Tea Gardens

Tea Gardens is a sleepy riverside town on the northern shore of the Myall River, just across from Hawks Nest. It's the kind of place where the pace slows to a gentle drift, with a long timber wharf, calm waterways, and a relaxed holiday vibe. The town is a perfect base for exploring the Myall Lakes National Park and the surrounding waterways, offering kayaking, fishing, and wildlife spotting.

Highlights & What to See

• Tea Gardens Wharf – A classic Aussie riverside wharf, perfect for a stroll, fishing, or watching the boats go by. Grab a coffee from the nearby café and soak up the views.
• Myall River Cruise – Take a scenic cruise on the Myall River and into the vast Myall Lakes system. Look out for pelicans, ospreys, and dolphins that often play in the wake.
• Hawks Nest Beach – Just across the bridge, this stunning surf beach stretches for kilometres. It's patrolled in season and ideal for swimming, surfing, or a long walk.
• Myall Lakes National Park – Explore this pristine freshwater lake system by kayak or boat. Paddle through paperbark forests, spot goannas and birdlife, and find secluded picnic spots.
• Jimmy's Beach – A calm, protected beach on the Hawks Nest side, perfect for families and safe swimming. The shallows are great for kids.
• Local Oyster and Seafood – The area is famous for its oysters. Visit a local shack or restaurant for freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters with a squeeze of lemon.

Suggested Time to Spend

Tea Gardens is a perfect stop for a day trip or a relaxed overnight stay. If you're passing through, allow at least half a day to wander the wharf, grab a bite, and take a short cruise. For a more immersive experience, stay two nights – spend one day exploring Myall Lakes by kayak and another relaxing on the beaches or walking in the national park. The town is small, so a longer stay lets you truly unwind.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Hawks Nest – Just over the Singing Bridge, this coastal village offers stunning beaches and a golf course. It's an easy walk or drive from Tea Gardens.
• Myall Lakes National Park – Accessible by boat or car, this park is a must for nature lovers. Explore the lakes, bushwalking trails, and the remote Mungo Brush area.
• Port Stephens – About 45 minutes south, this popular holiday destination offers dolphin watching, sand dunes at Stockton Bight, and the town of Nelson Bay.
• Bulahdelah – A historic timber town on the Myall River, with a charming main street and the nearby Bulahdelah State Forest for bushwalks.
• Seal Rocks – A tiny coastal hamlet with a historic lighthouse, great surf, and a laid-back atmosphere. About an hour's drive north via the Lakes Way.
• Pacific Palms – Home to the stunning Blueys Beach and Boomerang Beach, this area offers excellent surf and coastal walks. A short drive north.

Please check official sources for current details.