Exploring the Tweed

The highest town on the New South Wales coastlineincredible. There is also a large memorial to Captain
is the inimitable Tweed Heads, a picture perfectCook, which marks the state border. You can actually
coastal resort town that tempts Queenslanders downstand with one foot in each state on Point Danger! On
across the border and tries its best to stop travellersthe estuary to the south fishing is very popular, with
heading further north! Beautiful beaches aremany choosing to hire tinny's (small aluminium boats
complemented by a lush green hinterland that boastswith an outboard motor) to traverse the banks and try
thick rainforests and a diverse array of Australiantheir hand at catching the many species of fish.
animals and birds, and the town itself is a friendly,Canoeists and kayakists also frequent the waters, and
quaint settlement with all the tourist-oriented amenitiesother sports such as kite surfing and beach cricket are
of a modern holiday town. Rich in surf and beachcommon amongst beach dwellers.
culture, its a great place to chill out and relax, but thereWith a coastline as beautiful as that of the Tweed, the
is also so much to explore nearby that yourhinterland has to be something special to drag you
campervan holiday here can be full and exciting ratheraway from it. And special it is- once a hotbed of
than laid back if thats what you wish!volcanic activity lush and thick rainforests have burst
Tweed Heads is twinned with the Queensland town ofout of the fertile soils and provided a home to a
Coolangatta, with only the state border seperatingcolourful plethora of birds and wildlife. There are five
them. Despite being in different states these twoworld heritage listed National Parks in the Tweed Shire,
towns share a lot of things, including a main streetthe most famous being Mt Warning National Park,
marking the state border! The people all have a similarhome to Mt Warning, which is the plug of the worlds
'chilled out' attitude towards life, and locals and touristslargest shield volcano, and also the spot where the
frequent the same beaches. The beaches are a standrising sun first touches the Australian land. The
out attraction of this whole region- in the Tweed Shirepanoramic views from the top of Mt Warning make a
alone there are over 34 kilometres of sandy whitemission to the peak fully worthwhile, and there are
shores which are just begging to be explored by youcamping grounds throughout the park for those who
and your campervan! Coolangatta Beach is thewish to extend their stay in the park. This area is
nearest one across the border in Queensland, whilesteeped in Aboriginal history, and is very important to
Doppy's Beach is the closest one to Tweed Headsthe local indigenous people. The Bundjalung people,
itself. To the north of the town you have Flagstaffwho have been here for centuries, named Mt Warning
Beach, and Fingal Beach lies to the south, so even if"Wollumbin", which means "Cloud Catcher".
you do not want to venture too far from town youIf you wish to learn more about the Aboriginal heritage
are still spoiled for choice. Surfing is immensely popularof the region then you can pay a visit to the Minjungbal
in these parts, and the waves cater to all levels of skillAboriginal Cultural Centre in South Tweed, which is
so even if you are a beginner don't be scared to givecommitted to preserving and protecting the region's
it a go.cultural heritage. Here detailed exhibits and videos in
The Tweed River is another focal point for recreationthe museum will inform and entertain you, and you can
amongst locals and visitors to the Tweed. Where itenjoy the tranquil bush settings and pay a visit to a
enters the sea a large estuary is formed, bordered byBora Ring, a sacred ceremonial site. There are
two large headlands to the north and the south of it.authentic artefacts such as boomerangs and
The northerly one is known as Point Danger, and thedidgeridoos on sale here as well, so its a great place
views of the surrounding coastline from up here areto pick up a souvenir.