Experience an abundance of family fun in the Tweed, which includes the towns of Tweed Heads, Cabarita, Kingscliff and Murwillumbah, in northern NSW
Seaside vacay or country getaway – the Tweed has all you need for a family break that’s packed with fun, adventure, learning and laughs. Meet farm animals, cycle beside the sea, craft pottery, learn to surf, tour a fruit farm or bring out your kids’ creative side, and that’s just for starters!
1. Visit one of the world’s largest fruit farms
Tropical Fruit World is a vast plantation growing over 500 species of fruit, and families are invited to indulge in all the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of a vast working farm. Join a guided farm tour or check ahead for workshops, such as the Little Farmers Fruit Forager Tour to inspire future green thumbs. There’s also a Plantation Store, Market and Cafe to refuel and buy local products and produce to take home.
2. Become a junior aquatic guru
Sign up for some sea air and immersive water play on a Junior Adventure Guru morning with aquatic experts, Watersports Guru. The two-hour outdoor program on Sunday mornings offers water sports such as paddle boarding, kayaking and snorkelling with fully qualified and fun local guides, focusing on life skills, environmental care and water safety.
3. Get your hands dirty with clay-play
Stone Studio in Kingscliff combines barista-made coffee and locally baked goods with a vibrant pottery studio running workshops for children and adults. Kids can create trinket pots or clay monsters while learning basic techniques and unleashing some creative energy. There are also take-away pottery kits available with clay, tools and accessories and easy how-to videos.
4. . Splash the days away
When it’s time to cool off, chill out or learn to swim, make tracks to TRAC – the Tweed Regional Aquatic Centre, which welcomes local and visiting families alike to jump in and splash about. Head to TRAC’s main base in Murwillumbah with indoor and outdoor pools, a waterslide, hydrotherapy options and shaded toddler play pool. There’s also a grassed area to recline and refuel at the pool cafe.
5. Pedal beside the seaside
Hire bikes and explore the Tweed’s gorgeous coastline, from Kingscliff and south to the villages of Casuarina and Cabarita. Smooth, flat pathways wind along beside ocean views, with ample opportunity to jump off and hit a beach path down to the waves for a refreshing dip before pedalling on again.
6. Hosanna Farmstay
If it’s fresh air and farm days you’re seeking, head to Hosanna Farmstay in the Tweed hinterland. Book a Day Visit Pass to immerse in farm life – feed the resident animals, take a swim in the dam, bring a picnic lunch and graze under shady trees. The Hosanna Farm Tour includes a hay bale ride around the property, or try the Adventure Passport to work through fun challenges. You can also ease into daily farm life with an overnight stay in Hosanna’s range of accommodation, with options from simple tent camping to rustic wood cabins or the luxurious new Homestead, which sleeps up to 20 people.
7. Take a cruise to catch a crab
Set off aboard a Tweed River cruise with Catch a Crab Tours to take in stunning waterways and all manner of fishing fun. Haul in crabs, cooked fresh on board, hand-feed friendly wild pelicans, pump for yabbies or try your hand at fishing. You’ll also visit a working oyster farm, where Sydney Rock Oysters are grown and shucked, and at the Lakeside Cafe, fresh crab and seafood dishes are chef-prepared to order.
8. Be inspired with art and history
Head off to Murwillumbah for a day of learning and creativity. Start at the Tweed Regional Museum, with engaging interactive displays as part of its Land|Life|Culture exhibition. Call in to the M|Arts Precinct to browse the buzzing warehouse studio for artists, or changing exhibitions at Gallery DownTown. Next up, visit one of Australia’s best regional galleries, the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre (MOAC), where you’ll find a range of activities including the MOAC Kid’s Guide and online ART PLAY program for families.
9. Holiday park heaven
For a good old-fashioned family holiday that has all the comforts of home in sweet onsite cabins, try one of the region’s holiday parks, from Tweed Heads and Kingscliff to Hastings Point and Pottsville. You’ll find award-winning spots packed with fun for the whole family, from splash-worthy pools and waterslides to massage and day spa options, onsite licensed cafes or easy walking access to the Tweed’s fabulous eateries.
10. Ride a wave or two
Host to some of Australia’s leading surf competitions and big name champs including Stephanie Gilmore, you’re clearly in great hands while learning to surf in the Tweed. From small beginner wave classes to advanced one-on-one coaching sessions, get your groms on the go with one of the area’s many learn to surf outfits.
Source: Out & About with Kids
