Tweed Heads in the
Far North Coast region of New South Wales marks the southern end of the Gold Coast proper - the magnificent chain of surf beaches which stretch north to Southport.
Tweed Heads was once known as the pokie capital of Australia for the army of Queenslanders who came over the border to play the machines. Although Queenslanders now have their own pokies, the clubs are still a vital part of the town’s economy. Here you can get a show or a meal at bargain prices, as well as an opportunity for a flutter.
Tweed Heads and Coolangatta share a main thoroughfare that follows the boundary between NSW and Queensland. The two are commonly referred to as the twin cities and many visitors fly into the region via Queensland and Coolangatta Airport. At the ocean end of Boundary Street is Point Danger, named by Captain Cook as he explored this section of the coast. Here you will find the Captain Cook Memorial, moulded from cast iron actually jettisoned from the Endeavour and recovered in the 1960s. Next to it is the lighthouse, which was the first to experiment (unsuccessfully) with laser light. From Point Danger, you will often see dolphins out to sea, and on a fine day there are views from Surfers Paradise to Byron Bay. Another good place for views is Razorback Lookout, where you can see Mt Warning, the remains of an ancient volcano.
Tweed Heads is surrounded by a complicated network of waterways including the Tweed River, Terranora Creek and Terranora Inlet. The area is perfect for pottering about in a boat, and there are several boat ramps. You can hire a boat, take a cruise or even hire a houseboat. There are also waterside parks, walkways, cycle paths, barbeques and picnic areas.
In Tweed Heads South, Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Centre houses a museum and art gallery highlighting the area's indigenous occupants. Next door, in Ukerebagh Nature Reserve, there is a nature walk through mangrove wetlands. The walk also features a well-preserved Aboriginal ceremonial bora ring, once used for boys' initiation ceremonies.
Tweed Maritime Museum in Pioneer Park has four historic local buildings - the old courthouse, the old soldiers' hall, a fishing shed and a deckhouse - a temporary dwelling erected on the deck of a ship. There are picnic and BBQ facilities as well.
Things to do:
- Clubs - for a flutter, a show or a meal
- Waterways - boating, walking, cycling, waterside parks
- Visitor Information - Tweed Mall, Wharf St
- Captain Cook Memorial and lighthouse - Point Danger
- Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Centre - museum and art gallery
- Tweed Maritime Museum
Find out more about the
Far North Coast region of New South Wales.
Australia - plan it, book it
