Find a charming art deco town within the caldera of an ancient volcano, from where stunning sub-tropical rainforests and sacred mountain ranges are in easy reach.
Encircled by rolling hummocks, rich farmland and a distant mountain range forged by ancient volcanoes, Murwillumbah is a scenic town and hub for the surrounding agricultural region. The town sits on the northern banks of the Tweed River and offers an excellent base for adventures in riverside parks, stunning sub-tropical rainforests and majestic mountains.
Wander around the town centre and find a historic main street and gorgeous art deco architecture. Visit the Murwillumbah Visitor and World Heritage Rainforest Centre to learn about the awe-inspiring ecology of the surrounding ancient forests and lush gullies. Sit at a local café and try a dish incorporating the region’s produce, which includes bananas, nuts and dairy products.
Don’t miss a trip to the Tweed River Regional Art Gallery to see work by local artists, as well as a renowned annual portraiture prize. Discover the town’s history and learn about the surrounding environment at the Tweed Regional Museum.
Nearby Mount Warning (Wollumbin) is the most prominent peak on the Murwillumbah skyline. It is the first place in mainland Australia to catch the sun’s rays each morning. Tackle the mountain’s challenging hiking trail, but bear in mind the site’s sacred significance to the local Bundjalung Aboriginal people when considering the climb. Follow some of the relaxed walking trails in Nightcap National Park or take a canoeing trip on the lake at nearby Clarrie Hall Dam.
Murwillumbah is located in far northern New South Wales, 13 kilometres (8 miles) south of the Queensland border. The town is accessible via coach from Sydney and Brisbane, as well as by plane to Ballina Byron Gateway Airport, Lismore Airport or Queensland’s Gold Coast Airport. The town’s sub-tropical location means there is high rainfall in the summer. Visit during the Tweed Valley Banana Festival in late winter to experience a fun-filled celebration of the region’s favourite fruit. Visit Murwillumbah during a scenic road trip along the Tweed Valley Way or the inland road through the Numinbah Valley.
