What to do on the Tweed Coast

A destination wedding is a dream for many couples, and we can see why – get a holiday and wedding in one, create unforgettable memories in beautiful tropical locations, heaps of tourist activities and dining out galore, all with your favourite people – what’s not to love about that?! But an overseas destination wedding can seriously blow out the budget. So, why not save the money from those pricey flights and consider a dream destination right in our very own backyard.

The Tweed Coast really has it all. Picturesque natural wonders, some of the countries best beaches, awarded chefs and restaurants, some of the most unique artisans and animal encounters. Our little slice of paradise even has the tick from Hollywood with some of the biggest stars flocking to our coast to experience it’s magic, Zac Efron even bought property here!

So, ditch your passports and take a look through our recommendations for a destination wedding week on the Tweed Coast, you will reminisce about forever!

Photo: Roost Film Co

HOW TO GET TO US

Fly in to Ballina airport. It’s just a 1.5 hour flight from Sydney, and other NSW departure points include Newcastle and Dubbo. Then it’s just a one hour drive to the beautiful Tweed Coast.

WHERE TO STAY

We’re lucky in Casuarina and surrounding towns, Kingscliff and Cabarita to have a huge array of accomodation options. Beautifully styled holiday homes perfect for the Bridal Party and for your guests wanting to stay in the same place, nearby resorts Peppers, Mantra on Salt and Oaks Santai (literally just up the road) are perfect options that will have your guests reach holiday relax vibes instantly! You can take a look at our top accom suggestions here.

Photo: Figtree Wedding Photography

BEFORE THE WEDDING

Ask any Bride, weddings go way to fast, so we encourage any way to extend the festivities beyond just the wedding day.

Our top tips, lock in a pamper session with your Bridesmaids at Kalm Springs. This dreamy retreat and calm space offering LED therapy, infrared saunas and float therapy is the perfect way to unwind and get in to wedding day mode and it’s just a 2 minute drive away from us. Similarly, for the guys, taking some time out at one of the best surf spots on the Tweed at Cabarita headland is a great way to soothe those pre wedding jitters.

Getting the Bridal Party together the night before with a pre wedding dinner gives you all some time to enjoy each other’s company, after the manic planning period and before the wedding day craziness. And our neighbours at Lolita’s Mexican Cantina is the perfect place. You can expect fresh, punchy Mexican flavours, cocktails to die for, high vibes and of course, tacos galore!

And this is the perfect chance to get any of those last minute wedding essentials at The Whole Bride, literally around the corner from Lolita’s! You can shop 15% off with special code OSTERIA (in store or online.)

Photo: Kristy Mason Photography

YOUR GARDEN PARTY WEDDING

Having delivered hundreds of weddings across the 3 wedding venues we manage, (waterside Ancora and The Acre in the Gold Coast hinterland) our team are wedding experts! On standby for anything you need from the moment you arrive, until the last guests depart. To put it plainly, we make weddings easy. All inclusive packages, an onsite Bridal Suite, a private ceremony garden, a fairy light lit reception space in our refinery and a late night Whiskey Bar. Throw in a bougainvillea archway, festoon lights and sunset cocktail hour and you’ve got the most magical garden party wedding, before moving inside to enjoy one of our three menus our guests rave about (Italian, Mediterranean or Mexican)

Photo: Figtree Wedding Photography

AFTER THE WEDDING

The cruisey, coastal surrounds of Tweed Coast towns is the perfect place to unwind and recover after the wedding. Laze on the lawns at the home of the infamous Ink Gin at Husk Distillery or just hit the sand and spend the day on the beach.

When you’ve re-energised book an experience with your crew to really commemorate your time together on the Tweed (as if getting hitched wasn’t enough!) Check out the Tweed Coast Guide, they have all the best things to do including kayaking with dolphins, whale watching, swimming with turtles, making ceramics, river cruises and heaps more.

JUST FOR THE COUPLE

Maybe it’s the honeymoon, maybe it’s just a post wedding love celebration for two – continue the Tweed Coast experience and treat yourselves to a stay at luxe boutique waterfront hotel Halcyon House or opt for something a little more secluded at couples only Crystal Creek Rainforest Resort. Or on your way back down the coast, enjoy the last days of your wedding bliss in beautiful Byron Bay. Our top pick for accommodation that will make you feel like you’re on the other side of the world – The Grand Villa at The Villas at Byron.

Photos: (Top) Halcyon House – (Bottom) Villas at Byron

If we haven’t yet convinced you with a destination wedding itinerary that will have you stirring in memories for years to come, than you can check out some of the incredible weddings Osteria has had the pleasure of hosting.

Or if you would like to know the finer details of what Osteria offers, you can request our Wedding Kit here.

If you’ve been trying to get married for the past couple of years but your plans have continued to be sidetracked, you may be in a bit of rush. We are for you! We’ve put together a handy little checklist to plan a wedding in 90 days! Yep, you heard right, you could plan your Osteria wedding in just three months and be hitched by the time summer is out.

And finally, if you’re concerned about being too far away to come and have a look at our coastal venue in real life, we have you covered with the next best thing. Not just a virtual tour but a 360 interactive tour that can be guided by our team. You’ll get to see every area of our venue and some of the surrounds like you’re actually there in person. Feel free to chat to our team if you’re curious!