Tweed Heads Weekend Itinerary: River Cruises, Rainforest Walks & Local Food
- Deb Carr
- 4 days ago
- 6 min read
A Perfect 2-Day Tweed Heads Itinerary
River, Rainforest, Food & Slow North Coast Living
Whether you’re planning a relaxed weekend away or a short midweek escape, Tweed Heads makes an ideal base for exploring river, rainforest and rich local produce — all without feeling rushed.
Where to Stay in Tweed Heads
Tweed Heads offers everything from riverfront apartments and boutique motels to peaceful hinterland retreats just minutes away. Staying close to the river or coast keeps you within easy reach of tours, dining and walking tracks.
Tip: Use the interactive Stays22 Tweed Heads map below to compare accommodation by location, price and style — it’s one of the easiest ways to find the right base for your stay.
Day One: Tweed River & Local Flavours
Morning – Tweed River & Rainforest Lunch Cruise
Start your getaway slowly with a scenic cruise along the Tweed River, where lush riverbanks, mangroves and subtropical rainforest set the tone for the weekend. Keep watch for dolphins, pelicans and birds of prey as you glide upriver, learning about the region’s wetlands and Indigenous history along the way.
Morning tea is served on board, followed by a relaxed local lunch featuring fresh Tweed produce — a lovely introduction to the region without needing to drive anywhere.
This experience is ideal if you want sightseeing without crowds or physical exertion.
Afternoon – Explore Tweed Heads at Your Own Pace
After the cruise, take time to wander Tweed Heads. A riverside walk, a stop for coffee, or a gentle stroll along nearby beaches lets you ease into the North Coast rhythm.
If you’re keen to stay close to nature, Jack Evans Boat Harbour is an easy walk with calm water views and birdlife — perfect for a sunset wander.
Evening – Relaxed Dinner or Alfresco Experience
For dinner, keep things simple or opt for a curated outdoor dining experience set in a scenic location nearby. Whether it’s beachside, creek-side or nestled in nature, dining outdoors suits Tweed Heads beautifully, especially on warm evenings.
Head back to your accommodation early — tomorrow leans into rainforest and farm experiences.
Day Two: Rainforest, Farms & Hands-On Experiences
Morning – Free Rainforest Walk at Mebbin National Park
Begin the day with a short drive inland to Mebbin National Park, one of the Tweed region’s underrated nature spots. Walking tracks here pass through subtropical rainforest, tall fig trees and quiet creek lines.
It’s peaceful, uncrowded and completely free — a wonderful contrast to coastal walks and a reminder of how quickly the landscape changes inland.
Bring good walking shoes and allow 60–90 minutes to explore at an easy pace.
Late Morning – Tropical Fruit World Farm Tour
After your rainforest walk, head to Tropical Fruit World, where guided tours introduce you to exotic fruits, plantation life and sustainable farming. You’ll sample fresh fruit straight from the source, enjoy a plantation safari and learn how tropical produce thrives in this part of the Northern Rivers.
It’s fun, educational and surprisingly relaxing — even if you’re not travelling with kids.
Optional Alternative: Catch a Crab Tour
If you’d prefer something more interactive, swap the farm tour for a Catch a Crab experience instead. This morning tour takes you back onto the Tweed River to learn about mud crabs, oyster farming and river ecosystems, with the option of a seafood lunch included.
It’s a great choice for travellers who love hands-on experiences and learning from passionate local guides.
Afternoon – Head Home or Linger Longer
After lunch, you can either begin the journey home or extend your stay with another night in Tweed Heads. Many visitors find one extra night lets them slow things down even more — especially if you’re enjoying river views or hinterland accommodation.
Why Tweed Heads Is Perfect for a Short Escape
Tweed Heads brings together calm waterways, rainforest, farms and food without the rush of larger coastal centres. Everything feels close, easy and grounded in nature — ideal for travellers who want meaningful experiences without over-planning.
More Detailed Information About these Tweed Heads Experiences
Tweed River and Rainforest Lunch Cruise
Cruising the Tweed River is one of the best ways to experience this lush, subtropical corner of the Northern Rivers. You’ll set off from Tweed Heads on a scenic half-day boat trip that threads through sugar cane fields, mangroves, islands and pockets of riverside rainforest. Keep an eye out for dolphins playing in the bends of the river and birds of prey and pelicans perched on sandbanks and riverbanks.
Your skipper shares insights into the river’s wetlands, wildlife and Indigenous history as you glide upriver, making this both a beautiful and informative experience. Morning tea and a local lunch are served on board, featuring fresh seasonal produce that gives you a real taste of the region.
Across the cruise you’ll notice the river meanders into areas thick with subtropical vegetation — a reminder that this living landscape is part of the broader Tweed Valley ecosystem where river, rainforest and coast meet.
Sample Menu
Starter – Morning Tea
Freshly brewed plunger coffee and a selection of local teas with home-baked cake
Main
A grazing board inspired by the Tweed region with local prawns, smoked chicken, artisan breads, deli meats, cheeses, green salad, homemade quiches and fresh seasonal fruits
This relaxed menu pairs perfectly with river views — tastier than your usual boat fare and a lovely way to enjoy local produce mid-cruise.
Catch a Crab Tour With Optional Seafood Lunch
If you want a more hands-on way to explore the Tweed River, the Catch a Crab experience is a morning trip that gets you right into the river’s ecology. You’ll search for mud crabs, meet the resident pelicans and learn about the river ecosystem from a knowledgeable guide.
This tour also includes a seafood lunch on the banks of the Tweed River, oyster tasting on Terranora Lake, and a stop at the educational Crab Cave — a great choice if you’re travelling with curious kids or anyone who loves living wildlife.
Tropical Fruit World Farm Full Tour
Tweed Heads sits in the heart of fertile farmlands, and the Tropical Fruit World Farm Tour brings that agricultural bounty to life. On this guided tour of a 200-acre plantation you’ll learn how tropical fruits grow and are harvested, sample fresh seasonal produce right from the orchard, and enjoy a wildlife-spotting cruise and Aussie bush tucker experience.
There’s a café on site too, where you can enjoy fresh juices, ice cream and snacks made from the plantation’s fruits — a refreshing way to spend a warm Northern Rivers day.
Dine Outdoors in a Stunning Location, Platter of 100% Delicious Local Produce
For something relaxed and unforgettable, this curated alfresco meal experience pairs seasonal local produce with beautiful natural settings — think lunch or dinner on a beach, creek bank or in bushland under the open sky. Locally sourced breads, cheeses, dips, olives, fresh fruit and cold-pressed juices are laid out on hand-woven rugs and enjoyed from ceramic tableware with rustic charm. This isn’t a picnic album of plastic plates — it’s thoughtfully styled outdoor dining that feels special without being fussy.
Highlights include:
Seasonal breakfast, brunch or sunset dinner options
Rustic bread, handmade cheeses and dips
Seasonal fruit and local juices
Stylish props and quality picnic gear including insulated wicker baskets
Free Nature Experience: Mebbin National Park Rainforest Walk
Beyond river cruises and food experiences, one of the best things to do near Tweed Heads for absolutely no cost is exploring Mebbin National Park — a short drive inland toward Murwillumbah. This park protects riverine forest and pockets of subtropical rainforest, with walking tracks like the Byrrill Creek walking track that thread through lush fig trees, ferns and wildlife habitat.
It’s a lovely way to get out among tall forest, hear bird calls and feel a sense of the broader Northern Rivers landscape without paying for a tour. Combine a rainforest walk here with your river cruise for a full day of easy-to-moderate nature experiences.
Why Tweed Heads Works for a North Coast Getaway
Tweed Heads is right where river, rainforest and coast meet — just minutes from pristine beaches, walking trails and hinterland scenery. From eco-cruises and seafood tours on the Tweed River to family-friendly farms and free rainforest walks, this corner of the North Coast captures the fertile charm of the region while still offering easy-access experiences locals and visitors love.
