Welcome to ‘scout about’, our series exploring the small (but mighty) regional towns around the Gold Coast. In this instalment, we’re driving just 40 minutes from the Gold Coast to a tiny town with a big personality. Here are a few reasons to add Murwillumbah to your ‘must visit’ list, and what to do when you’re there.
Why visit Murwillumbah?
With small town charm, beautiful natural scenery and great food, you’re probably better off asking yourself why you wouldn’t visit Murwillumbah. For a quick weekend escape – even if it’s just one night – it really doesn’t get much better.
In the centre of town, get a culture fix at the Regent Cinema, the M|Arts Precinct or at Rosa Studio and Gallery – they’re all pretty much next to each other, so why not check out all three?
Some favourite Murwillumbah pastimes include strolling the streets while looking at the historic buildings or enjoying a sunny picnic – not in the central Knox Park, but down by the Tweed River (there’s a good spot near the Murwillumbah Community Centre).
One of the best things about Murwillumbah is that staying there allows you to explore some of the other, much smaller towns in the area. Getting to Uki (pronounced ‘You-kai’, according to a local bartender) is a short 15-minute drive and takes you past some of the tiny towns at the base of Mount Warning on the way.
It’s a really cool area, and a weekend in Murwillumbah helps you see it all.
Where to stay in Murwillumbah?
You can’t go past the Imperial Hotel. For one: it’s pink. It’s also smack bang in the middle of town, steeped in history (it was built in 1931, but has been lovingly renovated in the last few years) and its bar/restaurant is a favourite meeting point for locals and tourists. The rooms are clean and cosy, and the bathrooms offer a nod to the ‘Impy’s Victorian history with brass pipes, glossy subway tile and 1930s-era troughs as basins. We just love it.
Where to eat in Murwillumbah?
Breakfast, lunch or dinner, there are plenty of great restaurants and cafes to try in Murwillumbah. One we had hoped to check out (that was sadly closed by the time we arrived) is Keith, a raved-about bakery right across the road from the Imperial Hotel. No matter: we treated ourselves to a delicious Italian dinner at Barrels Pizza and found a contender for ‘world’s best banana bread’ at Relish the next morning.
Where to hike near Murwillumbah?
Get out of town and take on a hike during your stay at Murwillumbah – there are so many to choose from. Acting on a tip off from a local, we headed to Mount Jerusalem National Park to hike to Hell Hole Falls (which was a lot nicer than it sounds, we swear). Though the trek to the falls themselves was longer than expected, the cool, deep rockpools and views of the rainforest below were definitely worth it. Just be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes that you’re not precious about – we have a pair of white sneakers that will never be the same again. This is the guide we followed.
On the list for next time:
- Small Works Gallery + Each to Own | 10 Commercial Road
- Keith | 132 Murwillumbah Street
- Bowerbird Emporium | 9 Wollumbin Street
- Cicada by Ayliah | 31 Wharf Street
- Fable Bookstore | Cnr Brisbane & Wollumbin St (inside M|Arts Precinct)
Images courtesy of Sally Singh, @visitmurwillumbah
