Holiday houses in Hastings Point

The laid-back Tweed Coast occupies the northernmost 40 kilometres of the New South Wales coastline. At its heart, the small, low-rise seaside village of Hastings Point is nestled between the sparkling blue Pacific Ocean to the east and a serene estuary to the west. The ancestral home of the Bundjalung people, it’s an area of rich natural beauty, with a wonderfully low-key vibe. The safe, shallow mouth of the Cudgera Creek estuary is a popular swimming spot, particularly among families. With amenities including picnic tables and barbecue facilities, the foreshore park is a great base for a day by the water. A picturesque surf beach stretches from the northern head of the estuary to Norries Head at Cabarita Beach, nearly three kilometres to the north. Fringed by coastal scrubland, it’s the perfect setting for a leisurely beach walk, with great dining options at the other end.

There’s no bad time of the year to visit the subtropical shores of Hastings Point, where it’s warm enough to swim year-round. The balmiest months from October to April tend to be the busiest; book accommodation well ahead during school holidays. Time your visit for March to take in the Tweed Artisan Food Weekend, when culinary events are hosted around the region. During the winter months, the Hastings Point Lookout, on the southern head of the estuary, is a great place to spot whales as they migrate along Australia’s east coast between May and November. On the second and fourth Saturday of each month, you can also catch the Kingscliff Market, a 20-minute drive north of Hastings Point.

Culinary gems

The Tweed region has recently emerged as one of regional Australia’s most exciting culinary destinations. Hastings Point is located within a 10-minute drive of top restaurants in Pottsville to the south, and Cabarita Beach to the north. Foodies will also find a great retro burger joint and a small bar serving local spirits among nearby food and drink options, as well as three casual cafes right in Hastings Point.

Hinterland towns

The Tweed hinterland stretches west of Hastings Point to the rainforest-covered Border Ranges, some 50 kilometres away. Between the mountains and the sea is a lush valley dotted with farms and heritage towns. Just a few worth seeking out include Burringbar (20 kilometres), where you can visit a cheesemaker; Murwillumbah (27 kilometres), known for its superb regional art gallery; and Uki (39 kilometres), where the heritage-listed post office doubles as a coffee roastery.

Aboriginal history and culture

Overlooked by the sacred peak of Wollumbin (Mount Warning) west of Hastings Point, the Tweed has a rich Aboriginal history. To learn more, visit the Aboriginal-run cultural centre in Tweed Heads, 21 kilometres north. After viewing the museum exhibits, follow the walking track to see a bora ring — a sacred site traditionally used for men’s rites-of-passage ceremonies.