Webbs Creek
Webbs Creek is a serene pocket of the Port Stephens region, where the landscape shifts from coastal bustle to peaceful bushland and winding waterways. This small settlement on the banks of the Myall River offers a genuine escape into nature, with kayaking, fishing, and birdwatching as the main draws. It's the kind of place where the soundtrack is birdsong and the occasional splash of a fish, perfect for travellers seeking a quiet, unhurried day away from the crowds.
Highlights & What to See
- Kayaking the Myall River – Paddle the calm, tea-coloured waters of the Myall River, weaving through mangroves and spotting pelicans, ospreys, and maybe a sea eagle. Several local operators offer kayak hire or guided tours.
- Fishing off the Jetty – The public jetty at Webbs Creek is a prime spot for a lazy afternoon fishing session. Bream, flathead, and whiting are common catches; bring your own gear and bait.
- Bushwalking in Myall Lakes National Park – The creek is a gateway to the park’s network of walking trails. The short Bombah Point Track leads through paperbark swamp forest to a lookout over the lakes.
- Wildlife Spotting – Keep an eye out for kangaroos grazing at dusk, and for the vibrant rainbow lorikeets and kingfishers that flit through the trees.
- Bombah Point Ferry – A charming cable ferry that crosses the river near Webbs Creek, offering a scenic shortcut to the beaches of the northern lakes.
Suggested Time to Spend
Webbs Creek is best enjoyed as a half-day excursion from Port Stephens or as a stopover en route to the Myall Lakes. If you’re keen to kayak and fish, allocate four to five hours. For a more relaxed visit, combine a short paddle with a picnic lunch on the riverbank. The area is quiet after dark, so most visitors head back to accommodation in Hawks Nest or Tea Gardens.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Hawks Nest – Just a 10-minute drive south, this coastal town offers beautiful beaches, a golf course, and cafés for a post-kayak coffee.
- Tea Gardens – Across the river from Hawks Nest, it’s a charming village with boutique shops, a historic pub, and the famous Tea Gardens–Hawks Nest Bridge.
- Myall Lakes National Park – Extend your trip with a visit to the park’s vast lake system, ideal for canoeing, swimming, and spotting goannas and wallabies.
- Nelson Bay – The hub of Port Stephens, 45 minutes away, known for dolphin-watching cruises, whale-watching (May–November), and the Tomaree Head Summit Walk with its panoramic views.
- Port Stephens–Great Lakes Marine Park – The creek sits within this protected marine park, so consider a guided eco-tour to learn about the local estuary ecosystem.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Hawks Nest — Alex Proimos from Sydney, Australia / CC BY 2.0
- Tea Gardens — George Morland / Public domain
- Myall Lakes National Park — Eduardo M. C. / CC BY 2.0
- Port Stephens–Great Lakes Marine Park — J.lyle at English Wikipedia / Public domain
- Bombah Point Ferry — Rob Freijs / CC BY-SA 3.0