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WHY MURWILLUMBAH IN THE TWEED VALLEY IS THE ULTIMATE FAMILY ESCAPE
Embraced by the winding curves of the Tweed River, under the watchful gaze of Wollumbin Mount Warning and surrounded by ancient landscapes, Murwillumbah, on Bundjalung land, was the perfect setting for our recent getaway. As a family seeking somewhere to holiday with lots of fun for the kids, great food and accommodation in easy reach, Murwillumbah delivered.
In the heart of the Tweed Valley, Murwillumbah, known affectionately by locals as Murbah - has something for everyone - a comfy neighbourhood vibe but also cosmopolitan, relaxed but always something happening, innovative but rich in history, world class nature and art experiences in equal measure and food from fresh grown produce to Chef Hatted restaurants.
Let me share with you why Murwillumbah, in the far north of the Northern Rivers in NSW, is fast becoming the top destination on every family's holiday wish list.
Inspiration around every corner
Known for its art deco architecture, with original features from the early 1900s, Murwillumbah is like a living museum, with spaces that not only hold history and art and stories, but that are housed in history itself.
Our holiday began with local tips at the Murwillumbah Visitor Information Centre, located smack bang on the beautifully restored heritage railway station platform, which also doubles as the start of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail - more on that later.
Next up, we learnt more at the Tweed Regional Museum, housed in a 1915 building and providing a glimpse into the region's past through innovative exhibitions that celebrate the diversity and resilience of the Tweed community. We loved Land|Life|Culture, a stunning digital display of the Tweed's evolution over millions of years.
No visit to Murwillumbah is complete without exploring the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre, showcasing local art through to national works and global masterpieces, like Monet's Haystacks, midday. Claude Monet’s painting, Meules, milieu du jour, 1890 is one of five works from the National Gallery of Australia’s collection. These works of art are on long-term loan from the National Gallery of Australia with support from the Australian Government as part of Sharing the National Collection. We spent a lot of time discovering the re-creation of artist Margaret Olley's Sydney home within the gallery, which has plenty of interactive fun for kids.
At M|Arts Precinct, a 1960s mechanics warehouse that's now a creative hub, we met talented local artists working in refurbished shipping container studios, and visited a local cheesemonger, boutique book store and art supplies shop for the kids to create their own masterpiece.
Get outdoors
As Australia's newest rail trail, the air doesn't get any fresher than along the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, a great outdoor adventure for families. We set off from the Murwillumbah Railway Station and followed the flat and gently winding trail past green landscapes and pretty scenery, crossing heritage bridges and venturing through old railway tunnels with a torch lighting the way.
Along the way, we stopped at Hosanna Farmstay and enjoyed a tasty snack while meeting friendly farm animals. We also tried some locally crafted cheese at Tweed Valley Whey Farmhouse Cheese and had a hearty lunch at The Barn in Burringbar.
Delicious flavours
We heard that all good mornings in Murwillumbah start at Keith, a welcoming cafe that's a local favourite and go-to for visitors in the know. With generous house-made breakfasts and lunch bites, Keith's has the comfy, warm feel of an old friend with consistently delicious food.
For a true taste of the Tweed, we visited the Murwillumbah Farmers Market, held every Wednesday at the showgrounds. Here, passionate growers and artisans offered fresh-baked breads, local egg pasta, honey, jams, organic fruit and veggies, dairy farm cheese and milk - lucky we travel with an esky!
For a sweet treat, we couldn't go past Gelato & Co, where the flavours are hand-made with love and local ingredients. We tried delicious scoops of Sour Cherry, Turkish Rose and Pumpkin Pie, with plenty more flavours to try on our next visit.
Sound slumber
Weary from a day of adventures, we snuggled into our cosy beds at The Impy (The Imperial Hotel), a 1931 art deco hotel right on the main street with a colourful pink facade, fun local vibe and great pub meals.
After a good night's rest, we were raring to go for another day of discovery and memory-making in Murwillumbah, a town rich in history, humming with diversity and contemporary energy, where good food is served, creativity abounds and nature trails invite explorers of all ages.
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A FOUR-DAY FAMILY HOLIDAY IN MURWILLUMBAH
A holiday getaway of 4 days and 3 nights in Murwillumbah in The Tweed for a Mum and her twin boys, seeking a refreshing, fun and engaging escape from city life, not too far from home and where lots of activities are on offer, all in easy reach from accommodation and dining options.
DAY ONE
Morning
Assemble the kids bright and early, buckle up and set your road trip playlist to holiday fun as you journey out from Brisbane and along the Pacific Motorway, Tweed-bound.
Continue past the Kingscliff turn and follow the signs to Murwillumbah - all up, the drive from Brisbane to Murwillumbah will take you a couple of hours.
First things first, call in to the Murwillumbah Visitor Information Centre at the restored railway station platform, which you'll find on the left just before town, with ample car parking on-site.
Pick up a copy of the The Tweed Official Visitor Guide for inspiration and chat with the friendly volunteers here for insider's tips during your time in the Tweed Valley.
While here at the Murwillumbah Railway Station platform, also the trail head for the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, book e-bikes for three, ready for your riding adventure tomorrow - they have adult and kids e-bikes available.
Time to check in to your gorgeous accommodation at The Impy, a 1931 art deco beauty that's been welcoming locals and travellers for nearly 100 years. You can't miss the hotel, it's the one on Murwillumbah Street with a sweet pink facade - there's parking around the back for hotel guests.
Afternoon
Once refreshed in your lodging for the coming nights, it's time for a relaxed lunch at the iconic Austral Cafe, first opened in 1919 and still serving classic milkshakes and tasty burgers, plus more. With a fun retro vibe, the kids will love this lunch spot, plus the cabinet of sweet treats for afters.
Stroll along to spend some time meandering through M|Arts Precinct, an impressive 1960s warehouse space that once was a mechanics and now is home to incredible local artists, working out of reimagined shipping container studios and happy to talk about their work, inspirations and process.
Meet ceramicists, painters, weavers and a pencil artist, leather worker and florist and pick up any works of art that catch your eye to take some Tweed beauty home.
Be sure to also browse the outside of the precinct, where more creativity awaits.
Pop in to Kat Harvey Cheese, where owner, cheesemonger and cheesemaker Kat Harvey will stock you up with the best local cheeses from the Northern Rivers (Note: remember to pack your esky, there are plentiful take home Tweed foods ahead!).
Nearby you'll find The Regent Cinema, a gorgeous 1947 theatre that still entertains today, with arthouse movies, film festivals, live music and more. Note what's showing while you're here on holiday for some family cinematic fun.
M|Arts is an impressive creative hub that also has art classes for all ages along with regular evening events, like the family-friendly Music After Dark, a fun night of live music from 5pm to 9pm, with a pop-up pizzeria that's perfect for an easy dinner tonight.
Head back to your overnight accommodation at The Impy when it's time for rest - the walk from M|Arts couldn't be easier, just 2 minutes!
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FOUR DAYS IN MURWILLUMBAH
Travellers of all ages and abilities will find their own groove here in Murwillumbah.
Take to the art deco streets of Murwillumbah to discover a town rich in history and humming with diversity and contemporary energy, where good food is served, creativity abounds and nature trails invite explorers of all ages.
The heartbeat of the Tweed Valley, Murwillumbah is home to local providores and hand-crafted gelato, a restored heritage theatre and esteemed art spaces, friendly cafes and casual eateries to Chef Hatted dining, as well as an award-winning keeping place for the Tweed's evolving stories of people, place and culture.
