Murwillumbah – A perfect balance of art, nature, food & adventure

Exploring Murwillumbah is a perfect balance of food, art, nature and adventure. This charming regional town, nestled at the foot of Wollumbin (Mount Warning), offers enough variety to keep foodies, art lovers, and outdoor adventurers alike completely captivated.

 

Best Eats:

You’d be hard pressed to find a place with a more delicious eating scene than Murwillumbah. Murwillumbah punches well above its weight.

Good restaurants per capita here could just beat the Gold Coast, and it’s only a 20-minute drive south of the border.

• Murwillumbah Farmers & Markets. Wednesdays, Murwillumbah Showgrounds

If your visit falls on a Wednesday, this vibrant market is a must. Expect fresh produce, artisanal goods, live music, and food trucks under the canopy of the Showgrounds trees. Grab in-season berries, stone fruits, and local veggies – they’re some of the best in the region.

• Austral Bakery

Step into the 1960s at this retro diner-style bakery – a local institution. Think milkshakes served in stainless steel cups, roast dinners with crackling and gravy, and nostalgic charm at wallet-friendly prices.

• Kat Harvey Cheese

A haven for cheese lovers. Pop in for a perfectly melted gourmet toastie or pick up a selection of handcrafted cheeses for your own DIY platter. Pro tip: pair it with local bread and wine and take it beachside.

• Bens Patisserie

Craving Parisian pastries?

Ben’s delivers with flaky croissants, glossy éclairs, and macarons worth the drive alone. Add in charming service and you’ve found your new favourite french bakery.

• Bistro Livi (Fine Dining)

Tucked into the heart of town, this intimate 36-seat bistro is part of the Northern Rivers’ food renaissance. Expect artfully plated dishes like tuna with wakame or stuffed quail, all served in a warm, moody space. Book ahead – it’s a local secret no longer.

• Tweed River House (Fine Dining)

Tweed River House delivers a riverside dining experience like no other—imagine starting your day with French‑style pastries and barista coffees, enjoying a refined lunch of local seafood on the deck at sunset, or indulging in their signature 5‑course degustation in the elegant heritage dining room. And here’s the cherry on top: you can arrive in style, docking your boat right at their jetty before stepping ashore to be greeted with a warm welcome and a glass of sparkling—perfect for making any meal feel like a special occasion.

Other foodie faves:

• Keith’s Café – retro vibes, delicious coffee and meat pies.

• Wild Thyme Dining – Creative, seasonal menu

• Barrels Pizza – casual and consistently delicious

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Best Drinks:

 

• Ink Gin Distillery. Tumbulgum (10 mins from town)

Nothing beats an afternoon at Ink Gin. Set on sprawling green fields beside the river, it’s the perfect combo of craft spirits for adults and fun for kids. Let the little ones feed sugarcane to the cows, play lawn games, or just run wild while you sip botanical gin under the sun.

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Best for Arts:

• Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre

Perched above the Tweed River, this world-class gallery is free to enter and features ever-changing exhibitions, modern architecture, and sweeping valley views. The standout is the faithfully recreated home studio of Margaret Olley, one of Australia’s most loved painters.

• M|Arts Precinct

A revitalised Art Deco building packed with artist studios, galleries, indie shops, and a fantastic café scene. Wander the laneways, chat to working artists, or grab a flat white and croissant from The Modern Grocer.

• Makers & Finders Market📍Monthly at Knox Park

This vibrant market is a Murwillumbah favourite, offering everything from handmade art and vintage finds to gourmet food stalls and local musicians. Get there early to chat with the makers before the crowds roll in.

• Tweed Regional Museum

Dive into the rich history of the Tweed Valley with immersive exhibits and a modern layout. It’s an ideal indoor activity for curious minds (and rainy days). Also free to enter.

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Best Adventures

• Northern Rivers Rail Trail

Perfect for all skill levels, this 24km trail runs from Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek along a former railway line. Expect everything from cane fields and rainforest to glowworm-lit tunnels and epic views of Wollumbin.  You can walk or ride. Do the whole lot if you’re fit, or just a small section if you just fancy some time out in nature.
Rent bikes or e-bikes from local outfitters like Pedals & Picnics, who also offer picnic hampers for the ultimate lunch stop en route.

• Tweed River Cruises

For something more relaxed, hop aboard a river cruise departing from the Murwillumbah Riverbank. Drift past farmland, forest and sleepy riverside villages, all set against the backdrop of Mount Warning.

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Best for Family Adventures

 

Knox Park

Centrally located and great for kids, this park features a magical playground surrounded by greenery with lots of little nooks and crannies for the kids to explore. You’ll also find a well equipped skate park, picnic areas and plenty of green space to relax while the kids wear themselves out.

Hosanna Farmstay (15 mins from town)

This nearby farmstay is an ideal stop for families. Think animal feeding, creek swims, BBQs