A forkin’ good time: Savour the Tweed is back!
A forkin’ good time: Savour the Tweed is back!
Clear your calendar and bring your appetite: Savour the Tweed is back from 22 to 26 October, and this year it’s serving up more flavour, flair, and food-fuelled fun than you can poke a grazing board at.
With a lineup of 35 events across the region, this springtime celebration of all-things-delicious promises to showcase the best of The Tweed’s thriving food and drink scene – paddock to plate, sips to sounds, and everything in between.
Curated by local culinary kween Christine Manfield and passionate produce advocate Amy Colli, Savour the Tweed brings together more tasty collabs than a Rihanna album, with farmers, chefs, distillers, roasters, and storytellers all joining forces in one beautifully curated program.
Start your adventure at the beloved Murwillumbah Farmers Market with the Tweed Tasting Trail, where you can sample your way through the best local bites and watch live cooking demos from regular stallholders. Keep the farm vibes going at Harvest & Handmade at Raven Place Farm in Clothiers Creek, where a guided walk is followed by a gyoza-making session using farm-grown ingredients. Or head to Woodland Valley Farm for Pasture to Plate, a sunset pasta-making class paired with a two-course dinner and Italian wines, served with stunning valley views.
On the restaurant front, this year’s headline events bring together local heroes and big-name chefs in a series of not-to-be-missed double-acts. Frank Camorra of Melbourne’s MoVida teams up with Bistro Livi in Murwillumbah for A Taste of Spain in The Tweed and we are here for their sensational six-course tasting menu celebrating produce-led elegance. Over at Farm & Co, Thai tucker master Martin Boetz packs some serious heat with A Thai Feast in The Tweed, a vibrant long lunch jam-packed with ‘Thai’d’ and tested palette-pleasing flavours.
One of the signature events, the Girl Gang Chefs Collab Lunch at Pipit in Pottsville, unites four powerhouse female chefs and four local female producers in a celebration of food, creativity and community. Meanwhile, Bundjalung chef Mindy Woods and Christine Manfield join forces for Walking Together, a moving First Nations and Indian fusion dinner complete with native ingredients, music, storytelling, and a stirring Welcome to Country by Banaam cultural dancers.
Food meets culture again on the Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk – a four-day guided hike through World Heritage-listed Gondwana rainforest. This immersive journey begins with a campfire dinner by Mindy Woods, featuring a night of deep connection with Country. And bonus – the calories you burn on the trek means you can chow down the delish native foraged ingredients guilt-free.
The program also includes plenty of hands-on workshops and masterclasses. Seafood legend Steven Snow of Fins Restaurant leads a Seafood Masterclass, while nutritionist and chef Samantha Gowing presents Food As Medicine at Husk Distillery, blending health, flavour and a well-earned botanical gin cocktail. Speaking of, if you’re looking for something a little more, let’s say, liquid-forward, then all aboard the Golden Swan for Golden Hour on the River. With a crab roll in one hand, bush ice cream in the other, all soundtracked by rising musical star Birren Slabb, it’s a sunset soiree to satisfy all the senses. Or, go full Gatsby at the Speak Easy Secret Supper Club inside the Tweed Regional Museum, where prohibition-style cocktails and canapés meet curated culture.
Rum lovers can dive into Cane Country Taste Makers, a tasting and cocktail workshop with the team behind Birds of Isle Rum, and coffee fans are spoilt for choice with bean-to-brew sessions at Bastion Lane Espresso in Uki and Old Quarter Roasters in Murwillumbah.
If wine is more your style (hand-up emoji from us!), there’s Sips & Snacks with Knucklehead Wines at Rob Roy Deli, and The Natural World: Terroir & Taste at Burringbar’s Natural Wine Shop, pairing local wines with antipasti and storytelling. Or perhaps you’d prefer a more artistic pairing: Cheese, Clay & Culture in Murwillumbah features cheese and beer tastings, live pottery wheel demos and a handcrafted plate to take home.
The events are as delish and diverse as the landscapes they’re set in. Brunch by the Platform at the Murwillumbah Rail Trail Station blends coffee, pastries and live music under the trees, while over at Tropical Fruit World, Fire & Forage brings an open-air feast under festoon lights, featuring wild game, seafood, and foraged fruit ice cream.
As the sun sets on this five-day feast, the celebrations continue with Wollumbin Sunset Cocktails at Apex Dining and the grand finale, Caldera Celebrations, on the lawns of Plantation House. With food stalls, signature drinks, lawn games, DJs and activities for the kiddos, it’s like a Sunday sesh, a food truck party, and a wedding reception all rolled into one – minus the awkward speeches.
So whether you’re a seasoned gourmand, a curious sipper, a storytelling seeker, or someone who just really, really loves cheese, this year’s Savour the Tweed promises to be an edible adventure like no other. Bring your appetite and your sense of adventure, and get ready to chew, sip, swirl and shimmy your way across the tastiest corner of Northern NSW.
Where: Various locations in the Tweed.
When: Wednesday 22 October to Sunday 26 October 2025
Words by Bianca Trathen
Murwillumbah’s having a main character moment, and you’re invited.
Once known as The Tweed’s quieter corner, Murwillumbah is officially worth adding to your getaway list. This arty-meets-foodie town blends leafy streets with local legends, creative charm and plenty to eat, sip and snap. If your ideal day involves top-tier coffee, vintage shopping, murals and a side of handmade pasta, clear your calendar.
First up: caffeine. The Modern Grocer is where Murwillumbah gets its morning mojo. The coffee? Silky smooth. The croissants? Buttery, flaky perfection. Honestly, pack a tote, you’re going to want a few extra pastries “for later.” No judgement.
Once you’re fuelled, it’s shopping o’clock. Bolt & Buckle is where form meets function, stocking leather goods and outdoor gear that’ll outlive your last three phone chargers. Prefer to browse with a latte in hand? Hit up The Foundry for homewares, handpicked books and gifts that actually feel thoughtful. Or get lost (in a good way) in Bowerbird Emporium: vintage vibes, rare finds and plenty of “I definitely need this” moments.
Now: culture hour. Murwillumbah’s not just a pretty face, it’s got stories. Stop in at the Tweed Regional Museum to see the latest exhibition. Speak Easy, running from 29th July until 22nd November explores the breakthroughs that changed how we connect, from secret messages to social networks. History buffs, this one’s for you.
And if you like your museum visits with a side of street vibes, save the date: the Museum’s Street Party is back on Saturday, 6th September. Think live music, food, fun for the whole crew, and it’s all free. Last year’s event drew over 6,000 people, so expect a buzzing afternoon that celebrates everything Murwillumbah and The Tweed have to offer.
Feeling fancy? The Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre is non-negotiable. It’s home to jaw-dropping visual stories, including Margaret Olley’s home studio re-creation, a peek inside the life and mind of one of Australia’s most-loved artists. Quietly stealing the show: the gallery deck’s sweeping valley views. Definitely worth a pause (and a photo).
Speaking of photo ops, Murwillumbah’s laneways are basically an open-air gallery. From Kyle Slabb’s Guwang Djagaibin to Bec Denholm’s Window to the Wild, the murals here are bright, bold and seriously scroll-stopping. Explore Murwillumbah’s new public art pieces and wander into wonder with help from this map.
Now let’s talk carbs. Pasta Bah is basically your pantry’s new best friend. Handmade pasta. Olive oil. Cheese that deserves its own fan club. Whether you’re stocking up for later or grabbing a bite right now, this Italian deli’s got you covered.
Ready for the main event? Tweed River House is where things get luxe. Housed in a beautifully restored home with next-level views of Wollumbin Mount Warning, it’s fine dining with local flair. Go all out in the restaurant, keep it cool in the Palm Lounge, or sip and snack at the Lawn Bar. Every corner feels just a little bit special.
If you’re keen to explore beyond the main streets, hire a comfy fat-tyre e-bike from Valley E-Bikes and cruise the 24km Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail. It’s all rolling green views, fresh country air, and plenty of scenic stops along the way.
And since one day in Murwillumbah definitely isn’t enough, settle in for the weekend with a stay at Glenelg Murwillumbah. This boutique spot blends heritage charm with modern comfort, complete with stylish rooms and leafy surrounds – all within walking distance of the town’s best bites and shops.
Ready to plan your own Murwillumbah moment? From riverside dining to laneway art and vintage finds, there’s plenty more to uncover. Head to VisitTheTweed.com.au to start planning.
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
Website: wanderintowonder.com.au/
Instagram: @businessmurwillumbah
STORY SPONSORED BY THE TWEED AND BUSINESS MURWILLUMBAH
Gorge on loaded NY style subs and handmade donuts at George's Deli.
Sucker for a sando? Rhetorical question. Specifically, the NY-style, pastrami and pickle stuffed variety frequenting delicatessens from Brooklyn to Manhattan – you know, the ones usually only found at the other end of a 20 hour red eye? *Cue major fomo*
Well, ‘donut’ despair, peckish folk, George’s Deli is here – and they come bearing delicious (suspiciously sub-shaped) gifts. Get your first look at the new, sandwich-slinging kid on Kingscliff’s block…
Bringing handmade donuts, coffee and cold-cut loaded subs to the coastal township’s beach-studded main drag – George’s signifies the delicious debut for double-threat chef power couple, Johnny Ang and his wife Jerrika. Rounding out the venue’s ragtag trio of Reuben-slinging chefs, the husband and wife team are joined by Johnny’s sister, a skilled chef in her own right, to keep the portable treat offering ticking along. Cripes – talk about kitchen chops, can you imagine the killer spread this lot would bung on at family dinner?
Doling out handheld bites to Marine Parade’s beachfront perambulators, the compact menu melds beverages and baked-goods infused with Filipino influences, with classic New York-inspired sandwiches. Inspired by her travels abroad, Jerrika was the driving force behind the deli fusion concept. First uncovering her appreciation for the delicatessen staple (and the unique and vibrant foodie culture, obviously) following a stint in the US to complete her apprenticeship.
The couple, who had their meet cute cheffing aboard a cruise ship, bonded over their shared passion for culinary innovation. Later embarking on an opportunity based in Casuarina, Johnny and Jerrika quickly caught feelings for the locale’s knockout looks, laidback vibe and people. They’re only human, right?
For their first ever culinary venture, the crew engaged the services of local experts Kobi Concepts and Coakers Building to handle the interior direction and fit out, respectively. Going for a cool, retro deli aesthetic (insert sparkly emoji – the millennial equivalent of jazz hands, here) peppered throughout George’s interior are rustic tiles, pops of red and an awning window that opens wide to the surf beyond. Basically, we predict this ultra-cute sando spot is set to be some pretty hot real estate among southern punters.
Originally hailing from the Philippines, the passionate foodies have also jumped at the chance to pay homage to their culinary heritage by incorporating nationally-beloved flavours from their homeland into their offering. Weaving in flavours seldom found in Australia, such as Ube, the distinctive purple yam, which you can get in Latte or house-made Donut form.
Mouth watering at the prospect of getting your mitts on those pillowy hand-crafted donuts? Well, hold on to your britches, Gold Coasters – ‘cuz we’ll really be ‘ruben’ it in as we unpack the rest of the menu.
To complement the unmissable Ube Donuts, the signature offering is centred around the short but sweet selection of signature toasties. Such as the La Cubano, made with pork ham, lechon, pickles and Swiss and the Ain’t Reuben toasties, which are both firmly in the #MustTry realm.
Be there, or be square, sandwich fans!
Where: Shop 3, 106 Marine Parade, Kingscliff
When: Monday-Thursday: 7:00am-2:00pm, Friday-Sunday: 7:00am-2:30pm
Instagram: @georges.kingscliff
Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Mathilde Bouby.
