Hawks Nest

Straddling the northern edge of Port Stephens, Hawks Nest is a laid-back coastal village that feels a world away from the busy beaches further south. Its name comes from the white-bellied sea eagles that nest in the area, and the vibe here is pure, unhurried nature: long stretches of sand, tea-tree-lined lakes, and a national park at your doorstep. It’s the kind of place where you trade your watch for a tide chart.

Highlights & What to See

• Bennetts Beach – a sweeping, patrolled beach perfect for swimming, surfing, and long walks; the southern end is dog-friendly.
• Myall River & Myall Lakes National Park – kayak or paddleboard through tranquil tea-tree-darkened waters; keep an eye out for pelicans and sea eagles.
• Jimmy’s Beach – a calm, shallow beach on the Port Stephens side, ideal for families and launching a tinny.
• Winda Woppa Caravan Park & The Ruins – explore the old convict-built dam and the remains of a 19th-century settlement tucked in the bush.
• Mungo Brush Rainforest Walk – a short boardwalk through littoral rainforest, with massive old figs and the chance to spot swamp wallabies.
• Sand dunes at Stockton Bight – just a short drive south, the largest moving sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere offer quad-biking and sandboarding.

Suggested Time to Spend

Two to three days gives you time to settle into the rhythm of Hawks Nest. Spend your first day on the beach and kayaking the Myall River; day two can be a national park exploration and a visit to the dunes. If you have a third day, take a scenic drive up to Seal Rocks or just kick back with a book and a coffee at one of the village cafés. Hawks Nest is deliberately slow – let it be.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Tea Gardens – Hawks Nest’s quieter twin across the bridge, with a historic pub and a lovely waterfront boardwalk.
• Port Stephens – Nelson Bay and Shoal Bay are 30 minutes south, offering dolphin cruises, dune adventures, and a much bigger dining scene.
• Myall Lakes National Park – a vast water-based wilderness of lakes, rivers, and walking tracks; bring your own kayak or hire one in the village.
• Seal Rocks – a rugged, stunningly beautiful headland with a lighthouse and excellent surfing beaches, about 45 minutes north.
• Booral & The Bucketts Way – a scenic drive through historic farming country with views of the Bucketts Range, linking Hawks Nest to the Hunter Valley wine region.

Please check official sources for current details.