Tour the Tweed on two wheels or two feet

TWEED Council is encouraging residents and visitors to explore the region in new ways while boosting health and fitness during the summer holiday season.

The shire is rich in shared off-road pathways for cyclists and walkers, with more than 100 kilometres of maintained trails offering a wide range of activities and scenic views not accessible by car.

From the Northern Rivers Rail Trail to the Uki Mountain Bike Park, walking and cycling routes stretch from Chinderah to Fingal and from North Kingscliff to Cabarita.

The 3.8-kilometre return Tweed River Ride is a flat, family-friendly route with waterfront views from Jack Evans Boat Harbour to John Follent Park.

Between Chinderah and Fingal, the 7.6-kilometre return coastal path offers sea breezes and plenty to see along the way, including boats and, if you are lucky, dolphins.

For more experienced riders, the 24-kilometre return ride from North Kingscliff to Cabarita passes beaches, rivers, boardwalks, Casuarina trees and cafes, with multiple scenic spots to stop and swim. More ambitious cyclists can complete the entire off-road route from Tweed Heads to Pottsville.

Council manages about 3500 hectares of bushland, parks, forests and wetlands, many of which feature walking tracks, picnic areas and opportunities to enjoy nature in historically and culturally significant parts of the Tweed.

Healthy Ageing also provides information on accessible walks for older people, including a historical walk and township circuits in Kingscliff. The Cudgen Creek Estuary Walk is a one-hour, flat-grade stroll, similar in difficulty to the Kingscliff Dreamtime Beach Walk.

The Minjungbal Aboriginal Walk on Water nature walk is a 45-minute return journey on flat boardwalks and tracks, while the Tweed Coast U3A Pavement Walk offers a 90-minute, medium-grade option.

Tweed Shire Council road safety officer Lily Morgan said the network supported both active lifestyles and community connection.

“These paths aren’t just about getting from A to B, they’re about connecting communities, promoting healthy lifestyles and showcasing the amazing natural beauty of our area,” Morgan said.

“Next time you’re looking for something to do with family or friends, make an active choice and meet for a bike ride or walk on one of the area’s shared off-road paths.

“If you don’t feel confident riding on the road, these paths are a great option.

“The pathways are for sharing and we encourage riders to wear helmets, use bells, travel at safe speeds and give way to walkers to create a respectful and enjoyable experience for everyone.”

For more information and a Tweed Cycleways Map, visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/community/