48 HOURS IN THE TWEED REGION
MEET THIS TRENDING COASTAL DESTINATION IN NSW
It might not be the easiest time for a getaway right now thanks to COVID-19, but that doesn’t mean you can’t explore your own state (if government restrictions allow) or even get your travel bucket list started for when our borders open back up.
And we’ve got the destination you’re going to want to add to it – the Tweed region.
This coastal metropolis (which I’m dubbing the new Byron Bay!) is nestled in north-eastern New South Wales, backing onto the Queensland border. It’s bustling with top-notch eateries, experiences and accommodation. Picture the perfect concoction of beach, rainforest and hinterland.
WHERE TO STAY
For accommodation, I couldn’t go past the rustic-chic option of glamping at The Hideaway in Cabarita Beach, which is a mere two-minute walk to the beach, and also to nearby cafés and a shopping centre. Convenience – tick!
By the way, Cabarita Beach is the most gorgeous stretch of sand and sea, and is near the whimsical Norries headland that boasts 360 degree views of the valley below, along with Wollumbin Mount Warning. You may also see Queensland in the distance!
Back to The Hideaway – it offers three sizes of bell tents: Classic Bell, Plush Deluxe and Bigger is Better, with just
23 in total on site. They’re all fitted with cloud-like Koala beds, lighting (yes, there’s electricity!), a mini fridge, plush bath towels and even air-conditioning in selected tents. As for your amenities, there are full kitchen and laundry facilities and, of course, private toilets and shower – all of which are built into shipping containers. You can also rent bikes from the front desk and take a five
minute ride to Norries or beyond. When you return of an evening, gather around the communal fire pit (adhering to social distancing, of course) and toast some marshmallows!
This accommodation is great for those on a budget, but as you can tell there’s no scrimping on the little luxuries. Tents start from $155 per night. Visit hideawaycabaritabeach.com.au or call 1300 611 392 to book.
WHAT TO DO
If you’re a water and/or animal lover, then you need to go on a turtle snorkelling expedition with Watersports Guru in Kingscliff. My friends and I were taken out to Cook Island (formerly Turtle Island) for about an hour and a half of snorkelling, and we saw a handful of turtles, puffer fish and other reef natives. If you’re lucky (or unlucky depending on your fear levels!) you might even see Wobbegong or Grey Nurse sharks, which the guide assured are harmless. Tours start from $99 per person, watersportsguru.com.
For on-land activities, visit the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Centre in Murwillumbah for a cultural fix, or opt for a tour at the gorgeous Husk Distillers, who created the world’s first sugar cane rum, Husk Rum. huskdistillers.com.
WHAT TO EAT & DRINK
This 48-hour trip was essentially a culinary tour!
First stop on day one of the trip was lunch at Tucker,
THIS COASTAL METROPOLIS IS THE NEW BYRON BAY!
a sweet little café nestled in food, fashion and retail precinct, The Commons Casuarina. I recommend their beef burger with a side of chunky hot chips – to die for!
Dinner was at the Paper Daisy restaurant within the Halcyon House boutique hotel, which was about 200 metres from our accommodation. This four-course meal is not to be missed and the cocktails were just divine, too. The standout for me was the bay lobster entrée with celery, apple, green garlic and desert lime. Wow!
Day two breakfast was at Farm & Co in Kingscliff, run by Michele Stephens and her partner Ian Kettle. The café itself has only been open for around a year, but the acreage it’s on has been in the hands of Michele and Ian since 2002. They live and breathe an organic and sustainable farming philosophy, growing and cultivating their menu’s fresh produce on the grounds – including avocados, tomatoes and free-range eggs. I have to give a special mention to their charming pig pair Hank and Pepe, who live in the grounds’ sunflower patch – so cute! It’s a perfect spot to take the kids.
Dinner was one for the seafood lovers. Fins Restaurant and Bar in South Kingscliff was dubbed the country’s ‘Best Seafood Restaurant in Australia’ in the 2020 Seafood Excellence Awards.
My parting advice? Go with an empty stomach and an open mind – you’ll fall in love! For more, go to visitnsw.com.