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
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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.
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.
2. The Mantra at Twin Towns Coolangatta
$$$
Best for: Leisure seekers that would like everything at their fingertips. A good option for families.
From rooms to penthouses and apartments, this resort complete with tennis court, sauna, indoor and outdoor pools and fitness centre has all bases covered. Straddling the twin towns of Coolangatta and Tweed Heads and a short stroll to the beach and river, it makes exploration north or south easy.
Kingscliff accommodation
Beautiful Kingscliff with its crystal waves rolling onto the long, sandy beach hemmed by grassy parklands and caravan park has classic endless summer vibes. It hums with activity during summer and school holidays, when the town is pleasantly overrun by still-wet kids slurping ice creams and van-life surfers. The local pub, right across from the caravan park, attracts noteworthy musical talent and is the place to be on a warm weekend afternoon.
3. Blue Water Motel Kingscliff
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Best for: anyone from couples on a romantic interlude to families and groups of mates.
An easy stroll to the beach, this retro redo has effortless, laidback beach style thanks to the expert touch of renown Australian interior designer, Jason Grant.
From standard rooms to a four-bedroom beach house with elevated beach shack appeal, this is one holiday you’ll want to live in forever.
4. Mantra on Salt Beach Kingscliff
$$$
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.
5. Peppers Salt Resort and Spa Kingscliff
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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.
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.
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
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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 .
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.
8. The Cabana Casuarina
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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.
Sleeping one couple, The Cabana has its own private access and a tropical garden which is illuminated by festoon lighting at night.
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
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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.
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.
10. The Hideaway Cabarita Beach
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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 barefoot luxe vibe carries through the from the well-styled bell tents to the communal kitchen and lounge areas.
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.
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
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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.
13. Potts-Villas
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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.
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
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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.
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.
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
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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.
