10 unexpected outdoor adventures set within the Tweed’s natural beauty

Cycle the Northern Rivers Rail Trail

Cycle over bridges, through tunnels and a World Heritage-listed rainforest on the Northern Rivers Rail Trail. Ride from Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek (24 km) and Casino to Lismore (29.7 km). Explore local towns, regional food, and breathtaking views along the way. Hire an e-bike with Better by Bike or ride your own a get a lift to the trail with their shuttle service. Don’t miss their magical evening glowworm e-bike tour. 

Hike the Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk

Challenge yourself to trek the incredible new 42km multi-day Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk. Opened in April 2025, this four-day walk weaves through the Gondwanan rainforest and ancient volcanic landscapes of Mount Jerusalem National Park, Whian Whian State Conservation Area and Nightcap National Park. Enjoy lush rainforest, plunging waterfalls and sweeping views of the Tweed caldera mountains, before finishing at the spectacular Minyon Falls lookout. 

Shuttle services are available to take hikers to and from the trail. Book the self-guided camping package to use the three campgrounds along the trail or book a tour with an expert guide to learn about the nature and history of the area. Those seeking a shorter walk can explore sections of the multi-day walk with lots of options of varying lengths and difficulty.

Snorkel and dive with whales, dolphins & turtles

Gazing eye-to-eye with a gentle humpback whale as it slowly migrates from Antarctica between May and October is among the most unforgettable wildlife encounters you can have. With Cooly Eco Adventures, you’ll get the chance to do just this. Jet out to sea from the stunning Tweed Coast with an intimate, environmentally conscious crew who will help you spot – or even snorkel with – whales and dolphins. 

Canoe breathtaking rainforest waterways

Soak up the wild magnificence of Bundjalung Country by kayak. Meander up the glorious 8km-return Rous River Canoe Trail and paddle past hoop pine, mangrove ferns and subtropical rainforest along serene Wobul Creek. 

Fish from a kayak

Catch lunch while you explore the picturesque nooks and crannies of Cudgen Creek with the Watersports Guru. Glide past the habitats of kingfishers, osprey and cormorants as you chase flathead, bream and mullet. Opt for stand-up paddleboard lessons with their expert coaches to learn a new skill while exploring magical waterways.

Surf Duranbah Beach 

Paddle out for a revitalising morning surf as the sun rises over the ocean at Duranbah Beach: a world-class break at the northernmost tip of the state. Though this tiny beach (lovingly known by the locals as “Dee-bah”) stretches less than 200 metres across, the swell here is the most consistent in the Tweed thanks to an off-shore sandbar that works with the break wall to produce dreamy sets of rolling A-frame waves. The overlooking cliffs are dotted with picnic tables so you can nestle among the twisted pandanus and savour a morning coffee as you watch the surfers and bodyboarders below.  

Feast on crabs or cruise along the Tweed River

Rich in biodiversity, the mighty Tweed River snakes to the ocean from the volcanic slopes of Wollumbin Mount Warning. Get to know its beauteous waters on an eco-certified river cruise. Trap live seasonal crabs, honouring the provenance of river-to-plate dining with local tour companies Catch a Crab or Tweed Eco Cruises, or putter past riverside villages and rainforested Stott’s Island – perhaps while munching on an epicurean onboard feast with Tweed Escapes. 

Explore Fingal Head Beach, lighthouse and marine reserve

Calm and secluded, Fingal Head Beach is a magical spot to watch the sunrise. One of the most easterly points in Australia, this white sand beach sits on a narrow peninsula between the Pacific Ocean and the Tweed River. Walk through remnant coastal rainforest to the headland and Fingal Head Lighthouse.  Snorkel in Cook Island Aquatic Reserve, just 600m offshore and home to a significant population of green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles as well as groupers, trevally, surgeonfish and parrotfish. 

Catch fish on a deep sea charter boat

Catch snapper, tuna, and marlin while soaking up stunning coastal views on a tour with Cushy Fishing Charters. In winter, you might even spot migrating whales in between fishing in the prime deep sea, reef and game spots. Your guides can help you perfect your fishing technique on board their comfortably outfitted boats.

Go for a dip in a secret waterhole

Cool off at Unicorn Falls where a gentle waterfall trickles into a swimming spot in pristine Mount Jerusalem National Park, part of the outer rim of a 21-million-year-old extinct volcano. This lush wonderland is home to tall eucalypts, temperate rainforest and unique native critters, including the endangered Albert’s lyrebird. Listen out for their clever mimicking cries. Though this oasis is just a short bushwalk from the carpark, it can be a bit tricky to locate – which is why it’s such a well-kept local secret. Make sure you do your research before embarking on your journey here, as service can be variable in the rainforest.