Each year, the Lonely Planet unveils its ‘Best in Travel’ guidebook – a definitive list of the 50 destinations and experiences worth adding to your itineraries. Only one Australian destination made it onto the pages of their 2027 edition. It just so happens to be our own backyard.
Alongside Oman and Okinawa, New Caledonia and Quebec, the Tweed has been named as one of the Lonely Planet’s top 25 travel destinations for 2027.
Yep, you read that right. The Tweed, the sleepy region just over the border from us, has been plucked from (relative) obscurity by the Lonely Planet’s editorial team, and held up on the world stage as a ‘must visit’ destination for the year ahead.
Proud is an understatement.
So, in light of the Tweed making the cut as one of the world’s best 25 travel destinations (for 2027, at least), what better time than now to share the 25 reasons we love it, too?
- Murwillumbah’s main street
Regional towns don’t get much cuter than Murwillumbah, and its main street is the best place to experience it all. Browse the boutiques and op shops, grab a pastry from Keith Bakery and mix with the locals at the Imperial Hotel. Before you go, pay a visit to M Arts Precinct around the corner.
- Husk Farm Distillery
Whether you love gin or just a scenic place to grab a drink, you’ll love Husk Farm Distillery – one of only a few true farm-to-bottle distilleries open to visitors in the world.
- Tweed Regional Gallery and Margaret Olley Art Centre
Presenting historical and contemporary exhibitions across seven spaces – along with the Margaret Olley Art Centre, an ode to the life and legacy of Australia’s most celebrated still-life painter – the artworks within the Tweed Regional Gallery are rivalled only by the views of Wollumbin/Mt Warning outside.
- Fingal Head
Did you know we have our own Giant’s Causeway right here at home? Fingal was named by early explorers for its likeness to the Northern Ireland World Heritage Site, which also has massive rock pillars (formed by hot lava that cooled as it reached the sea). While you’re there, explore the lighthouse (erected in 1872) and relax on Dreamtime Beach.
- The farmers markets
What better way to immerse yourself in a community than by visiting its farmers market? In the Tweed, you have plenty to choose from – from Murwillumbah to Pottsville, to the Tweed Heads Boat Harbour Market.
- Cudgen Creek
Kingscliff locals will tell you there are two ways to best enjoy Cudgen Creek – by taking a morning dip near its opening by the Kingscliff Seawall, or enjoying a late lunch beside it at Cudgen Foreshore Park in the afternoon (preferably with a generous serve of fish and chips in front of you).
- Kingscliff
While you’re in Kingscliff, don’t leave without trying some of its best eats and drinks. Whether it’s a pint at the Kingy Beach Hotel or a pasta at Taverna, this hidden gem is home to some of the Northern Rivers’ best dining.
- Hosanna Farmstay
Whether you want to immerse yourself in farm life by day or camp beneath the stars by night, Hosanna Farmstay is the place for you. Enjoy a picnic or a bite from the on-site café, try the activities (free with your day pass) or book in for a ‘Meet the Bunnies’ experience.
- Farm & Co
This working farm quickly became a photoshoot destination for travellers, thanks to its towering sunflower fields. Now, it’s a destination in itself, thanks to its charming on-site restaurant, kids’ playground and macadamia orchard.
- Duranbah
The first taste of the Tweed heading south from the Gold Coast, Duranbah – the world-famous surfing spot – is actually best enjoyed from above (and, in our opinion, with a coffee and a pastry from Black Dingo Café at Point Danger lookout).
- Bay Street
With Strange Days Vintage Store, Emte Boutique and Bread Social calling it home, Bay Street has become Tweed’s most talked about address. It’s a total destination, having you covered from your morning Pilates session at Bay Studio to your nightcap at Rob Roy Deli & Drinks.
- Tweed River House
When it comes to fine dining, two Tweed locations stand out – Tweed River House is one of them (and we’ll get to the other one shortly). Set in a restored, century-old river house on the banks of the Tweed River, this stunning bistro and bar attracts diners from near and far.
- Tumbulgum Tavern
For something a little (okay, a lot more) casual, it’s gotta be the Tumbulgum Tavern. Around the river bend from Murwillumbah, it’s the perfect place to see out the sunset with a pint and a pub feed. It doesn’t get much more local than this.
- Tweed Eco Cruises
Doing the Tweed right means spending some time on the river it gets its name from, and Tweed Eco Cruises helps you do it. Operating on the Tweed River for more than three decades, they offer everything from relaxing lunch cruises to scenic sunsets and educational eco-tours.
- Mt Jerusalem National Park
Marvel at the towering eucalypts, descend into the subtropical rainforests and cool off beneath a waterfall when you’re done – oh, and be sure to keep an eye out for threatened species like Albert’s lyrebird and the red-legged pademelon while you’re there.
- Halcyon House
Whether you’re checking in for a few nights or just enjoying lunch at its on-site restaurant, Paper Daisy (the other fine dining destination we hinted at earlier), it’s hard to have a bad time at Halcyon House.
- Norries Headland and Casuarina
Take the short boardwalk up Norries Headland, at the southern end of Cabarita Beach, for one of the best coastal views in the region. Then head north to Casuarina, the quiet beachside enclave named for its wispy she-oaks, where the options run from coffee and pastries to Mexican cocktails and sourdough pizza.
- Hastings Point
Where Cudgera Creek meets the sea, Hastings Point is the Tweed at its most low-key. Kayak the creek, poke around the rock pools at low tide, then climb the headland for a picnic with a view. Fish and chips are optional, but highly encouraged.
- Origin House
Perched high in the Carool hills, Origin House is a two-bedroom villa overlooking a working coffee plantation, Wirui Estate. Wake up to a brew made from beans grown right outside the door and soak up views that stretch to the coast. Then head five minutes down the road to Potager for lunch.
- Uki
A famous pie shop, an old buttery-turned-makers market and a sprawling country pub – all set amongst the scenic foothills of Wollumbin/Mt Warning? It’s not a charming movie setting, it’s Uki.
- Catch a Crab
Few tours let you eat your homework. On Catch a Crab’s Tweed River cruise, you’ll haul in crab pots, pump for yabbies and hand-feed the resident pelicans. Then you’ll pull into Birds Bay Oyster Farm to see how a Sydney rock oyster makes its way from lease to plate. The mud crabs can be cooked fresh on board, too.
- Nightcap National Park
Sitting on the southern rim of the Tweed caldera and part of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, Nightcap is all ancient rainforest, rugged escarpments and crystal-clear creeks. Walk in to Protestors Falls and keep an ear out for Fleay’s barred frog, which calls “ok-ok-ok” after rain.
- Cooly Eco Adventures
Based on the river at Chinderah, Cooly Eco Adventures runs small-group ocean tours along the border. Think snorkelling with turtles at Cook Island, dolphin safaris and, in season, swimming with humpback whales. The whole operation is built around marine conservation, so expect to learn something, too.
- Tropical Fruit World
With more than 500 varieties grown on its Duranbah farm, Tropical Fruit World is the place to meet fruit you didn’t know existed (chocolate pudding fruit, anyone?). Hop on the tractor train for a guided tour and tasting, then raid the fruit market on your way out.
- Northern Rivers Rail Trail
The best way to experience all that the Tweed has to offer? The Northern Rivers Rail Trail – a 24-kilometre accessible path stretching from Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek, winding through historic villages, lush farmland and picturesque valleys (with more sections open further south, and the missing link still to come). No bike? No worries. There are plenty of bike hire companies, from Pedals and Picnics to Better by Bike.
