Wedged between Byron Bay and the Southern Gold Coast is the naturally abundant Tweed Coast. One of its most beautiful residents is Cabarita, a quaint surf town nudging a glorious headland. Come for the surf, stay for the cluster of bars and restaurants. Here are 15 ways to eat, drink and stay at Cabarita Beach.
Nudging the sand of Cabarita Beach is one of the state’s best boutique hotels – Halcyon House. Resident fine diner Paper Daisy is just as stylish as the accommodation, serving up refined takes on modern Australian fare dreamt up by Chef Jason Barratt. halcyonhouse.com.au
A more casual Italian(ish) offering sits across the road at No.35, the creation of two former Icebergs alumni, Rachel Duffy and Dan Medcalf. Think heaped plates of pasta, bar snacks, and natural wines. number35.com.au
This fine diner from Chef Ben Devlin may be in neighbouring Pottsville but it’s worth the drive. It’s an experimental restaurant centred around wood-fired cooking techniques and the unique ingredients of the surrounding Northern Rivers. The perfect meal for a special occasion. pipitrestaurant.com
Spend the afternoon drinking (and dining) among the rolling fields of Husk, an awarded local distiller making gin and rum within a short drive of Cabarita. Live music takes place on weekends at this kid-friendly venue. huskdistillers.com
Cabarita locals flock to The Burrow for good reason. Live music is a near-guarantee at this cocktail-favouring watering hole, which hosts a much-loved open mic night every Thursday evening. instagram.com/theburrow_caba
Post-surf, locals flock to Nectar for a feed on the run. What it lacks in size it makes up for in eating options – drop by for toasted sandwiches, cakes, coffees, and health conscious smoothies. nectarjuicehouse.com.au
Despite its small stature, Cabarita has no shortage of spots to grab a coffee. Kartel is arguably the town’s favourite place to caffeinate, courtesy of its Allpress coffee, hearty breakfast wraps and treats, and dog-friendly atmosphere. instagram.com/kartel_espresso
Leisurely long lunches are within reach (quite literally) of Caba. Farm to table is embraced at Farm & Co, a particularly Instagram-friendly venue complete with a field of sunflowers. After lunch don’t forget to say hello to the resident pigs Hank and Pepe. farmandco.com.au
Also in Cudgen is where you’ll find Earth Beer, the local brewery. Founded by a group of mates in a tin shed on a former avocado farm, the beer haven churns out lagers and pale ales alongside the creative like the avocado kolsch and mango weisse. earthbeercompany.com.au
Get a taste of local creatives at Mist Gallery on Cabarita’s main drag. Both local and visiting artists showcase their work here as a part of exhibitions, talks, and workshops. mist-gallery.com.au
Cabarita has a much-loved point break at Norries Headland. Learn to dance on the water with the locals at Salty Girls, the female-only surf school which teaches all skill levels a few times a week. saltygirls.com.au
Art fanatics shouldn’t miss out on a chance to visit the quaint town of Murwillumbah in the hills behind Cabarita. It’s here that the much celebrated Tweed Regional Gallery lives, home to a permanent collection from national talent (and Tweed local) Margaret Olley. gallery.tweed.nsw.gov.au
The celebrated hotel is a former motel which gained a glamorous new lease on life courtesy of an Anna Spiro revamp. With 19 rooms, two 2-bed suites, and one 1-bed suite on the beachfront, the accom is famous for its interiors, and equally celebrated restaurant and spa. halcyonhouse.com.au
If you have the family in tow, Cabarita has plenty of outstanding Airbnb options. Including this three-bedroom 1960s beach house complete with coastal interiors, and an equally stylish backyard and pool for your gang to enjoy. groundsofcabarita.net
Or make it a stay to remember at glamping venue The Hideaway. Within walking distance of the beach sits this cluster of well-dressed bell tents complete with floor fans, soft furnishings, furniture and bar fridges. hideawaycabaritabeach.com.au
