Nelson

Nelson is a tiny, serene riverside village on the northern banks of the Myall River, just a short drive from the bustling holiday hub of Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest. With its quiet streets, working fishing fleet, and unfussy waterfront pub, Nelson feels like a step back in time. It's a perfect spot for travellers seeking a peaceful break, a taste of authentic river life, and easy access to the stunning Myall Lakes and nearby coastal beaches.

Highlights & What to See

• Nelson Bay River & Waterfront: Watch the fishing boats come and go, or simply sit on a bench by the water and soak up the calm atmosphere. The riverside is dotted with historic jetties and offers lovely views across the Myall River.
• Myall River Boat Cruise: Several operators run scenic cruises from Nelson, taking you through the serene waterways of the Myall Lakes system. Keep an eye out for pelicans, ospreys, and even dolphins.
• Nelson Hotel: This classic Aussie pub serves cold beer, hearty meals (try the fresh local fish), and has a beer garden overlooking the river. It's the social heart of the village.
• Fishing & Crabbing: The river is renowned for whiting, bream, and flathead. Grab a line from the jetty or launch a tinny. Mud crabs are also abundant in season.
• Nearby Beaches: Just a few minutes' drive away, Hawks Nest offers the magnificent, unpatrolled Bennetts Beach – 11 kilometres of pristine sand that's often deserted. Jimmy's Beach on the Myall River side is perfect for families.

Suggested Time to Spend

Nelson is a place to slow down. Most visitors pass through on a day trip from Tea Gardens or Hawks Nest, spending an hour or two enjoying a pub lunch and a riverside stroll. However, if you're after a truly relaxing escape, an overnight stay at the hotel or in a nearby holiday rental allows you to enjoy a sunset drink by the water, a quiet dinner, and a morning's fishing before moving on. For those exploring the Myall Lakes by boat, Nelson makes a convenient stop for supplies or a meal.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Tea Gardens: Just across the river (reachable by a short ferry ride), this bustling town offers more cafés, shops, and the historic Tea Gardens Hotel.
• Hawks Nest: A coastal village with stunning beaches, dune walks, and the entrance to the Myall Lakes National Park.
• Myall Lakes National Park: A vast network of lakes, rivers, and forests, ideal for kayaking, bushwalking, and birdwatching. The park's Mungo Brush area has excellent camping and walking tracks.
• Port Stephens: About 40 minutes south, the Port Stephens region offers world-class dolphin and whale watching, sand dunes at Stockton Beach, and the coastal town of Nelson Bay (not to be confused with this Nelson).

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