Major city · Australia
Murwillumbah
Give Murwillumbah one night as a Tweed Valley base for Wollumbin and the gallery, or skip it if you only want surf — the coast is 30 min east.
Murwillumbah is a small Tweed River town of about 7,000 people, ringed by dairy, cane and banana farms under the rim of an old volcano. It is a wet, green, car-first base: the gallery, the museum and the rainforest centre are the draw, and Wollumbin (Mount Warning) sits 16 km west. Most travellers pass through between the Gold Coast and Byron Bay; one night is enough unless you are walking or touring the valley.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- AUD
- Best months
- Apr–May, Sep–Oct
- avoid Dec–Mar (heat, humidity and heavy rain)
- Airports
- OOL · BNK
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 7
- Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
- Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
- Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
- Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
- Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
- Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
- Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Murwillumbah000 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Murwillumbah, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Australian dollar (AUD, A$).Australia-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelstra has the widest outback coverage; Optus and Vodafone (TPG) are cheaper and fine in cities and along highways.Australia-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in cities and towns; in remote places use signed drinking taps.Australia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: Not expected; 10% for very good service in a nice restaurant if you wish.Australia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets I. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Australia-wide
- SafetyA quiet country town and generally safe; the real risks are wet-weather driving, flooded causeways and wildlife on the road at dawn and dusk.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets in parks, beaches, shopping centres and petrol stations (servos); the National Public Toilet Map app lists them.Australia-wide
- Emergency numbers000 police, fire, ambulance · 112 From a mobile
- Sundays & holidaysChristmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 15:00; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Christmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 3:00 PM; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Australia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportOOL Gold Coast Airport, Coolangatta (About 33 km (21 mi), roughly 30–40 min by car via the M1 and Tweed Valley Way; the usual arrival airport for this town.).OOL Gold Coast Airport, Coolangatta (About 21 mi (33 km), roughly 30–40 min by car via the M1 and Tweed Valley Way; the usual arrival airport for this town.).
- Getting aroundA car is the practical choice: sights are spread along the river and the valley road, and buses are thin.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeA$4.50–6 (≈ US$3–4)
- Street or quick mealCafé breakfastA$15–25 (≈ US$10–17)
- BeerDraught beer in a pubA$7–11 (≈ US$5–8)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekA$15–35 (≈ US$10–25)
- Museum or sight ticketGallery entryFree (check)
- Budget bedHostel or backpacker bed, a night, per personA$40 (≈ US$30)
- Mid-range bedMotel double room, a night, per roomA$170 (≈ US$120)
- High-end bedMotel double room, a night, per roomA$280 (≈ US$190)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget A$90 (≈ US$60) · Mid A$170 (≈ US$120) · High A$320 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- OOL Gold Coast Airport, Coolangatta (About 33 km (21 mi), roughly 30–40 min by car via the M1 and Tweed Valley Way; the usual arrival airport for this town.) · BNK Ballina Byron Gateway (About 73 km (45 mi), roughly 55–70 min by car; Sydney and Melbourne flights.)OOL Gold Coast Airport, Coolangatta (About 21 mi (33 km), roughly 30–40 min by car via the M1 and Tweed Valley Way; the usual arrival airport for this town.) · BNK Ballina Byron Gateway (About 45 mi (73 km), roughly 55–70 min by car; Sydney and Melbourne flights.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Feb
Avoid
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Mar
Avoid
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Apr
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
May
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Jun
not flagged
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Jul
not flagged
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Aug
not flagged
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Sep
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Oct
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Nov
not flagged
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Dec
Avoid
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Best: Apr–May, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Dec–Mar. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)), coolest Jul (8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C) low), wettest Mar (15 rain days), driest Aug (7). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Murwillumbah: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
13 rd
Feb
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
14 rd
Mar
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
15 rd
Apr
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
12 rd
May
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
11 rd
Jun
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
9 rd
Jul
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
8 rd
Aug
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
7 rd
Sep
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
8 rd
Oct
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
10 rd
Nov
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
11 rd
Dec
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
12 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
A car is the practical choice: sights are spread along the river and the valley road, and buses are thin. The town centre itself is walkable in 10–15 min end to end. Tourist Drive 40 (Tweed Valley Way) is winding as it climbs; drive it in daylight.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Wollumbin National Park
cautionDoor to door: About 25 min each way
Drive Tweed Valley Way west, about 16 km (9.9 mi)Drive Tweed Valley Way west, about 9.9 mi (16 km)
World Heritage rainforest and the old volcano rim; the summit walk has been closed, so check before you go.
Tweed Heads and Coolangatta
goDoor to door: About 40 min
Drive the M1 north-east, or bus from the town centre
Beaches, border-town shops and the airport; good wet-day fallback.
Byron Bay
goDoor to door: About 50–60 min
Drive via the M1 and Ewingsdale, about 55 km (34 mi)Drive via the M1 and Ewingsdale, about 34 mi (55 km)
Lighthouse, beaches and a busy town; go early in summer for parking.
Lismore
goDoor to door: About 45–60 min
Drive via Nimbin Road or the Bruxner Highway
Regional centre with markets and a gallery; a wet-day option.
Nimbin
cautionDoor to door: About 45 min
Drive Nimbin Road west
Small counterculture town; go for the drive and the valley, not for a full day.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Town centre, near Murwillumbah St and Wharf St
Walk to cafés, the museum and the river; motels and the riverside backpackers are here.
Tweed Valley Way south of the roundabout
Highway-side motels with parking; about 1 km (0.6 mi) from the centre, so you drive to dinner.Highway-side motels with parking; about 0.6 mi (1 km) from the centre, so you drive to dinner.
Crystal Creek and the valley
Farm stays and B&Bs 10–20 min out; quiet, dark and green, but you need a car for everything.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- A$90–140 (≈ US$60–95) excl. bed
- Mid
- A$160–260 (≈ US$110–180) excl. bed
- High
- A$300 (≈ US$200)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel double room1 × 1 night × A$170 | A$170 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × A$170 | A$340 |
| Car hire, one day1 × A$70 · check | A$70 |
| Fuel, 100 km of valley driving1 × A$15 · check | A$15 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × A$20 | A$40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | A$64 |
| Trip total≈ A$350 per person per day, bed included | A$699≈ US$500 |
2026 estimate in Australian dollars; flights and car hire excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | A$4.50–6 (≈ US$3–4) |
| Café breakfast | A$15–25 (≈ US$10–17) |
| Pub meal | A$22–35 (≈ US$15–25) |
| Kebab or takeaway lunch | A$12–18 (≈ US$8–12) |
| Draught beer in a pub | A$7–11 (≈ US$5–8) |
| Gallery entry | Free (check) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | A$15–35 (≈ US$10–25) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- This is one of the wettest parts of coastal NSW: flooding can close Tweed Valley Way and cut the town off — check road status before driving in heavy rain.
- The Wollumbin summit walk has been closed; check the NSW National Parks site before planning a climb.
- Left-hand driving, wildlife on the road at dawn and dusk, and long gaps between fuel and food stops outside town.
- Many small kitchens close by mid-afternoon; eat before 2pm or after 5:30pm.Many small kitchens close by mid-afternoon; eat before 2pm or after 5:30 AMpm.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 000
- From a mobile
- 112
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
MurwillumbahMurwillumbah
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance000
- From a mobile112
Embassy
No embassies here; consulates are in Sydney, and the US consulate-general is in Sydney (check).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- OOL airport → Murwillumbah, taxi or transfer: about A$90–130 (≈ US$60–90), 30–40 min (check)
- BNK airport → Murwillumbah, taxi or transfer: about A$180–240 (≈ US$120–160), 55–70 min (check)
- Town centre parking: usually free with time limits (check)
Say or show
- Thank you — Thank you
- Where is the toilet? — Where is the toilet?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Is the road open? — Is the road open?
English is the working language; the phrases above are for clarity with drivers and staff.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Murwillumbah. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–May, Sep–Oct · avoid Dec–Mar (heat, humidity and heavy rain) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for OOL and BNK: last transfers, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters in the town centre: Murwillumbah St, Wharf St and the river, the gallery and museum.
- Place pages with verified hours (gallery, museum, rainforest centre) and eat pages with last orders.
- Flood and wet-weather fixtures so the drive-in day can go green or be rerouted.
Sources
- officialDestination NSW — Northern Rivers
- officialTweed Regional Gallery
- officialTweed Regional Museum
- officialNSW National Parks — Wollumbin National Park
- officialTransport for NSW — regional travel
- officialGold Coast Airport
- officialBallina Byron Gateway Airport
- secondaryWikivoyage: Murwillumbah, revision 4958932 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Ask about Murwillumbah
Loading…