Savour The Tweed: The Foodie Festival You Can’t Miss

The Tweed is getting a brand-new gourmet event to shine a light on its world-class food culture.

Sandwiched between Byron Bay and the Gold Coast, the Tweed rivals both with its stunning beaches, laid-back coastal vibes and vibrant food scene dotted with highly awarded restaurants. Full of talent and passion, there’s so much for gourmands to discover here and now they can with the launch of the inaugural Savour The Tweed this October.

As a region dotted with eight hatted fine diners, NSW’s best regional restaurant (that’s two years running, mind you) and a hinterland proliferated with incredible producers, it certainly seems long overdue for the Tweed to have its own dedicated food and drink event.

FINS Plantation House in the Tweed — It’s long overdue for the Tweed to have its own dedicated food and drink event.

Now both locals and visitors alike are invited to enjoy a roaming feast of the area with the five-day Savour The Tweed launching this spring. From 30 October to 3 November, a banquet of gourmet events will roll out from coast to country with a program co-curated by renowned Tweed-based chef and cookbook author, Christine Manfield and local food advocate Amy Colli of Straight to the Source .

Chef cooking at Pipit in Pottsville — From 30 October to 3 November, a banquet of gourmet events will roll out from coast to country.

“The festival highlights the diversity and breadth of talent in the region and applauds the agritourism initiatives that continue to flourish and allow our community to stand out," says Manfield.

Amassing local and visiting talent to spotlight such initiatives, the program is stacked with both ticketed and free events, with everything from First Nations storytellers to passionate chefs, distillers, brewers, cheesemakers and farmers, among a huge array of locally grown and crafted foods.

Pipit restaurant in Pottsville — The program is stacked with both ticketed and free events.

The program

From the simple love of a good meal to a deeper dive into artisan products and discovering the terroir of the region, there’s a Savour The Tweed event to satiate everyone.

It all kicks off with a free event at the local Murwillumbah Farmers Market, where Tweed local and Rae’s on Wategos chef Jason Saxby will hold a foodie Q&A session. From there, you can dip in and out of the program. Learn about all things fishy with a Demystifying Seafood masterclass with chef Steven Snow at local favourite Fins; find a deeper connection to Country with a talk by Bundjalung chef Mindy Woods and First Nations ally Christine Manfield; and enjoy a hinterland feast of fire and ice at a collaboration by hatted Potager and Bush Ice-creamery.

Fresh produce from the Murwillumbah Farmers Market — Attend a foodie Q&A session at the local Murwillumbah Farmers Market.

There will be laidback lunches, brunches, degustations and vibrant parties to attend at some of the Tweed’s most acclaimed eateries and establishments, as well as kid-focused events and experiences that speak to sustainable and regenerative farming and region-specific flavours. The final farewell party will be held on 3 November at the hatted No.35 Kitchen & Bar at Cabarita Beach.

Burrata and bread at No.35 Kitchen & Bar Cabarita Beach — The final farewell party will be held on 3 November at the hatted No.35 Kitchen & Bar.

Event highlights

With more than 20 events across five big days, it’s difficult to pinpoint highlights. Manfield suggests looking for events that speak to your budget and interests.

“I would encourage everyone to engage with at least a few of the events to really get a measure of the excellence on show in the Tweed," she says.

If we had to choose, for those who relish refined flavours and beautiful produce, you shouldn’t miss The Producers Dinner at Murwillumbah’s hatted Bistro Livi on 31 October.

Bistro Livi in Murwillumbah — Don’t miss The Producers Dinner at Murwillumbah’s hatted Bistro Livi.

The following day, head to Farm & Co for The Farm Kitchen with acclaimed cookbook author Belinda Jefferies. Relish a warm spring evening outdoors that night with a Wood Fired Dinner Under the Stars at Plantation House .

Farm and Co table setting in the Tweed — Head to Farm & Co for The Farm Kitchen. (Image: Pineapple Images)

Then on Saturday 2 November, get the kids in the kitchen with an Eat the Rainbow workshop led by local Samantha Gowing, before leaving them with a babysitter and heading to the Flamin’ Negroni Party at Husk Farm Distillery , where you’ll try their famous Ink Gin.

Negronis at Husk Farm Distillery — Head to the Flamin’ Negroni Party at Husk Farm Distillery.

And don’t miss a pairing of a sustainable ethos with culinary talent at the Sensational Seaweed: Healthy Planet lunch at Pottsville’s hatted Pipit .

Dishes from Pipit in Pottsville — Don’t miss Pottsville’s hatted Pipit.

Where to stay

Blue Water Motel, Kingscliff

This cool, revived retro surf motel is a short walk to the beach, town and Kingscliff Bowls Club, where the Kids Cooking Workshop will be held.

Blue Water Motel bed — Blue Water Motel is a short walk to the beach.

Halcyon House, Cabarita Beach

This luxe, five-star hotel is beach-adjacent and just a few steps from the Cabarita Beach high street. It’s also home to the hatted Paper Daisy restaurant.

the Halcyon House Pool — just a few steps from the Cabarita Beach high street. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Oaks Casuarina Santai Resort

Set in the beachside Casuarina, this recently revived resort looks over a large interior pool and is close to shops and the beach.

Peppers Salt Resort & Spa, Kingscliff

Easy, breezy accommodation by the beach with all the amenities expected of a Peppers property.

Peppers Salt Resort & Spa pool in the Tweed — Relax at Peppers Salt Resort & Spa.

Tweed Holiday Parks, Pottsville South

Keep it casual and stay in a tidy creek-side cabin at this holiday park . It’s just a short walk from Pottsville town and Pipit and right on the lagoon-like Cudgera Creek.

If you can’t make the festival…

It stands to reason next year’s Savour The Tweed is likely to be even bigger. But if you can’t wait that long, there are plenty of food-forward places to experience no matter when you visit.

Of course, there are eight hatted restaurants to book: Pipit , Bistro Livi , No.35 Restaurant & Bar , Paper Daisy , Tweed River House , Potager , Taverna , and Fins Restaurant .

Potager restaurant in the Tweed — Potager is one of eight hatted restaurants to book.

There are also wonderful places to sip and chill, such as Husk Farm Distillery in Tumbulgum and Earth Beer Company in Cudgen, while the Kingscliff Hotel has an excellent live music rotation. Head to Bay Street in Tweed Heads for provisions at Rob Roy Deli and The Bread Social , as well as Kat Harvey Cheese in Murwillumbah and the plentiful local farmer’s markets, including the fabulous Saturday market at Tropical Fruit World .

In Pottsville, Black Drop has a well-finessed daily menu and also does great pop-up dinners, while in Cudgen, Farm & Co is a perfect brunch spot or farm-to-plate dinner date, and Burringbar’s Teakwood Cafe and the Natural Wine Shop are well-worth a hinterland sojourn.

Farm & Co tables with sunflowers — Farm & Co is a perfect brunch spot or farm-to-plate dinner date. (Image: Mathilde Bouby Photography)

Tickets

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at Savour The Tweed where you can also view a full program of events. Event prices vary but do not exceed $200. So be quick, headline events will surely sell out fast.

Series of dishes at Savour The Tweed festival in the Tweed — The five-day Savour The Tweed festival is launching this spring.

Warmer days call for slowing down and relaxing in nature. Discover why The Tweed is the ultimate destination to do just that.

As the end of the year draws near, the need for rest and restoration grows ever more prominent. For many, that means heading into nature – and there’s plenty of science to back up the benefits of doing so. It quite literally makes us happier as it reduces stress hormones, lowers our blood pressure and more. And what better place to lean into this feel-good effect than during summer in The Tweed (in the Northern Rivers region of NSW)? Blending sparkling beaches, riverside towns and hinterland villages, this area has nature covered, while also offering top activities and dining options.

And of course, pack your SPF. We Are Feel Good Inc’s Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is a lightweight and fast-absorbing formula that keeps your skin hydrated and shielded, thanks to nourishing Coconut Oil and Vitamin E. But it’s also helping preserve the natural beauty around you on your Tweed vacation, thanks to 30 per cent ocean waste packaging.

Discover eight experiences that make The Tweed the perfect place for summer.

1. Underwater worlds

two people swimming after turtle on the tweed — Get a chance to swim with the locals.

There’s something about the ocean that calls to us as humans, and what’s below the surface is even more magical.

Green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles (not to mention an abundance of other marine life) all use the protected waters around Cook Island, near Fingal Head, as their foraging ground, making it the perfect place to dive and snorkel to spot these adorable creatures.

Join Cooly Eco Adventures on a guided snorkelling tour that combines unforgettable turtle encounters with an inspiring look into marine conservation.

2. Farm-to-table dining

table spread at Potager restaurant — Treat your taste buds at Potager. (Image: Cara Sophie)

Respecting the land and nature also means appreciating its abundance of food. From farm-to-table cafes and boutique breweries to river cruises and restaurants championing local produce, dining around The Tweed often means engaging with the best local producers.

The award-winning Potager Restaurant , part of The Hinterland Collection , is the perfect example; beginning life as a kitchen garden, the passion to champion local producers is woven into every dish. Vegetables, fruit and herbs are picked from the garden or sourced from other local producers, the seafood comes from the Northern Rivers, and meat is sourced from ethical local producers. Even the cocktail list features local distillers.

Extend your stay with a night (or several) at boutique on-site accommodation, Potager House . This French-inspired country four-bedroom retreat boasts stunning views of the surrounding hills and nearby ocean, as well as a large pool, outdoor entertaining area and infrared sauna.

3. Water wellness

Waterguru Mindfulness in the Mangroves summer on the tweed — Find mindfulness in mangroves. (Image: Matt Johnson)

You’ll find mindfulness while floating around the mangroves of Kingscliff’s Cudgen Creek at any time, but Watersports Guru offers an immersive experience to help guests do so with more intent. Join a 90-minute guided session on a stand-up paddleboard to reconnect with nature and relax through breathwork, gentle movement and sensory awareness.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, Watersports Guru also offer Kayak fishing adventures or join a Sea Turtle Odyssey experience.

4. Restorative seaside stays

woman relaxing in spa at Halcyon Wellness, halcyon house — Unwind at Halcyon Wellness.

The Tweed encourages locals and visitors alike to slow down. To really indulge, a seaside stay is a must. Halcyon House has understood the assignment, blending a wellness philosophy centred on balance and self-discovery with luxurious surrounds. Stay in one of 22 rooms and suites (each individually designed by eclectic interior designer Anna Spiro) right on the beachfront. Book restorative treatments at the onsite spa, Halcyon Wellness, relax by the pool, dine at the hatted Paper Daisy restaurant and just let The Tweed work its magic.

While Blue Water Motel offers a relaxed coastal escape, just steps from Kingscliff Beach. Settle in stylish rooms, recently restyled by Jason Grant, nodding to the cool of Kingscliff with a fun retro vibe. Hire a bike from reception to explore the surrounding area.

5. Tasty drops

The owners at Husk Farm Distillery aren’t just about creating high-quality rum: they’re also farmers themselves. In fact, they create one of the world’s only single estate, farm-to-bottle spirits. Join a Farm to Bottle tour to discover the sustainable ‘full circle’ distilling practices used here, and even get hands-on with your own cane knife to help harvest and juice your own stalk of cane. And, of course, a welcome drink plus complimentary tastings along the way.

6. Rail trail adventures

Exploring the rolling green slopes and historic towns of the 24-kilometre Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is one of the best ways to connect with the region’s lush hinterland and interesting heritage. In this section of the trail, discover the area’s railway history at heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station, and traverse by 18 railway bridges and through two railway tunnels.

Linking vibrant towns and villages with the larger hub of Murwillumbah, this section of the trail is covered in asphalt or compacted gravel, making it accessible for all ages and abilities, from prams to adaptive bikes.

7. Linger longer

surfer at fingal heads the tweed — Enjoy beachside locations, like Fingal Heads.

Linger longer at one of the seven idyllic beach, river and creekside locations of Tweed Holiday Parks – including at Tweed Heads, Kingscliff Beach, Hastings Point and Pottsville South. All just steps from the water’s edge, they make the ideal base to unwind, or head out for exploration of The Tweed. Choose from luxury waterfront cabins, accessible cabins, surfari tents (yes, they are basically glamping tents) or spacious sites for caravans, motorhomes and campervans or tents.

Find your feel-good summer in The Tweed at visitthetweed.com.au .

Taste your way through the Tweed: The foodie festival you can’t miss!