With white sandy beaches, tranquil waterways, hidden lakes and wetlands alive with bird life that are all waiting for you to explore on your houseboat adventure.
Guarded by the towering Mount Warning you can meander around the waterways with safety and ease. There are many beautiful spots to drop anchor, art and craft shops to wonder through, cafes and country style pubs will satisfy anyone’s appetite.
A short cruise from our base at the Tweed Marina is the beautiful nature reserve of Ukerebagh Island. Crystal clear water and white sandy beaches. A great place for swimming and snorkelling. A popular retreat for dolphins that come and play around. Pull up a sand crab or go and pump a few yabbies.
Half way along the Fingal straight you can drop anchor then go explore the Fingal Lighthouse that is situated on the Eastern side of the headland.
There are walking tracks around the headland that will take you south to Dreamtime Beach where you can picnic, swim, soak up the sun or go for a surf and when you are ready to head back to your houseboat, call into the Sheoak Shack for a snack and a wander through the excellent art gallery.
On the western side of Fingal Straight you will find the magnificent golfing complex of the Coolangatta and Tweed Heads Golf Club for those that feel like having a hit. You will often find dolphins playing around your houseboat as you cruise down the Fingal straight so keep your eyes open.
Beautiful views, peace, quiet, relaxation, fishing or a few ales at the local pub, this is a great place to drop anchor. Recently renovated, the Chinderah Hotel offers a nice place to spend the afternoon for a few beers and the bistro is excellent offering a wide range of meals or you can take a short stroll a few blocks north to the local fish n chip shop.
As of the 2017 floods there is no longer a general store in town but in case of an emergency there is a large BP servo a few blocks back but it’s a bit of a walk. A must is to visit the Chinderah Bay Antiques and Museum of the Sea – this is an amazing thing to see, there are all kinds of crazy treasures to be found.
While anchored at Chinderah you will witness some of the most beautiful sunsets the Tweed River has to offer so sit back, relax and enjoy.
With fishing rod in hand, start reeling in our own fish for the pan. Dodd’s Island is a great place to jump in your dinghy and put out the crab pot, which is supplied on board your houseboat. Big fat mud crabs linger in the waters around Dodd’s Island, and there is nothing better than a freshly cooked mud crab.
The nature reserve of lowland subtropical rainforest covers an area of approximately 160 hectares. The rainforest is home to the endangered Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail, as well as over 47 bird species including the Whistling Kyte and the White breasted Sea Eagle. Access on the island is prohibited; however you can adventure around the island in your dinghy, kayak or stand-up paddle board. Stott’s Island is another great place to throw your line in or a spot of mud crabbing. Enjoy your surroundings on the upper deck of your houseboat and watch the fantastic bird life – nature will surely delight you.
A picturesque historical village on the banks of the Tweed River. Tumbulgum is a popular spot for our weekend houseboaters. The historic Tumbulgum Tavern was established in 1887 and holds a wonderful collection of old photos and memorabilia. Stop in for a cold beer or a chat with the locals. Take a stroll along the heritage shop fronts and browse for gifts or souvenirs at the local arts and crafts gallery. The historic cemetery (1887 – 1947) is full of pioneer history.
Branching off at Tumbulgum is the tranquil Rous River. A peaceful secluded hideaway that’s great for fishing. Beautiful views of Mt Warning – great photo shots are taken here.
Located nearly exactly in the middle of the Mt Warning caldera, Mt Warning commands almost every view. Wander along the main street and view the historic art deco style buildings. There are also many tempting fresco cafes and eateries. Drop anchor out the front of the World Heritage Rainforest and Visitor information center and access a range of information.
You have now reached the end of the river system with your Boyd’s Bay Houseboat. The Bray Park Weir is a beautiful, tranquil part of the Tweed River. For most of the year, the peak of Mt Warning is where the sun’s first rays touch the Australian mainland. The weir is also known for some great fishing.