Start your weekend with a sunrise surf at Kingscliff or Cabarita Beach, two of the most iconic surf breaks in The Tweed. With clean, consistent waves and stunning backdrops, both spots are perfect for pros and learners alike. It’s not uncommon to share your early session with dolphins, or to spot whales breaching offshore during migration season.
From July 22 to 27, Cabarita Beach will play host to the Australian Longboard Titles – the longest-running event on the Australian surfing calendar. With more than 300 competitors from across the country, this prestigious comp is a must-see for surf fans and beach lovers alike. Athletes from all six surfing states will battle it out for national titles, while the Open Men’s and Women’s divisions offer a pathway to the ISA World Longboard Championship and a coveted spot on The Irukandjis, Australia’s national surfing team. Whether you’re cheering from the sand or soaking up the atmosphere between heats, it’s a thrilling way to witness the very best in Australian longboarding.
Need gear? Local favourite Kingscliff Surf Shop offers expert advice and quality equipment, while Cabarita Surf Shop is your one-stop spot for boards, fins, wax and everything in between. If you prefer big brands, Rip Curl has you covered with stores in both Kingscliff and Casuarina. Travelling light? Hirehood will deliver surfboards, wetsuits, bikes and more straight to your accommodation.
Nothing pairs better with a morning surf than a strong coastal coffee. Brew & Bake in Kingscliff serves smooth espresso and flaky pastries, ideal for that first bite after hitting the waves. Just a short stroll away, The Salt Mill is beloved for its consistently great brews and relaxed seaside vibe.
In Cabarita Beach, Nectar caters to health-conscious surfers with a menu of delicious smoothies, acai bowls and fresh, nourishing eats. Or drop by Kartel Espresso where locals, tradies and beachgoers all gather for a morning caffeine hit in true laid-back Tweed style.
The Tweed’s food scene reflects its lifestyle – fresh, relaxed and full of flavour. For lunch, head inland to Farm & Co in Cudgen, where you’ll dine beside sunflower paddocks on hearty, farm-fresh meals made from ingredients grown onsite.
Come nightfall, Jordy’s Pizza in Casuarina is the go-to for naturally fermented dough and crowd-pleasing toppings. This casual yet cool pizza bar is a favourite for locals and surfers alike, perfect for winding down after a big day on the water.
Just around the corner, Lolita’s Cantina offers a taste of coastal Mexico with zingy tacos, punchy margaritas and vibrant share plates. It’s a lively spot near the Surfing Australia HQ, ideal for a post-surf fiesta with friends.
When the waves take a breather, explore the coastline by bike. With palm-fringed paths and easy access between beach villages, The Tweed is made for two-wheel adventures. Rent a cruiser and hit the scenic cycleways connecting Kingscliff, Casuarina and Cabarita Beach. Stop for a swim, a smoothie, or just soak up the views along the way.
After a sun-drenched day on the water, unwind with a cold drink and good company. Earth Beer Co in Cudgen serves up award-winning craft brews on a relaxed lawn, framed by farmland and mountain views. It’s the perfect place to stretch out, sip slowly and reflect on the day.
In Cabarita Beach, The Burrow is a cosy bar that’s perfect for relaxed drinks with friends. With live music and a neighbourly pizza joint next door, it’s a great spot to wind down.
For something special, make your way to Husk Farm Distillery, set among lush sugarcane fields in Tumbulgum. Home to Australia’s first paddock-to-bottle agricole rum and the much-loved Ink Gin, their cellar door and cocktail garden are not to be missed, with a backdrop of majestic Wollumbin Mt Warning.
For a sleep that’s as good as your surf session, The Tweed offers plenty of surf-friendly stays. Tasman Holiday Parks – North Star at Hastings Point is a long-time favourite for families, with cabin options and luxury villas just steps from the beach. For a unique experience, book a stay at the Surfing Australia High Performance Centre in Casuarina, chance to sleep where the pros train.
Whether you’re paddling out for the first time or chasing your next perfect wave, The Tweed is the ultimate coastal playground. With warm water, uncrowded breaks, and a vibrant community built around the surf, it’s a destination where life truly rolls with the tide. So pack your board – or just your curiosity – and discover why The Tweed is Australia’s surf capital, one swell at a time.
Australian Longboard Titles and Seas the Day are proudly supported by Tweed Shire Council.
Inspiration
We wish to acknowledge the Ngandowal and Minyungbal speaking people of the Bundjalung Country, in particular the Goodjinburra, Tul-gi-gin and Moorung – Moobah clans, as being the traditional owners and custodians of the land and waters within the Tweed Shire boundaries. We also acknowledge and respect the Tweed Aboriginal community’s right to speak for its Country and to care for its traditional Country in accordance with its lores, customs and traditions.
