The Tweed with teens: what to do and where to stay

Your little ones have become teenagers, and the family holiday schedule has changed forever. No longer are you searching for swings and sandpits, now you are on the lookout for trendy eateries, sporty adventures and entertainment that will keep them engaged. Enter The Tweed, a prettier-than-a-postcard region between the Gold Coast and Byron Bay. A holiday to The Tweed with teenagers is filled with surf beaches, waterfalls, arty inspiration and family bonding.

What to do in The Tweed with teens

Unicorn Falls

Take your teens on the Unicorn Falls walking track, a lush rainforest trail that feels like stepping into a fantasy film set. The walk takes around one or two hours to complete and winds past ferns and eucalypt forest before opening onto the falls and natural rock pool, a secret swimming spot that is perfect for posting on Instagram. It’s adventurous enough to keep teenagers engaged (there are creek crossings and a few steep sections) but manageable for families. Bring swimmers, sturdy shoes and snacks for a mini picnic after you cool off in the water.

Family Gyotaku art class

If your teenager is a foodie, fisher or aspiring artist, this one is for you. Gyotaku is an ancient Japanese ink-printing method using a real fish to create a detailed print that you get to take home. The two-hour art class at Pipit Restaurant teaches the process to the whole family. The class is perfect for kids as young as 10 and suits teenagers with a creative streak.

For a full day experience, Pipit has partnered with Reveling to offer fishing charters, where you’ll catch your own fish before turning it into art and then enjoying it on the plate. It’s an immersive way to connect with the coast, and the print will look great framed above your teens’ bed.

Northern Rivers Rail Trail

The Northern Rivers Rail Trail is a must-do adventure activity. Winding through lush hinterland and heritage rail corridors, the trail connects vibrant towns and villages across the Northern Rivers region. Bike, walk, run or roll on a scenic ride over bridges and through tunnels. The full 58-kilometre trail (24 km one way) typically takes around five hours return by bike, including breaks, but families can opt for a one-way ride with a shuttle back if your teens grow bored. With picnic zones, scenic walks and plenty of outdoor recreation, it’s a perfect way to connect with nature, enjoy a bit of adventure, and explore the region together.

Go surfing

Bring your surfboards or bodyboards, hire them, or join a surf school to ride some of the best waves in Australia. Cabarita Beach is protected with an epic right hander that can be great for beginners. Even if you aren’t into surfing, watching the surfers here is super fun and may even inspire your future Mick Fanning, the three-time World Champion grew up surfing on The Tweed.

Keep reading:

• The Tweed family-friendly travel guide
• 19 must-visit NSW holiday destinations for families

Where to stay in the Tweed

Potager House by The Hinterland Collection

A holiday home with a dreamy pool is a teen-approved must-have. Perfect for poolside hangs and family bonding, Potager House is a sleek and modern four-bedroom retreat set within the grounds of Potager – A Kitchen Garden. The infrared barrel sauna, music system, fire pit and two bathrooms will tick your teens’ bucket lists, while the fully equipped modern kitchen enables self-catering and chilled nights in. You’ll get extra points for the secret waterfall on the property. 

The holiday home is set on a 10-acre farm in Carool’s countryside, with views of the ocean and rolling hills. Potager Restaurant is also on the property, an eatery with a paddock-to-plate philosophy and mouth-watering dishes.

Tweed Holiday Parks

Tweed Holiday Parks have seven idyllic beach, river and creekside locations across Tweed Heads, Kingscliff Beach, Kingscliff North, Hastings Point, Pottsville South and Pottsville North. The resort-style pools, waterslides, games rooms and barbecue areas will turn even the moodiest teens into carefree kids again and have them splashing, laughing and making the kind of memories you’ll all treasure. Choose from luxurious waterfront cabins, accessible cabins, Surfari tents, spacious tourist sites (some with ensuites) and tent sites, and brand new glamping tents at the Pottsville parks.

This article was produced in partnership with The Tweed and is a Holidays with Kids digital exclusive. Be the first to see more exclusive online content by subscribing to the enewsletter here.

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