The Tweed Arts & Culture Guide

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.

Glenelg's Top 10 Eco-Tourism Picks

Eco-Tourism Adventures in The Tweed: From Heart-Stop Views to Hidden Trails

Slow travel experiences to complement your stay at Glenelg Murwillumbah

The Tweed Valley is more than a destination — it’s a mood, a rhythm, and a landscape that invites you to slow down and explore with intention. Surrounded by ancient rainforests, winding riverways, and fertile volcanic caldera lands, the region naturally lends itself to lingering, especially when paired with a stay at Glenelg Murwillumbah, a heritage boutique residence shaped by place and quiet comfort.

For those inclined to stay a little longer, Glenelg Murwillumbah is offering 20% off stays with the code SUMMER2026, valid for bookings until 31 March 2026.

Here are ten thoughtful ways (in no particular order) to experience The Tweed’s natural beauty — from gentle rainforest walks and cycling along rail trails to slow journeys along the river.

1. Wollumbin / Mount Warning Summit Track 

Big News!!!! Wollumbin Summit Track is one step closer to re-opening and anchors the Tweed Valley both visually and culturally. While the summit remains closed, reopening is mooted for July 2027 with planning, design and cultural heritage items still to work through to make it a safe climb. The surrounding base trails Lyrebird Track mentioned below and rainforest edges already offer a meaningful way to experience the presence of this iconic mountain.

·  Great for: Morning Walks around the base, Photography, mindful exploration

·  Distance/Time: TBC

·  Grade: TBC

2. Lyrebird Track

This short rainforest trail is deceptively rich. Just 600m of winding path leads through a cathedral of greenery, dappled light, and shaded creek crossings — perfect for guests seeking a gentle, restorative stroll before returning to Glenelg Murwillumbah for coffee or a long breakfast.

·  Great for: Short excursions, effortless nature immersion

·  Distance / Time: 0.6 km, ~20–30 mins

·  Grade: Easy

3. Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk

For the adventurer at heart, the Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk offers a multi-day (3-night, 4-day) passage through ancient rainforest, mist-kissed waterfalls and ridge-top panoramas moving through the Tweed and Byron Shire hinterlands, pack free or with your pack. Even if you only tackle a section of this Great Walk (sections listed below), you’ll encounter the scale and diversity of The Tweed in a way that feels profound and personal. Check out the Connected Adventures website to book this newly opened in mid 2025 world class hiking trail and bookend your stay at Glenelg with pick-up and drop-off points for the 4-day hike conveniently located Murwillumbah.

·  Great for: Multi-day exploration, deep nature connection

·  Distance / Time: ~42 km, 3–4 days

·  Grade: Moderate–Challenging

Photo Credits: Sally Singh

4. Northern Rivers Rail Trail

Stretching in gentle curves through heritage farmland and over historic bridges, the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is a superb way to explore at a relaxed pace. Hire an e-bike from Better By Bike, Valley E-Bikes or Pedals and Picnics and glide through the landscape effortlessly — stopping for a picnic, a photograph, or simply to breathe in the views. Jump on the Trail at heritage Murwillumbah Railway Station (a 15 minute walk from Glenelg) and ride as far as you desire along this 24km section to Crabbes Creek, and with many interesting stops along the way including Tweed Regional Gallery and Margaret Olley Arts Centre, Burringbar Village, among others. Plan your ride here.

·  Great for: Cycling, easy adventure, family outings

·  Distance / Time: 24–56 km, half-day to full-day depending on section

·  Grade: Easy

5. Whiskey Creek & Unicorn Falls Loop

Tucked within Mount Jerusalem National Park, this combined loop trail carries you beneath rainforest canopies and along quiet creeks to cascading waterfalls that feel wonderfully secluded — a true sanctuary for those who relish peace and solitude in nature. Choose both or one. These two are located near the start of Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk 3 night, 4 day hike mentioned above.

·  Great for: Serene hiking, birdwatching, quiet reflection

·  Distance / Time: 3–5 km, ~1–2 hrs

·  Grade: Easy–Moderate

Photo Credits: The Tweed Tourism Co.

6. Tweed River Boat Cruise

There’s quiet magic in seeing The Tweed from the water with Tweed Eco Cruises. Choose from a variety of cruise experiences: relaxing rainforest lunch cruises on board their vintage river cruiser, scenic sunset cruises with live music, educational eco-tours, fun-filled bushtucker activities, soul-soothing morning tea cruises – or design your own private event. Departure is from Tweed Heads.

·       Great for: Scenic relaxation, wildlife spotting

·       Duration: ~1.5–2 hrs

·       Grade: Easy

7. Byan Yangala Loop

The Byan Yangala Loop is located near the end of Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk 3 night, 4 day hike mentioned above. It blends rainforest paths with gentle ridgelines. It’s an easy-to-moderate trail that encourages lingering — stopping for light conversation, quiet meditation, or simply letting nature’s rhythm set your pace. This remote loop walk through wet and dry eucalypt forest and rainforest is a green cathedral for nature lovers, bushwalkers and campers staying nearby.

Start at Rummery Park campground where you can use the facilities before you set out. Then follow the loop clockwise to minimise meeting other walkers, and revel in the peace and birdsong. 

·  Great for: Easy day walks, intimate nature experiences

·  Distance / Time: 3–5 km, ~1–2 hrs.

·  Grade: Easy

8. Twin Falls

Twin Falls in Springbrook National Park that starts at Canyon Lookout delivers drama with serenity. This loop walk leads through lush rainforest to breathtaking waterfalls that cascade into verdant valleys. The experience feels timeless — a half-day escape that pairs beautifully with Natural Bridge walk below and an afternoon of rest back at Glenelg - approximately an hour's drive to get there but well worth it and great to pair with Natural Bridge Walk below! Take your bathers and a back-pack picnic for a swim in the waterfall swimming hole.

·  Great for: Waterfall lovers, photographers

·  Distance / Time: 4 km loop, ~2 hrs.

·  Grade: Moderate

9. Natural Bridge

Natural Bridge in Springbrook National Park feels almost secret — a rock arch formed by ancient waters, moss-covered cliff walls, and a cave that shimmers with glow worms after dusk. Visit as the light softens for an unforgettable moment of wonder. It's a good one to pair with Twin Falls on the way home to Murwillumbah.

·  Great for: Short nature excursions, evening exploration

·  Distance / Time: 1.5 km loop, ~45 mins

·  Grade: Easy

10. Minyon Falls Lookout

Minyon Falls provides one of The Tweed’s most striking views. A short walk brings you to the lookout over the falls and surrounding rainforest amphitheater — perfect in the soft light of sunrise or late afternoon.

For a relaxed, memorable meal nearby after your nature experience, Federal Doma Café in 3-6 Albert street Federal offers Japanese‑inspired café fare with a locally sourced food focus — an elegant way to unwind and reconnect with taste as well as place.

· Great for: Scenic viewpoints, relaxed walks, café lunch

· Distance / Time: ~1 km return, 30 mins

· Grade: Easy

Photo Credits: The Tweed Tourism Co.

Discover The Tweed, Slowly

Adventures in The Tweed don’t rush — and neither should you. From misty rainforest corridors and scenic rail-trail rides to river cruises that feel like poetry, this is a landscape that rewards the curious and the calm alike.

Pair any of these experiences with your stay at Glenelg Murwillumbah — where heritage comfort, garden tranquility, and valley panoramas await at day’s end. Book your stay now!

Wander into Wonder: Finding Stillness in the Wild Corners of Australia

Photo Credit: Sally Singh Creative

Wander into Wonder

There’s something quietly powerful about going where the map fades. Not to check off a list or chase a landmark, but to feel something shift inside you—slowly, deliberately, without fanfare.

This is what it means to 'Wander into Wonder in Murwillumbah, nestled in the heart of the Tweed Valley.

It’s not just a tagline. It’s an invitation to trade the rush for rhythm. To move through landscapes that don’t need to impress to be unforgettable. To find yourself in places where beauty doesn’t shout—it hums.

www.wanderintowonder.com.au

Driven by Murwillumbah Chamber of Commerce, namely Business Murwillumbah, the Tweed Shire Council, Tweed Museum and NSW Government, Murwillumbah was granted funding as a Community Improvement District pilot — a transformative initiative aimed at revitalising the town centre. With this vital support, and that of the local businesses and community, the project is breathing new life into key areas, creating a vibrant and sustainable hub for residents, businesses, and visitors, and Murwillumbah is set to further enhance its already vibrant community.

'Wander into Wander' leverages the unique attributes of Murwillumbah, such as its historic architecture, vibrant creative community, and proximity to the Tweed River, to develop attractive public areas, enliven the CBD with various activities and events, and foster robust collaborations among businesses, the community, and government.

Public art is a defining feature of Murwillumbah, celebrating its culture and creative energy. From murals to sculptures and light installations, new artworks are transforming the town, adding colour and meaning to everyday spaces.    

The Art of Noticing

In a world that rewards speed and noise, it takes courage to slow down. But in the quiet, nature speaks clearly. A birdcall that echoes through an eucalyptus forest. A tidepool is breathing on the edge of a rocky cove. A sunrise over red dirt that stains your boots and stays with you.

To 'wander into wonder' is to walk without an agenda. To make space for awe. Not the kind that explodes, but the kind that settles in slowly and stays with you long after the trip ends.

Photo Credit: Sally Singh Creative

Travel as Presence

This isn’t about being a tourist. It’s about being present. Whether you’re walking a windswept track on the coast of Tasmania or standing still beneath a sky heavy with stars in the outback, what matters isn’t how far you go—it’s how deeply you notice. The texture of the bark under your hand. The smell of the earth after rain. The warmth of a shared story from someone who’s lived on the land far longer than you. True connection happens in the stillness.

Photo By: Sally Singh Creative

Beyond the Instagram Moment

Not everything you experience will be easily shared. Some of the most meaningful moments don’t photograph well. A sudden hush in the forest. The pull of a tide you can’t quite explain. A conversation with someone who reminds you how big the world is—and how small we are in it.

This kind of travel isn’t about collecting moments for social proof. It’s about letting moments change you. Quietly. Radically.

Photo By: Sally Singh Creative

Where to Begin

Start with the places that feel a little forgotten. Small towns. Dirt roads. National parks that don’t show up on “top 10” lists. Places where the welcome is warm but unpolished. Where signs are hand-painted and time moves like molasses.

Let instinct guide you more than the itinerary. Let the weather decide your plans. Let conversations shape your direction. And when you feel the itch to post, to capture, to schedule—pause. Breathe it in instead.

Photo By: Sally Singh Creative

The Wonder Is in You

'Wander into wonder' isn’t just about the outside world. It’s also about what shifts within. When we move slowly and with intentionality, we start to see differently, not just the land, but ourselves. The person who returns home from a journey like this isn’t quite the same as the one who left.

Because once you’ve tasted this kind of presence, it’s hard to settle for less. Whether you’re preparing for your next big trip or simply learning how to be more present in the one you’re on, remember this: wonder doesn’t require a plane ticket. It just asks that you show up fully.

Let yourself wander. You might be surprised what you find.