Tweed Heads Accommodation: Here Are 16 Unforgettable Stays

Scattered with retro cool motels, hinterland hideaways and resort-style escapes, the Tweed is full of incredible accommodation from coast to caldera.

Sandwiched between Byron Bay to the south and the Gold Coast to the north, the Tweed has long been a hidden treasure trove of enticingly uncrowded beaches, rainforest-enrobed ridges and mountains, and charming townships. From the beachside enclaves of Kingscliff and Cabarita to the inland artful gem of Murwillumbah and riverside Tumbulgum, there’s plenty to uncover. Spend time exploring the region before retreating to these Tweed accommodation options at the close of each day.

Tweed Heads and Coolangatta accommodation

This bustling Tweed coast border town set on the aquamarine Tweed River is just footsteps from Queensland’s most southerly town of Coolangatta. The twin towns display very little obvious demarcation – except for the time zone during summer, so you may not realise you’ve strayed from one to the other. A town in the midst of certain gentrification, the hotspot of Tweed Heads is centred around Bay Street, which has evolved into a cool, if slightly grungy, hub. However, all along the riverfront are gems waiting to be discovered.

1. The Pink Hotel Coolangatta

Best for: Escapes with mates or a hip stay for soaking up sun, sand and nightlife.

This retro refit of a classic surf motel sits across from Coolangatta beach in a wash of flamingo-pink. While technically in Queensland, it’s seconds away from Tweed Heads and is a hip little spot to relish the beachside lifestyle.

the property exterior of The Pink Hotel Coolangatta, tweed heads accommodation — The Pink Hotel Coolangatta is just steps away from the beach. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

There’s a rooftop cocktail bar and Eddie’s Grub House on site, rooms are styled in a rock-n-roll-esque cool, and its corner site is well-positioned to make the most of waterside dining, the beach and other attractions.

the interior of The Pink Hotel Coolangatta, tweed heads accommodation — There are plenty of reasons to stay indoors during your stay but make time to see the sights. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

2. The Mantra at Twin Towns Coolangatta

$$$

Best for: Leisure seekers that would like everything at their fingertips. A good option for families.

From rooms to penthouses and apartments, this resort complete with tennis court, sauna, indoor and outdoor pools and fitness centre has all bases covered. Straddling the twin towns of Coolangatta and Tweed Heads and a short stroll to the beach and river, it makes exploration north or south easy.

sea views from The Mantra at Twin Towns Coolangatta, tweed heads accommodation — Soak up sweeping sea views from bed during a stay at The Mantra at Twin Towns Coolangatta.

Kingscliff accommodation

Beautiful Kingscliff with its crystal waves rolling onto the long, sandy beach hemmed by grassy parklands and caravan park has classic endless summer vibes. It hums with activity during summer and school holidays, when the town is pleasantly overrun by still-wet kids slurping ice creams and van-life surfers. The local pub, right across from the caravan park, attracts noteworthy musical talent and is the place to be on a warm weekend afternoon.

3. Blue Water Motel Kingscliff

Best for: anyone from couples on a romantic interlude to families and groups of mates.

An easy stroll to the beach, this retro redo has effortless, laidback beach style thanks to the expert touch of renown Australian interior designer, Jason Grant.

a contemporary bedroom at Blue Water Motel Kingscliff — The soothing colour palette at Blue Water Motel will have you drifting off to sleep in no time at all.

From standard rooms to a four-bedroom beach house with elevated beach shack appeal, this is one holiday you’ll want to live in forever.

a surfboard hanged on the wall at Blue Water Motel Kingscliff — Blue Water Motel Kingscliff offers chic, surf-inspired accommodation.

4. Mantra on Salt Beach Kingscliff

$$$

Best for: families, honeymooners, business travellers, or anyone after a little saltwater tonic.

Located in the beachside Salt Village in south Kingscliff, this Mantra delivers everything you expect from the hotel brand , including tennis courts, pools, bikes for hire and a variety of suites. It’s a short drive into the main part of town, but with easy access to Salt Beach and a variety of excellent restaurants, you’ll have little reason to venture far.

the pool at Mantra on Salt Beach Kingscliff — Stay at Mantra on Salt Beach Kingscliff to enjoy easy access to the pool.

5. Peppers Salt Resort and Spa Kingscliff

$$$

Best for: great for girls’ weekends, romantic ventures and multi-generational travel.

Another Salt Village escape, this Peppers property is a serene beachside haven with two large swimming pools, an onsite spa and suites ranging from standard rooms to apartments. Steps from the beach and shops and restaurants, as well as pub and park, it ticks plenty of holiday boxes.

the pool at Peppers Salt Resort Spa — Soak up the sun at Peppers Salt Resort Spa.

6. Paradiso Resort Kingscliff

$$$

Best for: families that would like to stretch out and lock in for a while.

If you’re travelling with the family for an extended stay, Paradiso Resort is an all-round, sound option . Right in Kingscliff with easy access to restaurants, cafes, shops and even the cinema for those unexpected rainy days, the best of this coastal town is laid out in front of you. You’re also not far from the dazzlingly clear Cudgen Creek, a perfect spot for frolicking families.

rocking chairs inside the lobby at Paradiso Resort — Find tropical designs throughout at Paradiso Resort.

Casuarina accommodation

Set between Kingscliff and Cabarita Beach, Casuarina is an affluent beachside locale with a muted, oceanic colour palette that ensures a restrained style. The mostly residential area can feel a little contrived, however, there’s also a soothing quality to the sameness. The beach is easily accessed and you’ll find walkways and cycleways populated by dog-walkers and fashionably clad exercisers. A small village has everything you need to access holiday supplies, from a supermarket, chemist and bottleshop to restaurants, cafes and a pilates studio.

7. Oaks Casuarina Santai Resort

Best for: couples and families with older children.

Ensconced within the walls of this resort, you’d be forgiven for momentarily thinking you were in Bali. With its South Asian styling and tranquil water fountains, there’s a permeating calmness that allows for deep relaxation poolside at this Oaks resort .

an outdoor pool at Oaks Casuarina Santai Resort — The sun-soaked pool at Oaks Casuarina Santai Resort delivers serious Bali vibes.

Accommodation ranges from studios to two-bedroom apartments and you’ll find a Thai restaurant and spa onsite. Casuarina village and the beach are just a short stroll away.

a poolside suite at Oaks Casuarina Santai Resort — Stay in a luxe suite with a pool-facing verandah.

8. The Cabana Casuarina

Best for: a couples retreat or solo travels.

Inspired by Palm Springs style, this adorable guesthouse can be found on Airbnb and offers a pretty, pink-hued hideaway just 100 metres from the beach.

the guesthouse lounge at The Cabana Casuarina — The Cabana Casuarina is a boho chic gem located just 100 metres away from the beach.

Sleeping one couple, The Cabana has its own private access and a tropical garden which is illuminated by festoon lighting at night.

a chic bedroom at The Cabana Casuarina — Embrace the pink-hued and earth-toned bedroom.

Cabarita Beach accommodation

With Cabarita Beach a surfing nirvana and one of the state’s most beautiful sandy playgrounds, it’s little wonder this town surges with activity when the weather heats up. The position of the headland ensures there’s a sheltered stretch of beach on either side, not matter which way the sea breeze blows, and there are plenty of rockpools to explore. In the ocean-adjacent town, Cabarita has benefited from the halo of luxe Halcyon House hotel, which put the town on the map in 2015 with its covetable style.

9. Halcyon House

$$$$$

Best for: special occasion escapes, honeymooners and babymooners.

The surf motel revitalisation that ignited the trend up and down the coast, Halcyon House’s breezy, laidback luxe design echoes European beach clubs but with a distinctly Australian accent. Its bright-white exterior is a beacon of style on the Tweed Coast and finally showcased the area’s long-overlooked, breath-taking beauty.

the bed in the guest room at Halcyon House — Eclectic patterns fill the room. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Interiors by Australian designer Anna Spiro are joyful and colourful and set the tone for a relaxed escape. Award-wining restaurant Paper Daisy and the onsite spa offer impeccable amenity to an already lavish stay.

Balcony views Halycon House Guest Room — Dreamy balcony views from the guest room at Halycon House. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

10. The Hideaway Cabarita Beach

Best for: groups of friends and couples.

An easy stroll to the beach and town, this glam campground is a chic option for a coastal escape . While it’s set on the busy Tweed Coast Road, once tucked inside, you’ll more likely notice the crash of waves than the hum of cars.

the bed inside a glamping tent at The Hideaway Cabarita Beach — Opt for beach glamping at The Hideaway Cabarita Beach.

The barefoot luxe vibe carries through the from the well-styled bell tents to the communal kitchen and lounge areas.

a woman sitting outside a glamping tent at The Hideaway Cabarita Beach — Each tent has its own private amenities and seating.

11. The Beach Cabarita Apartments

$$$

Best for: families who would like easy beach access.

Set right at the heart of the action, this large apartment complex is a contemporary and well-appointed option for a comfortable stay. Cloistered in the centre of the building is a series of resort-like pools and you’ll also find barbecue facilities and secure parking onsite. Ranging from two- to four-bedroom apartments, some with balconies gazing out to the blue horizon, it’s the perfect spot for a family retreat.

an aerial view of The Beach Cabarita Apartments — Hear the gentle lapping of the waves just outside The Beach Cabarita Apartments.

Pottsville accommodation

The most southerly town on the Tweed Coast, Pottsville has an underlying cool thanks to a flow-on effect from nearby Byron Bay. A single main street populated with stylish cafes and eateries leads to an incredibly beautiful tidal creek and a stretch of uninterrupted beach tucked behind bushland, making for some best-kept-secret appeal.

12. The Tide Pottsville

Best for: couples travelling solo or with a baby.

Of-the-minute styling makes this petite guesthouse on Airbnb a sleek and sweet option for a lazy coastal retreat. Close to Mooball Creek and a short drive to shops, this stylish lodging is perfect for exploring the under-the-radar delight of Pottsville.

the room interior at The Tide Pottsville — The Tide Pottsville is chic and spacious.

13. Potts-Villas

Best for: beachside romance

This one-bedroom Airbnb has a bright, minimalist beach style that invites sandy-footed relaxation. It’s just 100 metres from the main street and a five-minute walk to the beach and is completely self-contained. Enjoy the outdoor patio and common garden for an evening sundowner.

an outdoor seating area at Potts-Villas — Curl up on the outdoor patio at Potts-Villas after a day of exploring.

Murwillumbah accommodation

A thriving art scene, quickly evolving food culture and dramatic mountain scenery back-dropping a riverside, Art Deco town makes Murwillumbah a must-visit Tweed Valley gem. With the opening of the Rail Trail, the secret is out and visitors are flooding in to admire and explore this regal country beauty. While accommodation in town is limited, there are a range of hinterland options that offer idyllic escapes.

14. Mavis’ Kitchen Cabins

Best for: romantic interludes or to enjoy walking to bed post-dinner.

The long-loved Uki favourite closed its restaurant in early 2024 but the cosy cabins set on the lush property with dramatic mountain vistas are still available to book.

Stay in one of the three cabins or the farmhouse, which sleeps up to 12 guests, to relish the restorative effects of nature.

the property exterior of Mavis’ Kitchen and Cabins, Murwillumbah accommodation — Step into charming countryside living.

15. Crystal Creek Rainforest Retreat

$$$

Best for: a luxe retreat from everyday life.

A 20-minute drive from Murwillumbah will see you at Crystal Creek , where you can bed down surrounded by verdant rainforest and under the watchful eye of Wollumbin (Mount Warning).

With a range of accommodation, from cosy spa cabins to rainforest bungalows, glass terrace bungalows and luxury lodges with private plunge pools, you can relish the treehouse vibes in well-appointed comfort.

the accommodation within a jungle at Crystal Creek Rainforest Retreat, Murwillumbah accommodation — Crystal Creek Rainforest Retreat is hidden away from the world.

Tumbulgum accommodation

Historic and charming, riverside Tumbulgum has a nostalgic appeal. At the meeting of the Tweed and Rous Rivers, here you’ll find a handful of cafes, a sunny spot to cast a line out and the much-loved Husk Distillery.

16. The Belle River House

Best for: groups of friends or multi-generational holidaymakers.

This 100-year-old home has recently been transformed into a sprawling guesthouse that accommodates up to 16 people. Sensitively restored, this Queenslander-style abode has wrap-around verandahs to bask in the Tweed Valley views. Just a five-minute drive to Murwillumbah and 15 minutes to the beach, it’s the perfect hinterland hideaway for groups.

Whales breaching, fires crackling and slow-cooked feasts that make the cold so cosy, one might wish it lasted longer. Winter is no time to stay at home in NSW.

When the mercury drops, winter in NSW comes into its own. Beaches are quieter, the air is crisper and hearty food tastes even better when there’s ice on the windows.

Winter here isn’t for hiding away. It’s for long walks, deep baths, deeper reds and the kind of fireside lounging that feels simultaneously indulgent and entirely deserved after a day of exploring. From whale-watching up north to moodily lit bushwalks and pastry pilgrimages, we’ve mapped out your new favourite season.

a beach winter in nsw — From coastal walks to tasty delights, winter in NSW is a time to get out and about.

The Tweed

In winter, the NSW north coast has a front-row seat to one of nature’s greatest migrations. From May to November, humpbacks cruise past the Tweed coast between Antarctica and the Great Barrier Reef. Spot them from the Cabarita Beach headland or get up closer with a boat cruise.

Inland, find the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre , which is home to a rotating cast of big-name exhibitions (including Monet).

Later, grab a table at Bistro Livi , where the modern Spanish menu features whipped salt cod on toast and spanner crab with curry butter and spelt flatbread. Stick around to poke through the artist studios and indie boutiques of M|Arts Precinct .

visitors at Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre — Browse the art. (Image: Destination NSW)

The next day, jump aboard the Indigenous Lunch Cruise with Tweed Escapes. You’ll cruise upriver listening to yarns from local Indigenous guides, stop at the Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Museum and tuck into lemon myrtle-crusted snapper.

Next, drive out to Farm & Co to pull apart some juicy smoked lamb shoulder with green olive tapenade while gazing out over the macadamia fields and avocado groves of this working farm.

End the day at Mantra on Salt Beach where you’ll enjoy beach access, a heated rock spa and a lagoon pool.

dining room at Bistro Livi — Taste modern Spanish at Bistro Livi.

Blue Mountains

The cold season is hands down the best time to visit the Blue Mountains. Temperatures are perfect – sunny enough for hikes, and crisp enough at night for snuggling up.

For a trip that equally soothes and stirs, start with a meditative meander through the national park’s eucalypts and Australian wildflowers. Brave the steepest passenger railway in the world, Scenic Railway , then hop the Skyway aerial cable car for unrivalled Three Sisters views.

Thaw out at the Japanese Bath House in South Bowenfels. Soak in steamy outdoor onsens filled with natural mineral water and mountain views, wander the rose and zen gardens, or sip hot drinks in the tea house.

group leader at Blue Mountains Stargazing — Rug up for Blue Mountains Stargazing. (Image: Destination NSW)

Afterwards, head to Ates in Blackheath, where everything revolves around a 150-year-old ironbark-fuelled oven – like the wood-roasted duck with nectarines and Szechuan spice. Or visit Tempus Katoomba , which leans experimental and sustainable, serving up dishes like braised fennel with cumin, spiced yogurt and Aleppo pepper.

Rug up and head into the night with Blue Mountains Stargazing . Sessions are guided by astrophysicists, helping you understand what you’re looking at as you look into deep space.

Wrap it all up at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains – MGallery Collection . There’s a whiskey bar in the basement (and crackling fires that make a dram taste even better), indoor and outdoor pools and a day spa. Kids will love the mirror maze and ice rink, too.

dishes laid out on table at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains — End the day with delicious meals at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains. (Image: Destination NSW)

Southern Highlands

Good food and wine by the fire, experienced between sifting through second-hand treasures, is a winter vibe in Bowral.

Start with a lap around Dirty Janes , an antique and vintage market. Recover from your shopping frenzy at Bendooley Book Barn , where floor-to-ceiling shelves and a roaring fire set the tone for an afternoon of red wine or hot coffee.

When it’s time to eat, head to Hickory’s Restaurant & Bar , Peppers Craigieburn Bowral’s onsite restaurant. Try the crispy pork belly with Granny Smith crisps and apple gel, or ocean trout with wakame, lemon gel and pickled radish.

couple looking through Dirty Janes in bowral — Wander the antiques at Dirty Janes. (Image: Destination NSW)

Another option, Onesta Cucina , does Italian with flair. For something more casual (with cocktails), Flour Bar swings between brunch and dinner, with an onsite bakery, over 400 wines and a hidden deli in the old bank vault.

Later, clamber Mt Gibraltar , where trails wind through eucalypt forest to views over Bowral and Mittagong.

Stay at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral , a century-old estate with open fires, elegant lounges and a nine-hole golf course.

woman and her dog winter in nsw at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral — Stay cosy at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral.

Penrith

Shake off winter inertia with an adrenaline boost out in Penrith. Kick things off with a kayak paddle on the Nepean River with Horizon Line, or head to Cables Wake Park , where cold-weather wetsuits take the edge off a wipeout.

For something a bit more cruisy, opt for the Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler for slow-floating views and a hot cuppa.

kayakers on the nepean river in penrith — Head out on the Nepean River. (Image: Destination NSW)

Refuel at Marcel Bar & Bistro , where reimagined European comfort food – like seafood risotto in bisque with little neck clams and Moreton Bay bugs – is king. Then check in at the Pullman Sydney Penrith , the area’s first international five-star hotel, to enjoy your well-earned rest.

Start planning your NSW winter getaway at all.com.

Tweed accommodation: 16 places to stay from Cabarita to the twin towns

Scattered with retro cool motels, hinterland hideaways and resort-style escapes, the Tweed is full of incredible accommodation from coast to caldera.

Tweed Heads and Coolangatta accommodation

1. The Pink Hotel Coolangatta

2. The Mantra at Twin Towns Coolangatta

Kingscliff accommodation

3. Blue Water Motel Kingscliff

4. Mantra on Salt Beach Kingscliff

5. Peppers Salt Resort and Spa Kingscliff

6. Paradiso Resort Kingscliff

Casuarina accommodation

7. Oaks Casuarina Santai Resort

8. The Cabana Casuarina

Cabarita Beach accommodation

9. Halcyon House

10. The Hideaway Cabarita Beach

11. The Beach Cabarita Apartments

Pottsville accommodation

12. The Tide Pottsville

13. Potts-Villas

Murwillumbah accommodation

14. Mavis’ Kitchen Cabins

15. Crystal Creek Rainforest Retreat

Tumbulgum accommodation

16. The Belle River House

Found: a 1,000-bottle wine bar inside a secluded Northern Rivers rainforest retreat

A guide to the top caravan parks in Tweed Heads and beyond

No time to hibernate: experience the best of winter in NSW

Whales breaching, fires crackling and slow-cooked feasts that make the cold so cosy, one might wish it lasted longer. Winter is no time to stay at home in NSW.

The Tweed

Blue Mountains

Southern Highlands

Penrith