Local attractions

The Tweed Valley of northern New South Wales is a place of wonder and contrast.

At the eastern side the valley reaches the Pacific Ocean along vast stretches of unspoilt white sand beaches. The coastal villages each have their own character, Fingal being quiet and reclusive, Kingscliff the most developed, with most people and entertainment, Cabarita Beach now leaping ahead, Hastings Point where families can be comfortable with the ideal surroundings, and Pottsville, which is still a well kept secret.

The western side of the Tweed Valley is rugged, the escarpment of the Mt Warning Caldera, old, grand, foreboding. The steep sides are visible from many parts of the valley floor, changing as the day progresses and the sun passes over the zenith. Mornings can often be clouded in mists, green, blue, far away, while afternoons see the walls become dark with shadows starting soon after noon.
Between the beaches and the mountains the valley in rich and productive, fields of sugar cane stretching as far as the eye can see, rich volcanic soils eroded from the mountains producing exotic fruits and the rolling hills of Cudgen having some of the best market gardens in New South Wales.

Natural and man made attractions vie for your attention. The National Parks, State Forests, wide river, and the beaches compete with Tropical Fruit World, Pioneer Plantation and Treetops Environment Centre. Condong Sugar Mill offers a sweet experience in crushing season, June to December, when tours of the mill conclude with samples of the product. Tropical Fruit World is a complete experience of a huge variety of fruits and the many uses made of them. Avocados, jack fruit, carambolas, black and white sapote, lychees, and many more will be shown and explained. Treetops Environment Centre is based on love of timber and fine furniture, using all salvaged timber to produce the world renowned Griffith Furniture. Pioneer Plantation shows the operation of a banana plantation using a six wheel drive vehicle to tour the plantation, while Melaleuca Station informs about the uses of Tea Tree for a variety of purposes and allows a close up of the sugar plantation.

The Tweed Valley, natures showpiece, truly a wonder to behold

The following list of natural and man made attractions are within a short drive of Murwillumbah Motor Inn and provide the visitor with a choice of venues of interesting variety. In addition there are a range of attractions slightly further away but all within easy travelling of Murwillumbah Motor Inn.

Tropical Fruit World, Duranbah Road, Duranbah.

A most entertaining and enlightening experience, the visitor may find that time has ceased while engrossed in the fascinating variety of fruit from all over the world. The plantation tour and the magic garden hold the attention of both adults and children, while the Rainforest Cafe and souvenir shop are a must.

Rainforest Secrets, Mooball Pottsville Road, Mooball.

The Banana Plantation and the native gardens are only part of the attraction of Rainforest Secrets. The six wheel drive vehicle tour of the plantation presents exhilarating climbs and panoramic views while Aunty Ethel's pumpkin scones are a must at all times of the day.

Treetops Environment Centre and Gallery, Clothiers Ck Road, Condong.

Fascinating and beautiful furniture created from recycled and recovered timber is a feature of Treetops Environment Centre and Griffith Gallery is renowned far and wide for the quality of work presented. The Veranda Restaurant is an opportunity for a meal in the most convivial ambience.

Crystal Creek Miniatures, Chillingham Road, Murwillumbah.

Breeders of the smallest horses and cattle, Crystal Creek Miniatures presents Casper, the Miniature stallion, Pablo, the chestnut miniature mule, the mighty Titan, the miniature bull, and Zorro, a miniature Zebu imported from USA. Enjoyed by children and adults alike, these are but a few of over 80 in this world of animals in miniature.

Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Museum, Kirkwood Road, Tweed Heads South.

Mangrove and nature walks, authentic Aboriginal artefacts, paintings and modern design aboriginal apparel for sale, an authentic Bora Ring - a sacred ceremonial site. This is a significant historical and cultural site open to visitors 7 days from 10am to 4pm.

Bakehouse Pottery & Galleria Artisans, Coolman Street, Tyalgum.

Well worth the drive to Tyalgum, the Bakehouse is a converted bakery now producing very fine pottery and presenting other fine items from local artisans.

Lisnagar Historic Homestead, Kynnumboon.

Northern New South Wales has few examples of original homesteads. Lisnagar is the historic home of the pioneering Twohill family, now opened for visitors.

Stokers Siding Pottery, Stokers Road, Stokers Siding.

The gallery is in a historic building in the picturesque village. Home of Bob Connery's reduced lustre pots and featuring work by other regional artists. Paintings, turned wood, jewellery, silk scarves, books and cards. Continually changing display and special exhibitions. Open seven days, sealed loop road off Pacific Highway.

Mt Warning National Park, Mt Warning Road, Mt Warning.

Dominating the Tweed Valley, Mt Warning greets the dawn of each new day, first to receive the rays of the rising sun. West of Murwillumbah only 12kms along a sealed road to base of mountain.

Crams Farm Public Recreation Area, Doon Doon.

Located at the head of the waters of the Clarrie Hall Dam, Crams Farm Public Recreation Area is a spacious park with room for families to enjoy. A most enjoyable location.

Clarrie Hall Dam, Uki.

The water storage dam for the Tweed Shire, Clarrie Hall Dam is just past the village of Uki. Now stocked with Australian Bass, the dam is for use by canoes and rowing boats only.

Nightcap National Park, via Nimbin.

One of the series of World Heritage National Parks surrounding Tweed Shire. Access by road is via Nimbin or by foot from Doon Doon.
Bicentennial Leisure Gardens, Pottsville.
See coastal wetlands and a multitude of wildlife, there are several walking tracks and picnic areas.

Fingal Lighthouse, Fingal.

Following the Fingal Road from Barneys Point bridge brings you to Fingal and the beautiful nature walk to the old lighthouse and pristine golden sandy beach. This is a great vantage point to view Cook Island, a popular spot for scuba diving.

Point Danger Lighthouse, Boundary Street, Tweed Heads.

Located on the border of New South Wales and Queensland, the lighthouse and Captain Cook memorial provide an outlook north to Surfers Paradise and south to Byron Bay.

Border Ranges National Park, off Kyogle Road.

The Tweed Range Scenic Drive, a well maintained gravel road traversing the eastern plateau of the park, provides access to vantage points with incomparable views. Several picnic areas and lookouts are found throughout the park.

Mt Cougal National Park, Currumbin Creek Road.

At the end of Currumbin Creek Road, a popular area for bush walkers.

Currumbin Rock Pools, Currumbin Creek Road.

Natural rock pools, very popular with locals, cool on the hottest day.

Olsen's Bird Gardens, Currumbin Creek Road.

Near the intersection of Currumbin Creek Road and Tomewin Road, Olsen's is a place where wild birds return each day for feed. Great for the kids.

Currumbin Sanctuary, Gold Coast Highway, Currumbin.

Well known for many years for the unique interactive experience with our wildlife, enjoyable for the whole family, features creatures of the dark forest, lorikeet feeding, wildlife presentations, miniature trains.

Natural Arch National Park, Nerang-Chillingham Road.

A unique natural bridge formed by the action of water over many thousands of years. The surrounding National Park is dense rainforest. A 1km walking track leads to the arch and the cavern.

Tweed Coast Beaches, along Coast Road.

35 kms of pristine beaches punctured with grassy headlands and quiet villages. Each section of the Tweed Coast has its own unique charm and attractions.

Cudgen Lake, Bogangar.

Popular for many years, the lake is used for water sports, power boats and sailing.

Minyon Falls, Minyon Forest Road.

Located in Whian Whian State Forest, adjacent to Nightcap National Park. At the top of the falls is an enjoyable picnic area.

Crystal Castle, Monet Drive, Goonengerry.

Magic and Wonder, the most spectacular crystal collection in Australia. Aura camera, Enchanted Horse Forest rides, Marionette Theatre and much more.