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How to get to Hawks Nest

Getting around Hawks Nest

Gateway to the Barrington Coast

Hawks Nest is on the Mid-North Coast of NSW, right across the banks of the Myall River from Tea Gardens. Surrounded by stunning beaches, scenic coastlines and native wildlife and bushland, it's a must-visit destination for anyone looking to get in touch with nature and unwind.

To take the hassle out of travel planning, we've mapped out your options below – all you need to do is decide what to pack!


Plan your travel

Hawks Nest, NSW

How to get there

You can find your way to Hawks Nest by exiting the Pacific Highway onto Myall Way and driving 15 minutes, passing through Tea Gardens. If you're flying in, the nearest major airport is Newcastle Airport, and long-distance coaches also service the area, though you'll need a car to explore the region properly.


Hawks Nest Region Map

Modes of transport

Here are the key transport options: car, bus, plane, train, bike, and foot. Whatever your preferred mode of transport, you'll find options to reach Hawks Nest and explore the area.

By Car

Love a road trip? Driving is by far the most practical way to reach Hawks Nest, which is approx 215 km north of Sydney (2.5 to 3 hours in the car via the M1/Pacific Highway). Having your own vehicle is a very good idea once you arrive, as the area is fairly spread out, especially if you plan to check out Myall Lakes National Park, Broughton Island, and the surrounding beaches.

Speaking of road trip, if you're driving this way, here are some of the popular departure towns and how far they are from Hawks Nest:

  • Bulahdelah: 32 minutes / 43 km
  • Seal Rocks: 1hr / 82 km
  • Newcastle: 1hr 11 minutes / 80 km
  • Forster Beach / Tuncurry: 1hr 13 minutes / 107 km
  • Port Macquarie: 2hrs / 189 km
  • Canberra: 5hrs 20 minutes / 496 km.

By Bus

Buses do run to Hawks Nest, but services are limited. A few local buses connect to other nearby towns (like the 152 Newcastle to Hawks Nest bus), and Premier Motor Service operates a daily coach linking the area to Sydney via Karuah, taking around 3.5 to 4 hours. Bus is a viable option for getting to Hawks Nest, but the infrequent schedule and lack of onward local transport make getting around hard without booking a hire car on arrival.

By Plane

The closest airport is Newcastle Airport (NTL) at Williamtown, around 58 km and roughly 45 minutes' drive from Hawks Nest, with regular flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and other domestic routes. From the airport, you'll need to hire a car or arrange a private transfer, as there's no direct public transport connecting the airport to Hawks Nest.


By Train

There's no direct train service to Hawks Nest. However, the most practical rail-assisted route is to take NSW Trainlink from Sydney to Newcastle, then hire a car or arrange onward transport for the remaining 80 kilometres to Hawks Nest.


By Bike

Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens are genuinely enjoyable to explore by bike once you're there, with a dedicated bike path running over the iconic Singing Bridge connecting the two towns. Cycling to Hawks Nest from further away is possible for dedicated riders as the Pacific Highway corridor and Great Lakes Way have roadside riding. The highway sections are busy and not particularly scenic, however, so most cyclists bring their bikes on a car or bus rather than riding the full distance.


By Foot

Once you're here, Hawks Nest is very walkable, especially the town centre, Bennetts Beach, Jimmy's Beach, and the Singing Bridge crossing to Tea Gardens. There are also walks and hikes to tackle on a day out that take you through coastal forests and up to headlands to get a better view of the magical Barrington Coast.


Top things to do in Hawks Nest

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Frequently asked questions

Didn’t find what you were looking for? We’re here to help. Get in touch here.

Where is Hawks Nest NSW?

Hawks Nest is the southern gateway to the Barrington Coast on the Mid-North Coast of NSW. It sits right across the Myall River from Tea Gardens, and its headland is where Port Stephens Bay meets the Pacific Ocean.


How far is Hawks Nest from Sydney?

Hawks Nest is roughly 215 km from Sydney (about a 2.5 to 3-hour drive) via the M1/Pacific Highway. Factor in extra time during school holidays when the highway gets congested, and allow for a pit stop along the way, like Newcastle, which is a good halfway point.

What LGA is Hawks Nest?

The local government area that Hawks Nest is part of is the MidCoast Council. Covering a diverse landscape of more than 10,000 square kms, it's home to 195 towns, villages and localities.


Are the roads flooded or closed – is it safe to drive in Hawks Nest?

The Great Lakes Way approach and Myall Road can both be affected by flooding. If you're travelling after significant rainfall, check the regularly updated Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Community Noticeboard Facebook group before you leave to get the latest info on current conditions.

Is Hawks Nest a good road trip stop between Sydney and Port Macquarie or Brisbane?

Yes – Hawks Nest is one of the best off-highway detours on the Sydney-to-Queensland coastal run. The short deviation via Karuah adds only a small amount of time, but delivers beaches, national park, and a very different feel to the highway towns.

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Ways to stay in Hawks Nest

Whether you're after a cabin to share with your partner, a campsite for the RV, or a glamping tent for a girls' weekend, you'll find it at Reflections Hawks Nest. Stay for a weekend or stay for a long while to enjoy the amenities and all that this beautiful part of Australia has to offer.

You can also book into nearby Reflections Jimmys Beach for a change of scenery, or if spots are booked out in Hawks Nest.