Hawks Nest Itinerary Ideas

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3 Days in Hawks Nest

If you're the type of traveller who likes to plan ahead, we've got your back! Making the most of your time in Hawks Nest will be easy with where to go, what to eat and how to spend your time in this stunning mid-north coast NSW haven.

Don't miss a beat with our 3-day Hawks Nest itinerary, perfect for planning your mid-north coast escape.

Day 1: Spend the day in Tea Gardens

Across the Myall River, accessible by ferry or the Singing Bridge, is Tea Gardens. Start your adventure with breakie at Tillermans or Tea Garden Boatshed and a stroll along the Myall River foreshore. Then, spend some time admiring local art at Galleries in the Gardens before grabbing lunch at Mumm's on the Myall.

In the afternoon, hire a kayak or join at tour with Lazy Paddles to get out on the water – watch for sea birds, dolphins and stingrays. Once you've conquered the river, head into town for dinner at the Tea Gardens Hotel as the sun goes down.

Day 2: Explore the Barrington Coast

Spanning the area from Port Stephens up to Port Macquarie, the Barrington Coast has dozens of quaint and quirky towns to discover. Head north from Hawks Nest and stop in at Seal Rocks for a surf at Treachery Beach, or a bit further north gets you to Forster / Tuncurry, home to the Green Cathedral open-air sanctuary.

Known for its fresh seafood, make sure you drop by Thirty Three Degrees for a dozen Sydney Rock Oysters. With views of Wallis Lake, it's the perfect place to round out your Barrington Coast day trip.

Day 3: Relax around the bay

If you're craving panoramic views, you'll be hard-pressed to beat Yacaaba Headland. Looking out over Nelson Bay and Port Stephens Bay, this headland track starts at Bennetts Beach but has no signage, so it's best for experienced hikers.

While down by the bay, you could take a picnic down to Jimmys Beach or even head down to Winda Woppa. These beaches are perfect for families to stretch out, plus there's a playground for the kids and BBQs to get sizzling!

Hawks Nest food options

While Hawks Nest itself doesn't have a huge amount of food options, you'll find more restaurants and cafes across the Singing Bridge in Tea Garden. From Mumms on the Myall to The Garden Eatery, there's bound to be something for your palate and preference.

In Hawks Nest, there's pizza at Benchmark on Booner (the closest Hawks Nest pub alternative), Chinese at Moongarden Restaurant, or classic bistro faves at the Hawks Nest Golf Club.

Things to do in Hawks Nest

Explore the southern Barrington Coast with our guide to Hawks Nest's best activities and attractions. It covers local hot spots, delicious Hawks Nest restaurants and some of the region's unmissable natural wonders.

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Hawks Nest Events and Attractions

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Attractions

Hawks Nest Beach

0.36km from park

Award-winning Hawks Nest Beach (also known as Bennetts Beach) is the most popular and easily accessed beach in the Myall River...

They are bringing triathlon back again to this great location! Hawks Nest features calm, pristine waters, a fast and flat bike...

Tea Gardens Boatshed Restaurant has been established for the past 11 years. In that time, they have grown to incorporate a fully...

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Tours

Moonshadow - TQC Cruises

1.96km from park

Moonshadow TQC Cruises is a family-owned cruise operator based in Port Stephens, just 2.5 hours north of Sydney and 30 minutes from Newcastle Airport....

Please note: Yacaaba Headland, in southern Myall Lakes National Park at Port Stephens/Hawks Nest, is open to a viewing point....

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Events

River Fest - Tea Gardens

2.33km from park

Head to the beautiful riverside town of Tea Gardens for the fabulous River Fest. The day-long festival is free and has something...

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Food and Drink

Seagrass Cafe and Restaurant

2.14km from park

Seagrass Cafe and Restaurant on the Myall River in Tea Gardens offers a relaxed dining experience. The menu focuses on homemade...

The best way to experience nature is up close and from a kayak. That's why Lazy Paddles provides world-class kayak tours and kayak rentals for everybody....

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Attractions

World War II gun emplacements

4.53km from park

If you're interested in Australian military history, make sure you take the short walk along Fort Tomaree walk to Tomaree Head....

Nest Cafe is a special place to enjoy a beautiful hospitality experience in the coastal paradise of Hawks Nest. Serving great coffee,...

Tea Gardens Ferry provides daily tours to and from Tea Gardens NSW aboard the YKNOT Catamaran. The YKNOT provides exceptional...

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Attractions

Tomaree Head Summit Walk

4.99km from park

Take the invigorating short walk to the summit of Tomaree Head, 161 metres above the Port Stephens entrance....

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Food and Drink

Moongarden Restaurant

0.68km from park

Moongarden, Hawks Nest's number one Chinese Restaurant has an extensive menu which makes it and an ideal place to catch up with family and friends....

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Tours

Walking Rivers Pty Ltd - Myall Lakes

4.22km from park

Walking Rivers offers guided kayaking, abseiling and bushwalking adventures through the natural beauty of New South Wales national parks....

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Frequently asked questions

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How many days do you need to explore Hawks Nest?

You can do a long weekend in Hawks Nest or extend your stay for a week or two. There's plenty to do if you want to be active, like walks and hikes, or enough beaches to laze on that you'll need to bring extra sunscreen and a bigger picnic rug.

Can you camp on Hawks Nest beach?

No, you can't legally camp directly on the beach itself, but you can book a campsite, cabin or glamping tent at Reflections Hawks Nest or Reflections Jimmys Beach. Both are located close to town, beaches and everything you need to enjoy your coastal getaway.

What's the best time to visit Hawks Nest?

The Christmas/New Year period, as well as NSW school holidays, sees crowds swell. If you're looking for a quieter time of year to visit, visit during autumn (April to early June) or spring (September to October) for good weather and not have to panic about parking.

Are most places in Hawks Nest pet-friendly?

In general, the area is quite dog-friendly, especially on parts of the beaches and the river foreshore (during certain times of day). However, you can't take pets on the national park trails, including Yacaaba Headland. Some accommodation options allow them, like Reflections Holiday Parks, but check when booking.

Nearby locations in Hawks Nest

Ways to stay in Hawks Nest

Reflections Hawks Nest is the perfect spot to post up and enjoy the southern end of the Barrington Coast. There's a range of accommodation options, helpful amenities (for cooking and play), and you're just a hop, skip and a jump from pristine beaches and the convenience of Hawks Nest's town centre.

Camping

Cabins

Glamping