EXPLORE THE AREA

(Links where available in the text)

GOLD COAST AIRPORT:

20 KM, and about 15 mins, depending on traffic. Ubers from $40 and taxis from around $60. Kingscliff Taxis operate out of Kingscliff.

EXPLORING LOCAL:

  • Cabarita Beach is a stunning 2 KM walk on the wild side if you take the beach route, or follow the path (South - Route eventually goes alongside the road)

    • Pandanus Cafe for coffee, right on the beach, with convenient parking. Menu and reservations on the website.

    • Paper Daisy at Halcyon House is a one-hatted and award-winning restaurant. Great spot. Menu and reservations on the website.

    • Woolworths, Butcher, Bottle Shop, for the inner chef, and a fabulous home-cooked meal.

    • Great lookout (you can drive and park) at the Southern end of the beach - Enjoy a sundowner, a Sunset panoramic view, and set the world right.

    • Hastings Point is definitely worth a visit, walk out to the headland, and watch the surfers.

  • Casuarina

    • Maharaja Indian restaurant - 0.1 KM (Convenient, food variable)

    • Coles, Butcher, and Bottle Shop - 1.8 KM (North) Prefer the Woollies in Cabarita Beach

    • Tucker. Great cafe across the road from Coles - 2 KM. You can order online on the website. Great coffee and food

    • Spice Den Restaurant at Santai Resort - 2.4 KM. Menu and reservations on the website.

    • Movement Casuarina - Gym and pool, and can be joined weekly. 24 hr access. Great facilities.

  • Salt @ Kingscliff, 4 KM along the beach or path.

    • Restaurants - Japanese, Indian, Mexican, and Italian. All lovely.

    • Salt Bar & Bistro - Big pub and very casual. Sports bar. Menu and reservations on the website. Great for kids.

    • Seasons Restaurant - Slightly more upmarket, slightly less fun. Menu and reservations on the website.

    • Swimwear shop and convenience store. Suitable for emergencies, Woollies and Coles are better value.

    • Saturday mornings are Park Run, 5 km, and usually at 8 am. Check the Facebook Page. Join the local community for a bit of exercise and fun.

    • Markets - 3rd Saturday of every month. Worth a stroll around and a great walk there and back.

  • Kingscliff - 6 KM walk along the path and across the lagoon. Beautiful walk.

    • Grab a coffee on the way in at the Salt Mill.

    • Historic Cuden Headland SLSC. Right on the beach. Cold beer and pub fare.

    • Kingscliff Beach Hotel - Big pub and very casual. Sports bar. Live music, pool, and sports bar.

FURTHER AFIELD:

BYRON BAY

52 KM, mainly on the freeway, depending on the time of day, with around 30 minutes travel time.

  • Walk up to the lighthouse and back.

  • Swim or surf the long break at Clarkes Beach

  • Lunch at Beach, Byron Bay. Big pub opposite the beach

  • Swing by Bangalow for some unique and enjoyable shopping and food establishments.

TWEED HEADS

If you’re after a shopping centre, a JB Hi-Fi, Bunnings, or Harvey Norman. Visit Tweed Heads. All the big chains are there and more, about 15 minutes North, mainly along the freeway.

MULLIMBIMBY

What a stunning little town, definitely worth a visit. Around 35 KM and toward Byron Bay.

  • The Banya (grab a coffee there as well) or the Kiva Spa are great, and you can do a day visit to relax by the pool. The Byron Bathhouse is a little more Instagram but lovely.

  • Yaman is something different, great value and lovely. Highly recommend.

  • Many other restaurants and retail.

TROPICAL FRUIT WORLD

If you’re bored and you have kids. An interesting day out and a great way to reconnect with tropical fruit.

BRUNSWICK HEADS

  • New Byron Bay? You decide.

  • Some great restaurants or stroll the beach and walkways.

MURWILLIMBAH

Hidden treasure or ?. The journey is about 23 km, or about 20 minutes, on inland country roads, offering beautiful scenery and great farm stalls and other attractions along the way. However, timing is key, as many are open for limited periods only and are seasonal.

  • Visit the Art Precinct.

  • Browse the antique shops.

  • Don’t be fooled; try the Burgers at The Austral Cafe and Bakery.

  • Swim in the 50 m swimming pool.

  • See some old and original architecture.

  • Many side stalls along the way to explore

DO THE RAIL TRAIL - MURWILLIMBAH

Rent an e-bike or push bike right there. A great set-up and way to spend a couple of hours riding through the stunning scenery of the hinterland. This is a must-do. A great day out.

Stop at Stokers Siding Station for something different. The total ride, including a 524m tunnel at 15-odd KM, is 24 KM one way. You will need lights; the tunnel is dark. iPhone Stokers is around 8.3 KM from Murwillimbah station. A fun day out indeed, great fun for all ages. Just be aware the trail is mostly gravel and can get narrow at times with steep sides. Still a great way to explore the area. More at the Rail Trail website.

EARTH BEER BREWERY

On the way back from Murwillimbah, about 7 km from Cotton Beach, is the Earth Beer Brewery. Only open Friday (1-8 pm) and then from 11 am on Saturday and Sunday. Great BBQ, including salad and a variety of meats, and an interesting, different selection of beers. Live music, depending on the time and day. Definitely worth a visit on a lazy Sunday afternoon. The owners are generally around and always happy to explain and let you taste all the beers before you decide. All the info is here, Earth Beer.

THE GOLD COAST

53 KM, and about 40 mins, depending on the traffic, and which part you are going to

  • Attractions galore, too many to list. Check out the amusement and water parks.

  • Shopping: Several shopping centres in the area.

  • Burleigh Heads is closer (25 mins) and beautiful.

These are just some ideas, based on the owner’s experiences in the area, to help you explore.

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