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The Queensland Travel Guide acknowledges the Ngandowal and Minyungbal speaking people of the Bundjalung Country, in particular the Goodjinburra, Tul-gi-gin and Moorung – Moobah clans, the Traditional Custodians of the Tweed Region. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continued spiritual and cultural connections to Country. Always was, always will be, Aboriginal land.
Just across the Queensland border in the lush Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, the village of Tyalgum is an easy and rewarding getaway for South East Queenslanders.
Surrounded by rolling hills and framed by views of Wollumbin (Mount Warning), Tyalgum is known for its creative charm, welcoming community, and peaceful, nature-filled setting.
Whether you’re after boutique shopping, live music, scenic walks, or simply a great coffee in a quiet country town, Tyalgum delivers a refreshing change of pace — all less than two hours from Brisbane.
To help you plan your visit, I’ve put together this guide on the best things to do in Tyalgum, including must-see spots in town and nearby natural attractions.
You’ll also find helpful info on opening hours, locations, and any tips to make the most of your time.
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Things to do in Tyalgum Map
Before getting into all the things to do in and around Tyalgum, take a moment to check out the map below. It shows the locations of all the must-visit attractions covered in this guide, making it easier to plan your trip.
Things to do in Tyalgum
Below, you’ll find the best things to do in and around Tyalgum.
Tyalgum Lookout
A must do while in town is to drive to the top of Tyagum Road for a view of this gorgeous area. The Tyalgum Lookout is not in the village itself, but about a 15-minute drive up the range. The road is sealed the whole way, though it gets narrow and winding as you climb.
The lookout is a small roadside stop. There’s no sign indicating you’ve arrived, a viewing area or even parking, but the views are the reason to come.
On a clear day, you can see all the way across the Tweed Valley, with Wollumbin (Mount Warning) front and centre.
Location: Tyalgum Road, Eungella
Hours: Always but best during daylight
Price: Free
Buck’s Farm
Buck’s Farm is a working tropical fruit farm with a roadside stall where you can try and buy whatever’s in season. They’ll often cut things up for you to taste, which helps decide what to take home.
As you can see from above, it’s not a big, polished tourist stop — more like calling into someone’s farm gate — but that’s part of the appeal.
There’s no café or anything fancy, so it’s a short visit, but it’s worth the stop if you’re into fresh produce or just want to see something different.
Location: 1292 Numinbah Road Chillingham
Hours: Daily, 8.30 am to 5 pm
Chillingham General Store
A great place for lunch or a bit of afternoon entertainment is the Chillingham General Store.
Inside is a small café section where you can grab coffee, light meals, or something sweet, as well as a collection of locally made goods and groceries. They also stock basics like bread and milk, which come in handy if you’re staying nearby.
If you’d like to sit for a bit, there are a few tables out front, and the atmosphere is relaxed.
On Saturday afternoons, they usually feature live music, making it a great spot to come for a few drinks.
Location: 1469 Numinbah Road, Chillingham
Hours: Daily from 8 am to 6 pm
Crystal Creek Estate
Crystal Creek Estate, a serene spot located approximately 15 minutes from Tyalgum, is a great place to visit. Set right on the banks of Crystal Creek, the estate is quiet and scenic, with turtles sunbaking on the rocks and fish swimming below as you sit out on the deck.
The café is the main drawcard. The menu changes with the seasons and is built around fresh, local produce from the Tweed Valley. Whether you’re after a hearty breakfast, a vegetarian lunch, or something light, there’s always something delicious.
There are plenty of places to sit — you can take in the view from the deck, relax under the Banyan tree, or cosy up by the fire during cooler months.
The whole place is dog-friendly, so if you’re travelling with a furry mate, they’re welcome too. Takeaway is also available, and it’s BYO if you want to bring a drink to enjoy with lunch.
There is also a small nursery and a gift store on site. There are affordable plants and a mix of handmade items from local makers. It’s a good place to pick up something small to take home.
Location: 1004 Numinbah Road, Crystal Creek
Hours: Daily from 7 am to 4 pm
Garden of Light Tours
If you’re visiting during the cooler months, consider joining a Garden of Light tour for a unique experience. The Garden of Light is a 25-acre expansive sanctuary featuring a variety of distinct gardens.
Via a guided tour, you’ll wander through charming Cottage Gardens, picturesque Tuscan Gardens, Wisteria Arbours, lily-covered ponds, and lush hillside woodlands inspired by the iconic Butchart and Monet gardens.
A highlight of the tour is visiting the Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary, located within the gardens, a welcoming refuge for animals in need of care and comfort.
Lovingly nurtured over the past 22 years, this fertile landscape continually evolves, offering visitors a constantly changing tapestry of botanical beauty.
Visitors can also explore the quaint farm shop, offering a range of handmade products crafted from the garden’s organic produce. All proceeds directly support the sanctuary and ongoing garden maintenance.
The property is just outside the village, and the tour takes approximately an hour.
Garden Tours begin at Flutterbies Cottage Café, where you’ll start with a traditional Devonshire Tea. You also have the option of ending your tour with a two-course Champagne Lunch or a relaxing 1.5-hour garden picnic, complete with charming picnic baskets.
Location: 932 Tyalgum Road, Tyalgum NSW 2484
Hours: Open by guided tour only – check website or contact in advance
Price: From $45 per person, includes Devonshire tea
Tyalgum Hotel
A great choice for a meal while in town is the Tyalgum Hotel. The pub is situated right in the heart of town and is one of the easiest places to grab a meal or a cold drink.
There’s a classic front bar, a dining area, and a big beer garden out the back with views of the surrounding hills. There’s even a great big swimming pool in the beer garden that all guests are welcome to enjoy.
The menu is what you’d expect from a country pub — burgers, schnitzels, steaks, and a few lighter options. We ordered a chicken parmi and it was a decent size – big enough that we shared and left satisfied. The staff were friendly, and the service was relaxed, which suited the town’s pace.
There’s often live music on Sunday afternoons, and karaoke every second Friday night.
Location: 39 Coolman Street, Tyalgum
Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10 am–late
Price: Free entry; meals and drinks priced individually
Flutterbies Cottage Cafe
If you only visit one place during your visit to Tyalgum, make sure its Flutterbies Cottage Café. It’s more than just a café — the whole place feels like a little village.
Flutterbies is within the charmingly restored grounds of the historical Bakery and Butcher, and the cafe exudes timeless elegance and nostalgic charm. You can enjoy a meal in the peaceful garden setting or step into the refined Tea Room adorned with vintage crockery, fresh flowers, and luxurious French linens.
After your meal, you can explore the small boutique shops all set around the courtyard or indulge in premium single-origin coffee crafted by Double or Nothing Coffee Alchymists.
Location: 23 Coolman Street, Tyalgum
Hours: Daily from 9 am to 3 pm
Price: Free entry; meals and purchases priced individually
Flutterbucks Pizza Night
If you’re in town on a Friday night, I’ve heard that Flutterbucks Pizza Night is a must-do. Held in the Flutterbies Café, the night vibe is completely different. There’s live music, and the wood-fired oven runs nonstop all night.
The pizzas are made fresh to order with a good variety of toppings, including vegetarian options. You order at the counter, then grab a seat wherever you like — it’s a very casual atmosphere. Drinks are available too, including wine and beer.
It’s well recommended to book ahead, especially if you’re in a group, as tables fill quickly.
Location: 23 Coolman Street, Tyalgum
Hours: Fridays 6 to 9.30 pm
Price: Free entry; pizzas from around $20 each
Tyalgum Gelato Store
For those with a sweet tooth, you’ll want to duck into the Tyalgum Gelato Store. They make the gelato on-site using local ingredients, and there were a few unique options I hadn’t seen elsewhere, including the black sesame honey crunch I had to try.
There are a few places to sit on site, but we took our ice cream across the road and ate it in the park, admiring the gorgeous caldera.
Location: 15 Coolman Street, Tyalgum
Hours: Weekends 11 am to 4 pm
Price: Gelato from around $6 per scoop or $8 for two scoops
Tyalgum Village Market
If you plan your visit to Tyalgum on the last Saturday of the month, then you can stop by the Tyalgum Village Markets.
There are stalls selling handmade crafts, plants, clothing, skincare products, local produce, and a few second-hand items. A few food stalls are also set up, offering coffee and baked goods, making it easy to grab a snack while browsing.
Live music plays throughout the morning, providing a cool, laid-back vibe.
Location: Garden area behind Flutterbies Café, Coolman Street and Markette Lane
Hours: Last Saturday of each month, 9 am to 3 pm
Price: Free entry
Where to stay in Tyalgum
Looking for a place to stay in Tyalgum? We generally recommend booking through Booking.com. They offer a wide range of hotels, most of which have free cancellation, making them ideal for last-minute changes.
However, if you’re looking for our recommendation on a property, we’ve listed our top picks for luxury, family, mid-range, and budget hotels below.
We recently stayed at Casa Caldera – read our full review here!
Luxury: Avion Retreat
Avion Retreat is in Pumpenbil, just a 10-minute drive from Tyalgum village. Set on 150 acres of farmland and bushland, the retreat offers panoramic views of Wollumbin (Mount Warning) and the surrounding ranges.
The accommodation comprises an architecturally designed glasshouse, fully off-grid, tailored for adults seeking a tranquil escape.
Inside, you’ll find a king-size bed, air conditioning, a fireplace, and a fully equipped kitchen with a refrigerator, stovetop, microwave, toaster, kettle, and coffee machine. The bathroom features a rain shower, and outside, there’s a stone bath on the deck, along with a queen-size daybed and a barbecue.
Avion Retreat is ideal for couples or solo travellers looking to unwind in a serene setting. With its combination of comfort, privacy, and natural beauty, it offers a unique experience in the Northern NSW hinterland.
Click here for more information or to book.
Family: Black Cockatoo Tyalgum
Black Cockatoo Tyalgum, also known as The Longyard, is a top pick if you’re travelling with family or a group.
Set on over 200 acres of private land and feels completely tucked away, yet it’s still only a short drive — or even a walk — from the centre of Tyalgum village. The property looks out to Mount Warning and The Pinnacle, and there are creeks, rivers, and even swimming holes to explore during your stay.
The original farmhouse is fully fenced and has ample space both inside and out. It has four bedrooms and two bathrooms, sleeping up to 12 people comfortably. The bedrooms have a mix of king, queen, and double beds, providing flexibility for families or groups.
The kitchen is well-equipped for groups — there’s a full oven and stovetop, a large side-by-side fridge/freezer with ice and water, a microwave, a toaster, a kettle, and a coffee machine.
There’s a fireplace in the living room for winter nights, and a smart TV, Wi-Fi and board games if you’re hanging around indoors.
Families will love having their meals on the large outdoor deck, which offers plenty of seating options, including a dining table, lounges, and a bar table with stools. The views in every direction will make it hard to leave the table.
Outside, you’ll find a BBQ, hot tub, fire pit and a wide lawn perfect for kids or dogs to run around. The property is pet-friendly, and you’re free to roam the paddocks and creeks — just make sure you shut any gates behind you. Occasionally, a farmer may be nearby tending to cattle, but they give guests their space.
There’s a laundry with a washer and dryer, which came in handy after a few swims in the creek. Additional amenities include air conditioning and free Wi-Fi throughout the property.
Overall, Black Cockatoo Tyalgum provides a comfortable and well-equipped base for families or groups seeking a peaceful countryside getaway. Its combination of modern amenities and natural surroundings makes it a suitable choice for those seeking to unwind and appreciate the region’s beauty.
Click here for more information or to book.
Mid Range: Celestial Dew Guesthouse
The Celestial Dew Guesthouse is a peaceful and conveniently located spot right in the heart of the village.
Located on Coolman Street, it’s just steps away from Flutterbies Café, with direct access through the garden. The guesthouse is also conveniently located near local shops, markets, and the Tyalgum Hotel, making it easy to explore the area on foot.
The accommodation offers four rooms: two Queen rooms, one King room that can be converted into a Twin, and one Twin room with two single beds. Each room is air-conditioned and includes access to shared bathrooms.
You can also book the entire house, which accommodates up to eight guests and features two bathrooms. The communal kitchenette is equipped with a microwave, mini fridge, toaster, kettle, and electric hot plate, suitable for preparing light meals.
The guesthouse features a private magnesium spa and a hot stone sauna, providing a relaxing experience. There’s also a garden area with outdoor seating, perfect for unwinding.
Additional amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi in public areas, a shared lounge with books and games, and a continental breakfast served daily.
Overall, Celestial Dew Guesthouse offers a comfortable and tranquil setting, ideal for couples, small groups, or solo travellers looking to relax and enjoy the charm of Tyalgum.
Click here for more information or to book.
Budget: Tyalgum Hotel
The Tyalgum Hotel is a historic country pub on Coolman Street in the heart of Tyalgum village. It’s within walking distance to local attractions, such as Flutterbies Café and the Tyalgum General Store.
The accommodation comprises 13 refurbished rooms, including double, queen, and family rooms. All rooms share bathroom facilities and are situated upstairs, accessible via stairs.
While the rooms are basic, they are clean and comfortable, featuring ceiling fans and shared access to a balcony with views of the surrounding countryside.
The hotel’s facilities include a bistro serving lunch and dinner, a sports bar with big-screen TVs, and a beer garden. There’s also an outdoor swimming pool, a children’s playground, and a bottle shop on-site.
Overall, the Tyalgum Hotel offers a budget-friendly option for travellers seeking a central location with easy access to local amenities and attractions. It’s particularly suitable for those who appreciate the charm of a traditional country pub and are comfortable with shared bathroom facilities.
Click here for more information or to book.
Enjoy Tyalgum
Hopefully, this guide has provided you with plenty of inspiration for things to do in and around Tyalgum.
If you’re planning a trip to the region, I highly recommend you join our free Queensland Travel Guide Facebook community, where you can ask all your questions and find even more great trip suggestions.
You might also be interested in the guides on the following nearby destinations: