Seven Mile Beach

Stretching in a glorious arc of golden sand between the Tasman Sea and the shimmering waters of the Port Stephens estuary, Seven Mile Beach lives up to its name – a wild, uninterrupted sweep of coastline that feels a world away from the crowds. This is where you come to feel the salt spray on your face, watch migrating whales breach offshore, and sink your toes into squeaky-clean sand that seems to go on forever. Part of the Worimi Conservation Lands, it's a place of immense natural beauty and cultural significance, offering a raw, untamed beach experience that's pure coastal New South Wales.

Highlights & What to See

• Walk the length of the beach – a proper 11 km (7 mile) hike from the southern end near Hawks Nest to the northern tip at the mouth of the Myall River. Allow 2-3 hours one way, and time it for low tide for the firmest sand.
• Spot humpback whales (May–November) from the beach or the elevated dunes – these gentle giants pass surprisingly close to shore on their annual migration.
• Explore the towering sand dunes behind the beach – at up to 40 metres high, they're the largest moving sand dunes in the southern hemisphere. Join a 4WD tour or quad-bike adventure to experience their otherworldly scale.
• Go fishing for bream, whiting, and flathead from the beach or the Myall River mouth – a favourite local pastime.
• Watch sunrise paint the sky over the ocean – the beach faces east, so early birds are rewarded with spectacular light shows.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan for at least a half-day to truly appreciate Seven Mile Beach – enough time for a long walk, a swim (be mindful of rips), and a picnic on the dunes. If you're keen to explore the Worimi Conservation Lands on a 4WD tour or try sandboarding on the dunes, allow a full day. The beach is also a wonderful spot for a relaxed afternoon drive (4WD required on the beach) and a sunset fish – many visitors find themselves lingering longer than expected.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Stephens – just a 20-minute drive south, this aquatic playground offers dolphin cruises, sandboarding at Stockton Bight, and the laid-back town of Nelson Bay.
• Myall Lakes National Park – a vast network of lakes, rivers, and forests perfect for kayaking, canoeing, and bushwalking, with the Myall River linking directly to the northern end of Seven Mile Beach.
• Hawks Nest – the tiny village at the southern end of the beach, with a general store, holiday rentals, and a boat ramp for exploring the Myall River.
• Tea Gardens – a charming historic village across the river from Hawks Nest, known for its excellent seafood, boutique shops, and the famous Tea Gardens Hotel.
• Broughton Island – a pristine offshore island accessible by charter boat from Port Stephens, offering secluded beaches, snorkelling, and camping.

Please check official sources for current details.