Planning to stay a few nights at Murwillumbah is simply not enough to see the hidden treasures of this small country town. Known as the “Heart of the Tweed”, Murwillumbah is located in far north-eastern New South Wales in the Tweed Shire. It is only 30km south of the Queensland border. Easily accessed via the Pacific Highway or outlying towns of Kyogle or Beaudesert from the West.
Surrounded by green rolling hills and the Tweed and Rous Rivers, Mount Warning sits in the background as a reminder of the extinct volcano that erupted millions of years ago to create one of the largest calderas in the world.
Murwillumbah is an ideal location to base yourself to explore the area. From the sandy beaches of Fingal Bay to Potsville. Also the many small boutique towns and villages surrounding it. Including Tumbulgum, Tylagum, Uki, and Chillingham, each with its unique character and features.
Chillingham
Commonly referred to as ‘Murbah’, by the locals it is rich in cultural history. A mecca for Creators and Artists, with the award winning Tweed River Art Gallery a must-see. The recently established Creative Caldera has now been launched with its aim to be to highlight the growing creative industry in the Tweed. The area has also featured in many movies and television shows such as: ‘I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here’ (British version). The film ‘Lou’ starring John Hurt in 2010, the ABC television series, ‘Pastures of the Blue Crane’, in 1969, and the Aussie classic ‘Muriel’s Wedding’ in 1994
History
Originally settled by the indigenous Bundialung people, Murrilumbah means ‘camping place’. Nearby Mount Warning and its national park have their names derived from the word ‘Wollumbin’. It means Cloud Catcher in the Bundjalung language.
Mount Warning – Stunning Sunsets & Sunrises
Murwillumbah has a rich maritime history, with the first commercial maritime vessel navigating the Tweed River in 1868. Surveying of the town followed shortly after and it became well established as centre for growing Sugarcane and then Bananas. The Tweed Banana festival still runs to this date (See Events below). Murwillumbah also became the end of the line for the NSW North Coast railway line.
Interesting Facts: A large portion of Murwillumbah was destroyed by fire in 1907 and had to be re-built. Murwillumbah still lays claim to one of Australia’s largest and unsolved bank robberies. Occurred in 1978 with $1,763,000 reportedly stolen from the then Bank of NSW.
Services & Facilities
Murwillumbah is a great service town, with everything available that a traveller needs. Thanks to the Murwillumbah Showground Camping, they are now connecting their campers with many of the local businesses in town. Providing a range of Offers and Discounts to travellers and Free Range Camping members. From Groceries, Caravan Repairs, Alcohol, and Veterinary services. Over 12 local businesses are now participating in this brand new scheme designed with the traveller in mind.
The Main Street of Murwillumbah
In fact, Murwillumbah is about to become the Free Range Camping pilot town for FRC preferred member businesses. Stayed tuned for more information in upcoming newsletters. In the meantime, see Greg or Meg when you check in at the Murwillumbah Showground Camping Grounds to find out more about the many benefits of staying at Murwillumbah, or download the pdf below to find out more about participating businesses and what they have to offer.
Events
Murwillumbah holds a variety of events all year round, a few of them include:
Tweed Banana Festival
Held annually in August each year, this festival is the second oldest festival in Australia. Running for over 50 years. The event runs over several days and included numerous events. Some were family fun days in the park, parades, and a Ball.
Banana Festival Street Parade
Taste the Tweed in Murwillumbah
Tweed Foodie Fest began as a tribute to the 2011 inaugural Foodie Friday dinner party. Came as a surprise to the organizers and now hundreds of foodies on a regular basis. It is all about a “paddock to plate experience where people can visit the farms. Pick their produce and enjoy the tastes of the Tweed created by the hands of our local chefs”. They hold regular events throughout the year.
Tweed’s Biggest Dinner Party
See their website for more info: Tweed Foodie Fest
Tyalgum Festival of Classical Music
The Tyalgum Festival of Classical Music is a world-renowned event. It is being held at the Tyalgum Village since it began in 1991. Many artists have ranked the 1908 Tyalgum Hall alongside some of the best concert venues in the world. Wonderful music combined with a magnificent, picturesque view of the Tweed Valley, makes this annual festival a unique and breathtaking experience.
Saturday afternoon concert
Annual Murwillumbah Agricultural Show
Held in early November each year, showcases the best of what the region has to offer. Dates vary and the grounds are closed to Campers during this time to it is best to check the listing.
Murwillumbah Showground ready for the annual show
Things to Do and See
Local Farmers Market
Every Wednesday, the farmers’ markets are held from 7 am to 11 am at the Murwillumbah Showground. This is where you can purchase fresh local produce direct from the farmers.
The Farmers Markets @ the Showground
Mount Warning Tours
Relax onboard the newly launched Spirit of Wollumbin. A recently renovated passenger ferry that runs a variety of different cruises along the Tweed and Rous Rivers. It includes Heritage Cruises, Scenic Cruises, and Cocktail Cruises. For a full range of tours available see their web site @ Mount Warning Tours
Cruising on the Tweed River
Tweed Regional Gallery
One of the best regional Galleries we have been to. Boasting a fantastic cafe with panoramic views of the beautifully Murwillumbah countryside. There are some magnificent paintings on display. It also houses the works of world-renowned artist Margaret Olly, including a replica of her house and studio.
The Tweed Regional Art Gallery
World Heritage Rainforest Information Centre
An amazing Information centre, complete with a Gift Shop. Also home to the Caldera Art Gallery which hosts a range of paintings from local artists. It features a 20 metre long, 360 degree painting of the Tweed caldera. Depicted as if you were standing on the summit of Mount Warning.
360 Degree painting of the Caldera
Wollumbin-Mount Warning National Park & Natural Bridge
Wollumbin-Mount Warning National Park is the location of the famous Mount Warning. The peak of Mount Warning also lays claim to being the first place in Australia to see the Sunrise. It is well worth the effort to climb it, but be warned it is not for the faint-hearted. At 1156m it can take over 3 hours to climb one way, and best done before lunchtime. Natural Bridge in nearby Springbrook National Park is also another amazing natural feature of the area, with a stunning waterfall dropping into a natural underground cave featuring glow worms.
Natural Bridge
Where to Stay
Murwillumbah Showground
Murwillumbah Showground is a pet-friendly, huge, grassy area where motor homes, caravans, and others can park. Tourists can spend the night with facilities that can be used for the enjoyment of the campers throughout their stay.
Greenhills Caravan Park at Murwillumbah is a very quiet park. Set on landscaped grounds with many shady areas to choose from and, close to many great places of interest.
Located right at the foot of Mt. Warning, you will surely be the first to see the sunrise in Australia. Offering accommodation options that will suit everyone’s needs.
Camping on a large area and creek frontage are just a few of the advantages you get in staying. With different activities to choose from, one will truly experience unique camping.
