Eat & Drink | Top Eateries at Tumbulgum
Picturesque, historic and home to the creators of Ink Gin and Spiced Bam Bam Rum. Here’s a snapshot of the 5 Places to eat in Tumbulgum NSW. Head to any of these riverfront eateries, where fresh produce is sourced from local farmers and producers.
Where is Tumbulgum in Northern NSW?
Tumbulgum (pronounced Tum-Bowl-Gum) is located at the confluence of the Rous and Tweed Rivers; with magnificent views of the iconic and majestic ‘Wollumbin’ Mount Warning and surrounding Border Ranges.
It is 1 hour 20, south of Brisbane CBD, 20 minutes south of Gold Coast International Airport and less than an hour from Surfers Paradise Beach on the Gold Coast. The popular tourist destinations, Byron Bay is 40 minutes drive south of Tumbulgum.
Tumbulgum Tavern | Metropolitan Hotel
Tumbulgum Tavern is part of the history and folklore of the village. The pub was established in 1887 as the ‘Metropolitan Hotel’; it was the first unlicensed pub (grog shanty) and oldest pub operating in the Tweed.
The sprawling riverfront pub boasts an enormous bistro menu and $10 evening meals. Brimming with atmosphere, the Tumbulgum Tavern is the kind of community-minded pub where families are welcomed with open arms. With a shady beer garden, childrens outdoor playing area and an extensive kids’ menu, Tumbulgum’s longest standing pub is also one of the most family-friendly pubs in the region.
House of Gabriel | Licensed Restaurant
House of Gabriel Restaurant is a stunning two-story white building overlooking Tweed River and Tumbulgum public jetty. The restaurant is open for lunch (Wed – Sun) and hosts monthly dinners inspired by produce grown in the Tweed Valley. Lee Kurnell and wife Joanne expanded the business since purchasing the Tumbulgum café in 2015.
The owners pride themselves on the unique history and beauty of their 1913 venue. House of Gabriel was formally ‘PJ Wright Bakery & Confectioner’, however, today it has become a place to experience the little and big moments in life, from a catch-up over coffee, to celebrating a special occasion. The premium venue speaks for itself with such a beautiful outlook! It is easy to see why House of Gabriel is a favourite small wedding venue in Northern Rivers NSW.
On Friday nights, Lee cranks up the outdoor oven and creates delicious wood fired pizzas to take away or eat in. The riverside cafe is fully licensed with a gift shop of homemade preserves, clothing, fashion accessories, homewares and gorgeous knickknacks.
Birdwing Café & Curio’s
Stepping into the Birdwing Café is like walking back in time. The old-fashioned timber house café has a small courtyard overlooking the Tweed River which is suitable for four-legged fur-babies.
Upstairs, there are cosy corners surrounded by an eclectic mix of curios from a bygone era, new and second-hand books, art and bits and pieces for sale. The quirky café is warm in winter and air-conditioned in summer.
On the front steps marks the river levels from past floods and serves as a reminder of the devastating floods in 1954 and 2017. Birdwing is known for is generous servings of homemade desserts, delicious scones and homestyle dishes.
The Blonde Baker | Bakehouse | Coffee
Tumbulgum’s bakehouse coffee shop is the heartbeat of the small village. Nicola Kendall, the Blonde Baker is fighting the war on waste by reducing and eliminating disposable coffee cups by offering a discount to customers with reusable takeaway cups.
Nicola’s aim is to showcase the best quality coffee, tea and food in a friendly and relaxed environment. The menu changes regularly and includes a selection of cakes, raw treats, burgers, salads, pastries and artisan breads. The bakehouse has views of the Rous and Tweed Rivers and the houseboats and dinghies that bob-up and down on the water.
Husk Distillers | Local Distillery and Cellar Door Cafe
Husk Distillers creators of Ink Gin, Spiced Bam Bam Agricole Rum and Pure Cane opened their distillery and cellar door / cafe to the public in mid-2019.
A tiny farm-shed distillery was first established in 2012 on the 150-acre cane and cattle property at North Tumbulgum. Distiller Paul Messenger and wife Mandy and their three daughters have created a premium award-winning range of paddock to bottle Australian spirits. Husk’s alcoholic beverages are made from plantation sugar cane grown on their farm which overlooks the Tweed Valley.
Blue Gin
From the success of their floral infused Australian craft gin (Ink Gin), the business outgrew the 9m x 7m farm-shed distillery, and in late 2016 the new purpose-built gin and rum distillery building commenced. Husk Distillers are the proud owners of the first Forsyths copper pot still shipped from Scotland to Australia. The large copper pot still is the centrepiece of the new distillery and is affectionately named the “Fat Bastard.”
Husk Distillers craft spirits Ink Gin, Spiced Bam Bam Rum and Pure Cane Rum are available Online, Dan Murphys, leading liquor stores and duty-free from Australian International Airports.
River Cruise and Seafood Lunch
Mount Warning Tours offer a cruise along the Tweed River and seafood lunch at the end of the tour in one of the village eateries. For more information, contact Michael from Mount Warning Tours.
Bus Service | Transport
A return bus service is available from Tweed Heads to Murwillumbah. Bus 605 services Tweed Heads, Tweed City, Terranora, Tumbulgum, Condong and Murwillumbah.
Taxis and Uber services are available and limited. For those arriving by water, there are two public jetties; located opposite the Tumbulgum Tavern and General Store (near the boat ramp).
Gold Coast Beaches | International Airport
Tumbulgum is the most conveniently located rural village of the Tweed Shire. Within 20 minutes of Tumbulgum are the fabulous beaches of the Tweed Coast; Gold Coast Coolangatta International Airport and business centres of Murwillumbah and Tweed Heads.
Gold Coast Car Rentals
From the Gold Coast airport, you can easily rent a car at the terminal to make the short trip south. Tumbulgum is also a gateway to Byron Bay, less than 45 minutes south. Tumbulgum is a great starting point for exploration of the region and hinterland and beaches of the Gold Coast.
Your Feedback Is Important
As always, I’d really love to get your thoughts on this blog. Have you enjoyed a great meal at Tumbulgum? What’s your favourite food from one of the eateries in Tumbulgum?
If you haven’t eaten at Tumbulgum, you will be surprised how many places there are to eat there. It truly is a beautiful destination and perfect place for brunch, lunch, dinner or morning and afternoon tea.
Beware, everyone falls in love with Tumbulgum; you may even want to live there.
More Great Australian Holiday Ideas
- Things To Do and Stays At Tumbulgum
- Family Friendly Festivals in Australia
- Husk Distillers Cellar Door at Tumbulgum
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I am the Progressive Traveller. I've been travelling the world extensively since 2002. My website is full of travel stories, tips, recommendations, resources, offers for you to use and enjoy. Follow my journey on social media and travel the world with me. Happy days.
