Big news for our little corner of New South Wales. Lonely Planet has just named The Tweed in its Best in Travel 2027, and we're the only Australian destination on this year's global Top Destinations list.
It's one of those moments where you read the headline twice. Lonely Planet picks just 50 destinations and experiences from around the world each year, and only three places across all of Oceania made the Top Destinations cut. The Tweed is one of them.
For anyone who has spent a summer holiday with us, this probably isn't a shock. We've known for a long time that the stretch of coast between the Gold Coast and Byron Bay is something special. It's just nice to hear the rest of the world say it too.
Best in Travel is Lonely Planet's yearly list of the places its writers and editors can't stop thinking about. It's chosen by Lonely Planet's global community of travel experts and comes out ahead of the holiday planning season, so people can start dreaming up their trips for the year ahead.
This year's picks lean towards what travellers are asking for most right now. The chance to slow down, get away from the crowds and find experiences that actually mean something. That's pretty much a description of a week on The Tweed.
Best in Travel 2027: Oceania
Places
1. Dunedin & the Waitaki, New Zealand/Aotearoa
2. The Tweed, Australia
3. New Caledonia
The only other Australian pick this year is the Red Centre in the Northern Territory, which features on the Top Experiences list.
Lonely Planet called out the emerald coastline, the riverside villages, the outdoor adventures, the creative culture, the wellness scene and the paddock to plate dining. They also gave a special mention to The Tweed's Visitor Pledge, which we'll get to in a minute.
Their Destination Editor for Oceania, Jessica Lockhart, put it better than we could.
“We've been watching the Tweed rightfully grow in popularity with domestic tourists. It's becoming known as a foodie and outdoors destination, especially the opening of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail and the Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk.”
Jessica Lockhart, Destination Editor Oceania, Lonely Planet
She also said the space between the Gold Coast and Byron Bay "isn't one you want to speed through." We'll be putting that one on a t-shirt.
The best part is that most of it is right on the doorstep of our seven parks. Here's where we'd start.
The Tweed Coast is all warm water, uncrowded beaches and headlands that glow green in the afternoon light. Paddle out for a sunrise surf, take a long walk with nobody else in sight, or spend the day snorkelling with turtles off Cook Island. If the water is your thing, Fingal Head puts kilometres of white sand right at your doorstep.
Two of the things Lonely Planet singled out are the Northern Rivers Rail Trail and the Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk. Ride the Rail Trail past rolling farmland and riverside villages at whatever pace suits you. The Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk takes you up through ancient rainforest for a completely different side of the region. Both make a great day trip from any of our parks.
The Tweed has rich red soil and a lot of people who know exactly what to do with it. Think farm gate stalls, markets, long lunches in the hinterland and a cold drink by the river afterwards. Come hungry and don't plan anything for the afternoon.
A big part of what makes The Tweed feel different is the pace. Quiet river towns, early swims before breakfast and afternoons with nowhere in particular to be. If you need a proper reset, this is the place for it.
Lonely Planet gave a nod to The Tweed's Visitor Pledge, a voluntary promise to tread lightly, support local and respect Bundjalung Country while you're here. It's an easy thing to do and it helps keep the region the way you found it. We'd love for all of our guests to take it before they arrive.
Take the pledgeWe have seven holiday parks spread from Tweed Heads down to Pottsville, and every one of them puts you on or near the water. Here's a quick guide to help you choose.
“Of course, they are telling us what we here in Tweed already know. To be recognised by Lonely Planet as one of the world's must-visit destinations is a wonderful honour for the Tweed and a proud moment for our community.”
Cr Reece Byrnes, Tweed Shire Mayor
If you'd like to read what Lonely Planet had to say for yourself, their full guide to The Tweed is well worth a look.
With the world now in on the secret, summer and school holidays are going to fill up quickly. Lock in your dates now, or call our team on 1800 234 121 and we'll help you find the right spot.
Book your stayImages courtesy of Tweed Tourism Co and Luke Marsden.