Things To Do
in Tweed Heads
Tweed Heads is a picturesque coastal town located on the New South Wales and Queensland border in Australia. It is known for its stunning beaches, including Duranbah Beach and Snapper Rocks. The town offers a relaxed lifestyle with plenty of outdoor activities such as surfing, fishing, and whale watching.
Tweed Heads also has a vibrant dining scene and is close to popular attractions like the Gold Coast theme parks.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $100 - $250
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $40
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $4 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $80 - $150
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $40 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing swim at Coolangatta Beach, just a short walk from Tweed Heads. Enjoy breakfast at a beachside café with ocean views.
Spend your afternoon at Greenmount Beach, perfect for sunbathing and exploring the rock pools. Try your hand at some water activities or take a leisurely stroll along the coast.
Finish the day with a beachfront dinner at a local seafood restaurant. Watch the sunset over the ocean for a stunning end to your day.
Start with breakfast at a local café, then head to Tweed Heads South for a hike in the beautiful Tweed Regional Botanic Gardens. The paths are well-marked and offer plenty of scenic views.
Enjoy a picnic lunch in the gardens before exploring the various plant collections. Don't forget to take some photos among the lush greenery.
Return to your accommodation to relax, then enjoy a laid-back dinner at one of the local pubs. The lively atmosphere is a perfect way to wind down your day.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful beaches and coastal scenery
- Mild climate year-round
- Easy access to recreational activities like surfing and fishing
- Vibrant community with a mix of cultures
- Proximity to major attractions in the Gold Coast and New South Wales
- Strong tourism and hospitality industry
- Growing real estate market
- High property prices in some areas
- Traffic congestion during peak tourist seasons
- Limited public transportation options
- Potential for flooding in certain locations
- Increased cost of living compared to other regions
- Seasonal tourism can affect local businesses off-peak
- Environmental concerns due to development and tourism impact
Best Activities in Tweed Heads
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Tweed Heads offers excellent surfing spots, particularly at coolangatta Beach, with consistent waves suitable for all skill levels.
Enjoy fishing in the Tweed River or at nearby beaches, where you can catch a variety of fish, including bream, flathead, and whiting.
Explore the beautiful walking trails in the nearby national parks, such as the Tweed Heads Coastal Reserve, offering stunning ocean views and native wildlife.
Discover the underwater world by snorkeling or diving at the nearby coral reefs and marine parks, which are home to diverse marine life.
Paddle along the Tweed River or through the tranquil estuaries, enjoying the serene environment and spotting local wildlife.
Join a game of beach volleyball on the sandy shores or set up your own with friends for a fun, active day at the beach.
Try stand-up paddleboarding on the calm waters of the Tweed River, a great way to enjoy the scenery while getting some exercise.
Find a beautiful spot at one of the local parks or beaches for a relaxing picnic, enjoying the natural surroundings and fresh air.
Tours
Uncover the best of Tweed Heads with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Tweed Heads
Visit one of these nice places.
A picturesque park featuring stunning views of the Tweed River, ideal for scenic photos and enjoying nature.
An excellent spot for capturing the convergence of the river and ocean with beautiful coastal scenery.
Offers panoramic views over the ocean and the Tweed coastline, perfect for stunning sunrise and sunset photography.
A scenic overlook at the border of New South Wales and Queensland providing breathtaking views of the coastline and is a great place for whale watching.
Famous for its golden sands and clear blue waters, this beach is perfect for capturing vibrant beach life photos.
A picturesque jetty that provides great opportunities for boat and river photography, especially at sunset.
The historic lighthouse offers stunning views of the coastline and surrounding areas, making it a great spot for photography.
Known for its crystal-clear waters and lush surroundings, this area is perfect for tropical landscape photography.
Food in Tweed Heads
Tweed Heads Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
These local crustaceans are a must-try, usually served grilled with garlic butter or in seafood platters. Enjoy them at seafood restaurants along the Tweed River.
Must-Try!
Indulge in this iconic Australian fish, often served grilled or as fish and chips. Look for it at waterfront eateries and fish and chip shops.
Sample this unique twist on traditional pesto, incorporating native macadamia nuts. Find it in local restaurants featuring modern Australian cuisine.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Explore this bustling market for diverse street food options, ranging from fresh oysters to international fare. Open on weekends at the Jack Evans Boat Harbour.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Tweed Heads, it's important to be aware of local customs, such as greeting others with a friendly 'G'day!' and maintaining a casual demeanor. Australians value a laid-back attitude and appreciate when visitors engage politely without being overly formal.
Tweed Heads is located on traditional Aboriginal lands, so showing respect for the local Indigenous culture is essential. Acknowledge their history and significance in the area, and be mindful of cultural sensitivities, including avoiding sacred sites without permission.
Residents and visitors in Tweed Heads take pride in their natural surroundings. Demonstrating eco-friendly behaviors, such as properly disposing of waste, using designated paths, and respecting wildlife, will be appreciated and is a key aspect of the local culture.
Safety
Tipping in Tweed Heads
Ensure a smooth experience
In Tweed Heads, as in much of Australia, tipping is not a common practice and is generally considered optional. However, tipping may occur in certain service industries, such as fine dining, where customers may leave a small percentage of the bill (usually around 10%) for exceptional service. It is more common to see a tip jar in cafes or casual dining settings, but it's not expected.
Payment methods in Tweed Heads include cash, credit/debit cards, and increasingly, contactless payments such as mobile wallets. Businesses typically offer various payment options to accommodate customer preferences. EFTPOS (Electronic Funds Transfer at Point Of Sale) is widely used, and digital payment options are becoming more prevalent, especially in retail and hospitality sectors.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Summer in Tweed Heads is warm and humid, with temperatures averaging around 28°C (82°F). It's a great time for beach activities, although occasional rain can occur. Expect lively events, outdoor festivals, and a bustling atmosphere.
Autumn brings milder temperatures, averaging around 24°C (75°F). The weather is generally pleasant with less humidity, making it perfect for outdoor exploration and sightseeing. This is a quieter time of year, ideal for those looking to avoid large crowds.
Winter sees cooler temperatures, averaging around 20°C (68°F) during the day. It rarely gets too cold, making it a suitable destination to escape harsher winters elsewhere. Expect fewer tourists, making it a peaceful time to visit beaches and local attractions.
Spring brings warmer weather, with temperatures rising to around 25°C (77°F). It's a vibrant time as flowers bloom and nature comes alive. Perfect for outdoor activities and festivals, this season sees an increase in visitors, making it lively yet not overly crowded.
Tweed Heads at Night
Hiking in Tweed Heads
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Situated about 20 kilometers from Tweed Heads, Tallebudgera Creek offers scenic walking trails along the creek with beautiful views of the surrounding nature. It's perfect for both hiking and relaxing by the water.
Located approximately 30 kilometers from Tweed Heads, this national park features stunning waterfalls, lush rainforests, and various hiking trails. The park is known for its breathtaking views and diverse wildlife.
Just a short drive from Tweed Heads, Burleigh Head National Park offers coastal walking tracks with panoramic ocean views. The trails wind through rainforest and along the beaches, making it a popular spot for hikers.
Located about 40 kilometers from Tweed Heads, Nerang National Park features a range of walking tracks that take you through beautiful bushland and offer scenic views of the Nerang River.
Approximately 50 kilometers from Tweed Heads, Lamington National Park is renowned for its stunning mountain scenery and extensive hiking trails. The park is home to several beautiful waterfalls and diverse flora and fauna.
Aiports
How to reach Tweed Heads by plane.
Located approximately 30 kilometers north of Tweed Heads, Gold Coast Airport serves as a significant gateway for both domestic and international flights, catering to the growing tourism market in the region.
Situated about 40 kilometers south of Tweed Heads, Ballina Byron Gateway Airport offers services primarily to domestic destinations but has some limited international flights.
Approximately 90 kilometers northwest of Tweed Heads, Brisbane Airport is one of the largest international airports in Australia, offering extensive domestic and international flight options.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
This demographic represents a significant portion of the population, reflecting the area's popularity as a retirement destination.
This group includes families with young children, often drawn to the area's amenities and schools.
This demographic includes young professionals and students, contributing to the local workforce and cultural scene.
This group encompasses a range of working professionals and those approaching retirement age.
This demographic includes school-aged children and younger, influenced by local family-friendly attractions.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Tweed Heads is known for its beautiful beaches and great waves, making surfing a popular sport among both locals and tourists.
Rugby league is a popular sport in the region, with local clubs and competitions attracting many players and supporters.
Cricket is widely played and followed in Tweed Heads, with numerous local clubs and community events.
With its beach culture, beach volleyball has become a favorite recreational activity and competitive sport in the area.
Tweed Heads boasts several golf courses, attracting golf enthusiasts for both casual play and tournaments.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Tweed Heads.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants and cafes in Tweed Heads offer a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes, from fresh salads to plant-based burgers.
Visitors with gluten intolerance will find numerous eateries accommodating their needs, providing gluten-free menu items and knowledgeable staff.