Tumbulgum NSW: Things to Do, Local Guide + Where to Stay

by | New South Wales, Accommodation, Australia, Distilleries, Featured, Travel, Travel Tips

Village of Tumbulgum NSW

Tumbulgum is a small riverside village in the Tweed Valley of Northern NSW, sitting where the Rous and Tweed Rivers meet. With Wollumbin rising behind the surrounding cane fields and farmland, it’s one of the prettiest villages in the region.

Pronounced Tum-Bowl-Gum, Tumbulgum was originally known as Tweed Junction, a reference to its position at the meeting of the two rivers. The village has a long history, but today it’s the combination of river life, heritage buildings, country scenery and good places to eat that makes it worth stopping for.

There are plenty of things to do in Tumbulgum without needing a packed itinerary. You can walk along the river, explore the village’s history, have lunch overlooking the Tweed, get out on the water or visit nearby Husk Farm Distillery.

Tumbulgum also makes an easy addition to a wider Tweed Valley trip. Murwillumbah is only a short drive away, and the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, Condong and the surrounding villages give you plenty of reasons to spend more than a few hours in this part of Northern NSW.

What's to do in Tumbulgum?

Explore Tumbulgum’s Riverfront

The river is at the heart of life in Tumbulgum. Fishing, boating, kayaking, jet skiing and wakeboarding are popular, while the grassy riverbank is an easy place to stop for a picnic and watch what’s happening on the water.

The public jetty and boat ramp are used by locals and visitors heading out onto the Tweed River, and you’ll often see plenty of activity here on weekends and during the warmer months. Tumbulgum also has a strong recreational fishing community, with the local fishing club part of village life.

Faith Bandler Park sits opposite the Tumbulgum Tavern, while Junction Park on Government Road has a children’s playground, open space and public toilets.

One of the nicest things to do is simply walk along Riverside Drive, taking in the river, historic buildings and views towards Wollumbin and the surrounding ranges.

Look for Tumbulgum’s Flood Markers

As you explore the village, look for the flood-height markers showing just how high the Tweed River has risen during major floods.

They’re a striking reminder of Tumbulgum’s relationship with the river. The same waterways that make the village such a beautiful place to live and visit have also caused devastating floods over the generations.

The 2022 flood had an enormous impact on Tumbulgum, inundating homes, businesses and community facilities. The village has undergone considerable rebuilding and recovery since then, including the redevelopment of Tumbulgum Public School and more recent improvements to community facilities.

Standing beside the flood markers gives you a very different perspective on what the village has experienced — it’s difficult to comprehend the height of the water until you see it for yourself.

Photograph Wollumbin and the Tweed River

Tumbulgum is particularly beautiful towards the end of the day, when the light changes over the river, cane fields and Wollumbin.

Riverside Drive is one of my favourite places for photos, particularly around sunset. Historic buildings, boats on the river, birdlife and the surrounding rural landscape all make good subjects.

Wollumbin is an Aboriginal Place of great cultural significance to the Bundjalung Nation. The Wollumbin summit walking track is currently closed, so check the latest information from NSW National Parks before planning a visit to the national park.​

Tumbulgum Island

Near the bridge connecting Tumbulgum with North Tumbulgum, a small sandy island sits in the Tweed River and has long been a familiar part of the local river scene.

Depending on river levels and conditions, you’ll often see kayakers, fishers and boats around this stretch of the river. In the warmer months, I often see parents with young children playing on the sandy island and enjoying the shallow water around its edge.

It’s also a lovely spot to photograph from the Tumbulgum riverbank or bridge, with surrounding farmland and Wollumbin providing the backdrop.

The size, shape and accessibility of the island can change after floods and periods of high river flow. As this is a natural river environment rather than a patrolled swimming area, always consider current conditions and supervise children closely around the water.

Where is Tumbulgum?

Tumbulgum is in the Tweed Valley of Northern NSW, around 20 minutes from Gold Coast Airport, 15 minutes from Murwillumbah and approximately 1 hour 20 minutes south of Brisbane. Byron Bay is around 40 minutes to the south, making Tumbulgum an easy stop if you’re travelling between Queensland and the Northern Rivers.

The village is just a short detour from the Pacific Motorway, yet once you arrive beside the Tweed River it feels a world away from the highway.

Tumbulgum is an easy day trip from the Gold Coast or Brisbane, but it’s also a lovely place to slow down for a night or two. Combine your visit with Murwillumbah, Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre, Northern Rivers Rail Trail and other small Tweed Valley villages for a relaxed weekend exploring the region.

You’ll often see cyclists and motorbike riders stopping in Tumbulgum for coffee or lunch, while the riverside setting makes it equally appealing for families, couples and anyone looking for a quieter alternative to the coast.

Map showing Tumbulgum NSW in the Tweed Valley and access via Tweed Valley Way

Tumbulgum Village Today

Tumbulgum is a small village, so don’t arrive expecting a long main street filled with shops. Today, the main shopfront businesses are the Tumbulgum General Store, Post Office & Café, Tumbulgum Tavern and House of Gabriel.

The village has a strong community feel. Tumbulgum Hall hosts activities such as dance classes, yoga, wellness sessions and community events throughout the year. Beside the hall you’ll find the children’s playground, park and public toilets, making this a convenient spot for families stopping in the village.

Other local facilities include the Rangers football field and the redeveloped Tumbulgum Public School, which was rebuilt following the devastating floods and is once again an important part of village life.

Although there are only a handful of commercial shopfronts, Tumbulgum is home to many small and home-based businesses, including hairdressing, personal training, building and construction, mechanical services, property maintenance and lawn care.

North Tumbulgum

Cross the bridge over the Tweed River and you’re in North Tumbulgum, a small rural community on the opposite side of the river. Here you’ll find a Pilates studio incorporating a small art gallery, which can be visited by appointment, as well as the local Seventh-day Adventist Church.

The bridge also gives you another perspective of the Tweed River and shows just how closely Tumbulgum’s story is connected to the water.

Wake boarding in Tumbulgum

Where to Stay in Tumbulgum

Accommodation in Tumbulgum itself is limited, with a small number of holiday homes and private stays in and around the village. These are particularly popular with families, wedding parties and groups visiting for celebrations, festivals and local events.

Another good reason to stay in Tumbulgum is Husk Farm Distillery. It’s within walking distance of the village, so you can enjoy a long lunch, tasting or a cocktail or two without needing to get back behind the wheel afterwards.

The Belle Riverhouse – Great for Groups

One Tumbulgum property worth considering is The Belle Riverhouse, a beautifully renovated 100-year-old home overlooking the Tweed River.

With six bedrooms, five bathrooms and accommodation for up to 16 guests, it’s particularly well suited to extended families, groups of friends, wedding parties and groups visiting Husk. The large wrap-around verandah overlooks the river and there’s plenty of space to spread out.

The location is another advantage. The Belle is in the village, close to the boat ramp, House of Gabriel, Tumbulgum Tavern and General Store, while Husk Farm Distillery is around 600 metres away.

Riviera Palms – Riverside Stay for Families and Groups

Another excellent option for families and groups is Riviera Palms, a large five-bedroom home on Riverside Drive overlooking the Tweed River.

The house accommodates up to 10 guests and has spacious living areas, a large covered deck and backyard with beautiful river and Wollumbin views. Its location is particularly convenient – Tumbulgum Tavern is only a few doors away, while House of Gabriel, the General Store and Husk Farm Distillery are all within walking distance.

Riviera Palms is a good choice for extended families, groups of friends and visitors coming to the Tweed Valley for weddings and other celebrations.

Imperial Hotel Murwillumbah – Good for Wedding and Event Guests

If you’re travelling to Tumbulgum for a wedding, celebration or event and need several rooms, the Imperial Hotel in Murwillumbah is another option worth considering.

We used the Imperial when my son was married in Tumbulgum and held his wedding celebration at Tumbulgum Community Hall. A number of our family and wedding guests stayed at the hotel and carpooled to and from Tumbulgum, which worked well for a larger group.

The historic Art Deco hotel has been extensively renovated, and the accommodation rooms have their own private ensuites.

One thing we particularly liked was that by the time everyone returned from the wedding, the downstairs pub had closed and the accommodation upstairs was peaceful. Of course, I’d keep in mind that this can vary depending on what’s happening at the hotel on the night.

Its central Murwillumbah location also puts guests within walking distance of cafés, shops and other places to eat the following morning.

Tip: If you’re organising a Tumbulgum wedding or group event, ask the Imperial about group accommodation rates. The hotel currently offers discounts for group bookings.

accommodation in Tumbulgum NSW

Stay in Terranora – Convenient for Gold Coast Airport

Terranora is another area worth considering if you’re visiting Tumbulgum but would prefer to stay closer to Gold Coast Airport.

A self-contained apartment here can work particularly well for couples or families flying into the Gold Coast who want more space than a hotel room while still being within easy driving distance of Tumbulgum and the Tweed Valley.

Terranora also puts you in a convenient position for Tweed Heads and the coast, making it a good choice if your trip combines a Tumbulgum wedding, celebration or visit to Husk Farm Distillery with time at the beach.

Jodha Bai Retreat – Luxury Stay Near Gold Coast Airport

For something more luxurious, Jodha Bai Retreat in Terranora is a good option for adults visiting Tumbulgum who also want to stay closer to Gold Coast Airport.

This adults-only boutique retreat offers individually styled rooms with private bathrooms, along with views across the surrounding countryside and towards the coast. It’s particularly well suited to couples attending a wedding or celebration in Tumbulgum who would prefer a quieter, more indulgent stay.

Its Terranora location also makes it convenient if you’re flying through Gold Coast Airport, while Tumbulgum and the wider Tweed Valley remain within easy driving distance.

 

More Accommodation Near Tumbulgum

If accommodation in Tumbulgum is booked out, or you’d prefer to stay closer to the coast or Murwillumbah, there are plenty of alternatives within an easy drive.

  • Murwillumbah – a good base for exploring the Tweed hinterland, Northern Rivers Rail Trail and Tweed Regional Gallery.
  • Kingscliff – ideal for combining the Tweed Valley with a beach stay, restaurants and cafés.
  • Cabarita Beach – a smaller coastal option with a beautiful beach and easy access back into the Tweed Valley.
  • Tweed Heads – offers a wider choice of hotels and apartments and is particularly convenient for Gold Coast Airport.

Staying for a night or two gives you time to explore beyond Tumbulgum, combining the village with Murwillumbah, the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, Tweed Regional Gallery and the surrounding Tweed Valley.

Looking for somewhere else? Use the accommodation search below to compare current prices and availability across the Tweed Valley.

Stay on a Houseboat on the Tweed River

For a completely different way to experience Tumbulgum, consider hiring a houseboat and making the Tweed River your accommodation.

We’ve done a Tweed River houseboat holiday a couple of times and loved the freedom of cruising the river in both directions from Tumbulgum. It’s a wonderfully relaxing way to see the valley, passing farmland, cane fields and quiet stretches of river that you don’t experience from the road.

Tumbulgum is also a great place to stop along the way. We would anchor nearby and take the dinghy into the village whenever we felt like a coffee, lunch, dinner or a drink at the pub.

Berger Houseboat Holidays operates houseboats on the Tweed River in a range of sizes, from boats for couples through to larger vessels for families and groups. No boat licence or previous boating experience is required, with training provided before departure.

The houseboats can’t tie up at Tumbulgum’s public jetty, so you use the tender or dinghy to come ashore — all part of the houseboat experience.

Tip: Allow time to explore both directions from Tumbulgum rather than treating the village simply as somewhere to stop. The river itself is one of the highlights of the holiday.

Pet-Friendly Accommodation Near Tumbulgum

Travelling with your dog? You’ll find a selection of pet-friendly accommodation around Tumbulgum and the Tweed Valley, from country cottages and farm stays to holiday homes near the coast.

It’s worth widening your search to Murwillumbah, Kingscliff, Cabarita Beach and the surrounding Tweed hinterland, particularly if you’re looking for a fenced yard or more space for your dog.

Pet policies vary considerably between properties, so always check whether there are restrictions on the number, size or type of pets before booking.

Where to Eat in Tumbulgum and Husk Distillers

Tumbulgum Tavern – The Historic ‘Tumby’

Sitting directly opposite the Tweed River, Tumbulgum Tavern is one of the village’s best-known landmarks. Known locally as ‘The Tumby’, it was established in 1887 as the Metropolitan Hotel and is the oldest licensed pub in the Tweed.

The Tumby is still very much a local meeting place. Residents regularly catch up here for a drink, and one corner of the main bar is a favourite gathering spot for regulars and pool-playing enthusiasts. There’s also a small, discreet poker machine room tucked away near the main entrance rather than dominating the pub.

For visitors, there’s indoor and outdoor dining, river views, a children’s playground, regular live music and classic pub meals. On weekends you’ll often see families, cyclists and motorbike riders joining the locals for lunch or a drink outside with views of the river.

One of my favourite pieces of Tumbulgum folklore is the story of the enormous groper caught in the Tweed River.

Look around the Tavern and you’ll find a picture commemorating the legendary 362 kg (800 lb) fish. The story goes that local Joe Ostram had a blacksmith make an enormous hook, which he baited before using a 44-gallon drum as a float and a bag of rocks as an anchor. The fish was said to be so large that Joe could sit inside its mouth.

It’s one of those wonderfully eccentric local stories that has become part of Tumbulgum’s history.

Tip: Book a table overlooking the river if you can. It’s a lovely spot for lunch, dinner or an afternoon drink after exploring the village.

Picnic beside the Tweed River in Tumbulgum NSW

​House of Gabriel

Overlooking the Tweed River and Tumbulgum public jetty, House of Gabriel occupies one of the village’s most recognisable heritage buildings. Dating from 1913, the building was once home to P.J. Wright Bakery & Confectioner and today is a licensed riverside café and restaurant.

Lee Kurnell and his wife Joanne took over House of Gabriel in 2015 and have continued to make it an important part of Tumbulgum’s food and social scene.

It’s a lovely spot for breakfast or lunch overlooking the river, but House of Gabriel is also particularly popular for high teas, birthdays, family gatherings, celebrations and special occasions. The beautiful riverside setting and historic building also make it a popular venue for weddings and private functions.

You’ll find a small selection of locally made jams, chutneys and preserves, with fresh local produce sometimes available.

If you’re visiting Tumbulgum for the day, House of Gabriel is one of the village’s best places to have a coffee, lunch and take in village life.

Tip: High teas and special celebrations are popular, so I’d recommend booking ahead rather than leaving it until you arrive.

Tumbulgum General Store, Post Office & Café

Opposite the boat ramp, the Tumbulgum General Store, Post Office and café is one of the village’s few remaining shopfront businesses and an important part of everyday life in Tumbulgum.

The character-filled general store stocks everyday essentials such as milk, bread, ice, snacks and other basics, while the Australia Post counter and local post boxes provide an important service for the community. Tumbulgum doesn’t have regular street mail delivery, so many residents still collect their mail from the Post Office — one of those small reminders that this is very much a country village.

The café is run by Nicola Kendall, known locally as The Blonde Baker, who has been part of Tumbulgum’s food scene for many years. Stop in for a coffee or something to eat, pick up a few supplies, or simply have a chat and catch up on what’s happening around the village.

Its position near the Tweed River, public jetty and boat ramp makes it a popular stop for locals, visitors, cyclists and people heading out on the water.

For current opening hours and what’s available, check before visiting, particularly on weekends and public holidays.

Tumbulgum Community Hall

Built in 1913 as the Tumbulgum Literary Institute, Tumbulgum Community Hall sits at the southern end of the village beside the Tweed River. It’s an important stop on the Tumbulgum Heritage Trail, with an interpretive sign outside explaining the building’s history.

In 2026, the hall underwent a major upgrade inside and out, improving the facilities while carefully retaining the character and heritage of the original building.

More than a century after it opened, the hall remains very much part of village life. It’s used for dance classes, yoga and wellness activities, weddings, celebrations, community events, meetings and other local activities throughout the year.

The hall sits beside the village park and children’s playground, with public toilets nearby, making this part of Tumbulgum particularly useful for families visiting the village.

Owned by Tweed Shire Council and managed locally, the hall continues to be one of Tumbulgum’s most valued community facilities.

Tumbulgum Hall, the historic 1913 community hall in Tumbulgum NSW

Walk the Tumbulgum Heritage Trail

One of the best ways to understand Tumbulgum is to follow the Tumbulgum Heritage Trail, a self-guided walk through the village and North Tumbulgum.

Established in 2013 by the Tumbulgum community in conjunction with Tweed Shire Council, the trail includes a series of interpretive signs sharing stories and photographs from the village’s past. Most of the village section is flat and easy to walk, and you can allow around 30–60 minutes, depending on how often you stop.

The trail explores Tumbulgum’s early settlement, river trade and community life and helps explain why the Tweed and Rous Rivers have always been so important to the village.

Historic Buildings Along the Trail

Several buildings along the Tumbulgum Heritage Trail have been given a new life as private homes. These include the former St Mark’s Presbyterian Church, St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Little Flower School and Convent, and the former Tumbulgum Police Station.

Although their purpose has changed, the buildings remain part of Tumbulgum’s streetscape and show how the village has evolved over the generations.

As you follow the trail, remember that several of these historic buildings are now private residences and should be viewed from the street.

Continue the Heritage Trail in North Tumbulgum

Cross the Tweed River into North Tumbulgum and you’ll find two more heritage sites – Bluey Hill Park and Tumbulgum Historic Cemetery.

At Bluey Hill Park, a monument commemorates Tumbulgum’s 150th anniversary as a European settlement, celebrated in 2016, and marks the area associated with the original settlement.

Another heritage sign recalls the 1927 royal visit to the Tweed by the Duke and Duchess of York, who later became King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. Their Australian tour included the official opening of Parliament House in Canberra, and their visit to the Tweed remains an interesting part of the region’s history.

The sign near the bridge also records the connection with nearby Stotts Island, adding another story to discover as you follow Tumbulgum’s Heritage Trail.

Near the site of the original Tumbulgum settlement, the Tumbulgum Seventh-day Adventist Church remains an active place of worship.

Tumbulgum Historic Cemetery

Hidden among the trees in North Tumbulgum, the Tumbulgum Historic Cemetery is one of the most interesting stops on the heritage trail.

Dating from the late 19th century, the cemetery is the resting place of many of the Tweed Valley’s early settlers and pioneering families. Reading the old headstones gives you a very different perspective on life in the district and the hardships faced by earlier generations.

Many descendants of these pioneering families still live in the Tweed Valley today, adding another layer to Tumbulgum’s connection with its past.

The cemetery has a bushland setting, so wear suitable shoes and take water, a hat, sunscreen and insect repellent.

Tip: Look for the Heritage Trail map displayed at Tumbulgum Community Hall or pick up the map from the Post Office before setting out.

Visit Husk Farm Distillery

Just across the Tweed River in North Tumbulgum, Husk Farm Distillery has become one of the Tweed Valley’s best-known food, drink and live music destinations and a major reason to visit Tumbulgum.

Husk began in 2012 when Paul Messenger, his wife Mandy and their three daughters established a small distillery in a farm shed on their 150-acre cattle and sugar cane property. What started as an idea to produce rum from freshly crushed sugar cane has grown into an impressive working farm distillery, home to Husk Rum and the distinctive colour-changing Ink Gin.

Today, there’s much more to a visit than simply tasting spirits.

You can book a distillery tour and tasting, or Rail Trail E-Bike Ride, Husk Distillery Tour Tasting & Lunch and settle in for casual food and cocktails on The Lawn, or visit the Cellar Door for tasting flights, cocktails, locally produced spirits and Happy Hour.

One of the things that makes Husk particularly interesting is its farm-to-bottle approach. Sugar cane is grown on the property, harvested and crushed before being fermented, distilled, matured and bottled on the farm. Visitors interested in the process can book a behind-the-scenes tour, including an experience that follows the journey from cutting and crushing sugar cane through to tasting the finished rum.

The farm setting also makes Husk popular for long lunches, hens and bucks celebrations, birthdays, anniversaries, group gatherings and events, so booking ahead is a good idea, particularly on weekends and during holiday periods.

Getting to Husk Farm Distillery

Husk Farm Distillery is in North Tumbulgum, just across the Tweed River from Tumbulgum village.

If you’re driving from the M1, take the Tweed Valley Way exit towards Murwillumbah, then take the first Tumbulgum exit. Drive through the village and across the bridge to North Tumbulgum. Take the first right after crossing the bridge and you’ll find Husk Farm Distillery on the left.

Husk is around 20 minutes from Gold Coast Airport, 45 minutes from Byron Bay and approximately 1.5 hours from Brisbane.

If you’re staying in Tumbulgum, you may not need the car at all. Husk is within walking distance of the village, which is particularly handy if you’re planning a long lunch, spirit tasting or a couple of cocktails. It’s also one of the reasons local accommodation can be popular with groups visiting Husk.

Tip: If this is your first visit, allow enough time for a tour or tasting followed by lunch rather than treating Husk as a quick stop.

Try an Ink Gin Cocktail

If you take home a bottle of Ink Gin or Husk Rum, Husk also shares cocktail and drink ideas for recreating some of its flavours at home. The naturally coloured Ink Gin changes from deep blue to pink when mixed with tonic, lemon or lime, making even a simple gin and tonic a little more interesting.

You can find more Ink Gin and Husk Rum cocktail ideas on the Husk Farm Distillery website.

Travelling With Your Dog?

Husk Farm Distillery has a designated dog-friendly outdoor area, subject to weather conditions. Dogs need to remain within the designated area and visitors are asked to follow Husk’s Tilly’s Barking Lot rules.

If you’re planning to bring your dog, check Husk’s current dog-friendly policy before visiting, particularly if the weather looks uncertain.

 

Explore More of the Tweed Valley

Tumbulgum is a great starting point for exploring more of the Tweed Valley. Within a short drive you’ll find country towns, small villages, the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, rainforest and some of the Northern Rivers’ best beaches.

Murwillumbah

Just a short drive from Tumbulgum, Murwillumbah is well worth adding to your visit. Explore the town centre, stop for coffee or lunch, visit the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre and discover more of the surrounding Tweed hinterland.

Northern Rivers Rail Trail

The Northern Rivers Rail Trail has become one of the region’s major attractions. The Tweed section runs through beautiful countryside and small villages and is an easy addition to a weekend based around Tumbulgum and Murwillumbah.

Read my Burringbar NSW Visitors Guide for more ideas on exploring Burringbar and this part of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.

Condong

Between Tumbulgum and Murwillumbah, Condong has played an important part in the Tweed Valley’s sugar-growing history. If you’re interested in the area’s farming and industrial heritage, read my Condong Sugar Mill guide and learn more about this historic part of the Tweed Valley.

Uki

The small village of Uki, beneath Wollumbin, is another easy drive from Tumbulgum. It’s a lovely addition to a day exploring the Tweed hinterland, with cafés, local markets, galleries and beautiful surrounding countryside.

If you’re heading towards Uki, you may also enjoy my guide to Unicorn Falls in Mount Jerusalem National Park, which includes more about Uki and the surrounding area.

Head to the Coast

If you want to combine the hinterland with the beach, Kingscliff and Cabarita Beach are both within easy reach. Brunswick Heads is a little further south and makes another worthwhile stop if you’re continuing your Northern Rivers road trip.

A Great Base for Exploring the Tweed and Gold Coast

One of Tumbulgum’s advantages is its location. Despite its quiet rural setting, you’re within easy reach of the Tweed Coast, Gold Coast Airport, Murwillumbah, Tweed Heads and the Gold Coast, while Byron Bay is around 40–45 minutes to the south.

Gold Coast Airport is approximately 20 minutes away, making Tumbulgum particularly convenient for interstate visitors flying into the region. Hiring a car at the airport gives you the freedom to explore the Tweed Valley, Northern Rivers Rail Trail, hinterland villages and beaches at your own pace.

From Tumbulgum, you can easily spend the morning exploring Murwillumbah or the Rail Trail and be at Kingscliff, Cabarita Beach or Coolangatta later in the day.

Hiring a Car at Gold Coast Airport

If you’re flying into Gold Coast Airport, compare current car hire prices before you arrive. Booking ahead can also give you a better choice of vehicles, particularly during school holidays and busy event periods.

Tip: Don’t underestimate how much there is to see inland. The beaches are close, but some of the best Tweed Valley experiences are found around Tumbulgum, Murwillumbah, Burringbar and the surrounding countryside.

Visit M|Arts Precinct in Murwillumbah

Around 15 minutes from Tumbulgum, M|Arts Precinct is another good reason to spend some time in Murwillumbah while exploring the Tweed Valley.

Behind its Art Deco façade you’ll find an evolving creative precinct filled with artists’ studios, micro galleries and makers working from cleverly converted shipping containers within the old industrial warehouse. You can meet local artists, watch some of them at work and buy ceramics, jewellery, paintings and other locally made pieces directly from the makers.

M|Arts has grown well beyond an arts space, with food outlets, a café and bar, restaurants, creative retailers, workshops, events and the historic Regent Cinema now forming part of the precinct.

It’s an easy place to combine art with coffee or lunch before exploring more of Murwillumbah.

Planning to spend more time nearby? Read my Murwillumbah guide for more things to see and do, places to eat and ideas for exploring the surrounding Tweed Valley.

Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre

A short drive from Tumbulgum, the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre is one of the Tweed Valley’s standout cultural attractions.

The gallery sits just outside Murwillumbah on the way towards Burringbar and close to the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, making it an easy stop to include when exploring this part of the Tweed Valley.

The gallery hosts a changing program of exhibitions, but it’s also worth visiting for its spectacular position overlooking the Tweed Valley and Wollumbin.

The Margaret Olley Art Centre (MOAC) celebrates one of Australia’s most admired painters. After Olley’s death in 2011, thousands of objects from her Paddington home and studio in Sydney were carefully documented and transported to Murwillumbah.

Rooms including the famous Hat Factory and Yellow Room have been recreated within the gallery, complete with furniture, artworks, books, ceramics and many of the everyday objects that appeared in Olley’s paintings.

If you’re planning to ride or explore the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, the gallery works particularly well as part of the same day. Continue towards Burringbar afterwards, or spend some time exploring Murwillumbah before returning to Tumbulgum.

 

Final Thoughts on Visiting Tumbulgum NSW

Tumbulgum may be small, but that’s a big part of its appeal. The Tweed and Rous Rivers, views towards Wollumbin, historic buildings and surrounding cane fields give the village a character that’s becoming harder to find along the busy east coast.

Take your time here. Walk the Heritage Trail, have lunch beside the river, visit Husk Farm Distillery, stop for a coffee or simply find a spot along the riverbank and watch village life go by.

And don’t stop at Tumbulgum. Murwillumbah, the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, Burringbar, Tweed Regional Gallery and the beaches of the Tweed Coast are all close enough to combine into a few days exploring this beautiful part of Northern NSW.

Continue Exploring the Tweed Valley

If you’re spending more time in the region, these Progressive Traveller guides will help you plan your stay:

Have You Visited Tumbulgum?

I’d love to hear what you enjoyed about Tumbulgum. If you’ve discovered somewhere I’ve missed or have a favourite local experience, leave a comment below.

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Hi! I’m Donna, an Australian, who has become a global traveller after quitting my career in corporate health to see the world and write about it. This new career move has taken me to over 50+ countries, where I have met new friends and discover more about how others live. I invite you to travel with me and discover more.

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