Nestled in the very top corner of NSW in the shadow of an ancient volcano, the Tweed region is one of the state’s best kept secrets. At the mouth of the mighty Tweed River is the lively and buzzing surf town of Tweed Heads. Whether you’re wanting to relax and enjoy some sun and sand, explore ancient volcanic landscapes or discover the charming hinterland villages of the Tweed Valley in your Hertz rental car, this coastal gem has something for everyone. It’s no wonder this twin town is one of Australia’s most popular holiday destinations!
Experience the best of both worlds
The border town of Tweed Heads is the quintessential Australian coastal destination, and the gateway to the wider Tweed Valley and Tweed Coast regions. Before rushing off to explore its beautiful backyard, make sure you spend some time exploring the town itself, including its twin, Coolangatta. Together, these towns are home to some excellent eateries, shopping and entertainment destinations. Stroll along the main strip of Griffith Street and the Strand at Coolangatta, where you’ll find boutique shops and specialty stores. For your morning brunch and coffee fix, stop in at Little Mali on Boundary Street, a much loved local spot with a great beachside atmosphere. Just up the road, don’t miss the opportunity to check out the views from the top of Point Danger. From here, you can see the skyline of the Gold Coast shimmering in the distance, and watch the surfers take on Snapper Rocks.
Of course, we can’t talk about Tweed Heads without mentioning the beaches, and there are some serious bragging rights in this department. The Tweed Region is blessed with some of Australia’s best beaches, and some 300-odd sunny days per year to enjoy them. Whether you head North or South, you’re guaranteed to find your slice of unspoilt paradise. Local favourites Greenmount and Rainbow Beach are located at the Northern end of town, and the idyllic Tweed Coast beaches of Kingscliff and Cabarita are just a short drive away. Year round warm water temperatures in this part of the country are just perfect for swimming. For those keen to ride some waves, Tweed Heads is a surfing mecca and home to some of Australia’s best and most well-known wave breaks. Snapper Rocks, Duranbah, Fingal and Cabarita are all a short distance from town, easily accessible in your Hertz rental car.
Once you’ve had your beach fix, you’ll want to head back and make yourself at home at Halycon House. Located on Cabarita Beach just south of Tweed, this award-winning boutique hotel is the ideal place to base yourself for a North Coast retreat. From here, it’s only 20 minutes to Tweed Heads, 20 minutes to Murwillumbah and 20 seconds to the beach. For an unforgettable dining experience, the highly acclaimed Paper Daisy is located on site at Halycon House. Offering a sophisticated and satisfying menu, this beautiful restaurant and space is all about celebrating local flavours and produce. After your meal, treat yourself at the Halycon House Bar, where you’ll find the largest selection of Australian made gins in the country, featuring over 120 gins.
A journey through time
Take yourself on a journey through the Tweed Valley and discover a land lost in time. The majestic Tweed River winds its way through the cane fields of the Tweed Valley before reaching its headwaters on the slopes of Mount Warning, Australia’s largest extinct volcano. The landscape of the Tweed Valley and Mount Warning Caldera are like nowhere else in Australia, and are perfect for a day of exploring in your Hertz rental car. Start your hinterland journey at Tropical Fruit World, where you can gain a window into life on a working fruit farm, and sample many of the over 500 tropical fruits grown on this beautiful property. Just up the road is Husk Farm Distillery, where you can stop in and sample small batch, locally crafted pure cane rum (you’ll want to nominate a designated driver for this).
Continue upstream to Murwillumbah, the funky and alternative hinterland town at the foothills of Mount Warning. Here you’ll find one of Australia’s best regional art galleries - Tweed Regional Gallery and Margaret Olley Art centre. This highly acclaimed gallery is surrounded by beautiful gardens and set against a jaw-dropping backdrop of the Tweed Caldera, this is one art gallery you won’t want to miss.
With so much to see and do right in its backyard, it’s little wonder Tweed Heads has garnered a reputation for being a holiday hotspot on the North Coast. Boasting white sandy beaches, incredible natural beauty and enviable weather year round - all on the doorstep of the glittering Gold Coast - where else would you rather be?
