Early Morning Fix - ART, The Tweed

A morning walk doesn’t need to be an arm swinging, power one. You might prefer a leisurely stroll to blow away the cobwebs and enjoy the fabulous scenery that the Tweed offers. Start one with a walk north along Salt Beach towards South Kingscliff Beach (yes, confusing, you walk north to get to south, keep going with this). You hit South beach after 10 minutes but as it’s all part of the same beach you don’t really know except there are no buildings behind the sand dunes, it’s all a reserve. Keep going along the sand towards Cudgen Head and you’ll pass sand dunes. If you’re looking for a full boot camp workout then skip up and down the dunes a few times to really get the heart palpating (or mildly exploding). You can walk right to the end and stand at the entrance of the surprisingly turquoise blue Cudgen Creek. From there, there’s a paved track through the reserve that takes you all the way back to your hotel. It’s roughly 30 minutes there and 30 minutes back depending on how long you dune it.

Or if you’d prefer to walk to breakfast and then walk it off, Mockingbird at Kingscliff is a pleasant way to start the day. Head north from your accommodation in the same direction but follow the walking/bike track instead of hitting the sand all the way to Casuarina Way, go across the bridge over Cudgen Creek, then along Sutherland Street for a few blocks, right onto Seaview and once you hit Marine Parade turn left and it’s about 100 metres along. Kingscliff beach has managed to keep its local charm even though it’s turned into a popular holiday destination. And Mockingbird is an example of some local charm. The menu is often described as ‘different,’ but in a good way with surprising combinations. It’s not just eggs bene and avo on toast here. The menu is put together using the freshest local produce, often grown in the cafe’s garden, and organic where possible with ethical meats and eggs. There’s plenty of gluten free, vege and vegan options too. They bake their own bread, their bees make honey for the cafe and the view is free. If there’s six or more of you then book ahead - and that goes for lunch too but you’d need to cab it there and back.

The great thing about being on the Tweed coast is that high risers do not overshadow you. You can walk along the beach and feel like you’re on the beach rather than a festival. Here’s another walkable breakfast or coffee option if you want to stroll one way and cab it back to ART. Just head south on Salt Beach and keep going along the sand for 45 minutes until you’re in Casuarina. Then nip across the reserve, over Casuarina Way and up Barclay Drive to Osteria. Italian inspired, this local spot is a friendly, breezy place with good staff and more importantly, good coffee. They use Toby’s Estate beans and know their piccolo from their long macchiato. They also know their pizza from the pasta (if you end up here for lunch).

If you just want coffee and you want it now but you’re willing to step outside ART then head to Salt Village. Saltbean Espresso is no Keith’s (Murwillumbah) but it’s the local fav and the best place for coffee on the Salt Strip. They serve Byron Bay Bun Coffee from 7am plus fruit and vege juices and smoothies all day for a 5+ pick me up. The service is fast and the breakfast options are also big, bold and delicious. But it’s not just the start of the day, this place make burgers for lunch and have drinks on offer for those needing a different kind of midday pick me up. All super close to ART.