Reflections Hawks Nest opens new superior villas for the holidays

A NEW eco-friendly superior villa precinct with accessible accommodation and dog-friendly options is set to launch at Hawks Nest Reflections, Port Stephens, increasing the accommodation offering for visitors and providing a welcome boost to local businesses.

Fourteen contemporary villas have been added to the beachside park, an hour’s drive north of Newcastle, as part of an ongoing park improvement program to diversify accommodation options for guests.

Two of the villas are accessible (with ramps and all-access bathroom facilities) and six are dog-friendly (with lockable, enclosed decks). Six of the cabins sleep four, another six accommodate six people, and the two accessible cabins sleep six.

Available from December 22, the contemporary cabins feature recycled timber batten screens and flooring, plantation-grown plywood interiors and materials that withstand coastal weather conditions. Each cabin has a solar power system and water from rainwater tanks will be recycled for toilet flushing. Three of the cabins have boat parking carparks.

Hawks Nest currently attracts 58,535 visitors per annum, contributing more than $3 million to the local economy each year.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said Reflections is the State’s largest holiday park group and the only social enterprise holiday park in Australia, reinvesting all profits back into the 47 nature reserves and 39 parks it manages on Crown land.

“It’s great to see this new accommodation coming on-line for the summer holidays and other improvements planned for 2024 to support the region’s tourism industry and local and interstate holidaymakers,” Mr Kamper said.

Reflections CEO Nick Baker said the $5.075 million cabin precinct was part of a multi-stage investment in the park to provide more diverse accommodation and attract more visitors to support local small businesses.

“In the New Year, we will add a heated outdoor pool and pool area, a new camp kitchen, guest lounge, and native plant garden, and we’ll upgrade both the BBQ area and amenities block, improving the holiday experience for our guests,” Mr Baker said.

“This much-needed upgrade will mean our guests will now be spoilt for choice with accommodation in both Hawks Nest and its sister park, Jimmys Beach, with both being nestled in beautiful coastal bushland with surf and family beaches to enjoy, alongside nature walks and more.”

The Member for Port Stephens, the Hon. Kate Washington said the boost in accommodation in the Hawks Nest area was welcome, particularly in the peak holiday period.

“Visitors come from far and wide to spend time in stunning Hawks Nest. Well done to Reflections for enhancing its accommodation options and improving accessibility, all welcome news for our local businesses and visitors alike.” Ms Washington said.