Bennett’s Beach

The main ocean beach, footsteps from your door. Patrolled surf beach with stunning sunrises, white sand and crystal clear waters.

Jimmy’s Beach

Pristine bay beach on the waters of Port Stephens. Watch dolphins at play and loll in calm waters.

Tea Gardens

Just across the bridge is neighbouring Tea Gardens, a quaint town located on the Myall River. Enjoy a relaxing seafood lunch at one of the many eateries along the waterfront or share some fish & chips with the resident pelican’s. The Tea Gardens Hotel, situated on the river, is the perfect place to have a beverage or a fine meal from the bistro. Tea Gardens is also the place where you can jump on the ferry for a relaxing boat ride to Nelson Bay.

For more information on what to do in the area, visit the Tea Gardens visitor information centre on Myall Street or the website

https://www.teagardensonline.com/

Fishing

A fisherman’s delight; take your pick from bay, river, beach or lake and fish from the shoreline, wharf or a boat!

Boat’s can be hired from the Tea Gardens Boatshed. Bait is available from Salty Lane at Hawks Nest shops or Bait, Marine and Tackle in Tea Gardens.

https://www.teagardensboatshed.com/play

Boating & Water Sports

Bring your own or hire a boat, kayak or SUP and explore the Myall River or lake and Port Stephens Bay. This region is the perfect playground for water sports, whatever your preference you can do it here; surf, body board, swim, snorkel, scuba-dive, kite-surf, wind-surf, canoe, kayak, Jet-ski, SUP, motorboat or yacht.

Boats are for hire from Tea Gardens Boatshed and Kayaks and SUP’s are available from Lazy Paddles in Tea Gardens.

https://www.teagardensboatshed.com/play

https://lazypaddles.com.au/

Dolphin & Whale Watching

This region boasts the highest population of dolphins on the north coast and you will frequently spot them from the beach or in the river. In the cooler months (May to November) expect to see whales off shore as thousands migrate with their calves along the coastline. For more up close sightings there are plenty of tours as well as opportunities to swim with dolphins. https://www.portstephens.org.au/see-and-do/the-water/dolphin-and-whale-cruises/

Myall Lakes National Park

Hawks Nest is the southernmost tip of the Great Lakes region with Myall Lake the largest and the closest. The Myall River travels for around 20kms from Tea Gardens before opening into the Myall Lakes waterway. The vast lake waters provide opportunity for an array of water-based activities.

The Myall Lakes national park itself spans from Hawks Nest to Seal Rocks and inland to Buladelah. There are plenty of beaches, headlands, forested areas and sand dunes, providing visitors to the region with a great choice of walks and places to explore.

Only a short drive away and on the inland side of the Mungo Brush road is the tranquil Myall Lake where you can find plenty of places to explore and beautiful secluded picnic and swimming spots.

For more information visit the Tea Gardens information centre or the below national parks website for maps and more information on what you can explore. https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/~/media/visitor/files/PDF/Brochures/myall-lakes-and-booti-pdf-new.aspx

Mungo Brush & Dark Point

Within the Myall Lake National Park and only ten minutes drive, you will find the breathtaking Mungo Brush. On the right hand side of the road as you are travelling out of Hawks Nest is the Mungo Brush Beach and the famous sand dunes of Dark Point whilst on the left hand side you will find the lake and the Mungo Brush campgrounds and boat ramp. There are several camp grounds along this stretch of road and quite a few 4WD and pedestrian access points so you can experience this region by foot or 4WD vehicle. Stop at Dark Point and take a magical walk across a series of impressive sand dunes arriving at a beautiful and unspoiled coastline overlooking Broughton Island. This walk is moderate with an uphill climb across sand however it is well worth the effort, absolutely beautiful and it feels a bit like you are on the moon or some faraway place. Further down the Mungo Brush road from Dark Point you will find another spot to pull over called ‘hole in the wall’, this is a short and easy walk to a picnic table and viewing point overlooking this stunning coastland. Whether you choose the sand dunes and beach or the lakeside, a drive through the national park to Mungo Brush is well worth a visit.

Bombah Point

Drive right to the very end of Mungo Brush Road (approximately 20 minutes) and you will come to Bombah Point and the Bombah Point vehicle ferry. The ferry operates daily every half an hour and provides access for vehicles and people across the lake. Across the lake is Bombah Point Road which takes you right through to Bulahdelah, a scenic route with plenty of stunning scenery to admire and places to stop along the way.

Walks & Hiking

Whether you prefer ambling walks along the beach or the more challenging hikes through national parks and up headlands, this area has plenty of bushland and coastal walks to keep you busy. The pristine beach stretches all the way north from Hawks Nest up to Seal Rocks. The view from the top of Yacaaba Headland is breathtaking with stunning coastal views to the North and outlook of Port Stephens bay (picture 1 above). There are also many trails through the Myall Lakes national park and Mungo Brush regions (picture 2 - Dark Point coast, picture 2 - Mungo Brush Rainforest Walk, Picture 3 - Southern end of Bennett’s Beach, below the Yacaaba Headland).

For more information, visit the Tea Gardens information centre or the below national parks website for maps and a list of suggested local walks https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/walking-tracks/yacaaba-headland-walking-track

Surfing, Snorkeling & Diving

For surfers there can be good breaks on Bennett’s Beach just across the road or travel a little further down the beach to the Little Gibber rocks near Dark Point or the Yacaaba Head Boulders on the opposite side of the headland. Venture a little further up the coast to nearby Seal Rocks that is renowned for it’s surf conditions. Both Lighthouse Beach and Treachery Beach are south facing and cop the full brunt of a southern swell.

Over 40km of unbroken beaches provide plenty of opportunity to snorkel off the coast. Jimmy’s and Winda Woppa beaches in Hawks Nest are favourite spots to grab a snorkel and paddle along the shoreline of the calm bay and marine park.  For dive enthusiasts there are several sites around nearby Seal Rocks, Broughton Island and Dark Point.  At Broughton Island there are several sites and so much to see including opportunities to swim amongst Grey Nurses if that is your thing.  There is a dive shop locally where you can enquire and seek further information and tips on the region, see below links.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hawks-Nest-Dive-Centre/542957212532560

https://letsgoadventures.com.au/

Broughton Island

Broughton Island can be seen from Bennett’s Beach off-shore and is a truly beautiful national park island. This can be a wonderful day-trip as a local excursion or you could choose to camp on the island if you would prefer to stay a night or two.

There are boats that do regular day-trips to the island departing from Nelson Bay. These adventure cruises provide you with the opportunity to snorkel or dive in secluded coves full of beautiful wildlife, nature walks or just relax on the private beaches. Expect to see different species of wildlife including seabirds, penguins, seals, turtles, whales, rays and sharks.

This is a spectacular spot for diving with great visibility and a large colony of grey nurse sharks being one of the main attractions.

For more information visit any of the below sites or google Broughton Island.

https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/camping-and-accommodation/campgrounds/broughton-island-campground

https://moonshadow-tqc.com.au/cruises/broughton-island-cruise/

http://www.feetfirstdive.com.au/boatdives.htm

Bulahdelah - The Lakes Way - Pacific Palms - Seal Rocks

You can reach Bulahdelah via the scenic route and Bombah Point Ferry crossing, approximately an hour or via the motorway in about 30 minutes.  Bulahdelah is set on the Myall River and the westernmost point of the Myall Lakes.  It is a nice place to stop for a picnic on the rivers edge or a Pie at the local pub.

A little further along the motorway you will come to the Lakes Way, an alternative scenic route taking you via Seal Rocks and the Pacific Palms region and the beaches of Boomerang, Bluey’s and Elizabeth.  The delightful Lakes Way passes through forests and around Myall Lake, Smiths Lake and Wallis Lake and ends at Forster – a stunning scenic drive.  Along the way you will drive through the attractive village of Bungwahl, and the turn off to Seal Rocks. We recommend you take the turnoff and explore this stunning area with five picturesque beaches, renowned surfing spots and the Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse with spectacular views is a must. There are also two beaches you can access with 4WD if so inclined.

There are so many beautiful beaches and places to stop along the way so take the day and take your time to explore this beautiful neighbouring region.  Another recommendation for a food stop is the Pacific Palms Recreation Club, gorgeous relaxed lakeside setting.

https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/north-coast/forster-and-taree-area/pacific-palms

http://greatlakes.org.au/places/myall-coast/seal-rocks

Forster/Tuncurry

Another spectacular coastal region is the twin towns of Forster/Tuncurry, around an hours drive along the motorway or you can take a more scenic drive via The Lakes Way. Here you will find stunning beaches, fabulous fishing in the rivers, local oysters to die for as well as lots of shops and restaurants to keep you occupied. Forster is the largest producer of Sydney Rock Oysters in Australia so this is a must on a visit!

If you take the motorway, between Bulahdelah and Coolongolook you will come across a turn of to the town of Wootton along the Wootton Way. Take a small detour and visit the famous Great Lakes Paddocks for some wine tasting and a cheese board. This beautiful farm/vineyard is set in a stunning setting and is worth a visit. Open 10am - 4pm every day except Tuesday. http://www.greatlakespaddocks.com.au/

The towns of Forster/Tuncurry sit either side of the entrance to Wallis Lake and boast so many waterways and beaches it is a water lovers paradise. Forster is the larger of the two towns and has plenty of shops if you feel like some retail therapy as well as great dining options and the famous and delicious Wallis Lake Oysters.

The region is renowned for fishing, it is almost a pastime in these parts, with Wallis Lake and the river making it an anglers delight, particularly for Flathead! Beach fishing is also popular and bream, whiting and tailor are amongst the catch of the day. Of course this region also has plenty of beautiful beaches to enjoy.

http://greatlakes.org.au/places/forster-tuncurry

https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/north-coast/forster-and-taree-area/forster

Ferry to Nelson Bay

Why not take the ferry – what a relaxing way to experience the Port Stephens Bay and marine park?  The ferry trip features entertaining and informative commentary along the way and they boast that 95% of cruises include dolphin sightings!

The ferry drops you at the marina where you can explore restaurants/cafes, local hotel & bistro with live music, weekend markets, swim at the beach, jump on a cruise or a tour or the kids will love the giant splash water park!

The ferry operates from Tea Gardens wharf daily and takes around an hour.  For times please visit the below link:

https://portstephensferryservice.com.au/

Nelson Bay/Shoal Bay/Port Stephens Region

A 45-60 minute drive away, you can explore the magical Port Stephens from the opposite side of the bay.  When you arrive in Nelson Bay you will find several waterside restaurants, boutique shops, weekend markets and hotels. 

You can explore the marina, have a swim at the beach, parasail or link up with many tour operators on the water including boat hire, sailing or dolphin & whale watching.  In summer there is a giant splash water park that the kids will love! Want to keep the kids occupied on a rainy day, why not visit the Nelson Bay cinema.

There is plenty to do in this region including great dining options; the newly opened Rick Stein restaurant – Bannister’s by the sea in Soldiers Point or one of the restaurants at Nelson Bay or the very trendy Shoal Bay Country Club with stunning views, magnificent food and live music.

This region offers several great activities to keep the kids entertained such as the Oakvale Wildlife park - a wonderful interactive zoo, Paintball, Go Karts, Mini-golf, Quad bikes, toboggan’s, Sand boarding, camel rides & horse riding.  For the adults stop off at Murray’s Brewery & Port Stephens winery or play golf at either Pacific Dunes, Horizons or Nelson Bay golf courses.  Check out the visit Port Stephens website below and plan your day.

https://www.portstephens.org.au/see-and-do/attractions-and-activities/things-to-do/

The Port Stephens region has so many things to see and do, too many to list but below are a few of our picks you may like to explore: