or there is a cafรฉ at the farm. Admire the alpacas and farm animals, or, depending on the time you arrive, join in some of the activities, including animal feeding, farm tours, or a ride on the waterslide. If youโre travelling with kids, allow extra time here.
Continue back on the rail trail to the Burringbar Range Tunnel. Youโll need to put your lights on before you pass through, as there is no artificial lighting inside. The 524m long tunnel is home to glow worms and micro bats, though youโre more likely to see them if you pass through at night.
A little further on, stop at Heath’s Old Wares & Collectables, an antiques store where you might find some hidden treasures. Carry on riding to Mooball, where, unless you wish to make the return journey by bike, you will be collected by Better by Bike.
Transport options: If you have a car, drive to Murwillumbah from Mantra Salt, and leave your car there in the car park. You can purchase the bike hire ticket that includes a return transfer back to Murwillumbah station. Alternatively, if you donโt have a car, you can book the bike hire option that includes transfers to and from your hotel.
Back at the hotel, spend the rest of the afternoon by the pool or head across the road to the Spa at Salt, where you can relax in the sauna or spa, take an ice bath or book a massage.
In the evening, try another of the restaurants in Salt Village, like Season, part of Pepperโs Hotel. The seasonally changing menu uses locally sourced produce to create dishes with a European influence. Make sure you try the monthly cocktail specials made using some of the region’s best spirits, such as Cape Byron Whiskey and Tahฤ Distillery Kawakawa & Lemon Myrtle Gin.
Day 2 – Markets & Husk Distillery
Have a lazy morning by the pool or pop to Pottsville for Pottsville Beach Markets, which run on the first and third Sunday of the month from 7am to 1pm. Then make your way to Husk Distillery. If you donโt have a car, the distillery offers a shuttle bus service, which you can book in advance.
Have lunch at Planterโs Kitchen, the distilleryโs restaurant, with tables outside overlooking the gardens and Wollumbin (Mt Warning) in the distance. The varied menu includes popcorn crocodile, a delicious massaman curry made with macadamia, and 18-hour slow-cooked Tenterfield lamb shoulder served with a rare blend Husk rum jus. If youโre into cocktails, then the Espresso Martinique comes highly recommended: an espresso martini made with spiced and coconut rums.
After lunch, join a Tasting Trail Tour where youโll hear the story of Husk Farm Distillery, sample a selection of both Husk rums and Ink gins and learn about their farm-to-glass process. Itโs a good idea to book both lunch and the tour in advance.
Head back to Mantra Salt for a final swim before checking out and making your way to the airport for your flight home.
Optional Extras or Longer Stays in the Tweed
If youโve got an extra day, you could:
- Take a cruise along the Tweed River to spot birdlife and explore mangrove ecosystems.
- Take a snorkelling trip to the Cook Island Aquatic Reserve, where you might spot turtles and wobbegong
- Kayak or paddleboard in the gentle waters of Cudgen Creek
FAQs
When is the best time to visit the Tweed?
Spring, summer and autumn are all good times to visit, with generally warm and sunny weather. School holidays can be busy, so book in advance. Winter is still lovely in the Tweed but cooler, especially in the evenings.ย
How fit do I need to be for the rail trail e-bike ride?
The trail is relatively flat with a few hills, so if youโre riding a regular bike, then a moderate level of fitness is required. With e-bikes, you can select how much support you need and so it’s easier for individuals with lower fitness levels.ย
How long does the e-bike trail take?
It depends on your pace, stops and lunch. Plan for 4-6 hours, including breaksย
Is the distillery lunch suitable for vegetarians and vegans?
Yes, the menu features a variety of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.ย
Can children visit Husk Distillery?
Yes, children are welcome at the restaurant and in the gardens, but tour attendees must be 18+ (excluding babies who must be carried – no prams). Parents/guardians are to supervise children at all times while on the premises.
What if the weather is bad for biking?
E-bikes still work in light rain, but heavy weather may affect the trail. Have a backup plan such as visiting a gallery, spa or a shorter ride.
Are children okay on the rail trail?
Yes, Better by Bike offers kids e-bikes and baby/toddler seat attachments for adult bikes.ย
How far is The Tweed from Byron Bay or the Gold Coast?
Itโs about 45 minutes north of Byron Bay and 15 minutes south of Coolangatta โ an easy addition to any North Coast road trip.
