Hawks Nest

Hawks Nest is a sleepy coastal village on the northern side of Port Stephens, where the Myall River meets the ocean. It's the quieter, more laid-back sibling to nearby Tea Gardens, offering uncrowded beaches, pristine national parks, and a true escape from city life. This is a place for nature lovers, kayakers, and anyone who wants to feel the sand between their toes without the crowds.

Highlights & What to See

• Bennetts Beach – a stunning 11 km stretch of white sand that's perfect for long walks, swimming, and surfing. The northern end is dog-friendly.
• Myall Lakes National Park – explore Australia's largest coastal lake system by kayak or boat, with calm waters, abundant birdlife, and secluded campsites.
• Mungo Brush Rainforest Walk – a short boardwalk through a lush littoral rainforest, with towering cabbage tree palms and the chance to see swamp wallabies.
• Jimmy's Beach – a calm, protected swimming spot on the Myall River side, ideal for families and paddleboarding.
• Dolphin watching – the waters around Port Stephens are home to a resident population of bottlenose dolphins; you can often spot them from the shore or on a cruise from Tea Gardens.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors base themselves here for 2–3 days to properly enjoy the beaches and national park. A day trip from Port Macquarie or Newcastle is possible, but you'll want longer to kayak the Myall Lakes and explore the sand dunes at Stockton Beach nearby. Plan a relaxed pace: mornings on the beach, afternoons on the water, and evenings with a fish and chips dinner watching the sunset over the river.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Tea Gardens – just across the bridge, this charming town has cafés, galleries, and the historic Tea Gardens Hotel.
• Port Stephens – head south to Nelson Bay for whale watching, sandboarding at Stockton Beach, and the Tomaree Head summit walk.
• Myall Lakes National Park – spend a day exploring the lakes, walking trails, and picnic spots deeper into the park.
• Broughton Island – a pristine island sanctuary reachable by charter boat, with crystal-clear waters and great snorkelling.
• Bulgah Beach – a quieter surf beach just north of Hawks Nest, accessed via a 4WD track.

Please check official sources for current details.