Things to do in Tumbulgum for Kids and Families

There is PLENTY to do in Tumbulgum for kids and families! Whether you are just driving through (and looking for lunch at the Tumbulgum Pub), staying for a few days or perhaps looking at a permanent move – don’t turn a blind eye to this seemingly sleepy historic village!

Tumbulgum for kids and families!

Sure, its beauty will draw you in. If it’s not the way the flame trees line the lush green banks of the Tweed River, it’s the way Mount Warning is just perfectly sitting there on the horizon, reflection flickering in the water.

It’s fair to say, dusk till dawn, the place is just beautiful.

Where is Tumbulgum?

Although Tumbulgum seems like a world of its own, it’s really only 15 minutes drive away from just about everything!

15 minutes east you will find the perfect golden sands and pristine waters of Kingscliff beach and creek, conveniently scattered with some of the best cafes and restaurants Northern NSW has to offer.

If you drive 15 minutes west of Tumbulgum you will find the artsy township of Murwillumbah, a picturesque combination of mountain, river, sugar cane, and Art Deco architecture with a village-like sense of community and its own waterslide!

Journey 15 minutes north you will find all your major shopping outlets in Tweed Heads, which is ultimately your gateway to the Gold Coast!

Fun on the water at Tumbulgum for kids and families

With the river at its heart, Tumbulgum boasts several draw cards. If your family is lucky enough to be water bound, there is a boat ramp off Riverside Drive, with ample parking and a picnic area. There is boat hire available if you dont have your own boat.

Waterskiing is a favourite here, as is fishing where you’re likely to reel in Bream, Mangrove Jack and Mulloway to name a few. We’ve even spotted the odd river dolphin.

Where to eat at Tumbulgum

If it’s a fresh catch you’re after, but you forgot to bring your rod and floatation device, you can always jump aboard one of the Mount Warning River Tour boats and soak up one of their two hour Rainforest Cruises – including a seafood lunch or dinner.

Another fancy spot to eat in town is House of Gabriel, a heritage house restaurant perfect for a spot of high tea while the kids check out the enchanting garden.

The Tumbulgum Pub aka Tumblugum Tavern has a playground!

But if your kids are more of the pub-grub variety, you cannot go past the Tumbulgum Tavern. Built in 1887, this pub has some of the best views of the Tweed River for mum and dad to kick back and relax, while letting the littlies get their sillies out on the play equipment and large grassed area out the back.

Tumbulgum Tavern is really a family favourite with locals, where they can drop in for a quick drink, a great meal, or maybe even just to leave a donation for some fresh local produce.

What’s there to do in Tumbulgum for kids?

Next to the Tumbulgum Tavern you will find the Community Hall. Here you will find some permanent signposts marking the beginning of the Tumbulgum Heritage Trail. It is a flat walk, so quite easy on little legs, and takes around 45mins to visit 12 different historic locations across the town.

If you are looking for a Tumbulgum Farm, then only 8 mins drive out of town you will find one of Northern NSW’s best-kept secrets in terms of family fun days out – Tropical Fruit World. Set a whole day aside and take the tour of this working farm. The kids will love sitting on the tractor-train and looking out at all the different varieties of weird and wonderful fruit. You can grab a meal here overlooking the rainforest. You can even go on a fruit tasting tour to sample some of their latest harvest. We found an Avocado bigger than our babies head!

Another local gem is the Tweed River Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre. Once again in an idyllic location, this recently renovated gallery has so much on offer. Aside from the regular and touring exhibits, the recreation of Margaret Olley’s living and working eclectic art-studio home is something not to be missed! Take a pit stop and head to the Gallery Café, which honestly has stunning panoramic views of the Tweed Valley and River.

The community at Tumbulgum

With it’s own Primary School and Family Daycare, Tumbulgum has a lot on offer for young families! The Community Hall plays hosts to plenty of kid friendly events, from fancy-dress discos to carols nights.

Behind the Community Hall you will find Junction Park, with winding pathways through a pretty little garden and some great play equipment. Our guys love it here! You can also head around to Brian Breckenridge Field and hire out the tennis court, or if you are after something more permanent, the Tumbulgum Rangers Sports Club has it’s own Junior and Mini-Roo soccer teams.

Tumbulgum plays host to the Tweed River Festival, which is an annual affair. The festival boasts workshops and activities all week focusing on the care and protection of the Tweed River, and culminates in an all-out party! This town has been known to put on a show! You can find local artists performing across multiple stages, food stalls, waterskiing displays, circus performers, clowns, face painting, balloon artistry, toy workshops and a sunset Lantern Parade where you could watch a boat lantern sail down the street accompanied by professional fire twirling, and yes, even a laser show!

Tumbulgum NSW – our verdict

So, Tumbulgum? Not exactly the sleepy little town you though it was! But lets try and keep it a little under wraps, shall we?