While Byron Bay is the most famous resident of the Northern Rivers, its near neighbours make for an equally dreamy weekender. The Tweed Shire couples a pristine coastal stretch with farmland hugged by ancient caldera, and continues to gain popularity as a Byron alternative (and not just because it’s within easy access to the Gold Coast airport). Among its surplus of picturesque beaches, are ample places to eat and drink (so much so there’s now a food-devoted festival Savour The Tweed).
‘Italian-ish’ is the mantra of No35 Cabarita, the casual eatery courtesy of Rachel Duffy and Daniel Medcalf, both formerly of Icebergs Group. Seaside-friendly spritz mingle with natural wines for drinks, while snacks and pastas dominate the menu (alongside a famed tiramisu). instagram.com/no35cabarita
A rising dining scene is bubbling away in this creative town in the caldera, with acclaimed fine diner Bistro Livi at the forefront. Sisters Dani and Nikky, and friend Ewen Crawford run the intimate bistro, drawing on their experience at Melbourne heavyweights Movida and Carlton Wine Room. bistrolivi.com
In the centre of the Art Deco town of Murwillumbah is the retro-fitted Keith. Homemade treats like quiche and sausage rolls are available alongside specialty coffees, and a simple breakfast menu (bacon and egg roll included). instagram.com/keith.murwillumbah
This haven for natural wine can be found on the main street of quaint Burringbar. Now the cellar has expanded into an adjoining bar out back, with DIY charcuterie boards on weekends, and suave cocktails to sip alongside grape juice. naturalwineshopandbar.com.au
Considering the Tweed is sugarcane country it’s no surprise that local rum is not a rarity. Husk Distillery is the biggest enterprise, a family-run distillery embracing local ingredients to create its line of rums and artisanal gins. huskdistillers.com
A special occasion go-to on the Tweed Coast can be found at Halcyon House’s equally stylish restaurant Paper Daisy. The Anna Spiro-designed space is led by Head Chef Andrew Milford, and celebrates sophisticated simplicity, with local seafood taking centre stage. halcyonhouse.com.au/paper-daisy-restaurant
If you’ve found yourself closer to the Queensland border, make way for Bay Street. Among its vintage stores, record caverns and Bread Social outlet is Rob Roy Deli & Drinks. Specialty spirits and wines line shelves, alongside deli treats galore. robroy.com.au
Arguably the best breakfast in the Tweed Region can be found in Pottsville. Local beans Beam Coffee form the base of morning brews, served with brunch favourites like the Black Drop Benny; Potato Rosti, Ham Hock, Apple Cider Hollandaise, Poached Eggs. blackdropcafe.com.au
Celebrated chef Ben Devlin is the creative behind the innovative Pipit in Pottsville (which he runs alongside wife, designer Yen Trinh). Unique is an apt description of the menu which focuses on sustainable meats, native and foraged wild edibles, and tropical produce from nearby. pipitrestaurant.com
Australia’s first alcoholic kombucha was born in Murwillumbah’s industrial estate. The brand now boasts a taphouse where you can sample their wares, sipping on flavours like Lavender Lemonade, and Ginger & Yuzu. venturabrewing.co
Fields of sunflowers fringe this venue settled within a working farm in Cudgen. After greeting the resident pigs Hank and Pepe, sit down for a farm-to-table meal at the resident restaurant; think home-style smoked lamb shoulder, confit chicken terrine and roast potatoes. farmandco.com.au
Murwillumbah can claim more than its fair share of pubs, including the historic Imperial Hotel (or The Impy). The salmon pink pub isn’t just a drinking den, but plays host to 29 simple (and affordable) rooms to spend the night post-explore inland. impy.com.au
A heritage-listed post office in the hinterland town of Uki forms the base of this lauded coffee roaster. It still caters to the local community’s parcel needs, all the while crafting outstanding flat whites (among more) seven days a week. bastionlane.com
Among Australia’s best boutique hotels is Tweed Coast resident Halcyon House. Nudging the sands of Cabarita Beach, this award-winning gathering of just 19 rooms, a spa, a bar, and a restaurant is a luxe take on the seaside stay. halcyonhouse.com.au
In nearby Kingscliff is a former motel that’s been given a new lease on life thanks to a coastal hued update courtesy of designer Jason Grant. 19 rooms and a four-bedroom beach house have been swathed in pastel blues and yellows, and make for a sleek Tweed getaway. thebluewatermotel.com.au
