The Tweed region of New South Wales is stepping into the international travel spotlight after being named among Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2027 destinations. The recognition places The Tweed alongside 50 destinations and experiences selected by Lonely Planet’s global community of travel experts for the year ahead.
The distinction carries particular weight for Australia. The Tweed is the only Australian destination included in the 2027 list and one of only three destinations across Oceania, giving the region a rare level of international visibility. Known for its forests, mountains, rivers, beaches, creative communities and hinterland experiences, The Tweed is now attracting attention from travellers looking beyond Australia’s most familiar destinations.
A Different Side of New South Wales
Located in the state’s Northern Rivers region, The Tweed sits between the Gold Coast and Byron Bay. Its location has traditionally meant that many travellers pass through the area without making it a major part of their itinerary.
Lonely Planet’s recognition changes that narrative by drawing attention to the region itself.
The publication describes The Tweed as a destination for hinterland detours, highlighting the forests, mountains, rivers and activities that lie between the Gold Coast and Byron Bay. The recognition also reflects the region’s growing appeal for travellers interested in nature, outdoor experiences and slower-paced exploration.
Rather than relying on one headline attraction, The Tweed offers a collection of landscapes and communities that can be explored over several days.
Nature Takes Centre Stage
The region’s natural environment is one of its defining attractions. The Tweed Valley brings together rainforest, waterways, mountain landscapes and rural scenery, creating a setting that feels distinctly different from the nearby coastal tourism hubs.
The Tweed River is central to the region’s identity, while the surrounding hinterland offers opportunities for walking, cycling, wildlife experiences and scenic drives.
This variety gives travellers the freedom to build itineraries around outdoor discovery rather than conventional sightseeing. A day can begin beside the river, continue through hinterland villages and finish along the coast.
For visitors seeking a connection with nature without moving too far from established travel infrastructure, that combination is becoming increasingly attractive.
Murwillumbah Adds a Creative Dimension
The Tweed’s appeal is not limited to its landscapes. Murwillumbah and surrounding communities have developed a distinctive cultural and creative character that adds another layer to the visitor experience.
The Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre is one of the region’s cultural highlights, offering visitors an opportunity to engage with Australian art while exploring the broader hinterland.
Local food, independent businesses, galleries and community events further contribute to the character of the region. This makes The Tweed particularly suited to travellers who prefer destinations where local life remains an important part of the experience.
The result is a region where nature and culture can sit comfortably within the same itinerary.
Adventure Travel Finds Its Place
The Tweed also fits neatly into the growing demand for active and experience-led travel.
Outdoor enthusiasts can explore trails, waterways and coastal landscapes, while the surrounding hinterland creates opportunities for cycling, hiking and other adventure activities. The region’s varied geography means travellers do not have to commit to a single style of holiday.
For some, the appeal may be a quiet nature escape. For others, it can involve more active exploration across the valley and mountains.
This flexibility is particularly relevant as travellers increasingly look for destinations where experiences, rather than simply accommodation, shape the journey.
The Gold Coast and Byron Bay Connection
The Tweed’s geographical position gives it another advantage.
Gold Coast Airport provides a convenient gateway for travellers arriving from other Australian cities and international markets, while Byron Bay is within easy reach by road. Lonely Planet specifically points to the area between Byron Bay and the Gold Coast as a part of Australia that deserves more attention.
This makes The Tweed easy to incorporate into a broader Northern Rivers or southeast Queensland itinerary.
Travellers can combine a city and beach stay on the Gold Coast with several days exploring The Tweed’s hinterland, before continuing towards Byron Bay. The region therefore works both as a standalone destination and as part of a wider road trip.
A More Considered Way to Explore
Lonely Planet’s recognition also highlights an important aspect of The Tweed’s tourism identity: responsible exploration.
Visitors are encouraged to discover the region with care, curiosity and respect, including through the Tweed Visitor Pledge. This approach aligns with the destination’s emphasis on its natural environment and local communities.
For a region gaining international attention, that message is increasingly important. The appeal of The Tweed lies partly in its ability to offer memorable experiences without losing the qualities that made the destination attractive in the first place.
The Tweed Steps Into 2027
Being named among Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2027 destinations gives The Tweed a new level of global visibility. As the only Australian destination on the list and one of just three recognised across Oceania, the region has secured a particularly prominent position in the year’s international travel conversation.
Yet its appeal remains grounded in what has always defined it: forests, rivers, mountains, beaches, creative communities and a relaxed hinterland character.
For travellers planning an Australia trip in 2027, The Tweed offers something increasingly valuable: the chance to discover a destination that feels distinctive without being difficult to reach. Its Lonely Planet moment may put it on more travel wish lists, but the region’s real attraction lies in everything waiting beyond the main tourist route.
