Tea Gardens & Hawks Nest

Straddling the serene Myall River, the twin settlements of Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest offer a blissful coastal escape on the northern shores of Port Stephens. With their laid-back village atmosphere, pristine beaches, and direct access to the Myall Lakes National Park, these sleepy towns are perfect for travellers seeking uncrowded nature and water-based adventures. The pace here is unhurried, the locals are friendly, and the scenery is pure east-coast Australia.

Highlights & What to See

• Myall Lakes National Park – Explore a vast network of sparkling lakes, paperbark swamps, and coastal heath. Hire a kayak or take a scenic cruise to spot sea eagles and goannas.
• Bennetts Beach (Hawks Nest) – A stunning stretch of white sand that goes on for kilometres, with gentle waves perfect for swimming and long beach walks. The southern end is patrolled in summer.
• Tea Gardens Ferry – Hop on the historic vehicular ferry across the Myall River to Nelson Bay – it’s a charming mini-cruise with dolphin sightings common.
• Moonshadow Cruises – Join a dolphin-watching or sunset cruise from Tea Gardens; the resident bottlenose dolphins are almost guaranteed to put on a show.
• Winda Woppa Caravan Park & the Point – A scenic headland with panoramic views of Port Stephens, perfect for a picnic or watching the sun dip below the water.

Suggested Time to Spend

Two to three days is ideal to soak up the relaxed vibe. Spend the first day exploring Hawks Nest’s beaches and the southern Myall Lakes; on day two, cross the ferry to Tea Gardens, hire a kayak, and take a cruise. If you’re self-driving, this area works well as a peaceful stopover for a night or two between Sydney and the north coast.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Nelson Bay & Port Stephens – Just a 15-minute ferry ride away, with dolphin cruises, sand dunes, and the Tomaree Head summit walk.
• Boomerang Beach & Blueys Beach – Gorgeous surf beaches a short drive north, part of the Pacific Palms region.
• Forster & Tuncurry – 45 minutes north, offering the Great Lakes Marine Park, Wallis Lake, and excellent seafood.
• Myall River & Bulahdelah – Upstream from Tea Gardens, this quiet waterway is great for fishing and kayaking through untouched bushland.
• Seal Rocks – A tiny coastal hamlet with a historic lighthouse and some of the most dramatic headland scenery in NSW.

Please check official sources for current details.