The Tweed of course is not only about fabulous beaches – there are vibrant country towns and villages, national parks and art trails to discover and the Tweed River itself.
Today I’m heading for Murwillumbah, an interesting name that I’m a bit challenged to get my tongue around, apparently deriving from the Aboriginal phrase meaning ‘camping place’, however, some believe it means ‘place of many possums’. I can’t say I spotted any!
On the winding road from Carabita to Murwillumbah, a short 30-minute drive, the sense of fresh air is invigorating, the different shades of green bringing a sense of harmony. And as the road snakes its way through an archway of trees, beams of sunlight shining through, there’s a notice announcing that “This is Koala Land”. It also provides surprises for art lovers.
Tweed Regional Gallery + Margaret Olley Art Centre, a modern ‘tin shed’ style building perched on a low hill with undulating valley views, pays homage to Margaret Olley, one of Australia’s most famous painters, recreating her home studio with more than 20,000 original items collected and used in her still life and home paintings… and it offers lots more…the work of local artists, significant art prizes and major travelling exhibitions.
Interestingly the windows which offer the most wonderful country views with Mount Warning standing proud in the distance are tall and narrow so as not to detract from the masterpieces to be viewed inside.
Today I’m struck by the talent of young artists put forward for the Woolumbin Youth Art Award and a collection of portraits highlighting the beauty of stillness each encouraging you to reflect. Then, of course, there was Monet’s ‘Meules, Milieu du Jour (Haystacks, Midday) 1890 in its original frame shared by the National Gallery in Canberra as part of Australia’s Sharing National Collection initiative. One of a series of 25 canvas paintings exploring the transience of light at different times of the day, in different types of weather, different seasons, this one is filled with luminous colour. Apparently, the sale of these paintings allowed Monet to purchase the famous property at Giverny and start creating the famous waterlily pond.
One thing is for sure, you need to allow plenty of time for any visit …and have lunch at the Apex Dining Cafe – booking is a must.