There's more to South East Queensland than the nightlife and glammer of the Gold Coast. The Gold Coast hinterland and Tweed Valley are often described as the Green behind the Gold, offering more natural experiences. These regions offer visitors a chance to experience some of the best of Australian nature and history.
Tweed Valley Tourist Route:
The Tweed Valley is a stunning region located in northeastern New South Wales, just a short drive from the Gold Coast. This region is known for its lush rainforests, rolling hills, and pristine beaches. The Tweed Valley Tourist Route takes visitors through some of the most picturesque parts of this region, offering breathtaking views and memorable experiences along the way.
Murwillumbah: The route begins in the town of Murwillumbah, which is known for its charming art deco architecture and vibrant arts community. Visitors can explore the Tweed Regional Gallery, which showcases the works of local and national artists, or take a stroll along the Tweed River.
Wolumbin Mount Warning: From Murwillumbah, visitors can drive to Uki via Wollumbin Mount Warning National Park, which is home to the iconic mountain. This mountain is the first place to see the sunrise in Australia, and visitors can take a short hike around it's base.
Tweed Heads: The route then takes visitors to Tweed Heads via Mooball, and the coastal towns of Pottsville, Bogangar and Kingscliff. Here, visitors can explore the beaches, go fishing, grab lunch in a cafe, or take a cruise along the Tweed River.
Gold Coast Hinterland Tourist Route:
The Gold Coast Hinterland is known for its natural beauty, with rolling hills, ancient rainforests, and stunning waterfalls. The Gold Coast Hinterland Tourist Route takes visitors through some of the most picturesque parts of this region, offering breathtaking views and memorable experiences along the way.
Tamborine Mountain: The route begins in Tamborine Mountain, a charming town known for its wineries, galleries, and craft shops. Visitors can explore the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk, which takes visitors through the treetops of the rainforest, or visit the Tamborine Mountain Distillery, which produces award-winning liqueurs and spirits.
Lamington National Park: From Tamborine Mountain, visitors can drive to Lamington National Park, which is home to some of the most pristine rainforests in Australia. Visitors can hike through the park, swim in its waterfalls, or take a guided tour to learn more about the park's flora and fauna.
Springbrook National Park: The route then takes visitors to Springbrook National Park, which is home to the stunning Natural Bridge. Visitors can take a guided tour to see glow worms and other nocturnal creatures, or explore the park's hiking trails.
EXPLORING THE TWEED REGION FURTHER
Tweed Regional Art Gallery and Cafe, and Margaret Olley Art Centre:
Situated in the rolling hills behind Murwillumbah, overlooking Wollumbin-Mt Warning, the Gallery and Cafe are a great blend of art, food and the best of local views. The Margaret Olley Art Centre features a replica of Margaret's studio home in Sydney. The Tweed Gallery Café is the ideal place to take time out and relax with good food and great coffee, either before or after your Gallery visit.
Madura Tea: You’ve probably seen Madura Tea in the supermarket – their English Breakfast, Earl Grey and Green Tea varieties are sold widely across the country. Their 250,000 tea bush plantation is located right here in the Tweed where they grow, blend and package more than 24 varieties including Chai and herbal teas such as native Lemon Myrtle. You can even explore the Madura Tea plantation on a one hour tour of Australian’s only sub-tropical tea plantation. Tours run at 10am and 11.30am on Tuesdays. Tours encompass cultivating, manufacturing, blending and packaging of Madura teas.
Chillingham Bushtucker is a great stop on a day trip around the Hinterland. Stroll around the bush tucker garden or have a picnic and enjoy the atmosphere. Banana Cabana sells tropical fruit and exotic local speciality foods, and is 13 minutes south of Natural Bridge in the Gold Coast hinterland on the Nerang Murwillumbah Road.
Mavis's Kitchen only use fresh and organic produce to serve simple, home cooked and unpretentious dishes in a beautiful environment. Much of what you’ll have for lunch or dinner comes from the vegetable and herb garden that meanders through the orchard on their property. The property is located at the foot of Wollumbin-Mount Warning in the lush Tweed Valley. In this tranquil retreat, you’ll feel worlds away.
Murwillumbah Farmers Market (Caldera Farmers Market) – local produce from the region, every Wednesday from 7-11am at the Murwillumbah Showgrounds on Queensland Road, Murwillumbah.
Whale Watching trips operate from Tweed Heads from May-October. Watersports Guru also offer small boat trips to Cook Island for snorkelling with turtles, whale watching and diving. Watersport Guru also hire stand up paddle boards and run kayak fishing trips in Cudgen Creek in Kingscliff.
While exploring this fantastic area, stay at BIG4 Tweed BIllabong Holiday Park.
