Where we eat, drink, swim and wander when we're staying at Barefoot Casuarina, from the beach bars up the road to waterfalls in the hills.
Casuarina sits halfway along the Tweed Coast, with Salt Village and Kingscliff to the north, Cabarita and Pottsville to the south, and Murwillumbah and the hinterland inland. Most of this guide is less than a 15 minute drive from the apartment, and the waterfalls make an easy day trip.
From sourdough pizza in Casuarina to hatted dining by the river in Murwillumbah. Book ahead in summer and on weekends, and check opening hours before you go.
Photo: No. 35 Kitchen and BarItalian inspired and made for sharing: small plates, pizza, house made pasta and dishes from the grill, with a kids' menu too. Dinner from Wednesday to Saturday.
35 Tweed Coast Road, Cabarita Beach NSW 2488. Book ahead at number35.com.au.
Photo: Paper DaisyHatted coastal dining at Halcyon House, with seasonal menus from executive chef Baxter Newstead. Lunch and dinner every day.
Photo: Jordy'sSourdough pizza to eat in, or take back to the terrace for a night in.
Photo: Fins
Photo: TavernaGreek inspired and right on the beachfront, with banquets for the table.
Photo: Farm & CoPaddock to plate on a working farm, with a cafe and a restaurant.
Photo: PipitWood fired coastal cooking from chef Ben Devlin, and one of Gourmet Traveller's best in NSW.
Photo: Bistro LiviShared plates built on Northern Rivers produce, in the Art Deco heart of town.
Photo: Tweed River HouseHatted modern French in a restored house on the river, with views to Wollumbin and a casual Lawn Bar.
A wine bar two minutes from the apartment, the beachfront pub in Caba, a brewery on an avocado farm and gin at the distillery. Plan a safe way home.
Photo: Bar BrutoA neighbourhood wine and tapas bar: natural wine, vermouth and small plates.
Photo: Cabarita Beach Hotel
Photo: The BurrowA cocktail bar with live music, and pizza next door.
Photo: Earth Beer CompanyA brewery taproom on an avocado farm. Family and dog friendly.
Photo: Husk DistilleryHome of Ink Gin, with tastings, cocktails and distillery tours on the family farm.
The surf clubs are run by volunteers who patrol the beaches all summer. Eating and drinking at the club helps keep them going.
Photo: Cudgen Headland SLSCBar and Bistro open seven days, with Zinc Cafe downstairs for breakfast.
Photo: Cabarita Beach SLSCFive falls within about 90 minutes of Casuarina, in Springbrook to the north west and Nightcap to the south west. Pack a picnic and leave early.
Photo: queensland.comA waterfall pours through the roof of a cave. Come back after dark for the glow worms.
Photo: queensland.comAn easy walk to a run of cascades and rock pools.
Photo: queensland.comWalk behind and below the falls through the rainforest.
Photo: John Spencer, nationalparks.nsw.gov.auA wheelchair accessible lookout over the falls and the escarpment.
Photo: John Spencer, nationalparks.nsw.gov.auA rainforest walk to a fall over a rocky overhang. The last stretch of road is gravel.
Before you go: tracks can close after heavy rain, so check the park alerts.Drive times are from Casuarina and approximate.
Two bedrooms, your own plunge pool and a two minute walk to Casuarina Beach, at Cotton Beach Resort.
We're not paid to feature any of these places; they're simply ones we like. Details were checked in October 2026 and can change, so please check opening hours, bookings and park alerts directly before you go.