Named after the she-oak trees that fringe its beach, Casuarina is a coastal town on the sunny Tweed Coast, partway between Kingscliff and Cabarita. It’s a laid-back destination for a beachside getaway, with a long strip of sand, a bird-filled nature reserve and globally-inspired restaurants.
Things to do in Casuarina
Spend your days relaxing on Casuarina Beach, which is lapped by the inviting waters of the Pacific Ocean. In the summer months, it’s an idyllic destination for swimming and sunbathing while it’s popular with surfers year-round. Backing the sand is Casuarina Central Park, which boasts a small children’s playground and picnic facilities.
On the southern edge of Casuarina is the Cudgen Nature Reserve, which centres around a lake that attracts a variety of birdlife. It’s also home to one of the last remaining populations of koalas on the Tweed Coast. You can stretch your legs on one of the nature trails or explore the shoreline by kayak while enjoying views of Wollumbin/Mount Warning.
Casuarina makes an ideal base for visiting Tropical Fruit World, a picturesque farm that grows tropical fruits from across the globe. On a guided tour, you can learn about the different species that flourish here while tasting deliciously ripe fruits and get up close to friendly animals in the wildlife park. Tropical Fruit World also boasts a miniature golf course and a cafe that serves seasonal, local produce.
Getting around Casuarina
Casuarina is around 45 minutes’ drive from Surfers Paradise and 20 minutes from Gold Coast Airport, which has flights to destinations across Australia, New Zealand and Asia. Regular buses connect to Casuarina and the town is small enough to explore on foot. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting around the area.