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experiences

the river

Immerse yourself in nature or explore the river by boat – spotting birdlife, turtles and dolphins along the way.

  • Take the plunge – the water in the Myall is reputed to be good for the skin and hair due to the tea tree oils dropped in upstream. Our sandy river beach is enjoyed by all ages.
  • Cast a line – the Myall River boasts great fishing including flathead, bream, jewfish, luderick, and the famous local prawn. Catch a mud crab and cook up a feast.
  • Take to the water – launch a kayak, canoe, SUP, or boat.
  • Explore the mangrove maze – and observe the abundant birdlife of the wetlands.
  • Spot bottlenose dolphins in the river – prime times are early morning and sunset but the marine mammals are known to parade the river at all hours – even at night – when you can hear air spouting from their blowholes.
  • Breathe in the serenity – when the river is still and the surface reflective. Sunsets over the river, awash with colour, are picture-perfect. Our Camp has prime vantage points, including a classic wooden seat over the water’s edge.

the camp

Enjoy the simplicity of being in nature, the sounds, the sights, and the starry evening skies.

  • Admire – the flora including red bloodwoods, smooth barked apple trees and cabbage tree palms. Wild flannel flowers are beautiful when in season.
  • Watch – birdlife from dainty fairy-wrens to kookaburras, black cockatoos and pelicans.
  • Spy – goannas as they prowl and camouflage themselves in trees.
  • Photograph – nature, the sunset and/or your travelling companions.
  • Relax – read a book, have a picnic or play a game of cards.
  • Gather – around a fire pit to finish your day under a sparkly night sky.
Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens © Clay Sweetman

the twin towns

The classic coastal towns of Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest have a relaxed, low-rise charm

Linked by the Singing Bridge, you will find all the supplies you need plus a fantastic array of activities to enhance your stay.

  • Hawks Nest is idyllically nestled between the Myall River and the ocean. The entry to Hawks Nest from the bridge is marked by the Jean Shaw Koala Reserve. Convenient are the IGA, pharmacy, newsagency, pub, bakery, bottleshop, specialty shops, and eateries.
  • Tea Gardens lines the riverfront and plays host to restaurants, a pub, eateries, and an ice-cream parlour. It’s also a gateway to water tours of the river, islands, and other regional towns, with nature appreciation all part of the journey. Tea Gardens has a Coles supermarket, local butcher, bakeries, art and craft galleries, specialty shops, and other services. Visit the friendly volunteers at the Visitor Information Centre.

the beaches

Acclaimed beaches with white sand, turquoise water and picturesque offshore islands

The area is known as a dolphins’ playground.

  • Jimmys Beach – this sheltered beach offers calm, glassy water perfect for families. Views across the water to Port Stephens and magical sunsets.
  • Bennetts Beach – the start of a long, beautiful stretch of beach, popular for swimming, surfing and walking. Patrolled during school holidays and the weekends in summer.
  • Dark Point (Little Gibber) – the beach run from Hawks Nest to Dark Point Headland is popular for 4WDing. Appreciate the Dark Point Headland – an Aboriginal site of significance – with towering sand-dunes as a backdrop.  

the wilderness

Explore the wonders of the nearby Myall Lakes National Park

You will find an impressive network of rivers and lakes, formidable sand dunes, beaches, secluded coves, palm forests and the internationally recognised wetlands. The Park features one of the State’s largest coastal lake systems.

  • Broughton Island –  a nature-lovers paradise, this National Park island is home to an active seabird colony. Swim, snorkel or scuba dive in the clear waters to view the abundant marine life. The Argonaut in Tea Gardens is available for charters, as well as a number of cruises on bigger vessels out of Nelsons Bay.
  • The Yacaaba Headland Walk –  a challenging yet panoramic hike from the southern end of Bennett’s Beach. The further you walk, the more difficult the climb but you are rewarded at the end by views up the coast of the National Park and even the Barrington Tops on a clear day.
  • Dark Point Walking Track – The unformed walk passes giant sand dunes where you can experience the thrill of sand boarding. The walk also ventures past Aboriginal middens and onto the Dark Point headland. Take in the stunning coastal views out to Broughton Island at this place of significance to the local Worimi people.
  • Mungo Rainforest Walk – a short and pleasant 1.5 km loop rainforest walk in the National Park.

the sports

On land or river, sand or sea, there are plenty of options for those looking for adventure

  • 4WDing – the long, pristine coastline offers many options for 4WD adventures. The stretch from Hawks Nest to Dark Point Little Gibber) is popular.
  • Sand Boarding – the massive sand dunes at Dark Point are ideal for sand boarding fun.
  • Fishing – the area has a multitude of places to cast a line…along the river, the beaches or join a fishing charter, like the Argonaut from Tea Gardens.
  • Water sports – the Myall River and Jimmys Beach offer great opportunities to stand-up paddle board, kayak or canoe. Bennetts Beach adds to the mix with great surfing and swimming.
  • Boating – the local waterways are perfect for boating enthusiasts. Visitors can also hire a run-about from the Boatshed in Tea Gardens, or take out a BBQ boat for a meal with a difference.
  • Golf – Hawks Nest boasts a Championship rated 18 hole golf course in a natural bushland setting. The club welcomes all standards of players.
  • Cycling – as the roads and tracks in the twin towns are generally flat, it is an ideal place to bike-ride. Pick up a brochure from the Information Centre showing some great routes. The Mining Road to Old Gibber cycling trail in the National Park offers a more rigorous ride. 
Dark Point © Clay Sweetman

the connections

The Myall Lakes National Park and surrounds is part of the Country of the Worimi people

The Dark Point walking track meanders through dunes and past middens to the Dark Point Aboriginal Place. It has been of significance to the Worimi people for over 4000 years as a place to gather for feasts and ceremonies.

the tours

Sightseeing, guided fishing tours, ferry rides, cruises & whale watching

  • Myall Coast Tours – local and regional sight-seeing bus tours with commentary.
  • Lazy Paddles or Ezy Kayaks – both businesses offer guided tours on local waterways plus equipment hire.
  • Ferry Ride – award winning, Tea Gardens historic ferry ride to bustling Nelsons Bay and return, including a sunset cruise.
  • The Argonaut – available for charters from Tea Gardens, including fishing and Broughton Island trips.
  • Moonshadow Dolphin Watch – cruises depart from Tea Gardens.
  • Port Stephens cruise operators – offer swim with dolphin, whale watching and Broughton Island tours.
Platter of Seafood

the food

Great dining options, from local seafood & waterfront dining to delicious bakeries

The Tea Gardens Fishermen’s Co-op is the foodie’s pick for delicious local prawns, oyster and other seasonal seafood.

There’s no better place on the coast than our twin towns to enjoy take-away fish and chips with a view.

HAWKS NEST

  • Benchmark on Booner*
  • Hawks Nest Golf Club – Sun Bistro*
  • Hawks Nest Takeaway
  • IGA Cafe
  • Kelly’s Famous Bakehouse
  • Moongarden Restaurant

TEA GARDENS

  • Hook N Cook
  • Ice cream Shack
  • MUMM’s on the Myall
  • Tea Gardens BBQ Boat hire
  • Tea Gardens Boat Shed
  • Tea Gardens Country Club – Curries and More*
  • Tea Gardens Hotel*
  • Two Fat Bakers Bakery

MOBILE VENDORS

  • Best Buzz mobile coffee van**
  • Mr Whippy**
  • The Providence Deli Catering Service**
*   Courtesy bus provided to and from Myall River Camp.
** These businesses service the campground.

the creative spaces

The natural beauty of the area has inspired many an artist & photographer

  • Galleries in the Gardens at Tea Gardens
  • Myall Community Art and Craft Centre at Tea Gardens
  • Myall Riverside Art Walk – a collection of more than 25 public artworks make up the trail that is spread throughout the two towns.
This artwork can be spotted in our Koala Tent and is by local artist Jennifer Street.
Prawn illustration by Jennifer Street
Barrington Coast © Clay Sweetman

explore the Barrington coast

Day trips further afield from coastal hamlets to hinterland drives.

  • The Great Lakes – features great holiday spots like Seal Rocks and Forster Tuncurry.
  • Pacific Palms – Blueys, Boomerang, and Elizabeth beaches are also worth a visit.
  • The Grandis – The Tallest known tree in NSW is located north of Bulahdelah in the Myall Lakes National Park, with viewing platform and picnic area.
  • The Hinterland – Gloucester and Barrington Tops area are a scenic drive inland.
  • The Hunter Valley – and its wineries offer an enjoyable day trip.

Myall River Camp is a proud supporter of our regional towns and businesses.