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Tweed Valley’s OG culinary crown jewel with views to dine for

Have you met…Mavis (Kitchen & Cabins)?

Mavis Kitchen (image supplied)
Mavis Kitchen (image supplied)

Nestled at the foothills of the world-heritage listed Wollumbin (Mt Warning) in the heart of the Tweed Valley stands a bona fide local treasure; Mavis Kitchen & Cabins. Established in 2007, this culinary utopia has become the region’s worst-kept secret, where gastronomy, greenery, and good times are a given. Serving up exquisite Modern Australian cuisine with a pinch of Middle-Eastern flair, Mavis is the kind of place where time slows down, and your appetite speeds up.

Friends enjoying food and drink at Mavis's Kitchen (image supplied by Destination NSW)
Friends enjoying food and drink at Mavis's Kitchen (image supplied by Destination NSW)

Here, dining is a two-floor affair set in a thoughtfully restored 120-year-old timber Queenslander. Perched on an ex-dairy farm site and surrounded by the enchanting Wollumbin National Park, Mavis is more than just a pretty façade. Its casual, warm, and tropical embrace mirrors the lush rainforest and 25 acres of perfectly manicured gardens which would make any garden gnome swoon. Guests can graze and sip inside or outside on its three expansive verandas, each providing cool breezes and front-row seats to soak up the mountainous magic and botanical bliss.

View of Wollumbin, Mt Warning from Mavis Kitchen (image supplied)
View of Wollumbin, Mt Warning from Mavis Kitchen (image supplied)

The proud owners are dynamic duo Tindal Magnus and Sam McCormac. With impressive backgrounds boasting a blend of restaurateur razzle dazzle and health industry ingenuity, their passion for Mavis is fierce. Heading up the kitchen is esteemed chef and taste-bud tamer, Tara N Bandock. Cheffing since the tender age of 18, Tara has worked her palette-pleasing panache across Europe at five pan-Asian restaurants, leaving a slew of satisfied bellies in her wake.

The interior design is the perfect blend of warmth and homeliness, filled with love, light – and a hint of saffron. It reflects the changing nature of the spaces and the people who’ve fallen head over heels for the venue, helping Mavis nail the X factor. The décor, however, takes a backseat to the real star of the show: the incredible food whipped up by Tara and her culinary cohorts.

Dishes made from organic produce grown onsite or sourced from local producers (image supplied by Destination NSW)
Dishes made from organic produce grown onsite or sourced from local producers (image supplied by Destination NSW)

In a world where sharing is caring, Mavis takes it a step further, centring its philosophy around sharing both the food and the experience. It’s like a culinary love letter to the Tweed Valley, with each dish telling an unforgettable story. Case and point: we’re stanning over the signature dish, Grilled Kangaroo Loin, Macadamia Purée, Davidson Plum and Bordelaise Sauce.

Dishes made from organic produce grown onsite or sourced from local producers (image supplied by Destination NSW)
Dishes made from organic produce grown onsite or sourced from local producers (image supplied by Destination NSW)

For the vegetarians and vegans, you can’t go past the mouthwatering Tender Chickpea Gnocchi, Smoked Tomato, Mushrooms, Garden Basil and Pecorino. But it’s not just the nosh living in our minds rent-free, it’s the sensational signature cocktail; Bush Lemon Negroni. Made with Campari, amaro, sweet vermouth and bush limoncello, it’s a liquid vacay for your senses.

Couple looking through the organic produce grown in the garden at Mavis's Kitchen, Uki (image supplied by Destination NSW)
Couple looking through the organic produce grown in the garden at Mavis's Kitchen, Uki (image supplied by Destination NSW)

And it would be rude of us not to mention that Mavis is a mere stone’s throw away from historic villages, art galleries, and the GC/Tweed Coast staple, beautiful beaches. Location, looks, and lip-smacking fare – yep, this place qualifies as the ultimate triple-threat.

So, whether you’re looking for a long, leisurely lunch or a cozy cabin escape to nurture your food coma, Mavis Kitchen & Cabins is the go-to, and will leave you planning your next visit before you’ve even paid the bill.

Where: 64 Mount Warning Road, Uki
When: Lunch Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Website: maviseskitchen.com.au
Instagram: @thepantryuki

Words by Bianca Trathen.

STORY SPONSORED BY MAVIS KITCHEN & CABINS

Fresh scones at Mavis's Kitchen (image supplied)
Fresh scones at Mavis's Kitchen (image supplied)

Take it easel, a true blue Monet comes to Tweed

Tweed Regional Gallery Curator - Exhibitions Tina Wilson hanging Claude Monet's masterpiece Meules, milieu du jour [Haystacks, midday], 1890 (image by Luke Marsden)
Tweed Regional Gallery Curator - Exhibitions Tina Wilson hanging Claude Monet's masterpiece Meules, milieu du jour [Haystacks, midday], 1890 (image by Luke Marsden)

We’re coming in with some incredibly noteworthy information to all #artlovers but also, anyone with a set of eyeballs in their noggin, because our very own Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre has welcomed an array of truly iconic works – and spoiler alert, we’ll bet good Monet the GC will be lining up to take a peek-asso at this incredible, once-in-a-lifetime op.

No matter if you’re an everyday Joe who has been meaning to get a bit more culture in and around your life, or the most avid of art appreciators, Tweed’s own captivating cultural hub is hosting a brand new (but technically, really, really old) collection of jaw-dropping works – including a painting by none other than THE revolutionary 19th-century French Impressionist Claude Monet. Offering an extraordinary opportunity for locals to experience and wonder at a true masterpiece from one of history’s most influential and prolific artists.

Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre (image supplied)
Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre (image supplied)

On 1 November 2023, the space welcomed Claude Monet’s painting Meules, milieu du jour [Haystacks, midday] 1890, on loan from the National Gallery of Australia (NGA). A score of this magnitude requires the proverbial red carpet to be well and truly rolled out.

Aunty Dierdre Currie with Claude Monet's masterpiece Meules, milieu du jour [Haystacks, midday], 1890 (image by Luke Marsden)
Aunty Dierdre Currie with Claude Monet's masterpiece Meules, milieu du jour [Haystacks, midday], 1890 (image by Luke Marsden)

While this momentous occasion might feel like time to assume #panicstations, thankfully we can all take it a little easel. We plenty of time to soak up this remarkable slice of history, with the painting on display until 26 October 2025.

So, y’know, multiple visits required.

Known as the master of colour and painter of light, Monet is one of the most inspirational and revolutionary artists of any era, forging an entirely new direction for the art world by developing a unique style.

Monet exhibition at the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre (image supplied)
Monet exhibition at the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre (image supplied)

The famous artwork features a recurring exploration throughout Monet’s body of works, showing stacks of wheat from a field behind his house at Giverny, a subject known to have appeared in at least 25 of his paintings. It was the changing effects of light, rather than the stacks themselves, which fascinated the artist.

In addition to this amazing get, the space will be showcasing four more paintings from the NGA Collection, in the ultimate #sharingiscaring power move. Included in this very sweet deal are four pivotal works by revered artists Margaret Olley and Girgio Morandi, which will be on long-term loan to the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre from 9 February 2024 until 11 February 2029 #luckyus.

Unveiling Claude Monet's Meules, milieu du jour [Haystacks, midday], 1890 (image supplied)
Unveiling Claude Monet's Meules, milieu du jour [Haystacks, midday], 1890 (image supplied)

Of the collection, one artwork is by Italian painter Giorgio Morandi (1890 – 1964) known for his signature style of still life studies, with Natura morta [Still life] 1956 offering a superb example of Morandi’s sublime, tonal explorations of the everyday.

Joining these masterpieces will also be three paintings by Margaret Olley – [Morning Interior] c.1973, Pomegranate I 1976 and Katies Quinces 1976, making some stunning and significant additions to both the Gallery’s awe-inspiring exhibition program and ongoing exploration of Olley’s career, life and legacy.

Claude Monet's signature on his masterpiece Meules, milieu du jour [Haystacks, midday], 1890 (image supplied)
Claude Monet's signature on his masterpiece Meules, milieu du jour [Haystacks, midday], 1890 (image supplied)

Olley’s impressive body of works were informed by her great admiration of modern masters such as Monet and Morandi, and travels which took her all over the world to see their work.

Regardless of your art aficionado status, this #mustsee lineup will be a captivating experience. For lucky locals, this dynamic mix of art history offers the unique opportunity to brush up on its evolution and the fascinating relationships between generations of revolutionary artists.

Oil see you there!

Where: 2 Mistral Road (corner Tweed Valley Way) Murwillumbah South
When: 10 am 5 pm, Wednesday to Sunday (DST)

Words by Kellie Leader.

STORY SPONSORED BY TWEED REGIONAL GALLERY & MARGARET OLLEY ART CENTRE

Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre (image by David Sandison)
Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre (image by David Sandison)

Five Sunday drive destinations

Sunflowers (image Courtney Cook via Unsplash)
Sunflowers (image Courtney Cook via Unsplash)

Sundays are reserved for one of three purposes; chilling with the fam and getting prepped for the week ahead, sneaking in a little Sunday sesh to delay Monday as long as humanly possible, and our fave, a spot of road trippin!

We’re lucky on the GC as we’re inundated with scenic drive options, and only need to travel an hour or two to find lots of beautiful, unique sights and activities.

We’ve broken it down to five destinations and provided a small snapshot of what you can find at each.

Toot toot!

Cauldron Distillery (Image: 2022 Inside Gold Coast)
Cauldron Distillery (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)

Mt Tamborine

Gallery Walk
A trip up the mountain isn’t complete without a stroll along Gallery Walk. It’s a melting pot of eclectic finds, with over 70 shops in the one block. You’ll find everything from fashion, jewellery, arts and crafts, cellar door outlets, chocolate, fudge, food outlets, cafes…and even a cuckoo clock shop. If you’re looking for something unique or need to buy that friend who has everything a gift, chances are you’ll find something here.
Where: Long Road, Tamborine Mountain

Curtis Falls
Enjoy a beautiful walk through the rain-drenched Eucalyptus forest to the magical Curtis Falls. Wander past towering trees and through a canopy of ferns, down to this miniature and photogenic waterfall. The 1.1km walk should only talk half an hour or less to get down to the falls, but you will likely want to stay awhile and soak up the peacefulness. Top it off with a spot of morning tea at the Curtis Falls Cafe. Lovely!
Where: 16 Eagle Heights Road, North Tamborine – Get there via Eagle Heights Road and park right at the entrance to the walk.

Curtis Falls (image supplied by Tourism & Events Queensland)
Curtis Falls (image supplied by Tourism & Events Queensland)

Cauldron Distillery
This 18-acre working distillery is the darling of the Scenic Rim. A Prohibition-style space with an established vineyard, lush rolling meadows and of course, a generous gin and cocktail bar, there’s a lot to love. Settle in for a bev or a feed, or BYO picnic rug and chill amongst the vineyards. You can partake in complimentary lawn games if you so desire, and they’re pro pop here so Fido can come too!
Where: 89-123 Hartley Road, Tamborine Mountain

The Glow Worm Caves
Take a guided half-hour walk through lush rainforest to a purpose-built cave, filled with thousands of shimmery glow worms! Everyone can get up close and personal with a glow worm here without damaging delicate wild habitats #CueApplause. And the best part? It’s conveniently located in the Cedar Creek Estate Vineyard and Winery, you can enjoy a tipple pre or post tour…or pre and post tour!
Where: Cedar Creek Estate, 104-144 Hartley Road, North Tamborine

Mountview Alpaca Farm (image supplied)
Mountview Alpaca Farm (image supplied)

Canungra

Mountview Alpaca Farm
Located in O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyard, you can meet alpacas and drink wine and srsly, life made. Choose between 15 and 60 minute alpaca experiences where you can walk and feed these cute creatures, or go all out with an alpaca picnic, alpaca devonshire tea, or a wine, cheese and alpaca package (#us). Set in a boutique vineyard and historic Queenslander homestead, it’s as picturesque as it is fun.
Where: 852 Lamington National Park Road, Canungra

Farm & Co Restaurant (image supplied)
Farm & Co Restaurant (image supplied)

Cudgen

Farm & Co.
No doubt Instagram has informed you there is a field of sunflowers just a short 25 minute drive away where you can frolic, take selfies, pick said sunflowers and generally pretend you don’t have a care in the world. There’s also a coffee shop where you can sink into an oversized lounge chair while gazing at the sunflowers and contemplating a new career in farming, live music of a weekend, a tasty array of brunch eats and fresh veggies you can take home too.
Where: 529 Cudgen Road, Cudgen 

The Chindy
Check out restful riverside town Chinderah, stopping in for a refreshment and snack at The Chindy. Also known as Chinderah Tavern, The Chindy boasts a big old deck overlooking the widest river in the world (not a fact) and supplies all the cold beer, wine and tasty eats you could wish for on a Sunday afternoon. There’s live music, sunsets if you time it right, and just general non-city good times. Right next door is Cubby Bakehouse you can get yourself some dessert for the drive home.
Where: 156 Chinderah Bay Drive, Chinderah

The Farm, Byron Bay (image supplied)
The Farm, Byron Bay (image supplied)

Byron Region

The Farm Byron Bay
A must visit for everyone (especially anyone with a little person in tow), The Farm is a destination in itself. See how the farm operates and say hi to the animals, and meet the infamous mascots Braveheart the Scottish Highland cow and Bobby the rooster. Collect macadamia nuts from the macadamia trees, have a meal at Three Blue Ducks restaurant, or grab a little something from The Bread Social to eat outside on a picnic rug. There’s a playground for the anklebiters and plenty of beautiful open space to explore.
Where: 11 Ewingsdale Road, Ewingsdale

The Crystal Castle in Mullumbimby
Instagood alert! Sit in an ancient amethyst cave, pose with rare and amazing giant crystals, and wander five hectares of subtropical, crystal-filled Shambhala Gardens and rainforest. You can even touch the World Peace Stupa, a project blessed by the Dalai Lama and join in Crystal Sound Healings at 12pm and 3pm! Grab a bite with a stunning hinterland view at Lotus Café and let the kids run amok in the playground.
Where: 81 Monet Drive, Montecollum

Shambhala Gardens, Crystal Castle (image supplied)
Shambhala Gardens, Crystal Castle (image supplied)

Hotel Brunswick
The heart of beautiful Brunswick Heads, swing in for a drink or a feed at this classic Aussie pub. Somewhat of an institution and a fave far and wide, relax under the beautiful Poinciana trees in the beer garden and soak up the ambience. Always busy on Sundays, if you can push the friendship and stay on till the early evening, you’ll generally be rewarded with live music and an even more awesome vibe. Pub grub at its best.
Where: Mullumbimbi Street, Brunswick Heads

Newrybar Merchants
A collective of creative local artisans and curators of fine goods who are passionate about what they do, this is our jam! Honouring the space and the essence of the Byron Bay Hinterland, Newrybar Merchants enables customers to experience rustic charm effortlessly blended with sophistication within a beautiful and unique retail space. Shop everything from faaarshion, to homewares, to wellness products and everything in between, it’s a must.
Where: 16 Old Pacific Highway, Newrybar

Ivory Waterside (image supplied)
Ivory Waterside (image supplied)

The Tweed

The Ivory Waterside
Barely over the border but for the northern GC folk, it’s a Sunday drive to Tweed Heads so we’ll let this one fly. Recently undergoing a bit of a nip and tuck and overlooking the adjoining marina and picturesque Terra Creek, it’s the ultimate in casual waterside dining. The food is consistently delish and guys, you can even get your rad on with tons of vintage arcade games in Benny’s Arcade. Talk about a one-stop-good-times-shop! Add it to the list.
Where: 156 Wharf Street, Tweed Heads

Wollumbin National Park
This World Heritage-listed national treasure is well worth a look. Previously known as Mt Warning National Park, lose yourself in some of the largest and oldest tracts of sub-tropical rainforest on Earth. Wollumbin, which rises from the park to a height of 1,157 metres above sea level, is a remnant central vent of an ancient volcano and yep, that’s a drawcard right there. Note the Wollumbin (Mount Warning) summit track and the Aboriginal Place remains closed.
Where: About 12km south-west of Murwillumbah off Kyogle Road, Mount Warning

River Terrace, Tweed River House (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)
River Terrace, Tweed River House (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)

Tweed River House
This one is special! From the vantage point of the verdant riverbanks, settled at the tropical foothills of the Tweed Caldera in Murwillumbah, this century-old riverside plantation house has been lovingly restored to maintain its original character and charm. The elegant yet relaxed renovation creates a unique space that reflects the gentle pace of the Northern Rivers, oozing 1930s style with a French twist. They’ve even been nominated for a Chef Hat Award by the Australian Good Food Guide so if the aesthetics aren’t enough to get you there, the nosh will be!
Where: 131 River Street, South Murwillumbah

Baked at Ancora
Another one that’s close by when you’re a bit strapped for time is Baked at Ancora. Believers that sweet treats and waterside picnics go hand in hand, we concur and we can’t get enough of this Parisian style café bakery. From their signature croissants and traditional classics like pain-au-chocolat, to the more unique and inventive flavour combos, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in actual Paris. Well worth the waistline damage.
Where: 118 Wharf St, Tweed Heads 

Interior Wine Wall, Rob Roy Deli & Drinks (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)
Interior Wine Wall, Rob Roy Deli & Drinks (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)

Tweed Regional Gallery and Margaret Olley Art Centre
There’s always something new to discover at the Tweed Regional Gallery, housed in a large, modern, architecturally award-winning building with views to Wollumbin/Mount Warning. Don’t miss the opportunity to see Claude Monet’s painting Meules, milieu du jour [Haystacks, midday] 1890, currently on loan from the National Gallery of Australia (NGA). While you’re there, a meal at the new in-house eats haunt Apex is an absolute non-negotiable. With a stunning outlook and design to reflect the vista, indulge in a unique combo of rustic French patisserie goodies and modern cafe plates with a very ‘now’ pan-Asian twist. Add a cocktail and instant happy place.
Where: 2 Mistral Road, South Murwillumbah

Husk Farm Distillery
Just a hop, skip and a jump over the border, a sneaky visit to the lush Husk grounds is certainly one of the more low effort, high reward outings Gold Coasters have at our fingertips. Our recommendation? Take your tastebuds on a very smooth sip around the signature Husk offerings with a tasting paddle to start. Not only have they mastered treats of the thirst quenching variety, the Husk Farm kitchen offers up a selection of top notch eats to rival their signature spirits selection.
Where: Dulguigan Rd, North Tumbulgum

Words by Bianca Trathen.

Dining room at Apex Dining (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)
Dining room at Apex Dining (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)

Six gin-credible reasons this is one road-sip worth taking

Husk Distillery (image supplied)
Husk Distillery (image supplied)

Okay, by now you’re probably well acquainted with the name Ink Gin, the unmistakable drink as stunning as it is sippable. But did you know the world class drop that’s taken our sips by storm, is distilled 100% locally – as in, a mere 20 minute meander down the road from Cooly?

It should come as little surprise that the masters behind the game changing bevvy that infinitely levelled up our cocktails, have also put together an equally gin-credible experience at their stunning Tumbulgum facility, boasting an immersive cellar door, bar and cafe for our R&R pleasure.

Here are six reasons Husk Farm Distillery is a must visit (hands down best gin going, aside):

Husk Farm Distillery, Tumbulgum (image supplied)
Husk Farm Distillery, Tumbulgum (image supplied)

Only 20 mins from the GC
Just a hop, skip and a jump over the border, we’re not even sure if a sneaky visit to the lush Husk grounds constitutes a day trip – but it’s certainly one of the more low effort, high reward outings Gold Coasters have at our fingertips. One of those elusive day trips that feels a world away, but with the kind of convenient proximity that barely gives us enough time to dust off the road-trippin’ playlist (or the boredom to set in… #arewethereyet)

Ink Bitter Orange Gin, Husk Distillery (image supplied)
Ink Bitter Orange Gin, Husk Distillery (image supplied)

Sample the good stuff (+ take home some for later)
It goes without saying one of the biggest perks of visiting the source of such deliciousness is the chance to sample, discover new faves and of course stock up on some souvenirs to replenish our personal bar stocks. Quite frankly, we’re as giddy as a kid in a candy store at the thought.

Our recommendation? Take your tastebuds on a very smooth sip around the signature Husk offerings with a tasting paddle to start. Opt to sample the sipping quality, farm to bottle cane juice Rums, or, if you’re yet to venture beyond the voddy, lime soda train, get your hands on the Ink Gin selection and prepare for your mind to be blown.

Alternatively, just jump straight into the cocktail menu for the best of Husk showcased for your sipping pleasure. Either way, you won’t be disappointed.

Husk Farm Distillery, Tumbulgum (image supplied)
Husk Farm Distillery, Tumbulgum (image supplied)

Go behind the scenes with Distillery Tours
There’s a lot more to a bottle of this tasty drop than its good looks would let on. Daily distillery tours give the chance to go behind the scenes and see the magic (hard work) that goes into their range of premium spirits.

A first hand look at the unique process involved with Husk’s farm to bottle rare rums offers a fascinating (and tasty) experience like none other.

It’s sure to give you a whole new appreciation for your faves (not to mention, an extra chance to sample the goods).

Husk Farm Distillery (image supplied)
Husk Farm Distillery (image supplied)

Fantastic food
Not only have they mastered treats of the thirst quenching variety, the Husk Farm kitchen offers up a selection of top notch eats to rival their signature spirits selection. As you’d expect, the menu has been designed to complement the sips, with a mouth watering array of share-style bites such as Grazing Boards and Ploughman’s Platters. Though, if it’s a full blown feast you’re in the mood for, the Husk kitchen is up to the task (Slow cooked lamb shoulder, Bam Bam rum jus, garden rosemary, need we say more)

Husk Farm Distillery (image supplied)
Husk Farm Distillery (image supplied)

Stunning surrounds
Framed by the spectacular Wollumbin (Mount Warning) rolling hills as backdrop and nestled among the sugar cane fields, the architecturally designed modern industrial Husk facilities are every bit as gorg as their surrounds. The lush Messenger family farmland Husk calls home is Northern Rivers scenery at its finest – if the GC wasn’t also a certified stunner, we’d be insanely jealous, tbh.

The expansive lawn offers sun-soaked alfresco vibes just begging for you to perch up for a lazy long lunch, with tables and large umbrellas at which to settle in for the arvo. There’s plenty of space to run around for those with kiddos in tow (and for parents, the ever elusive chance to #sit-ervise). Glorious.

Husk Farm Distillery, Tumbulgum (image supplied)
Husk Farm Distillery, Tumbulgum (image supplied)

They know how to host a party
Now that the weather is getting warmer it’s time to start thinking about Christmas parties (side note: I’m sure last time I looked this year had only just begun). Why not try something a little different and head to Husk? I mean, last year’s Christmas party may have been great, but did it have sugarcane javelin? On top of delicious food and cocktails for up to 200 people Husk offers a range of fun activities and tastings. Lock it in Eddy.

Words by Kellie Leader.

STORY SPONSORED BY HUSK DISTILLERS.

Husk Farm Distillery, Tumbulgum (image supplied)
Husk Farm Distillery, Tumbulgum (image supplied)
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