Why the Tweed Valley is Perfect for a Road Trip
Nestled between the laid-back vibe of Byron Bay and the bright lights of the Gold Coast, the Tweed Valley in Northern NSW is a lush destination brimming with volcanic landscapes, heritage villages, tropical beaches, and national parks. It’s the kind of place where a car hire unlocks hidden gems — from retro country towns to seaside escapes.
Tweed Valley, NSW
Driving North from Sydney
The drive north from Sydney sets the tone: rivers widen, greenery deepens, and the scenery becomes unmistakably subtropical.
Clarrie Hall Dam, Tweed River NSW
Our first overnight stop is Grafton, a heritage city famous for its jacaranda trees. Spend an afternoon exploring its 24 leafy parks, the ornate Saraton Theatre, and classic country pubs that take up entire blocks.
Grafton town centre
From there, take the Summerland Way — a scenic drive through Casino, home to one of Australia’s oldest service stations, and Kyogle, where art-deco buildings line the streets.
Australia’s olders Fuel Station, Casino
Arriving in the Tweed Valley
Rolling into the Tweed in a spacious hire car, the landscape immediately impresses. Mt Warning looms over patchwork fields of cane and bananas, while rainforests press in on winding roads.
Tweed Region Sub Tropics
We base ourselves at Mavis’s Kitchen & Cabins, a charming Queenslander surrounded by towering trees, organic gardens, and the Tweed River trickling over rocks nearby. It’s the perfect base for exploring the hinterland, with Mt Warning and heritage villages just a short drive away.
Mavis’s Kitchen
Exploring the Hinterland
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Uki – A village with historic timber buildings and a former butter factory turned arts centre.
St Columba Catholic Church and Convent in Uki, New South Wales, Australia
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Mt Warning (Wollumbin) – Once part of a giant volcano, it offers lush rainforest walks lined with bangalow palms. The Lyrebird Track is an easy introduction.
Walking Trails, Mt Warning (Wollumbin)
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Stokers Siding, Chillingham & Tumblegum – Quaint hamlets seemingly untouched by time. Ask locals about secret swimming holes.
Chillingham Store
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Tyalgum – Home to a beloved annual classical music festival held in its timber hall.
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Murwillumbah, the Tweed’s main town, blends art deco architecture with country charm. Don’t miss the Tweed Regional Gallery and the Caldera Art Gallery, both celebrating local artists inspired by the volcanic landscapes.
The Regent Cinema in Murwillumbah, New South Wales, Australia.
Seaside Escapes: Kingscliff & Beyond
The coast is equally irresistible. Kingscliff is a nostalgic seaside town with pandanus-framed beaches, a family-friendly lagoon, and a 30-kilometre bike track linking nearby beaches and nature reserves. It’s a fantastic base for families — snorkelling, cycling, or simply unwinding by the sea.
Kingscliff
From Kingscliff, it’s only a 25-minute drive to the Gold Coast, where retro architecture and classic Queenslanders still peek out behind the glitter. Burleigh, Miami, and Coolangatta are great for surf, dining, and people-watching.
Tweed Heads Vegas Motel
Adventure on the Water
One of the region’s must-do experiences is a snorkelling trip to Cook Island with Watersports Guru. Within minutes, you’ll find yourself swimming alongside turtles, colourful corals, and schools of tropical fish. In summer, manta rays often cruise past.
Watersports Guru also offers surf lessons at Kingscliff and stand-up paddleboard hire — perfect for calmer days on the river or
lagoon.
Why a Hire Car is Essential
With heritage towns tucked inland and pristine beaches just minutes apart, the Tweed Valley is best explored by car. Having a rental vehicle means you can:
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Stop at retro service stations and art-deco villages.
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Detour to hidden swimming holes and rainforest trails.
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Carry bikes, surfboards, or snorkelling gear with ease.
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Travel at your own pace between Northern NSW and the Gold Coast.
Plan Your Tweed Valley Getaway
Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, soaking in art-deco architecture, or snorkelling with turtles, the Tweed Valley rewards every kind of traveller. With Redspot Car Rentals in Sydney, you can kick off your road trip in style and comfort — ready to discover one of Australia’s most enchanting regions.