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Best Tweed Coast Beaches You Absolutely Must Visit

11 July, 2024

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Fingal Beach by Sabine Bannard

Best Tweed Coast Beaches You Absolutely Must Visit

The Tweed coast is a beach-lover’s dream holiday, with a string of gorgeous seaside hamlets dotted along a 37km stretch of beautiful coastline. Whether you crave the surf at Cabarita Beach, the tranquility of Pottsville Beach, or the family-friendly vibes of Kingscliff Beach, the Tweed Coast boasts a beach for every taste. Join us as we uncover the hidden gems and iconic spots that make this stretch of coastline a haven for sun-seekers and nature lovers alike. 

Keep reading for a guide to the best Tweed Coast beaches!

Exploring Tweed Heads Beaches

Bordering Coolangatta, Queensland, Tweed Heads is the northernmost coastal town along the Tweed Coast, renowned for its stunning beaches. Among them, Duranbah Beach stands out, celebrated for its exceptional surf breaks that attract surfers and beach enthusiasts from around the globe.

Duranbah Beach

Duranbah Beach is a quintessential part of the Tweed Coast experience, nestled between Point Danger and the mouth of the Tweed River. Its golden sands stretch majestically along the coastline, offering breathtaking coastal views and a playground for those seeking thrilling surf adventures. The waves here are legendary, consistently delivering exhilarating rides that challenge even the most seasoned surfers.

For surf enthusiasts, Duranbah Beach offers not only consistent waves but also a unique setting. The beach is framed by rocky headlands that enhance the surf conditions, creating an ideal environment for surfing competitions and casual surfing alike. The panoramic views from Point Danger offer a spectacular backdrop, perfect for capturing memorable moments both on and off the board.

Couple carry surfboards to duranbah beach

Fingal Head: Hidden Beaches

At Fingal Head, the rocky outcrop known as Giant’s Causeway mirrors Ireland’s UNESCO site, shaped by ancient lava flows meeting the ocean. Locally known as Booninybah, it’s revered by indigenous people for its resemblance to a giant echidna. Experience serene surf breaks, relaxed fishing spots, and cozy dining in tranquil Fingal.

Fingal Head Beach

Nestled on a narrow peninsula between the Pacific Ocean and the Tweed River, Fingal Head Beach offers a serene escape with its pristine white sands and tranquil atmosphere. Patrolled in summer, it ensures safe swimming experiences. Explore the ancient basalt rock formations and snorkel in the nearby protected marine reserve around Cook Island, teeming with vibrant marine life like groupers, trevally, and colorful parrotfish.

view from the headland to fingal head beach

Dreamtime Beach

Located on the southern side of Fingal Head in the Northern Rivers region of NSW, Dreamtime Beach is a hidden gem known for its solitude and seclusion. Despite its proximity to civilization, the beach offers a tranquil escape that feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Blue waters crash on the headland of Dreamtime Beach

Discovering Kingscliff Beaches

Evolving into a sophisticated holiday destination, Kingscliff blends upscale resorts with a vibrant culinary scene while maintaining its relaxed, welcoming vibe. Whether you crave surf lessons at Kingscliff Beach, tranquil paddles on Cudgen Creek, or leisurely beachside activities at Salt Beach Kingscliff, Kingscliff offers a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation amid stunning coastal beauty.

Kingscliff Beach

Set along Marine Parade in the heart of Kingscliff village, Kingscliff Beach attracts visitors of all ages with its gentle surf, family-friendly amenities, and scenic coastal pathways. Enjoy picnics under shaded huts, barbecue facilities, and playgrounds, or unwind at the surf club for lazy lunches. The Visitor Information Centre nearby ensures all your holiday questions are answered promptly.

Surfer at Kingscliff Beach

Little Kingscliff Beach

Just a short walk along the coastal path from Kingscliff Beach lies Little Kingscliff Beach, a secluded gem nestled at the ocean inlet to Cudgen Creek. This picturesque spot invites snorkeling, fishing, and leisurely dips in the shallows, perfect for a relaxing day by the sea.

Cudgen Creek

Across the inlet from Little Kingscliff Beach, accessible via Casuarina Way bridge and Robert Dixon Park, Cudgen Creek Beach offers a peaceful retreat ideal for snorkelling, paddleboarding and safe swimming. Leashed pets are welcome to explore this serene shoreline, making it a family-friendly destination.

Girl paddleboaridng on cudgen creek

South Kingscliff Beach

Facing eastward, South Kingscliff Beach boasts a long stretch of pristine sand perfect for sunrise enthusiasts, beachcombers, and dog owners utilizing the designated off-leash areas. Ideal for sandcastle building and leisurely walks along the shore, it’s a haven for those seeking tranquility by the sea.

Salt Beach Kingscliff

Although not officially recognized as a Kingscliff beach, the stretch of coastline in front of Salt Village has earned the local moniker of Salt Beach. Just steps from the sand, Salt Village offers a variety of cafes, restaurants, and accommodations, making it a convenient and vibrant hub for beachgoers and holidaymakers alike.

Cabarita Beach: A Coastal Surfers Paradise

Known affectionately as Caba, Cabarita Beach harmoniously blends boutique luxury with the simple pleasures of rock-hopping and local surf culture. This coastal haven boasts renowned dining venues, vibrant surf shops, and laid-back coffee spots, all against a backdrop of family-friendly beaches and stunning viewpoints like Norries Headland.

Cabarita Beach

Cabarita Beach is renowned among surfers for its consistent waves and long, powerful rides. A prominent righthander off the headland draws surfers year-round, attracting swells even on calmer days. Best enjoyed during medium to large E-NE swells, the wave breaks about 100m offshore, requiring a paddle across the bar or through the rip in the southern corner.

couple walking surfboards down to cabarita beach

Named as a National Surfing Reserve, Cabarita Beach and the Bogangar coastal area offer more than just stellar surf. Visitors can enjoy amenities such as BBQs, picnic areas, a kids’ playground, and a skate park. Nearby cafes and accommodations provide convenience within walking distance of the beach.

For those seeking breathtaking views and whale-watching opportunities, the boardwalk at Norries Headland is a must-visit. It offers a perfect vantage point to observe the surf, the world passing by, and migrating whales. Additionally, the boardwalk treats visitors to stunning vistas of the hinterland and mountains to the west.

cabarita beach holiday

Maggies Beach

Nestled south of Norries Headland on the NSW Tweed Coast, Maggies Beach beckons with its pristine white sands and sparkling azure waters. Stretching approximately 2.5km towards Hastings Point and Cudgera Creek, the beach offers a panoramic vista perfect for beachcombing and soaking up the sun. While its open expanse can create strong rips and currents, the northern corner by Norries Headland provides a bit of shelter from northeast winds. At the northern end, a park awaits with excellent amenities including BBQs, toilets, showers, and picnic areas—ideal for enjoying a relaxed day amidst breathtaking coastal scenery.

Sunset view from norries headland to maggies beach

Hastings Point: Family-Friendly Haven

For a serene retreat, Hastings Point offers a nostalgic escape from daily hustle. Explore its network of creeks and estuaries for endless water activities and peaceful moments. Enjoy classic coastal delights like fishing, exploring rock pools at low tide, kayaking on the river, indulging in fresh fish and chips, and relaxing at laid-back caravan parks with barbecues—a perfect checklist for a relaxed getaway.

Hastings Point Beach

For a serene retreat, Hastings Point Beach offers a nostalgic escape from daily hustle. Explore its network of creeks and estuaries for endless water activities and peaceful moments. Enjoy classic coastal delights like fishing, exploring rock pools at low tide, kayaking on the river, indulging in fresh fish and chips, and relaxing at laid-back caravan parks with barbecues—a perfect checklist for a relaxed getaway.

girls pincic at hastings point lookout

Pottsville: Quiet Nostalgia

Pottsville’s quaint charm unfolds with a burgeoning food and drink scene, offering everything from cozy coffee shops and aromatic bakeries to a trendy local bar for relaxed drinks. Enjoy seaside picnics, explore local markets, and unwind by the tranquil waters of Cudgera Creek, perfect for leisurely splash-pool days near holiday parks.

Pottsville Beach

Pottsville Beach epitomizes the region’s allure with its stunning beaches, renowned surfing spots, and abundant fishing opportunities. The nearby creeks and estuaries offer ideal settings for canoeing, fishing, and family-friendly swimming adventures, making it a perfect destination for water enthusiasts of all ages.

Wooyung Beach

A secluded and untouched stretch of beach, Wooyung Beach borders the Wooyung Nature Reserve. This dog-friendly beach is just a short walk from Wooyung Beach Holiday Park and is a popular spot for fishing. Please note, this beach is not patrolled.

 

Whether your looking for an amazing surf break, a secluded escape or a friendly family haven, we’ve got Tweed Coast beaches to suit all your needs.

We wish to acknowledge the Ngandowal and Minyungbal speaking people of the Bundjalung Country, in particular the Goodjinburra, Tul-gi-gin and Moorung – Moobah clans, as being the traditional owners and custodians of the land and waters within the Tweed Shire boundaries. We also acknowledge and respect the Tweed Aboriginal community’s right to speak for its Country and to care for its traditional Country in accordance with its lores, customs and traditions.