Murwillumbah & The Tweed Dining: From Chef Hats to Hidden Gems

The Tweed region continues to impress food lovers, with Murwillumbah at the heart of its culinary rise. Known for its lush valleys, creative community, and rich agricultural roots, the town is now home to restaurants celebrated both locally and nationally. 

Photo Credit: Tweed Tourism Co.

GOURMET TRAVELLER NEWS 

Gourmet Traveller has revealed its Top 100 Australian Restaurants for 2025, and the Tweed is shining bright. Of the 25 NSW venues named, two are right here: Pipit and Bistro Livi.  

This accolade makes The Tweed the most awarded region in NSW outside of Sydney. 

Congratulations to both Pipit and Bistro Livi for their extraordinary achievements. 

Photo By: Sally Singh Creative

The Tweed Fine Dining Icons

Bistro Livi – Murwillumbah’s Modern Marvel

Located in the M|Arts Precinct, Bistro Livi blends refined design by Flack Studio with a warm and friendly, regional spirit. Its Spanish-influenced, seasonal plates — from silky braised eggplant to Moreton Bay bug in curry butter — have earned it multiple chef’s hats and Gourmet Traveller recognition.

Pipit – Coastal Innovation in Pottsville

Chef Ben Devlin’s Pipit champions sustainable coastal dining with menus that shift daily according to tide and season. Expect dishes like duck with smoked beetroot or tuna tartare with preserved yuzu. Two Good Food Guide hats confirm its standing as one of the country’s most inventive regional restaurants.

Potager – Dining in the Hills

Set on a Carool farmstead, Potager brings modern Australian dining to the hinterland. Chef-hatted and locally beloved, it transforms Tweed produce into polished yet approachable dishes. Its 2025 Tweed Business Award celebrates both its culinary excellence and community spirit.

Paper Daisy – Coastal Elegance at Halcyon House

The signature restaurant at Halcyon House, Paper Daisy offers contemporary Australian dining in a breezy, beachfront setting. With a focus on seasonal produce and a menu shaped by coastal influences, it delivers an elegant but relaxed experience.

Tweed River House – Verandah Dining with History

Housed in a restored colonial manor overlooking the Tweed River and caldera, Tweed River House serves contemporary chef hated menus that highlight regional ingredients all with super friendly service and attention to detail. Its wide verandahs and heritage interiors make it one of the Tweed’s most atmospheric fine dining destinations. For more casual dining try a relaxing grazing menu on the lawn by the river.

Fins Seafood – A Pioneering Institution

Founded by celebrated chef Steven Snow, Fins is Australia’s most-awarded seafood restaurant. With a focus on sustainability and ocean-fresh produce, it delivers sophisticated coastal dining that has shaped the region’s culinary reputation for over three decades.

Photo Credit: Tweed Tourism Co.

Beyond Fine Dining: Local Flavours to Discover 

Apex Dining Café at the Tweed Regional Gallery

A light-filled gallery café offering a wide and diverse menu of seasonal dishes that champion Northern Rivers produce, paired with sweeping views of Wollumbin and the caldera.

Keith Café

A favourite local hangout, Keith roasts its own coffee and serves artisan toasties and brunch plates in a relaxed, stylish retro space.

Crystal Creek Estate Café & Nursery

A riverside café with a homely country feel, where meals are complemented by the chance to wander through the nursery and browse local gifts.

Flutterbies Cottage Café, Tyalgum

A whimsical garden café famed for Devonshire teas, high teas, and weekend live music — a fairytale-style escape in Tyalgum village.

The Imperial Hotel (“The Impy”)

A community hub serving pub classics and craft beers, complete with live music, trivia nights, and a buzzing social atmosphere.

Husk Distillery

The home of Ink Gin and Husk Rum, this distillery offers paddock-to-bottle spirits, long lunches, and cocktails on expansive lawns with mountain views.

Wild Thyme Dining

A plant-based café known for creative vegan dishes, raw treats, and a down-to-earth vibe — making it a go-to for conscious dining in town.

Farm & Co.

A paddock-to-plate restaurant set among sunflower fields, offering seasonal menus crafted from produce grown onsite and nearby farms.

Natural Wine Shop & Bar

A boutique bar specialising in minimal-intervention and organic wines, with share plates that highlight the Tweed’s local food culture.

The Pasta'bah by Woodland Valley Farm

A regenerative poultry farm known for ethical practices, also operating Pastah Bar, where handmade pasta and farm produce create hearty, casual meals.

Tropical Fruit World

An iconic attraction offering guided tours, fruit tastings, and orchard-to-table dining experiences with rare and exotic fruits.

No. 35 Cabarita Beach

A relaxed coastal restaurant with a Mediterranean-leaning menu, where fresh seafood and vibrant flavours meet a laidback Cabarita setting.

Together, these spots prove that dining in and around Murwillumbah is as much about atmosphere and connection as it is about flavour. 

Photo By: Sally Singh Creative

Final Word  

With restaurants like Bistro Livi, Pipit, Potager, and fellow icons Paper Daisy, Tweed River House, and Fins setting the benchmark, the Tweed has moved firmly onto the national stage as a leader in regional dining. From chef-hat accolades and Gourmet Traveller recognition to Potager’s 2025 Tweed Business Award, the region continues to prove that innovation and excellence thrive well beyond the cities.

Add to this the warmth of its cafés, the charm of country pubs, the creativity of plant-based pioneers, and the immersive farm-to-plate experiences that define its landscape, and the Tweed becomes more than a place to eat — it’s a destination where every table, whether fine dining or casual, tells the story of the region itself.

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.

Discovering Slow Travel: Embracing the Essence of Murwillumbah, Northern Rivers, NSW

In an era where fast-paced travel dominates the vacation landscape, slow travel philosophy is growing as a refreshing alternative. It is about savoring experiences, connecting deeply with local communities, and relishing every moment rather than rushing through destinations. Murwillumbah, nestled in the heart of the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, Australia, is a sublime destination to immerse oneself in the art of slow travel. This blog will guide you through the essential elements that make Murwillumbah a haven for those seeking a meaningful and deliberate travel experience.

1. A Deep Connection with Nature

One of the hallmarks of slow travel is the opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural world, and Murwillumbah offers this in abundance. Sitting at the base of the majestic Wollumbin (Mount Warning), the town is surrounded by stunning World Heritage-listed rainforests and verdant rolling hills.  

Key natural attractions for slow travelers include:

- Wollumbin National Park: Embark on a mindful hike through the ancient Gondwana Rainforest. Though the summit walk is currently closed to protect sacred Indigenous sites, the park still offers tranquil trails where you can reconnect with nature.  

- Gidjumm Gulganyi Walk: This stunning hiking trail links the Tweed and Byron Hinterland through Mount Jerusalem National Park, Nightcap National Park, and the Whian Whian State Conservation Area. It features designated camping areas and scenic viewpoints along its 42-kilometer, 4-night, 3-day route.

- Tweed River: Spend a serene afternoon on a houseboat, kayaking or paddleboarding down the winding river, stopping to admire the wildlife or enjoy a quiet picnic along the banks.  

- Crystal Creek: Discover hidden swimming holes and waterfalls, perfect for unwinding and soaking in the natural beauty of the region.  

Time in nature fosters a sense of mindfulness and encourages travelers to pause and appreciate the beauty of their surroundings—a key tenet of slow travel.

2. Engaging with Local Culture and Art

Murwillumbah is brimming with artistic flair and cultural richness, making it an ideal destination for travelers who want to connect deeply with the local community. The town is known for its vibrant creative scene, which reflects the unique spirit of the Northern Rivers region.

Highlights of cultural experiences include:

- Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre: This gem showcases remarkable art from regional and national artists. The gallery's extension, dedicated to the life and work of celebrated Australian artist Margaret Olley, invites visitors to step into a beautifully recreated home studio.  

- M-Arts Precinct: adds another layer to the town’s cultural landscape. Set within a repurposed Art Deco warehouse, this dynamic space houses artist studios, galleries, and boutique shops, fostering a thriving creative community. Here, visitors can engage directly with local artists, watch their creative process unfold, and even purchase unique works straight from the makers.  

- Weekly Farmers’ Markets: Held every Wednesday 7am - 11am at the Murwillumbah Show, the award-winning Murwillumbah Farmers’ Market is a chance to mingle with locals, listen to live music with children's entertainment, discover fresh produce, and learn about the agricultural heritage of the area.

By taking the time to engage with these cultural experiences, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the town’s heart and soul.

3. Celebrating Culinary Delights

Food is an integral part of slow travel, and Murwillumbah offers plenty of opportunities to savor local flavors. From farm-to-table cafés to artisanal markets, the town celebrates its rich agricultural bounty.

Unmissable, locally sourced culinary experiences include:

- Tweed River House – A chef-hatted bistro set in a beautifully restored century-old manor on the banks of the Tweed River. It offers a refined dining experience with seasonal menus inspired by French cuisine and stunning hinterland views.

- Bistro Livi – Another chef-hatted fine dining restaurant with a minimalist aesthetic design by Flack Studio, is a small neighborhood restaurant with a focus on quality produce from the Northern Rivers. Livi offers a small menu of share plates and a drinks list to complement and has recently launched a decadent brunch on Saturdays.

- Potager – A Kitchen Garden is one of the Tweed region’s most celebrated dining destinations. Located in Carool, just a short drive from Murwillumbah, this multi-award-winning hatted restaurant is set on a picturesque 10-acre farm, offering breathtaking views over the lush Northern NSW hinterland. The restaurant’s commitment to sustainability and quality has earned it numerous accolades, making it a must-visit for food lovers.

- Farm & Co Café: Relish dishes made with organic, locally sourced ingredients while enjoying the stunning views of the surrounding countryside.  

- Tweed Valley Whey Farmhouse Cheeses: Indulge in handcrafted cheeses while learning about traditional cheese-making techniques.  

- Husk Distillers: Sip on world-class rums and gin crafted from locally grown sugar cane and botanicals. The distillery is set in a picturesque location, making it the perfect spot to unwind.  

Take the time to savor each bite and drink, letting the flavors tell their story of the region’s fertile lands and passionate producers.

4. Supporting Sustainable Tourism

Slow travel aligns harmoniously with sustainable tourism, emphasizing environmentally friendly practices and respect for local ecosystems and cultures. In Murwillumbah, there are numerous ways to travel sustainably while leaving a positive impact.

Ideas for sustainable travel include:

- Eco-friendly accommodations: Stay at locally operated accommodations such as eco-lodges or boutique guesthouses like Glenelg Murwillumbah that prioritize sustainability.  

- Shop locally: Support small businesses, craftspeople, and markets to contribute directly to the local economy.  

- Respect Wollumbin’s significance: Acknowledge the cultural importance of Wollumbin to the Bundjalung people, who consider it a sacred site, by treading lightly and respecting local guidelines.

By making conscious choices, you’ll ensure that Murwillumbah’s natural and cultural treasures remain preserved for generations to come.

5. Unhurried Exploration of Nearby Villages

Slow travel often extends beyond a single destination, inviting you to explore the surrounding areas in a deliberate, relaxed manner. Murwillumbah is ideally located for venturing into charming nearby villages, each offering its unique character.

Noteworthy villages to explore include:

- Tyalgum: Known for its boutique shops, live music, and welcoming community.  

- Uki: A quaint village with delightful cafés and views of Wollumbin.  

- Chillingham: Renowned for its banana farms and rustic charm.  

By dedicating time to explore these villages, you’ll expand your appreciation of the Northern Rivers’ diverse tapestry.

6. Finding Joy in Small Moments

At its core, slow travel is about finding joy in the journey as much as the destination.

In Murwillumbah, it might mean:

- Chatting with locals to hear their stories.  

- Spending a lazy afternoon reading a book by the Tweed River.  

- Watching the changing light on the rolling hills during golden hour.  

These seemingly small moments are what create lasting memories and a true sense of connection.

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Conclusion: The Art of Slow Travel in Murwillumbah

Murwillumbah and its surrounding Northern Rivers region beckon travelers to embrace the philosophy of slow travel. With its unspoiled landscapes, rich cultural tapestry, and warm community spirit, the town offers endless opportunities to linger, learn, and savor life’s simple pleasures.  

By journeying slowly through Murwillumbah, you’ll not only create meaningful memories but also leave with a profound sense of connection to the land, the people, and perhaps even yourself. So, pack your bags, take a deep breath, and let Murwillumbah unfold its charm, one unhurried moment at a time.