Hawks Nest | Tea Gardens
The towns of Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens are located on the northern shores of Port Stephens.
Just 2.5 hours drive north of Sydney, Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens are popular with holidaymakers and have plenty of accommodation to choose from.
The two towns of Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens are linked by the Singing Bridge, with Hawks Nest located on the ocean side of the Myall River.
In Hawks Nest you will find a small group of shops (including butcher, grocer, surf shop, bakery, pharmacy, newsagency) and in Tea Gardens there are many cafes lining Marine Drive that overlook the river.
There are two beautiful beaches in this area. Jimmys Beach is situated on the shores of Port Stephens and provides a sandy beach with clear, calm water and views across to the southern shores of Port Stephens. Beautiful Bennetts Beach is an excellent surfing beach that is patrolled during school holidays and weekends in summer.
There are a couple of ferry services between Tea Gardens and Nelson Bay and this is a wonderful way to see the dolphins living in Port Stephens harbour.
Close by is the Myall Lakes National Park.
Hawks Nest & Tea Gardens Attractions
- Visit Jimmys Beach to swim in calm waters with views across to Nelson Bay.
- Surf at Bennetts Beach, Hawks Nest.
- Take a ferry across to Nelson Bay.
- Take a kayak tour on the Myall River with Lazy Paddles, 73 Marine Drive, Tea Gardens. Telephone 0412-832-220. Website www.lazypaddles.com.au
- Hire a bike, pick up a Cycling on the Myall Coast brochure from the Visitor Information Centre in Tea Gardens, and do one of the 11 recommended rides.
- Have a picnic in Winda Woppa Reserve overlooking the river.
- Visit the Jean Shaw Koala Reserve on the Hawks Nest side of the Singing Bridge.
- Walk the Myall Riverside Art Walk - pick up a brochure/map from the Visitor Information Centre in Tea Gardens.
- Pick up a Galleries in the Gardens brochure and do the Art Amble - a self-guided walk to see artwork on display in public spaces and local businesses.
- Visit Myall Community Arts & Crafts Centre, Myall St, Tea Gardens, Open 7 days, 10am-4pm, Telephone 02-4997-0270.
- Visit Black Possum Gallery, Shop 1/197 Myall St, Tea Gardens, Telephone 02-4997-0866.
- Take a drive to the Myall Lakes National Park and Mungo Beach.
For more information on what to see and do in Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens, call into the Visitor Information Centre, Myall St, Tea Gardens, open 7 days from 10am - 4pm, or telephone 02 4997 0111.
The website - www.myallcoast.org.au - also provides a list of things to do in Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens.
Hawks Nest & Tea Gardens - Festivals & Events
Hawks Nest Wild Side Festival - September
The Hawks Nest Wild Side Festival showcases the beauty of Hawks Nest. It is a weekend of activities including guided walks through spectacular wildflowers, koala and birdlife walks, cycling events, family events, etc. See the website for more details - www.wildsidefestival.com.au
Myall River Festival - October
The Myall River Festival is held annually on the last weekend of October. It is a fun day for all the family and features stalls, entertainment, art and competitions - held along the Tea Gardens waterfront. See Website: www.myallriverfestival.com.au for details.
