"When we reopened after lockdowns, a man paraglided over from Queensland for one of our chicken korma pies, then paraglided back."
I'm hearing this story in the garden of Flutterbies, a cafe in the northern NSW town of Tyalgum; and such eccentricity does not seem out of place. Straddling heritage shopfronts and spreading into atmospheric greenery, this distinctive venue is symbolic of the inland Tweed region.
Though the beaches and resorts of the Tweed's coast have their appeal, there's a lot to be said for heading bush. Nestled within the hilly green walls formed by the caldera of a prehistoric volcano is a collection of small towns with atmospheric old buildings and quality food. It's a region well stocked with places serving dishes made from local ingredients.
A case in point is Tyalgum Gelato Shop, where I head for dessert after devouring my own korma pie. Its freezers are full of ice cream of alluring colours and regional flavours, including coconut with Davidson's plum.
Even the bigger towns bring an impressive food game. Following a night at the Imperial Hotel in Murwillumbah, I'm delighted by breakfast at Wild Thyme Dining, where a colourful acai bowl scattered with flower petals greets me.
After a stroll around the Murwillumbah town centre to admire its art deco buildings, it's off to Buck's Farm at Chillingham. This producer of exotic fruits grows everything from finger limes to yuzu. Its roadside shop sells produce including jams, sauces, chutneys and dressings.
Lunch is at Crystal Creek Estate. Adjoining its plant nursery is a restaurant with tables on a broad deck, overlooking the clear waters of the creek.
Later I drop into the post office at Uki. This is a facility with a difference. Although you can still buy stamps and post parcels within its attractive 1909 interior, it's also home to coffee roaster Bastion Lane. I enjoy a hot chocolate by the front door as I watch locals arrive to buy stamps and take-away coffee.
The following day there's time to check out Burringbar. One side of the main street is paralleled by the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, due to open this year, running from Casino to Murwillumbah along a former train line. The other side hosts an appealing assortment of shops.
I'm more interested in Brooklyn Tasting Room, a wine shop in a light-filled nook. It's lined with bottles of interesting drops, including an orange wine, its colour imparted by grape skins fermenting with the juice. It's a unique taste, and well in keeping with the inland Tweed's quirky flavour.
Tim Richards travelled courtesy of The Tweed Tourism Co.
