Tea Gardens

Tea Gardens is a sleepy, sun-bleached waterfront town on the northern shore of the Myall River, where the river meets Port Stephens. It's the perfect antidote to the Hunter Valley's wine-tasting circuit — a place to slow down, breathe in the salt air, and watch pelicans glide past moored fishing boats. The town's name comes from a failed 19th-century tea plantation, but today its main draw is the relaxed pace of river life, excellent seafood, and easy access to the wild beaches of the Myall Lakes National Park.

Highlights & What to See

• Myall River waterfront — Stroll the timber boardwalk along the riverfront, lined with Norfolk pines and benches perfect for sunset-watching. Grab fish and chips from a local takeaway and settle in for the show.
• Tea Gardens Ferry — The historic vehicular ferry chugs across the Myall River to Hawks Nest every few minutes. It's free, runs 24/7, and offers a lovely little crossing with views of the river and the distant dunes.
• Myall Lakes National Park — Just north of town, this vast system of shimmering lakes, tea-coloured waterways, and pristine beaches is a paradise for kayaking, fishing, and bushwalking. Don't miss the short walk to Mungo Brush rainforest.
• Bennetts Beach & Jimmy's Beach — On the Hawks Nest side, these long, sweeping beaches are backed by towering sand dunes and are often blissfully uncrowded. Swim, surf, or simply walk for miles.
• Pelican feeding — Every afternoon at around 3:30pm at the Moonshadow statue near the ferry ramp, a local volunteer feeds the pelicans — a quirky, charming ritual that kids love.

Suggested Time to Spend

Tea Gardens is best as a leisurely overnight stop or a two-night base for exploring the Myall Lakes region. A single afternoon will give you time for a waterfront walk, the ferry crossing, and a meal, but to truly appreciate the national park and beaches, plan for at least a full day. If you're self-driving from the Hunter Valley, it's a perfect one-night detour before heading north to Port Macquarie or the mid-north coast.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Hawks Nest — Just across the ferry, this laid-back coastal village offers access to Bennetts Beach and the dunes. It's essentially the same destination, but with a slightly different vibe.
• Nelson Bay & Port Stephens — 40 minutes south, the hub of Port Stephens offers dolphin-watching cruises, the Tomaree Headland walk with epic views, and a lively waterfront dining scene.
• Myall Lakes National Park — As above, this is the main reason to come. Explore the lakes by kayak or take a scenic drive through the park to the remote beach at Mungo Brush.
• Hunter Valley wine country — An hour's drive west, the vineyards and cellar doors of Pokolbin and Lovedale are an easy addition if you're coming from or heading to the wine region.
• Seal Rocks & the Great Lakes — About an hour north, this tiny settlement has a historic lighthouse, a spectacular beach, and a colony of Australian fur seals.

Please check official sources for current details.