Tweed Coast: Australia’s next gourmet food destination
The Tweed Coast and Tweed Heads region is an amazing place to visit or live, with some of the best beaches and local produce anywhere around the country. Not that far from the hustle and bustle of popular neighbouring beachside towns like Byron Bay, the atmosphere is much more laid back.
The Tweed region encompasses a variety of river and coastal towns including Tweed Heads, Kingscliff, Chinderah, Casuarina, Cabarita Beach, Hastings Point and Pottsville Beach. Each town has its own vibe but the overall feeling is chilled and relaxed.
The original inhabitants of this region were the Bundjalung Nation who are the traditional custodians of this beautiful area that includes rainforests, rivers, lakes and ocean beaches.
Tweed Coast ‒ Producer heaven
Predominant in this region are productive farms and orchards. And with a year-round ideal climate, it’s no wonder we see so many different varieties of fruits and vegetables grown in the district.
From orchards and vegetable market gardens to plant nurseries, cattle properties, and poultry and pig farms, you’ll find them all. Avocado and tropical fruit orchards like the major local attraction, Tropical Fruit World, are also a major feature of this area.
The climate on the Tweed Coast is subtropical with excellent rainfall and the rich soil allows the successful growing of many different types of crops. Even sugar cane is grown here and has been since the late 1800s.
Many local farms and orchards sell their produce direct or at local growers’ markets. Some even run farm tours for those who want to immerse themselves in the food culture. For kids, a farm tour is a fun way to show them where their food comes from.
Taste testing
With all this glorious produce on offer, you would imagine that there are plenty of local cafés, restaurants and taverns that showcase seasonal produce. And you wouldn’t be wrong. Seasonal menus that showcase our quality produce can be found in many of the eateries in and around Tweed Heads, Kingscliff and Pottsville.
And, don’t forget, when you’re on the coast; sample some of the fresh seafood, particularly local mud crabs, an area specialty.
What’s on offer in Tweed Heads, Kingscliff and surrounds?
Tweed Heads is the major regional hub, and together with Tweed Heads West, has a population of 14,744. Located just south of the Queensland border and set at the mouth of the majestic Tweed River, this town adjoins Coolangatta to the north, and the two are often referred to as the “Twin Towns”.
South Tweed Heads is home to most of the area’s business, light industrial and commercial operations, including Tweed City Shopping Centre, as well as suburban living. Together with neighbouring Banora Point, the suburbs have a population of 24,288.
Bilambil Heights and Terrranora also adjoin Tweed Heads, and these suburbs, which are popular with growing families and retirees, are home to 6,897 people.
Further south, Kingscliff has a population of around 11,321, while one of its closest neighbours, Cabarita, has a population of only around 3,521. Slightly further south, Pottsville has a population of around 8,867.
The southern suburbs of Cabarita and Casuarina, as well as Pottsville, attract families with children, while Kingscliff itself is home to a slightly higher percentage of residents aged over 60.
Tweed Heads, Kingscliff and Pottsville amenities
In this region, we’re well served with several primary schools throughout the suburbs and along the coast. Tweed Heads offers a choice of several public and private primary schools plus a Catholic High School, Anglican Grammar School and Tweed River High School.
In Kingscliff, there’s a secondary school as well as a TAFE. For the more creative types, Kingscliff is also home to a performing arts school.
Encouragingly, the NSW Government is investing over $673 million in the Tweed Valley Hospital opposite the TAFE college in Kingscliff. The government expects the hospital to be open in 2023. In the meantime, there is The Tweed Hospital in Tweed Heads and medical centres in every town along the coast down to Pottsville, as well as an abundance of natural healing and wellness centres.
If you’re after beauty services, you’ll find plenty of local hair and beauty salons right along the coast. The region also abounds in day spas when you need a day to chill out in style.
Organised sporting activities are covered with surf clubs, a golf club in Chinderah, at Banora Point and in South Tweed Heads, the local bowling club in Pottsville, Kingscliff and Tweed Heads and much more. If course, there’s the legendary Twin Towns Services Club, right on the NSW/Qld border, which offers a host of entertainment and dining options – plus accommodation.
Want to do some shopping? This area won’t disappoint, with just the right mix of unique local boutiques and gift shops, as well as a great selection of local markets. There are also shopping centres in Tweed Heads, Kingscliff and Pottsville where you can get all your regular supplies.
Parks and nature reserves
If you enjoy getting outdoors, this area is rich in parks, forests, and nature reserves. For a leisurely walk, you can’t beat the beautiful pathway running along the Tweed River. In between Casuarina and Cabarita Beaches, you’ll find Cudgen Lake and Nature Reserve. On the lake, you can do a spot of fishing, take a canoe for a paddle or just have a picnic on the banks. If you’re lucky and have the patience, you might catch a glimpse of a koala. Cudgen Creek Estuary is a major drawcard for locals and tourists, great for swimming and snorkelling with plenty of fish and the occasional dolphin. It also has a walking path and boardwalk plus parks and picnic areas on both sides.
Come home to the Tweed Coast region
For a relaxed lifestyle, great community and some of the best gourmet food that Australia has to offer, then the Tweed region and the Tweed Coast should be on your wish list of top destinations.
You might also be interested in learning more about Ocean Shores, Byron Bay, Mullumbimby, Lismore and Murwillumbah and their surrounding districts. Check out our business directory.
