10 best free things to do in the Tweed with kids
Hit up the Northern Rivers Rail Trail on bikes, scooters or on foot. The kids love it - and it’s totally free!
Visiting the beautiful Tweed region? If you’ve got a few days to fill (and don’t want to spend a fortune), the Tweed’s got you covered.
The Tweed Shire is located in northern NSW, nestled between Byron Shire to the south and Queensland’s Gold Coast to the north. From creek dips to bike tracks and mountain views, there’s no shortage of free adventures for families. Winter to summer, there’s something for every season – and no need for a reason!
Local? Staycations are fun too. Enjoy the comforts of home but venture out to explore your own backyard.
If you’re a local looking to break the routine or visiting the beautiful Tweed region for the first (or thirteenth time), here are 10 of the best free things to do with kids in the Tweed. Enjoy!
1. Ride the Northern Rivers Rail Trail
The beauty of the Rail Trail is that you can do as little or as much as you want. If you're a family of bike enthusiasts, get amongst it and ride the whole thing. Or if your kids are littler (like mine are), scoot or stroll with the pram. The 24 km stretch from Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek is fairly flat and gorgeously scenic with many fun places to stop along the way.
I’d definitely recommend hitting the trail in the cooler months from April to October as it can get hot quickly. Otherwise, be an early bird and catch the sunrise or visit in the late afternoon. Keep an eye out for wildlife – it’s Australia’s version of a safari on wheels.
Local tip: Start at the trailhead at the old Murwilumbah Railway Station (great history on display here too) and stop at Stokers Siding for a snack break. Hosanna Farmstay is full of fun things for the kids!
Happy kids! Scooting along the Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.
2. Hit the beach
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to beaches along the Tweed Coast. Cabarita, Kingscliff, Fingal Head, Hastings Point – they’re all favourites. If you want a quiet spot, visit Pottsville or Wooyung at the southern end of the Tweed Coast. My personal faves!
The Tweed’s beaches are clean, breathtakingly beautiful and easy to access (and you rarely have to battle for a carpark).
Bring the boogie boards and surfboards, dig a few sandcastles and leave with salty, sandy memories.
Local tip: Head to Pottsville Beach for an early morning swim, then grab a post-dip coffee and delicious bite at Corner Stop Espresso Bar.
3. Cool off at the local creeks
Calm, clear and ridiculously pretty. Mooball Creek at Pottsville is ideal for swimming, snorkelling or floating around on a boogie board or SUP. The banks on the beach side are grassy – perfect for a picnic with a view.
Drop your floaty at one end and drift all the way down on the incoming tide – a delightful and free “lazy river” experience.
Cudgen Creek at Kingscliff is equally stunning and you might even spot dolphins if you’re lucky.
Hastings Point is a great family option with rock pools to explore as well as a tidal estuary. Two for the price of one (except it’s free)!
Local tip: Visit the creeks on the incoming tide for the best water clarity.
The crystal clear waters of Cudgera Creek at Hastings Point.
4. Cheap thrills at the Uki Mountain Bike Park
If you’ve got older kids who love fast-paced action, take them to the Uki Mountain Bike Park. It's got a great mix of beginner and intermediate tracks, plus it's surrounded by lush bushland and views of Wollumbin/Mount Warning. BYO bikes and sense of adventure.
Free to use and packed with fun for older kids who love dirt and speed. And the big kids too (thrill-seeking adults!)
Local tip: BYO bikes, helmets, food and water – there are limited facilities on site. It can get busy on the weekends so plan accordingly.
5. Walk the lookout at Cabarita Headland
It’s an easy climb with big rewards. The Cabarita Headland walk is short and sweet, with epic views of the coast and often a dolphin or two if you’re lucky. Sunrise or sunset? You really can’t go wrong. A real treat is whale season. Keep your eyes peeled for a flapping good show.
There’s stairs up to the headland, but not too many, so smaller kids can still do it (bring ear plugs if you’re kids are prone to whinging).
Local tip: Combine it with a beach play or grab fish and chips for a sunset picnic while watching the surfers rip it up.
6. Playgrounds, glorious playgrounds
Livvi’s Place at Goorimahbah at Tweed Heads is a highlight! A park for all ages and abilities, located at Jack Evans Boat Harbour.
Need to burn some energy? The Tweed’s full of great parks. Let the kids go wild (don’t forget to grab a coffee to give yourself the same buzz).
Here’s a short list to get you started, but you can find a full list on Tweed Shire Council’s website.
Knox Park (Murwillumbah) has a flying fox, playground, swings and scooter paths.
Goorimahbah (Tweed Heads) is an inclusive playground for all ages and abilities and has a flying fox, slides, towers, swings and more.
Recreation Ground (Tweed Heads) is a modern playground with swings, nature play with teepee, bouldering wall and a basketball key.
Fingal Foreshore Park (Fingal Head) is a newly upgraded playground with small kids’ playground and beach access.
Ambrose Brown Park (Pottsville) is a shady playground with swings, climbing wall, monkey bars, stepping stones, slides and more.
Local tip: Bring scooters or skateboards to Goorimahbah or Knox Park as they both have skate parks right next to the playgrounds. Pack a picnic and enjoy the outdoor vibes that the Tweed’s known for.
8. Tweed Regional Museum
The Tweed Regional Museum in Murwillumbah is surprisingly fun for kids, with displays about local history, quirky displays and interactive experiences. And don’t let the front fool you! Once you step inside, you’ll realise it’s much bigger than it appears.
Local tip: Check their websites for free kids' workshops or holiday activities.
Always fun to be had at the ever-changing exhibitions at the Tweed Regional Museum in Murwillumbah.
8. Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre
It’s culture, but fun for kids too. The nearby Tweed Regional Gallery (home of the Margaret Olley Art Centre) often has family-friendly exhibitions or interactive experiences, and there's plenty of room to run around outside.
Local tip: Check their websites for free kids' workshops or holiday activities. Enjoy coffee and morning tea at the glorious cafe onsite with epic views! Hit up the Gallery and the Museum on the same day!
9. Go for a rainforest walk
The Wollumbin National Park and surrounding trails offer short walks through lush rainforest – perfect for little explorers. Try the Lyrebird Track or Byrill Creek for a peaceful, nature-filled day.
Pack lots of water, snacks (allll the snacks) and lunch and of course, your sense of wonder.
Local tip: Bring mozzie spray and wear closed shoes. Check the website for any current alerts before heading out.
10. Chill out at local libraries
Aircon, storytime, puzzles and free Wi-Fi? Yes please. Richmond Tweed libraries are the ultimate low-key hangout for kids (and tired parents). With branches in Murwillumbah, Tweed Heads and Kingscliff, and the mobile library truck that visits Pottsville, Bogangar, Fingal Head and Tyalgum.
Libraries offer way more than just books. There’s free kids’ activities like Storytime and Baby Bounce and cosy kids’ corners with colouring, toys and space to play. Perfect for rainy days, school holidays or just a quiet afternoon out. Find your closest branch and events here.
Local tip: It’s free to join – just bring ID!
Endless fun in the Tweed (for free)
So there you go – ten family adventures that’ll get everyone out of the house without emptying your wallet. The Tweed’s packed with natural (and totally free) magic for families.
Got a favourite that’s not on this list? Let me know in the comments. Enjoy!
I’m Abby! I’m a freelance writer, copywriter and content writer living in the beautiful Tweed region. I help brands, businesses and organisations find the words to share their story, connect with customers and make an impact.
I have a passion for travel, sustainability and exploring the world with kids.
Need help with content? Get in touch via the contact form on my website or say hello at hello@abbywallace.com.au