Things to do around Hawks Nest

21 January 2023

Discover Hawks Nest: A Coastal Wonderland

A Perfect Destination for All-Year-Round Holidays

Looking for things to do around Hawks Nest? This north coast town is a coastal wonderland with a warm and temperate climate offering all year round holiday weather and plenty of things to do. It’s located at the most southern tip of the Great Lakes region with Myall Lakes, across the river from Tea Gardens and this region boasts oceans, rivers, bay frontages and stunning sunsets.

Explore the Great Outdoors and Wildlife

Renowned for its spectacular waters and the highest population of dolphins on the north coast, the Hawks Nest area has great conditions for water sports, whatever your preference. Its magnificent bush lands too, is home to an abundance of native wildlife and one of the few remaining wild Koala colonies.

Discover Mungo Brush and the famous sand dunes of Dark Point. 4WD enthusiasts will love its accessible beaches (permits needed) at several access points to Bennetts Beach and numerous areas to explore from Hawks Nest to Seal Rocks. When you’re not on or in the water, enjoy coastal walks, excellent eateries, speciality shops and craft local beer.

Explore Nearby Destinations

Nelson Bay: Hop on a ferry from Tea Gardens.
Oakvale Wildlife Park: Just 40 minutes away.
Hunter Valley Wine Region: Enjoy a road trip to taste local wines.

Hawks Nest is 2 and 1/2 hrs drive north of Sydney.

Wellness & Pampering

Warunee Thai Massage: Relax and melt away stress with traditional Thai massage. Shop 3/209 Myall St, Tea Gardens NSW
Myall Massage Clinic: Offering relaxation and targeted treatments for your deep muscle relief. Tea Gardens, NSW
Basic Beauty Tea Gardens: A top spot if you have limited time. They offer rejuvenation with quick treatments. 8/205 Myall St, Tea Gardens.
Yoga Hawks Nest Tea Gardens: For a peaceful retreat, this yoga studio offers relaxing and energising sessions, whether you’re a beginner or experienced. 26 Yamba St. Hawks Nest 0411 443 427
Nature’s Touch Day Spa: Escape the everyday with a range of holistic spa treatments including aromatherapy and hot stone massages to soothe your body and mind. Shoal Bay, NSW
Sculpted Wellness: Trading stress for some serious relaxation. Hawks Nest, NSW
Hawks Nest Well-Being Centre: 4/43 Booner St, Hawks Nest
Hairdinkum Style Hawks Nest: 61 Booner St, Hawks Nest
Majestic Nails: Treat your nails to a perfect polish and cool designs. Tea Gardens, NSW

Majestic Nails Hawks Nest NSW Credit Photography Anna Kumpan

Explore & Discover: Beaches, Nature Walks & Outdoor Sports

Swim, paddle, surf at Bennett’s beach (100m), Shoal Bay beach (4.5km away), Little Beach 4.6km, Zenith Beach (4.9km), Wreck Beach (5km)
Explore Myall Park, Anzac Park, Memorial Park, The Admirals Green Public Park, Anzac Park, Tom O’Dwyer Memorial Oval, Garden Place, Passchendaele Park, Bagnalls Beach Reserve.
A new off road ultra running event The Lakes Trail that traverses 100 kilometres along the Myall Coast, with the start line in Hawks Nest. It takes runners who have the energy and stamina along fabulous coastal scenery including the halfway point the Sugar loaf lighthouse in Seal Rocks.
Loll about in the calmer waters of Port Stephens bay at Jimmy’s Beach
Spot a koala and other wildlife at Myall Lakes National Park or walk its many trails
Hike the breath-taking Mungo Brush Rainforest Walk
There’s also the magnificent Lake and Broadwater waterway with plenty of picnic spots and places to fish, swim or launch your boat, kayak, Jetski, SUP or even just just lay low on a beach chair
Hire a boat or kayaks at Tea Gardens Boatshed
Hire SUP’S ’s from Lazy Paddles in Tea Gardens or Ezy Kayaks Hawks Nest
Play a round of golf at Hawks Nest Golf Club – a quality 18 hole course
Feel like a pro at Myall Lakes Tennis Club
Beach drive 4WD accessible beaches – Jimmy’s and Bennett’s beach have sections with 4WD access, so traverse the long stretches of beach from Hawks Nest through Mungo Brush and up to Seal Rocks (permits are required and obtained by the local info centre and selected bait and tackle stores) For more information go to: Four Wheel Driving
Dolphin and whale-watch when in season

Explore & Discover: Local Dining, Craft Beer & Day Trips

Have a fresh seafood lunch at Tea Gardens
Taste a local craft beer at Fitzy’s Beach Pad- 6/38-42 Booner St, Hawks Nest. 6/38-42 Booner St, Hawks Nest, NSW
Picnic & BBQ at Winda Woppa Reserve: Enjoy stunning views while the steak’s sizzling.
Ferry to Nelson Bay: Retail therapy with dining, and scenic coastal views.
Explore Nearby Regions: Visit Seal Rocks, Forster, Newcastle, or Nelson Bay for more adventures.
Hop on your bike at The Island Action Sports Complex, located at 8000 Pacific Hwy, Nerong (check opening times)
Hike to the top of Yaccaba headland and take-in the magical views to Port Stephens and Broughton Island
Snorkel at favourite spots – Jimmy’s and Winda Woppa beaches
Swim amongst Grey Nurse sharks at Broughton Island
Join a sailing charter Port Stephens
Listen to live music
Drive for 40 mins to a great family friendly stop to see native Australian wildlife in a natural setting at Oakvale Wildlife Park,
Road trip through the Hunter Valley winery region and taste wines at Keith Tulloch, Blueberry Hill, Margan Wines, Gundog Estate, Lakes Folly, Bimbadgen, Tinklers & Petersons.
Visit Dark Point Aboriginal Place (Little Gibber) – culturally and historically significant for the Worimi People. You’ll find the trail start at the Dark Point carpark (look for a side road off Mungo Brush Rd – it is signposted). Kids love sliding down the dunes but don’t forget about the tides for the return trip.

Walking across the giant sand dunes at Dark Point. Hawks Nest, NSW

Good Eats in Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens: Top Restaurants & Cafes to Try

Tillerman’s Cafe Restaurant: A local favourite, with modern Aussie dishes and a focus on fresh, local ingredients.
Tea Gardens Boatshed: Located by the water, this cafe serves delicious seafood and modern Australian dishes.(check for reopening times as it’s getting a face lift!)
Kelly’s Famous Bakehouse: Known for its freshly baked pies, pastries, and takeaway delights. 34 Tuloa Ave, Hawks Nest
Benchmark on Booner: licensed, and offers gourmet barista-made coffee, light meals, and bar service, with occasional live music on select nights. Corner of Booner & Bennett St, Hawks Nest
Tea Gardens Ice Cream Shack: For a sweet treat and ice creams. 2/79 Marine Dr, Tea Gardens
Hook N Cook: famous for its fresh, local seafood and casual dining. 71 Marine Dr, Tea Gardens
The Little Nel: Super cute with delicious brunches, light meals, and very good coffee.
Sandpipers: An elegant dining spot that focuses on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Perfect for a romantic dinner or special occasion.
Little Beach Boathouse: Located by the water, serves up fresh seafood with stunning views of Little Beach.

Tea-Gardens-Boat-Shed-Tea-Gardens-Travellarks-NSW. — Tea Gardens Boat Shed NSW

Foodies in Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens: Where to Find Local Produce, Meats & Gourmet Goods

Johnsons Farmgate: This market-style store is your go-to for fresh local produce, meats, and artisanal goods. Unit 4/24 Wanya Rd, Tea Gardens, NSW
Jeff’s Quality Meats: A trusted butcher shop offering top-notch meats for grilling, roasting, and more. Myall Quays Shopping Centre, Tea Gardens, NSW
Myall River Bakery Cafe: Grab your freshly baked bread, pastries, and delicious cafe meals. 1/79 Marine Dr, Tea Gardens
Fiona’s Family Cafe: Located at Hawks Nest Golf Club.
Hawks Nest Takeaway: For a quick, tasty bite, this local takeaway offers classic fish and chips, burgers, and fresh seafood, 34 Yamba St, Hawks Nest, NSW
Tea Gardens Fish Markets: Fresh seafood direct from the local waters – pick up oysters, fish, and other delicacies to enjoy at home. 46 Marine Dr, Tea Gardens, NSW
Treat yourself to some local delicacies– fresh oysters, fish ‘n chips and excellent local seafood in Tea Gardens, and dont forget to stop by the wharf to feed the pelicans.
The Providence Deli and Cafe (now open): A specialty deli and cafe offering gourmet products, fresh produce, and eat in or take-home meals. 43 Booner St, Hawks Nest.

Providence-Deli-and-Cafe-Hawks-Nest-Travellarks-NSW. — The Providence Deli and Cafe Hawks Nest NSW

Retail Escapes in Hawks Nest & Tea Gardens: Shop Local

Mungo Road Surf Shop: If you’re into surfing or beach activities, this shop has everything you need. From surfboards to wetsuits and accessories. 46 Tuloa Ave, Hawks Nest, NSW
Salty Lane: For fishing gear, leisure products, and beach essentials. 1/41 Booner St, Hawks Nest, NSW
Alana’s Flowers and Gifts
Vinnies Op Shop: second-hand treasures, vintage clothing, and unique homewares 14B Myall Quays Shopping Village
Fox and Rabbit Designs: Needlework. offering a range of needlework supplies, threads, and patterns. Booner St, Hawks Nest
Ella’s Boutique: offering a curated selection of stylish clothing, accessories, and jewelry.2/195 Myall St, Tea Gardens
Stylily
Vespertine Jewellery: beautiful, handcrafted jewelry. Booner St, Hawks Nest
Myall River Embroidery and Crafts: For those who love crafting and creating, with a range of supplies for embroidery, sewing, and other craft projects. 2-4 Wanya Rd, Tea Gardens
Myall Street Studio Pottery at Shop 1, 205 Myall Street Tea Gardens, NSW, Australia 2324 @myallstreetstudio
Pacific Palms Community Markets: Elizabeth Beach, Pacific Palms.
Tuncurry Market: Browse through a variety of stalls offering local produce, crafts, and fresh food at the Tuncurry Market, located near Forster.
Wingham Farmers Markets: For fresh produce, handmade goods, and local treats.
Hallidays Point Car Boot Sale: Find a mix of second-hand goods, antiques, and hidden treasures.
Black Head Bazaar: A unique market experience where you can shop for everything from vintage goods to local arts and crafts.
Combo Growers: A local market offering fresh produce, plants, and artisan products. Ideal for those looking to support local growers and makers. Combo, NSW
Foster Town Park Market: a lively market with plenty of fresh produce, local art, and handmade goods.
Johns River Country Markets: Find fresh local produce, handmade crafts, and homemade treats.
Burrell Creek Hall Markets: For fresh produce, homemade baked goods, and local crafts.
Taree Rotary Club Book Fair: a wide variety of second-hand books at affordable prices.
Old Bar Community Markets: This market offers a range of local goods, from fresh food to handmade items. 31 Old Bar Rd, Old Bar.
Nabiac Farmers Markets: A short drive from Hawks Nest, these markets offer super fresh produce, local products, and lovely handmade goods. Great for a Saturday morning outing.