Author: T&K+S Outdoor Adventures

Explore the natural beauty of the Tweed Valley and the Gold Coast hinterland – and everything in between

 

Road trips: they smell like summer, feel like the wind in your hair and taste like freedom. Escape to the open road of possibility – there’s plenty to see and Kim even makes killer playlists for the trips. We jumped in the Navara and crossed over the border from Queensland into New South Wales. From here we wound our way passed the city and surf and through farmland and cane fields to the country town of Murwillumbah. This large historic town still has an original diner and bakery complete with retro fittings.

The picturesque town of Murwillumbah is on the banks of the beautiful Tweed River near the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wollumbin National Park. A great base for bushwalking, fishing and boating, the town is the creative and agricultural heart of The Tweed on the far NSW North Coast.

 

 

 

We were in town for The Makers and Finders Market, which are a monthly event in Murwillumbah, Northern NSW set in an industrial warehouse and the leafy Knox Park. The market blends the environmental principles of reduce, reuse and upcycling together with showcasing the talents of people in the community who create a range of handmade, unique and artisan items. Kim checked out first the ‘Makers’ market which are held inside the M-Arts Precinct, a large converted industrial shed, a place where crafter and artisans come together and visitors will discover beautiful handmade objects, chat to resident ceramicists, illustrators and sculptors and explore the shipping container art studios.

In the M-Arts Precinct there are so many talented artists creating beautiful, useful, everyday items from recycled materials, employing low-waste, low polluting and morally just processes. Shoppers can benefit by getting unique, handmade items that support individual entrepreneurs and support the earth.

 

 

 

A huge Shoot Out goes to Rebecca from Made On Magellan for donating for SHESHARES event in Brisbane. Rebecca makes lovingly handmade earrings featuring a mix of colour and texture combined to create unique statement earrings.

 

 

 

Some of the regular makers include Garden of Eden, Mad Mountain Family Farm, Maple and Wattle small-batch soy candles, Goldhawk Spice Company with their flavoursome, hand blended spices, Crystal Creek Flowers Fresh from a local farm in Condong, Emubeads’ – Uki’s glass bead queen, macramé jewellery and reloved treasures like vintage lace upcycled clothing. Emma – Byron Bay Bath Bombs, Terralumen – Botanical Perfume.

 

 

 

We then headed across the road in leafy Knox Park where kids can go for a skate or play in the playground while you grab a coffee and go for a stroll through the outdoor finders (Trash n Treasure) market. Set in a relaxing and fun environment, the Finders market is relatively new and a great venue for artists and musicians from the Tweed region that come together and share their wares and for the community to come to shop, meet, eat, drink and play.

 

 

 

It’s no wonder Murwillumbah has built a name for itself as the creative cultural hub for the Tweed Valley – it is here that the Tweed’s artistic community really thrives. Sitting in the shadow of Mt Warning, with art deco shopfronts and old school buildings, once you’ve had your fill at the markets, there’s a selection of cafes, restaurants and boutiques to check out.

 

 

 

Sorrounded by five World Heritage National Parks, the countryside around Murwillumbah is a blend of rolling green hills and gently flowing rivers, punctuated with pockets of sugar cane, banana plantations, hobby farms and small village communities so gather your eco friendly bag, skate board, soccer ball and picnic blanket and make the drive to Murwillumbah to breathe that fresh country air while you give the wallet a workout as well.

 

 

 

Attention bargain hunters! If you love nothing more than a good rummage or enjoy spending your Saturdays scouring stalls, listening to live music and sampling the wares of food trucks, there’s a new market that you need to know about. The Makers & Finders markets takes over Knox Park in Murwillumbah every third Saturday and offers over 50 stalls brimming with local art, skincare, jewellery, home wares, pottery, vintage and quality second hand goods. There are also activities and workshops to get those creative juices flowing.