6 Trendy Tweed Heads and Coolangatta Restaurants

Eat, drink and enjoy at these Tweed Heads restaurants and eateries that cater to any mood.

Whether you’re keen to frock up for an intimate dinner with your romantic lead or looking for a buzzing eatery to catch up with friends, Tweed Heads and her over-the-border twin town of Coolangatta have all bases covered. From laneway gems to waterside eats and refined restaurants, these are the top picks for dining out.

1. Franc Jrs, Coolangatta

Best for: Getting pumped for a night out

This cool pizzeria with its retro Italo-American edge is unapologetically out there. Shuffle into a red banquette and settle in to have a giggle over the pizza names that are as entertaining as the vibe and packed with flavour-bomb toppings.

There’s the Jaloppy Poppy strewn with jalapenos, sausage and salami and the Sage Against The Machine scattered with sage and pancetta. There’s also a vegan menu and Detroit-style squares topped with everything from vodka sauce to whipped lemon ricotta. It’s a wild ride perfectly primed to fuel your night out.

people dining outside Franc Jrs, Coolangatta — Sit down for a wild night out with your friends at this retro-hip pizzeria.

Open: Daily for dinner (minus Mondays)
Address: 2/102 Griffith Street, Coolangatta Qld

2. Clay Cantina, Coolangatta

Best for: Dinner and drinks for couples or trios

Attracting national attention for its excellent home- and market-style Mexican plates, this petite laneway eatery is a must-visit . Take a seat in the beautifully tiled and earthy-hued dining room or the alley outside and prep your palate for authentic flavours, such as sopes topped with chipotle chicken, al pastor tacos and the sweet pastel de tres laches (three-milks cake).

If you’re keen to try your hand at making your own, book into one of Tuesday cooking classes, where you’ll learn to make a snack, salsa and a traditional dish.

a table-top view of dishes at Clay Cantina, Coolangatta — Swing by Clay Cantina for Mexican-inspired dishes.

Open: Wednesday–Saturday for dinner
Address: 2/16 Griffith Street, Coolangatta Qld

3. Bar Evelyn, Coolangatta

Best for: Date night done right

An elegant, upscale Italian bar and eatery that’s worth slipping into your finery for. Here, it’s all about the details and superior quality, from the natural wine list to seasonally driven antipasti and freshly made pasta.

Simplicity is executed with finesse in dishes such as the vodka sauce conchiglie and buccatini amatriciana, with the provenance of ingredients a focal point. If you’re in the mood for a more casual option, you can always takeaway a wood-fired pizza or two to enjoy by the beach.

a dimly lit interior at Bar Evelyn, Marine Parade, Coolangatta — Dine on memorable Italian fare at Bar Evelyn for a superior night out. (Image: Jared O Sullivan)

Open: Wednesday–Sunday for afternoon drinks and dinner
Address: 58 Marine Parade, Coolangatta Qld

4. Eddie’s Grub House, Coolangatta

Best for: Good times

This rock and roll joint sits below the retro-revamped Pink Hotel and caters to the out-and-about Cooly crowd. Live music is on high rotation here and while you’re toe-tapping to the beat, you can enjoy something to eat from the dive bar-style menu. Think southern fried chicken, burgers, wings and onion rings paired with cold beers and karaoke.

Open: Wednesday–Sunday for arvo beers and burgers
Address: 171 Griffith Street, Coolangatta Qld

5. Ivory Waterside, Tweed Heads

Best for: Sunny arvo sessions

Despite the shimmering Tweed River and her tributaries meandering through the region, there are few places to sit and take it all in by the banks. But Ivory Waterside goes a long way to righting that wrong with its absolute waterfront locale on Terranora Creek, on offshoot of the main waterway.

Set yourself up on the deck and watch the sun ripple across the water as you tuck into well-executed, bistro-style fare, including steak, burgers, fish ’n chips and other usual suspects. Salt-rimmed margaritas beckon as the sun beats down, making it difficult to plan your exit. Extend the good times at Benny’s Arcade for a spin on some classic 80s games enjoyed with a cold beer.

the waterfront restaurant at Ivory Waterside, Tweed Heads — Bask in waterfront views at Ivory Waterside.

Open: Thursday–Sunday from 11:30 am – 9 pm
Address: 156 Wharf Street, Tweed Heads NSW

6. Get Hooked Seafoods, Tweed Heads

Best for: Fish and chips with family

Sitting on the river and tucked just behind the Tweed Marina, you’ll find Get Hooked . And while it may be small, it sure packs a punch – in fact, it’s arguably the best spot for seafood in Tweed Heads and a local’s choice when it comes to the best fish and chips in town.

Perch yourself under an umbrella on the wooden deck out back and watch friendly pelicans bob in the water below before diving into a fresh seafood basket. Think juicy local prawns, daily-caught fish, crispy calamari, fresh oysters and, of course, a generous serving of chippies.

Open: Daily from 10:30am – 7 pm (8 pm Fridays and Saturdays)
Address: 2 River Terrace, Tweed Heads NSW

Discover more hidden gems, insider tips and local delights in our travel planning hub for the Tweed.

NSW’s beach towns take on a new kind of magic when the cooler months hit.

Autumn and winter cast a whole new light on the New South Wales coastline. The sun hangs lower, the shadows stretch longer and the air is crisp and fresh. The frenetic summer crowds are gone, and the rhythm slows to the pace of a leisurely winter bush walk through still, damp quiet. From wineries pouring winter reds to the annual whale migration up the ‘humpback highway’, here’s why winter on the New South Wales coast is better.

Winter on the NSW South Coast

Winter down south means misty dawns, sipping a flat white on the beach. The thrill of a whale spotting from the headlands and evenings spent slowly savouring Shoalhaven’s wines by the fire.

Start in Kiama, where waves crash into the famous Blowholes. This natural spectacle is achieved when underground pressure and swell unite, sending sea spray soaring above the basalt cliffs. This means, due to larger waves, you’re even more likely to see an explosive display in winter.

two people standing in front of kiama blowhole — See Kiama’s blowholes in full force. (Image: Destination NSW)

Inland, the Minnamurra Rainforest Walk in Budderoo National Park is all subtropical forest and trilling lyrebird song. Make sure to walk silently along the elevated boardwalks, past winter-swelled creeks and the tangled roots of fig trees. You might just hear one of the musically talented birds mimicking your footsteps.

Feeling adventurous? Book a session at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures for a wobbly walk through the canopy on Australia’s highest zipline.

Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures on the new south wales south coast — Walk among the tallest trees. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, it’s time to take the speed down a notch with a drive over to the historic village of Berry. It’s been a beloved stop for generations of Sydneysiders heading south, as has the obligatory stop at its famous doughnut van for crisped, cinnamon goodness. If you’re ready for something a little more chunky, stroll right past the boutiques (okay, go on, just one quick peek) to Milkwood Bakery . Their flaky pastries and all-day breakfasts are best enjoyed under cream-coloured fringed umbrellas.

Back in Kiama, you’ll also find modern Middle Eastern share plates at Miss Arda , and next-level burgers on The Hungry Monkey ‘s extensive menu: an ode to everything pattie-shaped.

End the day at The Sebel Kiama on the harbour. The apartment-style rooms come with full cooking facilities — a welcome addition for families looking to test out the local produce they picked up along the way. Including, but not limited to, vintages from nearby Crooked River Wines .

The Sebel Kiama exterior — Sleep by the harbour.

Winter on the Mid-North Coast

A trip up north is a gentle one at this time of year. You’ll still feel that sunshine warming your shoulders, but the lower temperatures make space for rainforest walks, vineyard lunches and long coastal hikes. All without that pesky humidity.

First stop? It has to be the town of Port Macquarie. Start by marking out a stretch of the nine-kilometre coastal walk you want to tackle (or do the whole thing), which winds from Town Beach to the lighthouse along rugged headlands and quiet beaches. Hot tip: binoculars. Don’t forget them if you want to partake in some close-up sightings of dolphin pods or whales migrating up the ‘humpback highway’.

Port Macquarie Coastal Walk, winter on the New South Wales coast — Wander the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk. (Image: Destination NSW)

Swap sea for canopy at the Sea Acres Rainforest Boardwalk , one of the last remaining pockets of coastal rainforest in the state. The accessible elevated trail passes under climbing ferns and tangled strangler figs, and is alive with scarlet robins, goannas and diamond pythons – if you’re lucky, you might see one slipping through the leaf litter.

Afterwards, lunch is sorted at Cassegrain Wines , where crisp whites and elegant reds are grown using a blend of French winemaking tradition and Australian innovation. After a tasting, saddle up for a horse ride through the estate.

port macquarie koala hospital — Meet Koala Hospital inhabitants at their temporary home. (Image: Destination NSW)

The beloved Koala Hospital is rebuilding, so meet its furry patients in their temporary bushland abode at Guulabaa – Place of Koala . Here, you can see rehabilitation up close and learn how one of Australia’s most iconic animals is being carefully rewilded and protected.

Back in town, Whalebone Wharf serves up fine dining with serious views to go with your oysters. Prefer something breezier? Bills Fishhouse + Bar does everything from blue swimmer crab toast to zucchini noodles drizzled in basil and wattleseed pesto. Down by the waterfront, Little Shack slings ceviche, mushroom burgers and fish tacos with casual aplomb.

At the end of it all, check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie , right in the heart of town. From here, everything’s walkable. Just park the car, pop your keys in your pocket, and stroll down to the beach.

bed at Mercure Centro Port Macquarie — Check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie.

Winter on the Central Coast

On the Central Coast, expect to explore oyster farms that sit on estuaries, beaches that stretch empty for miles, and the kind of surprise sightings of whale sprays that can stop a hiker in their tracks.

The best way to settle into this slower rhythm is with the Bouddi Coastal Walk , an 8.5km trail that dips through rainforest and eroding cliffs. It’s made for unhurried walkers and long-lens photographers.

Up the coast in Terrigal, it’s prime time to spot humpbacks on the move. Join a cruise or find your own perch — Crackneck Lookout and Norah Head Lighthouse are both local favourites.

a humpback whale breaching on the central coast — Spot migrating humpback whales. (Image: Destination NSW)

Travelling with kids? It would be sacrilege not to visit the Australian Reptile Park . Here, Elvis the saltwater crocodile reigns supreme, and the venomous snake talk somehow manages to be simultaneously terrifying and fascinating.

If that isn’t enough to wear them out, zip and climb your way through Treetops Adventure Central Coast , a ropes course in the canopy of Ourimbah State Forest. Afterwards, steady your nerves with a garden tasting at Firescreek Botanical Winery , where fruit- and flower-infused wines are served under the trees.

Switch earth for sea and hop on a boat tour with Broken Bay Pearl Farm . Once you’re out on the water, you’ll learn how pearls are cultivated and have a hands-on lesson in grading and shucking.

woman holding a pearl at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Get a hands-on pearl lesson. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the day winds down, grab a seat at Yellowtail in Terrigal , which takes seasonal native produce and presents it with Asian flair. Prefer something simple? Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination. Find an impressive breakfast and lunch menu, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce.

Stay the night at Pullman Magenta Shores , between the ocean and the lake. There are plenty of ways to relax, with a massage at the day spa, a poolside beanbag and a round or two at the golf course.

restaurant at Pullman Magenta Shores central coast — Eat well at Pullman Magenta Shores’ restaurant. (Image: Destination NSW)

Winter in Wollongong

Wollongong does contrast pretty well. One moment you’re walking beneath an enormous Buddha, the next you’re ordering soju a few blocks from the surf. It’s a town where skydivers land on beaches, trails lead to paddocks and winter days stretch long and clear beneath the Illawarra cliffs.

If you’re coming from the north, start by crossing over the Sea Cliff Bridge. Curving dramatically out like a jutting ‘C’ out above the water means you won’t be able to resist pulling over (safely, in designated lookouts) to gaze down at the waves crashing on the cliffs below.

Just inland is the serenity of the Nan Tien Temple , the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere. You can trace the prayer path, explore the temple gardens and sip delectable Kam Quat Tea in the quiet light at the Dew Drop Inn Tea House.

monk teaching tai chi at Nan Tien Temple — Learn about Buddhist practices. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, dust off that cowboy hat. It’s time for the Darkes Forest Riding Ranch . Take a guided canter via trail rides among peppermint gums and paddocks. If you’re happier to look at animals than ride them, Symbio Wildlife Park has red pandas dozing in trees, kangaroos that hop up to you and lessons on conservation.

The brave among you shouldn’t miss Skydive Australia – Wollongong . A free fall over the coast via tandem jumps before tumbling down to the sand is a breath-stopping thrill. Prefer to keep your feet on the ground? Check out the program at Wollongong Art Gallery , which delivers contemporary and Aboriginal exhibitions in the centre of town.

monkey at Symbio Wildlife Park — Hang out with the locals at Symbio Wildlife Park.(Image: Destination NSW)

As evening settles in, nab a table at Baby Face Kitchen . It has an ever-changing set menu, with dishes like hand-picked mud crab with white asparagus and salty brown butter, to sheep’s milk and honey ice cream. For something more casual, Dagwood Bar + Kitchen brings the fun with Korean fried chicken, sake cocktails and weekly all-you-can-eat bao buns.

Check in to Novotel Wollongong Northbeach , right by the sand. With a beachfront pool and ocean views, it’s an ideal base for whatever pace you choose.

Winter on the New South Wales coast starts with a cosy place to stay. Start planning your adventure at all.com.

6 excellent restaurants in Tweed Heads and Coolangatta