Okay, technically Tweed isn’t part of the Gold Coast – but it’s one of the last places you’ll find the old Gold Coast. Sitting just over the border, this laid-back beach town has kept its retro charm while quietly becoming one of the coolest spots to spend a slow weekend. Here’s what to eat, shop and do while you’re there.
Start your day with a reformer or mat class at Bay Studio – we promise, the burn just feels better in a beautiful studio. Especially when you know it will be followed by a pastry and a cold brew.
When you’re ready to explore, take a slow stroll through Tweed’s streets. Don’t forget to snap a few photos in front of Tweed icons like the Las Vegas Motel, Tweed Tenpin, and the border monument. There’s a nostalgic kind of charm to the old shopfronts and neon motel signs that’s hard to find on the Gold Coast.
No visit to Tweed Heads is complete without stopping by Sun Devil, where the cold brew has gone viral for good reason (and trust us, the pistachio cold foam deserves the hype). This cosy little café tucked inside Strange Days Vintage – more on them in a moment – has become a cult favourite for its minimal, yet delicious, menu and retro aesthetic befitting of a border town.
Hungry? Grab something flaky and fresh from Bread Social, a local favourite for its pastries, sourdough and focaccias. And if you’ve got a sweet tooth, line up early for Public Supply – their cinnamon rolls are the stuff of legend. No wonder they sell out so fast.
For vintage lovers, Strange Days Vintage is a treasure trove of European and American finds — with a particularly enviable lineup of cowboy boots. A former Palm Beach favourite that’s moved south, Strange Days is a curated wonderland of retro denim, leather jackets and perfectly worn-in tees (check out our full interview with the founders right here).
Continue the shopping spree with a visit to Badlands Vinyl, a haven for music collectors, and Emte Boutique, which stocks all the brands you wish your wardrobe was full of.
