Experience the attractions of the Tweed Shire
- Written by Louise Terry
It's not just the fresh air and green spaces of the Tweed that await regional travellers within New South Wales from 1 June - also on offer are a host of inspired experiences ready to welcome visitors back for a well-deserved getaway.
There are new places to rest your head and fresh ways to sample the best of our regional flavours.
From luxury stays at a coffee plantation, eco retreat or flourishing vineyard to exclusive experiences at Australia's best Regional Restaurant and bespoke moments in a coveted gin distillery, the Tweed in northern NSW is the place to be as we emerge from NSW holiday hibernation.
Read on for the latest news on just a few Tweed experiences to energise your (imminent!) NSW holiday plans.
Wake up and smell the coffee!
Origin House, Wirui Estate - Carool
Perched up high in the lush hills of inland Carool, just 25 min drive from Tweed Heads, the newly opened Origin House takes its name from the single origin coffee grown and produced at the surrounding plantation, Wirui Estate.
Overlooking the coffee plantation, and with views out to the Pacific Ocean, Origin House is a contemporary architect-designed house inviting couples to unwind and reconnect or families to take some time away from home and school.
Owner Zeta Grealy, the namesake of the estate's Zeta's Coffee, has decades of experience in the coffee industry and added Origin House to the blend to share the plantation's restorative peace with visitors, who can also learn how the sub-tropical, sustainably-grown coffee evolves from bean to cup.
On arrival at the light-filled house, a care package of local tastes awaits from some of the Tweed's artisan producers, as well as breakfast for the next morning. Naturally, coffee is also close at hand throughout this country escape that is just perfect for a holiday reset.
See more at zetascoffee.com.au
Stretch out and drink in.
Summergrove Estate - Carool
Sounding like a sweet breath of fresh Tweed air, stunning Summergrove Estate in Carool, typically a weddings only venue, has announced it will now open its doors to holiday-makers too, with cosy overnight stays in boutique villas designed for optimum rest and satisfying picnics of cheese, wine and sunshine.
The Estate's flourishing vineyard, olive groves and citrus trees provide a calm backdrop to the laid-back picnic bounty, which features a range of hand-made cheeses and wines accompanied by expansive views of the green Tweed Valley and out to the coast.
It's a short amble from picnic rug to luxe villa where the scene for an idyllic wintry getaway is set, with comfy modish rooms that open to a double-sided fire place and soothing spa, and spacious country views to complete the exhale.
Bookings from 1 June for Summergrove's villas are open now at $350 for one night or $550 for two and the option of adding a sumptuous in-villa meal prepared by Head Chef Mathew Sawtell. Wine tastings with a cheese platter are also available for 1.5 hour sittings and bookings are essential.
More details and bookings via celebrate@summergrove.com.au
Views from infinity to beyond
La Rocher Eco Retreat
One of the Tweed's newest additions is La Rocher Eco Retreat, a small-scale valley escape with 4 free-standing luxury villas (all named after a wine variety!) that combine a compact footprint with resplendent views and cosy features.
A short drive from the Tweed country town of Uki, La Rocher's villas come with a double-sided log fireplace to keep you toasty both indoors and out - important given you'll no doubt want to be out on your private deck, breathing in crisp forest air as the sun sets warmly over nearby Wollumbin Mount Warning.
If not out on the deck taking in this majestic view, opt for the retreat's dreamy infinity pool, carved out amongst lush tropical gardens and embraced by verdant forest, providing unhindered vistas to the ancient ranges beyond.
Or simply drink it all in from the comfort and style of your very own villa, with its free-standing bath, super-comfy king bed and well-equipped kitchen for your own meal prep.
The kind folk at La Rocher Eco Retreat are offering a welcome back special with 25% savings on stays for bookings made by 30 June for getaways up to 30 September 2020.
More details at larocher.com
Dine and Learn at Australia's best Regional Restaurant
Pipit's Exclusive Experiences - Pottsville
It's time to get hands-on with all those virtual moments you've been inspired by recently and, to help, the team at Pottsville's Pipit, voted Australia's Regional Restaurant of the Year for 2020 (Good Food Guide Awards), have curated a truly immersive program of premium experien.
The main event is their Pipit After Hours, a private experience for up to 10 people that includes a set menu by celebrated chef and co-owner Ben Devlin, a behind-the-scenes tour of the Pipit kitchen and access to Ben and his skilled team to ask all your burning culinary questions.
Or opt to roll up the sleeves and ready for some new learnings with a range of eclectic and energised Dine and Learn packages on the menu.
Join the Pipit Wine Club for classes with Sommelier Aaron Wigg; sign up for the Currie Country Harvest for hands-on lessons into native foods, traditional fishing and pipi harvesting at Pottsville Beach; throw clay with a half day Grit Ceramics wheel class and take-home tableware package; learn food photography and styling with Sabine Bannard; book the kids in for a food sustainability class; or brainstorm ideas at the Pipit Business Incubator with Yen Trinh, co-owner of Pipit.
All experiences include a signature set menu.
See more at pipitrestaurant.com/pipit-extras
Have a gin-erous time in the Tweed
Husk Distillery Bespoke Experiences - Tumbulgum
Like many distillers, the creative team at Husk Distillery, in the Tweed riverside town of Tumbulgum, recently added in-demand hand sanitiser to their ever-popular pours of gin and rum - and now, they're celebrating the re-opening of Husk's cellar door with bespoke experiences that will be sure to lift spirits.
For starters, have the distillery to yourself! Book The Ultimate Husk Experience to revel in this once-off opportunity to explore and indulge in all things Husk. Learn about the distilling process in a behind-the-scenes tour, sip cocktails, taste the Husk range and balance it all with a chef-prepared 3-course lunch overlooking Husk's laid-back lawn, the Tweed River and iconic Wollumbin Mount Warning. The 2-hour experience is only available on weekends and costs $140 per person.
There's also the Tour & Picnic Package ($50 per person), including cocktail, distillery tour, tastings and cheese board goodness, or a Sip & Graze Session ($30 per person) including cocktail, cheese board and some fine time at the cellar door. Each package is for a maximum of an hour and a half and bookings are essential.
While it's back to almost business as usual at Husk as restrictions continue to ease, for those not able to visit in person just yet, you can still drink in some Husk inspiration from home with online events like the Ink Gin Cocktail Livestream session this Friday 29 May at 5pm - details at the Husk Distillers' Facebook page.
See more at huskdistillers.com/husk-experiences
