Tea Gardens

Tea Gardens is a sleepy waterfront village on the northern shore of Port Stephens, offering a perfect escape from the crowds. With its historic timber boardwalk, calm Myall River, and a cluster of cafés and galleries, it feels like a step back in time. The town is the gateway to the Myall Lakes National Park and a popular stop for self-drive travellers exploring the lower North Coast.

Highlights & What to See

• Moonshadow Trams: Enjoy a scenic ride on vintage trams along the waterfront, with commentary on local history.
• Tea Gardens–Hawks Nest Ferry: A quick car ferry across the Myall River to Hawks Nest, with dolphin-spotting opportunities.
• Myall River Walk: Stroll the boardwalk past mangroves, pelicans and heritage buildings – perfect for a relaxed afternoon.
• Mungo Brush Rainforest Walk: A short, easy trail through lush rainforest in Myall Lakes National Park, just south of town.
• Local seafood and cafés: Sample fresh oysters, fish and chips, or a flat white at a waterside café while watching the boats.

Suggested Time to Spend

Tea Gardens is best enjoyed as a half-day stop or an overnight stay. Spend a couple of hours exploring the boardwalk, hopping on the ferry, and grabbing lunch. If you’re a nature lover, add another half-day for a walk in Myall Lakes National Park or a kayak on the river. It works well as a relaxed break between Sydney and the Mid North Coast.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Hawks Nest: Just across the ferry, with stunning beaches and the entrance to Myall Lakes National Park.
• Nelson Bay: The main hub of Port Stephens, 45 minutes’ drive away, famous for dolphin cruises and sand dunes.
• Anna Bay: Home to the enormous Stockton Bight Sand Dunes, perfect for quad biking or sandboarding.
• Myall Lakes National Park: A vast system of lakes, rivers and rainforest – ideal for canoeing, fishing and bushwalking.
• Seal Rocks: A remote coastal village with a historic lighthouse and excellent surfing beaches, about an hour north.

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