Our favourite Tweed Coast attractions and activities
The Tweed Coast of New South Wales is known as God’s Country by some locals. Standing on a pristine beach while whales breach, watching the golden sunset stream through majestic clouds cresting hinterland mountains, it’s easy to see why.
Many think the best time on the Tweed Coast is during the shoulder seasons. Spring and Autumn are particularly beautiful times of year. During Autumn, the ocean often holds it’s warm summer temperature, the water is crystal clear and the surf perfect. The lush hinterland provides the perfect backdrop for farm visits, hiking and exploring the countryside. While cities further South are beginning to shiver, we’re still hitting the beach for a lazy Sunday morning session of surf, sand and good times with family and friends.
Total Passenger Transport provides luxury, reliable and efficient transfers to the Tweed Coast from the Gold Coast Airport and other local hubs. We’ve lived on the coast for years, we love it here and are proud to offer a world class service to residents and holiday makers.
If you’re a local heading away, take the stress out with our easy private luxury airport transfer service. If you’re a holiday maker, we’d love to give you a lift and show you around. We’ve put together a list below of our favourite activities and attractions to point you in the right direction.
Cabarita Beach
ONE OF AUSTRALIA’S MOST BEAUTIFUL BEACHES
Cabarita beach offers amazing waves, white sand and crystal clear water. Long beaches stretch North and South from the main headland, which is an amazing place to spot whales during migration seasons. The great thing about the headland is that it offers protection from prevailing winds on either side depending on wind direction.
The ocean is alive and it’s not uncommon to be joined by dolphins when you’re surfing. It can get crowded in the water at the main breaks, but it’s easy to find a peak up and down the beach. There are BBQ facilities in the park at the main headland, large grassy areas and great viewing positions.
Cudgen Creek, Kingscliff
LIVING THE DREAM
This iconic location is why locals love where they live. The water has amazing clarity on an incoming tide, it’s teaming with fish and has large sandy banks to play and lounge on. If you want to know what the Tweed Coast is about, turn up on a summer day just before high tide. Bring a snorkel and drift along the rock wall taking in the marine life, the current will carry you.
If the swell is right, there can be nice little waves breaking inside the creek, perfect for young kids to catch their first wave. You’ll also find Watersports Guru near where the road crosses the creek a little further back from the beach end. They offer paddle boards and other aquatic activities.
Casuarina Beach
UNCROWDED PERFECTION
Casuarina Beach is somewhat hidden behind native scrub that runs between the beach and bike track. You’ll hear the waves as you walk down a sandy track through the bush. Once the trees open up, small sand hills give way to a long epic beach. It’s the perfect place to take in the sunrise and experience something that locals love.
The beach faces south-east and picks up lots of swell, it can be quite rough and dangerous for the inexperienced so take care. There are flagged areas at Salt and certain points along the beach during summer months. Late afternoons are amazing when the wind drops and lavender colours light the sky, the perfect time for a beach walk and to just appreciate the beauty that surrounds you on the Tweed Coast.
Fingal Beach & Lighthouse
VIEW TO COOK ISLAND AND BEYOND
Fingal is located North of Kingscliff, nestled between the Pacific and the Tweed River. The headland offers various walking trails that lead up to a lovely little lighthouse overlooking the waters below. These waters are treacherous and interesting to watch. The currents move between Cook Island and the headland, with large seas often rolling in for the brave surfers who venture out. The headland around the lighthouse is covered with grassy tracks and great spots to sit and take it all in. The rock formations are particularly interesting – volcanic formations that are said to have come from Wollumbin (Mt Warning) millions of years ago.
When you look North, you’ll see Duranbah and the sand pumping station in the distance. Look South and you’ll see Kingscliff and Cudgen Creek. To the East is Cook Island – a marine sanctuary, the grassy island is home to numerous birds. The seas are teaming with turtles, dolphins, fish, whales and are popular for diving and fishing. Tweed Sea Sports offer guided dives and expeditions to the area.
Salt Resort, Kingscliff
A SEASIDE RESORT THAT WILL IMPRESS
Salt Resort, Kingscliff sits along pristine coastline just south of Cudgen Creek and the main town of Kingscliff. The main resorts are Mantra on Salt Beach and Peppers Salt Resort & Spa. Coolangatta International airport is just 16km up the road, so it’s easy to get to the resort from most locations in Australia.
The resorts provide upmarket accommodation options, not to mention multiple swimming pools, tennis courts, parkland and one of Australia’s most beautiful beaches at your doorstep. Salt village is also the home to Fins Restaurant, plus many other options such as Mexican, Indian, Thai, Italian and other favourites. Saltbar is a popular option for families, with a dedicated kids play area and family friendly menus. They offer a huge range of quality craft beers, you’ll find delicious local brews such as Stone & Wood, Black Hops Brewing and Balter pouring from ice-cold taps. Check out what’s on tap here.
If you’re feeling like something a little lighter, pop down to Fins Pop-up bar for some French Bubbly and Oysters. The glass of bubbly is complimentary with half a dozen Oysters at the right time of year.
Farm & Co, Cudgen
Farm and Co is perched on rolling fields, close to the town of Cudgen. It’s a quick 5 minute drive from Kingscliff, Casuarina or Cabarita to get there. Originally, the farm had a small veggie shack that sold a selection of great fruit and veg to locals and visitors. You could also walk through to the farm and feed the pigs and chooks while enjoying the beautiful vistas.
Seeing the potential, Farm & Co have recently built an amazing building that houses their shop and a new plant-based cafe. We suggest taking a picnic blanket or sitting at one of the outdoor tables. You’re right next to beautiful farmland with panoramic views towards the hinterland and the coast. The plant-based meals are great, you’ll find hearty eggs and beans, mushrooms, buddha bowls, coffee, smoothies and a selection of satisfying options.
After eating, take a lazy walk across the fields to the Macadamia grove and check out the pigs and chickens. At the right time of year, you’ll also find fields of beautiful sunflowers on display. If you’re heading to the Tweed, we highly recommend you head up for some breakfast or lunch and check it out.
Halcyon House, Cabarita
BOUTIQUE HOTEL, BEAUTIFUL BEACH
Halcyon House is a highly awarded 5 star hotel, nestled in the foreshores of Cabarita Beach. You’ll find luxury rooms and suites featuring a signature eclectic style, overlooking a private pool a stone’s throw from the beach. Delicious bar snacks are served poolside, from the acclaimed Paper Daisy restaurant and bar next door. Local chef Jason Barratt and his team have a focus on locally sourced ingredients, serving inspired sumptuous dishes to locals and tourists. Sit at a table, or pull up a stool at the bar – order a local Stone & Wood on tap, a plate from the bar menu and kick back.
Expansive green lawns dotted with palms are met by sandy tracks leading to the beautiful beach in front of the hotel. A short walk around the point and you’ll find Cabarita headland. The newly opened Halcyon Spa provides another incentive for those seeking a heavenly experience on the North Coast of NSW. The combination of location, accommodations, styling, food and amenities have landed Halycon ‘Best Hotels in the World’ 2019 Winner, Conde Nast Gold List.
Cubby Bakehouse, Chinderah
PERFECT PASTRIES RIVERSIDE
From the creators of Gold Coast institutions Bam Bam Bakehouse and Paddock Bakery comes Cubby Bakehouse. Located in Chinderah, Cubby sits alongside the mighty Tweed River. The bakehouse has a great timber decor, with cosy tables and a view into the bakery which is often in full swing, pumping out super fresh baked goods. Breakfast is amazing as is the coffee. You’ll also find filled baguettes, tarts, eclairs, vanilla slice and a range of other delicious treats. Eat in or grab some take-away and find a bench opposite on the edge of the river.
If you’re visiting the Tweed Coast, it’s worth stopping by and trying the delicious assortment of delights Cubby has to offer.
Taverna, Kingscliff
GREEK PERFECTION
Located in Kingscliff opposite the beach, Taverna is welcomed and much loved by locals and visitors. Greek inspired modern dishes are served within the boutique establishment. A must try is the Byron Bay haloumi served with bush honey and fresh rosemary. (You’ll wish you ordered 2). Favourites such as slow roasted lamb rub shoulders with hot smoked ocean trout with ouzo reduction. There’s also a great cocktail list and dessert menu on offer.
If you’re looking for a great deal, check out their Sunday night banquet for about $40pp. Get in quick and make a booking, tables go quick!
Fins Restaurant & Bar, Salt Village
SUBLIME SEAFOOD ON THE COAST
Fins is a ‘hatted’ restaurant, delighting customers for the past 19 years. Operating out of Salt Resort, owner ‘Steven Snow’ serves up a selection of the finest dishes and seafood on the coast. Fins has an amazing menu, which can also be enjoyed in a degustation format. Snowy is renowned for sourcing beautiful fresh local seafood and these dishes are the stars of the menu. Teaming up local Bangalow pork with Tweed Prawns, Seared Scallops, Pasture Fed Eye Fillet…you won’t be disappointed.
There’s also a smaller pop-up bar that has some tasty treats to accompany a selection of Gin focussed cocktails, Champagne and fresh Oysters…the list goes on. Check out the menu here.
Tropical Fruit World, Duranbah
BREATHTAKING LOCATION, AMAZING FRUIT
Tropical Fruit World sits along a ridgeline overlooking the coast to the East, and Tweed Valley to the West. When you pull up in the carpark, you’ll be taken back by the amazing views out over the sugar cane fields towards Wollumbin (Mt Warning). Tropical Fruit World has over 500 fruits growing from around the World on their expansive family farm. They offer guided tours via a tractor train, meandering through rows of spectacular trees and plants laden with exotic fruits. There are also native animals to meet and a wildlife boat cruise on offer.
It’s worth the trip to take in the view alone, but you’ll be amazed and learn about fruits you never knew existed. There is also a fruit stall and cafe, where you can sample fruits and take some home to enjoy later.
www.tropicalfruitworld.com.au/farm-tour
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading about our favourite attractions on the beautiful Tweed Coast of NSW.
If you need a high quality reliable transfer from the Gold Coast Airport to the Tweed Coast, we’re here to help!
Cheers, Seamus and the Total Passenger Transport team.
We specialise in luxury transfers to Tweed Coast & Byron Bay resorts.
