If you’re seeking eye-catching art …
The first – and perhaps most bucket-list-worthy – place you’re going to journey to is the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre. This renowned venue is found in the heart of Murwillumbah, and is home to a grand collection of exceptional art created by Margaret Olley, one of Australia’s most significant painters of still life. To celebrate the 100th anniversary of Margaret Olley’s birthday, the gallery is presenting three exclusive exhibitions in the Margaret Olley Art Centre this year (the current exhibition is called Margaret Olley: Far from a Still Life, and will run until Sunday October 8). Each exhibition is complemented by a dynamic program of events including masterclass painting workshops for adults, free school-holiday workshops for kids and the annual community picnic and artist paint out for the whole family. The Margaret Olley Centre also boasts a breathtaking permanent display in the form of a recreation of areas of Margaret’s famous home studio. The captivating recreation gives you a behind-the-scenes look into Margaret’s extensive artistic career and features original architectural elements such as windows and doors that were relocated from Margaret’s home studio at 48 Duxford Street in Paddington, Sydney. The interiors are filled with more than 20,000 items Margaret collected over many years as subject matter for her paintings.

If a visit to the gallery has you hungry for more art, make tracks to the nearby M|Arts Precinct, located just five minutes from the Tweed Regional Gallery. The precinct is jam-packed with creativity, and allows visitors to stop in at the studio shops of gifted artists, makers and jewellers, learn to paint or draw at a workshop run by artists and stock up on art supplies among many other things. Also found in Murwillumbah is the Small Works Gallery and Lundberg Gallery, or further out you can discover the Art Post Uki, a gallery space dedicated to showing the work of artists from Uki and surrounding areas.

If you’re keen to sip and snack …
Conveniently located inside the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre is Apex Dining, a fine-dining locale where you can perch after you’ve got your art fix. The mouth-watering menu of Asian-inspired delights, which is only made better with spectacular views of Wollumbin Mount Warning, spotlights top-notch produce from the region. You can indulge in a crispy Korean chicken salad made with vermicelli noodles, herbs, pickles, peanuts, fried shallots and nuoc cham dressing, the Apex banh–mi roll with sticky pork belly, cucumber, pickles, mayonnaise, coriander, chilli and lettuce served on a long bun, and roast cauliflower florets with lemongrass, turmeric and galangal curry sauce, coconut yoghurt, quinoa, almonds and dried fruit. Those seeking another unforgettable dining experience should look no further than Tweed River House, a magnificent manor nestled at the foothills of the winding Tweed Caldera in Murwillumbah. This Northern New South Wales gem boasts a sweeping panorama across tropical cane fields to the majestic Wollumbin and Border Ranges, setting the scene for leisurely long lunches. Small-but-mighty neighbourhood restaurant Bistro Livi also deserves a spot on your must-eat list, and can be found inside the art deco building of Murwillumbah’s M|Arts Precinct. The handiwork of a respected trio from Melbourne’s hospitality scene, this charming gastronomic wonder is serving up flavour-packed locally-inspired fare and world-class wines.

If you’re eager to keep adventuring …
The Tweed region boasts a rich history and the Tweed Regional Museum is the best place to uncover the spellbinding stories and colourful characters who lived them. The museum has a year-round program of must-see exhibitions and engaging events to check out, and a collection of more than 20,000 images and 15,000 objects that tell stories of the history and culture of the Tweed. Once you’ve filled your noggin with interesting facts and engrossing tales, it’s time to explore the region by foot or bike. The newly opened 24-km Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail offers a unique, all-abilities way to explore the region’s untouched beauty. The scenic section runs from Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek and weaves past landmarks like the Tweed Regional Gallery and the heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station, while crossing 18 historic railway bridges along the way. There are plenty of pretty rest stops nearby, so make sure to pack a picnic! If you’re visiting on the third Saturday of the month, take your tote bag and stroll on over to Makers & Finders Market in Knox Park in Murwillumbah. This jam-packed market is brimming with local produce, vintage treasures, handmade trinkets, arresting art and live tunes. Worked up a thirst? Hop in the car and venture to Husk Farm Distillery in North Tumbulgum to wet your whistle. It’s on this lush 150-acre family farm where Husk Rum and Ink Gin are created, and you can sip practically straight from the source! Sip crafted cocktails on the lawn, try a tasting paddle, indulge in a long lunch, or embark on a guided distillery tour, which finishes with a rum-tasting flight.

Plan your visit to The Tweed here.

Tweed Regional Gallery image credit: Kiff & Culture/The Tweed Tourism Company