Car Rental Tweed Heads

The lovely town of Tweed Heads sits right at the top of the North Coast of New South Wales (NSW) on its namesake river. This easy-going little hamlet of 8,000 friendly locals is a ‘twin town’ to Coolangatta, only a minute over the Queensland border. Just north, you’ll find all the shiny attractions of the famous Gold Coast resorts. While here in downtown Tweed Heads, the pace is still lively yet dialled pleasantly slower. The Tweed, in the NSW Northern Rivers region, delivers the perfect mix of relaxation with fun activities and sight-seeing. It’s a cinch to cross the border in your hire car to experience Queensland’s sunny beaches and the lush rainforests of the coastal hinterland. But there’s plenty of attractions in the Tweed area too, where the rainforest meets the Pacific Ocean. And while it may not be as instantly familiar as its northern neighbour, this charming spot has all the ingredients and more for a classic Aussie holiday.

Let’s start with Tweed Heads’ beautiful beaches and waters, the National Parks, its local foodie scene, and all the pretty villages nearby. Fishing and seafood are part of the culture. Discover great cafes and restaurants to eat fresh, plus loads of tropical fruits and vegetables growing in the area. Enjoy a delicious meal, ice-cream or smoothie at Tropical Fruit World. Drive 15-minutes down the Pacific Motorway to experience this healthy excursion on a working eco-plantation – growing over 500 kinds of tropical fruits sustainably for almost 40 years. Try unusual varieties from the world over, ripe for tasting. The Tweed sits in an old caldera (the largest in the southern hemisphere), making for rich volcanic soil. Don’t leave before meeting the farm animals, plus kangaroos and emus.

From the farm, you can view Wollumbin (Mount Warning), the vent of an ancient volcano, with a summit at 1,157-metres. The World Heritage Wollumbin National Park is well worth the visit. Hike the Lyrebird Track, with its abundant birdlife and native fauna, and picnic beneath lush ferns. For another great view of Wollumbin, head to the Nightcap National Park, 90-minutes away. This amazing landscape is also part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. Camp overnight to thoroughly explore the refreshing waterfalls, creeks, and sheer rocky pinnacles. It’s all possible with the flexibility of your hire car.

Discover some delightful Tweed area towns in your hire car

Between the protected tropical rainforests, you’ll find a series of tranquil valley towns including Uki and creatively minded Murwillumbah, on the Tweed River. A highlight is the vibrant Tweed Regional Gallery and Margaret Olley Art Centre. The Centre salutes the work and life of one of Australia’s most important artists (who grew up in the area) recreating her home studio; while the gallery houses seven modern exhibition spaces, showcasing regional and touring artists. For emerging work from designers and artisans, head to the M|Arts precinct at Gallery DownTown, and discover innovative work and live demos at an art deco warehouse. Chat to the resident creators and check out the shipping container pop-ups while you’re there. 

Across the street at Knox Park, visit the Makers and Finders flea market – great for gourmet treats, handmade pieces, and vintage finds. Listen to live music, or visit the adventure park to play tennis, cycle or skate. Thanks to the region’s rich red volcanic soil, the Murwillumbah Farmers’ Markets is brimming with the best fresh produce – from honey and nuts to bakery goods and salads. Stay for a meal and locally roasted coffee while you’re there. The Tweed Artisan Food Weekend happens twice a year. This mini foodie festival serves up the best culinary flavours with various events. Get a behind-the-scenes experience and a chance to chat with insiders, including chefs and makers.

Explore downtown and get back to the water with your hire car

A houseboat is a unique accommodation that offers the convenience of steering the wheel your way, with the feel of a novel getaway. Unwind with a spa on board, put on the barbecue, and relax on the Tweed River. Spot dolphins, fish, swim and kayak wherever it takes your fancy. Splash out on a luxury vessel or go for a budget deal during the week. Another great way to experience this expansive river is on a Tweed Eco Cruise. Glide the waters through the Tweed valley through fields of sugarcane, lush rainforests and mangroves. Let someone else captain the boat and enjoy the stop at Husk Distillers on the Rum Runner Cruise. Be greeted with a gin and tonic on arrival and enjoy rum tastings as you discover the distilling process. Take a sunset cruise and learn the art of catching mud and sand crabs. Or visit an oyster farm on Terranora Lakes if you prefer your seafood shucked.

Stay with the water at Fingal Head, at the mouth of the river. Spot dolphins from the headland, and whales as they pass along the coast on their annual migration. This is a popular place for birdwatchers too. Walk to the Fingal Lighthouse through the rainforest track. You won’t want to leave the Tweed without a dip or surf at beautiful Cabarita Beach, a 20-minute drive from downtown. This regularly tops the list ‘best of beaches’ and boasts large tracts of protected wetlands and quiet nature reserves. Between these small villages lies sleepy Kingscliff. Snorkel with green sea turtles or sail the coast. Find gentle waves and estuaries with conditions prime for kayaking and paddle boarding too. Tweed Heads promises beach and nature like no other vacation.