- Glenelg Murwillumbah
- 3 min read
When planning a stay in Murwillumbah, many visitors come for the breathtaking scenery, The Northern Rivers Rail Trail, and the laid-back eco-tourism charm of the Tweed Valley. What often comes as a surprise is just how present art and creativity are throughout the town.
From galleries and studios to festivals, workshops and independent creative spaces, Murwillumbah has developed into one of the Northern Rivers’ most quietly dynamic cultural destinations.
Best of all, many of these experiences are just moments from Glenelg Murwillumbah, making it easy to move between nature, the arts, food and culture at a relaxed pace.
The Tweed arts: Galleries and Creative Heart of Murwillumbah
The Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre sits high above the valley, combining expansive views with a strong program of contemporary Australian art, photography, sculpture and First Nations works, a perfect cultural immersion situated and signed along the Rail Trail. The Margaret Olley Art Centre adds a more intimate layer, recreating the artist’s studio and offering insight into the life and practice of one of Australia’s most significant painters.
From there, the town’s creative identity continues naturally into its streets and buildings. Murwillumbah has a growing community of artists, makers and independent creative businesses that shape its character in subtle but constant ways.
At the centre of this is M|Arts Precinct, where studios, galleries and workshops sit alongside working artists and small creative enterprises. Beyond the precinct, smaller independent spaces throughout town continue to showcase emerging artists and community-led projects, adding depth and variety to the local cultural landscape.
What's On
Murwillumbah’s cultural calendar brings an additional layer of energy throughout the year, with events that connect artists, audiences, and creative spaces across the region.
One of the most anticipated additions to the calendar is the inaugural LAVA Arts Festival, taking place from 26–28 June 2026. Building on the legacy of the Murwillumbah Arts Trail, this new contemporary arts festival will transform Murwillumbah and the wider Tweed into a celebration of creativity, featuring exhibitions, performances, installations, and immersive artistic experiences. A key part of the event is the LAVA Festival Program Map, which guides visitors through participating venues, making it easy to explore galleries, studios, and creative spaces at your own pace.
The creative momentum continues well beyond festival season. At the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre, visitors can experience Baabinje's Backyard, on display from 12 June to 25 October 2026. Created by acclaimed Bundjalung mother and daughter Dr. Bronwyn Bancroft AM and Ella Noah Bancroft, the exhibition showcases the original artworks from their children's picture book of the same name. Through vibrant colour, storytelling, and reflections on family and connection to Country, the exhibition offers a meaningful insight into one of Australia's most celebrated First Nations artistic voices.
Beyond these highlights, Murwillumbah's cultural rhythm continues through rotating exhibitions, workshops, artist talks, and live performances that appear across different venues and seasons. Rather than being confined to one place or moment, creativity here unfolds naturally throughout the year, offering visitors new experiences every time they return.
Make a Day of It
In Murwillumbah, the best days unfold without too much structure. A ride along The Northern Rivers Rail Trail often sets the tone, with the landscape opening out in every direction.
From there, the rhythm shifts naturally. Coffee leads to wandering streets, wandering leads to galleries and studios, and those moments often turn into conversations or discoveries that weren’t planned.
Food fits into this flow rather than interrupting it. Keith is one of the region’s most talked-about cafe experiences, while the award-winning Tweed River House offers a more refined riverside setting for lunch or dinner. Bistro Livi, also a multi-award winner brings a relaxed, contemporary approach to local produce, and Apex Dining rounds out the experience with an understated style that reflects the town’s character and is located at The Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Arts Centre.
Each is distinct, but all share the same ease that defines Murwillumbah.
Experience More During Your Stay
Murwillumbah’s creative scene offers a different way to experience the Tweed Valley, through its people, stories and evolving cultural landscape.
Whether you’re here for a weekend escape, a Rail Trail journey or a longer stay, taking time to explore the town’s creative side adds a deeper dimension to your visit.
During your stay at Glenelg Murwillumbah, the most memorable moments often come from slowing down and following curiosity rather than a fixed plan. You may arrive for the scenery, but it’s often the character, culture and creative rhythm of Murwillumbah that stays with you long after you leave.
