Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest

Straddling the sparkling Myall River, the twin settlements of Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest offer a serene escape where the river meets the sea. This laid-back corner of the NSW coast is all about waterfront dining, dolphin-spotting cruises, and easy access to the wild, unspoiled beaches of the Myall Lakes National Park. With a village atmosphere and a pace that slows you right down, it's the perfect detour on a Port Macquarie to Newcastle road trip.

Highlights & What to See

• Dolphin-watching cruises – The Myall River is home to a resident pod of bottlenose dolphins; join a guided cruise from Tea Gardens for close encounters.
• Myall Lakes National Park – A vast waterway of interconnected lakes, perfect for kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. Hire a boat and explore the tranquil backwaters.
• Hawks Nest Beach – A sweeping stretch of sand that feels wonderfully remote. It's patrolled in summer and great for swimming, surfing, and long walks.
• Tea Gardens waterfront – The main street hugs the riverfront, lined with cafes, fish-and-chip shops, and the historic Tea Gardens Hotel. Grab a table on the deck and watch the boats go by.
• Jimmy's Beach – A calm, protected beach on the Hawks Nest side, ideal for families and a popular launch spot for kayaks.
• Bennetts Head Lookout – A short walk from Hawks Nest offers panoramic views over the coast, the park, and out to sea – particularly stunning at sunrise.

Suggested Time to Spend

Two nights gives you a relaxed taste of the area. Spend your first day on a dolphin cruise and exploring the Tea Gardens waterfront, then dedicate the second day to the national park – either by hired boat or on foot. If you're on a road trip, even a single overnight stop lets you enjoy a sunset river walk and a morning kayak before moving on.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Macquarie – An hour north, with its historic convict site, koala hospital, and vibrant coastal trail.
• Forster–Tuncurry – About 45 minutes north, offering the Great Lakes Marine Park, Booti Booti National Park, and excellent surfing beaches.
• Nelson Bay – The heart of the Port Stephens region, famous for sand dunes, whale-watching, and the Tomaree Head Summit walk.
• Myall Lakes National Park – Beyond the immediate Hawks Nest section, the park stretches north and offers remote camping, birdwatching, and the Mungo Brush rainforest walk.

Please check official sources for current details.