tweed regional gallery & margaret olley art centre

A group of us ventured down to Murwillumbah to see the Margaret Olley Centre. Set amongst a beautiful countryside was a lovely contemporary gallery with a marvellous cafe.We were impressed with the recreation of Margaret Olley's Paddington house but surprised by the other works. A lovely portrait series as well as works by Nolan, Drysdale, Dobell, Boyd and others. The Gallery is roomy and free to enter with spectacular views over the Tweed valley. The staff were friendly and it was quite busy on the day we were there. You are allowed to take photos of Margaret Olley's house but none of the other artworks throughout the gallery. Definitely a worth while trip. Don't forget you will need to book the cafe on the week ends as it is so busy.

As a local, I can't believe this visit gets better every time - and I have visited MANY times with MANY friends and family. The Margaret Olley studio reconstruction offers a window into the usually private world of an artist. Here you can see a painstaking replica of some of the rooms of her Sydney house EXACTLY as they were when she passed away. So much work has gone into this reconstruction and its an absolute pleasure to visit. Make sure you enjoy ALL the parts - sit and try your hand at a still life drawing on an ipad - which you can save and print on your return home; watch the video taken in her house in Sydney and gain insights into her life and work ; and simply stroll around the reconstruction and gaze through the windows and into Margaret's life. You will be inspired. And that is not to mention all the other works of other artists on display and the breathtaking view of our Tweed valley from the balcony.

That's saying something, but it's true. The view is to die for, 360 degree panorama of the Tweed Valley with Wollumbin (Mt Warning) prominent in the landscape of hills and the Tweed River. The art exhibitions are contemporary, exactingly curated, imaginative and compelling with a focus on portraiture and works on paper - especially printmaking. With the new Margaret Olley Art Centre opened last year, another dimension of artistic voyeurism can occur, peering into the recreated rooms of the late Margaret Olley's house and studio supported by changing exhibitions of her artwork.nThe gallery is also hugely supportive of local and emerging artists. All in all a wonderful artistic experience.

This gallery goes from strength to strength with its collection and constantly changing exhibitions. The Margaret Olley centre is regarded as the finest examples of a reconstruction of an artisit's studio in the world. The exhibition program is extensive, varied and interesting. Whether you are seriously interested in art, nature ( the site and views are to die for) , a pleasant meal or all three this is a fabulous attraction. Don't miss it.

Fabulous views, building design very impressive and the exhibitions really worth seeing, the café is pretty good too

Well worth a visit to see this first class gallery. The Margaret Olley centre is just icing on the cake. Only problem is lack of parking nearby.

The very successful trans-location of the wonderful Margaret Olley bequest has added the cherry on the top to the already brilliant Tweed Regional Gallery. Situated in glorious natural surroundings which tempt the eyes outwards through the clever vertical and horizontal windows. However the quality and variety of all exhibitions soon bring one's attention back indoors. The Olley section is "gob-smacking" in its vision and achievement! Interstate and international visitors who have visited with me have been rendered speechless, literally!

Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre is a wonderfully crafted gallery which is definitely worth a visit. Only 40 minutes drive from Gold Coast, it is a beautiful trip which you drive through sugarcain farms and absolutely gorgeous scenary. As you enter Murwillumbah, Mt Warning stands right in front of you and if the weather is good, the view is stunning.The gallery is well organised and presented. Very interesting collection of art works which many of them are from the local Australian artists. They also have a guided tour so check what time they have that on that day before you visit. Margaret Olley gallary is a highlight of the display and you can easily absorb yourself into it.There is a cafe atttached if you would like a little break. The view from the deck is absolutely stunning and you can sit and admire the view for ages. The food there is a little bit overpriced (a piece of cake was $8.50 and a bowl of chips was $11) but we thought we were paying for the serenity of the place as well as the beautiful view.

The Tweed Regional Gallery should be top of your list of Must-Sees if you are in the Tweed Valley or holidaying on the Gold Coast nearby. Situated on the outskirts of Murwillumbah with stunning views over the canefields of the Tweed, and the ever-imposing Mt Warning in the background, the gallery boasts some impressive art, not the least of which is the recently added Margaret Olley collection.Wander around the airy displays and top up your culture quotent and follow that up with a snack or coffee on the open deck. Quite amazing really so put it on your list.

The Margaret Olley 'wing' is extremely interesting and brilliantly curated. The cafe is reasonable. The location is unbelievable with outstanding views of the hinterland and Mt Warning.

A great day out. The Margaret Olly display is superb. We were very impressed with the rest of the gallery too. The layout, spaces, facilities, art collection, all excellent. There is even an expansive view from various points around the building. This is a great example of modern architecture located in a culturally well endowed town that all seems to blend in a hip kind of way. Combine a visit to the gallery with exploring the rest of Murwillumbah's interesting shops, cafés and earlier architecture. Easy day trip from Gold Coast.

For ages, I have been meaning to visit the gallery, I am not overly an art lover, however was very impressed with the collection of art and how the gallery is set up and the facilities are amazing. I honestly can't believe it is free admission, however it is great to see most provide a donation on the way out like we did. It is great to see they change exhibitions on a regular level, so will definitely be back sometime in winter this year. If you are visiting the area or on the Gold Coast and would like a drive less than a hour away - this is a must do activity.

A interesting building in itself, the gallery is located on a hillside with pleasant views over the valley. The recreation of Margaret Olley's home come workshop with all of her personal effects is excellent with views into the home from windows and doors. The video/interactive screens give extra information on Margaret's life and work.Other gallery exhibits are also worthwhile and the restaurant does excellent coffee.

We had wanted to visit the gallery ever since we heard the Margaret Olley collection had gone there. We were both delighted and surprised at what we found there!! The local collection is great, the facilities excellent, and the staff most helpful. The gallery is a credit to the local community and the board.

Just loved this gallery - free entry, all Australian art and the recreation of Margaret Olly's home in Sydney is just amazing. We could not take our eyes of it....we just kept walking around looking at it. would love to get my hands on some of those antiques! definitely worth the drive for this gallery. the location is just beautiful looking over the tweed river.