A sizeable inland town just south of the Queensland border, which sits on the south eastern foothills of the McPherson Range in the Tweed Volcano valley.

Where is it?: Murwillumbah is 822 km north east of Sydney; 133 km south east of Brisbane; 31 km south west of Tweed Heads; 52 km north west of Byron Bay.

Events: The annual Tweed Banana Festival, the second oldest festival in Australia is staged in the town. In 2005, the festival celebrated its 50th anniversary.

Since 2002 an annual historic motor racing festival has been run through the streets of Murwillimbah, featuring a parade through town, a one kilometre hillclimb course, and connected events, attracting thousands of spectators. Modeled on the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Speed on Tweed was a highlight of the local calendar attracting cars and competitors from all over Australia and from Europe and North America. In September 2009 the event was held in conjunction with Rally Australia which has scheduled one special stage in Murwillumbah.

Rainforest Week is an annual event held in the early spring.

Things to see and do
Many of the buildings are Art Deco in style and there are cafes, clothes and antique shops in the town. Murwillumbah was nominated one of the top ten sea/tree change towns in Australia. Murwillumbah is the eighth town mentioned in the original Australia version of the song "I've Been Everywhere".

Murwillumbah is surrounded by sugarcane plantations, which is the major industry of the Tweed Valley. In fact, if visitors travel through the region at the right time of the year, they will see virtual walls of sugarcane on either side of the road. Dairying and bananas also contribute to the local economy.

World Heritage Rainforest Centre, located in Budd Park, is shared by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the local tourist information centre, making it a concenient stopping place for the visitor. Enquiries can be made here concerning houseboat hire, guided tours, accommodation, cruises and the area's gemstone fossicking.

Condong Sugar Mill (established in 1880) is located on the left-hand side of the Pacific Highway, 4 km north-east of Murwillumbah. From July to November visitors can view the sugarcane being processed. Inspections are for small groups and by prior arrangement (fully-covered shoes are essential). Ph: (02) 6670 1700.

Surrounding area

Natural Bridge, Springbrook National Park

Springbrook National Park: from Chillingham follow the Nerang Road through the Numinbah Valley. 4 km north of the Queensland border is the winding side road that leads to the Natural Arch. This geological phenomenon was essentially formed by lava from Mount Warning which has solidified into a cavern. However, erosion from the creek above has caused a huge hole to form in the roof of the cavern so that the water falls through the hole into a water pool below. The access road leads to a carpark in a delightful shady rainforest grove full of birdlife (eastern yellow robins, whipbirds, catbirds, wompoo pigeons and brush turkeys) and the burbling of the stream as it passes through the valley below.

Stott's Island Nature Reserve (13 km): provides an example of the lush lowland rainforest that covered the entire Tweed Valley prior to European settlement. There is a boat ramp. Opposite the reserve is Hogan's Park picnic area.

Cudgen Nature Reserve: Cudgen Lake is ideal for canoeing. Cudgen Mountain provides excellent views across the lake, the ocean and the hinterland.


Palmdale Stud: located in the Numinbah Valley 12 km from Murwillumbah, Palmdale Stud (aka Crystal Creek Miniatures) is a novel venture which features a series of real miniature animals (bulls, cows, mares etc). There is also a coffee shop, nursery and gift shop. Open daily; Ph: (02) 6679 1532.

Madura Tea Estates: at Australia's first commercial tea estate, inspections are possible but only by prior arrangement. Ph: (02) 6677 7215.