Tweed Valley is located at the border of New South Wales with Queensland. It is only 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from Brisbane, being one of the few areas still not engulfed by Real Estate speculation. The whole area has about 60 Km of pristine beaches (with great surf breaks), by 20 Km to the interior of the land. There are plenty of easy access by the motorway 1 from Brisbane and by the Pacific Highway from Byron Bay. The place is breath taking and has many fantastic spots for those who love nature, wild life, and crystal clear uncrowded beaches. Most of the people touring Australia miss the Tweed Valley. One of the reason is because Gold Coast is the destination and the Valley is just nearby. People tends to drive past Tweed Valley to get settle as soon as possible on the Gold Coast. Anyway, from the Gold Coast, you can visit the Tweed Valley in a 45 minutes trip and spend one or more days exploring its Mountains, Waterfalls, National Parks, Trails, Towns and so on. You will not be disappointed.

A huge volcanic eruption millions of years ago originated the Valley as well as what is known today as the Gold Coast. Its has a well defined ring shape with vertical walls that in some points climbs to more than a thousand meters. In the middle, where before was the main crater, now is occupied by MT. Warning, name given by Capitan Cook due the summit be visible miles away from the sea. Today the mountains is a dead volcano peaking 1156 mts (3500ft) above sea level (photo) and all the surroundings including the peak is a National Park. If you fit, you can climb to the top in a relative easy trail at the beginning, but with very demanding stairs for the last 100 meters or so. Now we understand the way there are so many people in the Valley offering massages. There are few accommodation in the Park, and the Caravan Park is very well located. They offer not only areas for Camping, but good powered sites for motor homes and spacious Cabins with TV, Fridge, Stove, Bathroom and the most you need to be in comfort. Prices are also cheap for such location and accommodation. Wild life, creeks and diverse vegetation are the top attraction.

Murwillumbah is the main town in the Valley at the margins of the Tweed River. The town has a nice and tranquil vibe and offers a selection of restaurants, Hotels, Motels, Backpackers Hostels and accommodation for all budgets. The town is pretty and there are some great tourist attractions nearby. The Fruit World is one of this places and consists of a farm-like complex with fruits from all over the world. There you will be able to try fruits with names, texture, and colors never imagined before. Ice Creams are one of the best in Australia. If you have a car, Murwillumbah is a very good base to explore not only the Valley by also the magnificent coast.

To the North side of the Valley from Murwillumbah you will reach the border of the old crater (also Border of States). There are 4 different National Parks "Border Ranges", O"Reilly's", "Lamington", "Springbrook" (last 3 on Queensland) Between Lamington and Springbrook you will find one of the best attractions of these mountains the Natural Arch (Photo). Following the course of a small river, the water carved its way into a cave in a gorgeous waterfall that lands on a placid indoors pool. You can swim and enjoy the waterfall if you wish but be aware that after heavy rain the volume of water gets too strong and can drag you to the bottom. Deaths were registered lately, so do not attempt to swim if you not familiar with the situation. The cave during the nigh is home of happy Glow Worms that illuminate its ceiling like stars in the sky. Only Australia and New Zealand have this king of glow worms in the world. The trail is nice, easy for all ages and proper for well Chair. It is just a short walk from the main road and parking area. There are many trails to other areas of the park, some ending at beautiful waterfalls and others in Lookouts, with fantastic views of the whole region including the sea.

To the South side of the Valley to the direction of Byron Bay, there are also some good and beautiful spots to explore. Small villages and towns like Nimbim (the so called hippie city due the number of artists and alternative life style). Lismore, University City, also the  biggest of the region and North part of New South Wales. On the road, some fantastic places deserves a stop as the Dam with its peaceful lake, aquatic plants and variety of birds. The top attraction of this area is the thick vegetation and the views of Mt.Warning from different angles.

The Coast, is one of the best of New South Wales with breath taking beaches like Cabarita (photo). From Fingal to Byron Bay there are a plenty of open beaches most with great waves for surfing and good fishing. At Fingal, a short walk from the car park to the lighthouse will open a great view of the ocean and surrounding beaches. At the edge, a exquisite rock formation (hexagonal,colum style) is reminiscent from the great eruptions of Mt. Warning. Kingscliff, another village by the sea, has a beautiful beach front street, with cafes and restaurants, besides a beachfront Caravan Park. A nice public park at the entrance of the breakwater, is a great place for a picnic and some rest from the driving. Brunswick Heads is just before Byron Bay, and Great for the fishing.

• How to get There:

From Brisbane : get the Motorway 1 South - If going to Lamington, Springbrook, or O'Reilly,s  National Parks get the access near Nerang after the Theme Parks. Alternatively you can follow the motorway till the end at Coolangatta and after cross to New South Wales, take the road to Murwillumbah. 

From Sydney:  After ass  Byron Bay, the next town will be Brunswick Heads. After, take the road to Murwillumbah (not the freeway to the Gold Coast)

• Where to Stay:

There is a Caravan Park on the road inside the Mt.Warning National Park. Also Murwillumbah has plenty of accommodation. On the Gold Coast, and do a day tour to the Valley. 

• Tips:

- Accommodation during long holidays like Easter, End of The Year and Vacation periods may be very difficult to find. Better call before.

- Take care driving in the Valley. Roads are narrow with many curves. The beauty of the place distract drivers from the road.

- The road from Mt.Warning to the Gold Coast by the mountain is narrow and step not very suitable for big or slow vehicles or trailers.

- To fish in New South Wales requires a license sold in Petrol Station or tackle shops

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