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Travel Review | Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens
Updated Article
HAWKS NEST
During most of the year, Hawks Nest is a quiet village, but when Christmas arrives, it transforms into a bustling holiday spot in Sydney. Just across the Singing Bridge lies Tea Gardens, a peaceful paradise with a delightful riverside path. In peak season, both Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens get crowded with visitors and vacationers, but the Pelicans always steal the show!
HAWKS NEST
Hawks Nest is a sleepy little village until Christmas when it turns into one of Sydney's most popular holiday destinations. The neighbouring village, across the Singing Bridge, is Tea Gardens. It is a tranquil paradise with a wonderful path beside the river. In peak season, Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens become crowded with tourists and holiday makers, but they will never outdo the Pelicans!
Hawks Nest has limited shopping and in saying that, there is an IGA, bakery, bottle shop, real estate, bakery, bar, restaurants, art gallery, chemist and medical centre.
The Singing Bridge
The Singing Bridge, which links Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest, derives its name from the noises produced by the railings in powerful South/Westerly winds. Caution is advised for pedestrians during peak hours when the narrow path can make passing each other challenging. Despite this, the bridge offers a breathtaking view, and I once witnessed a mother dolphin swimming with her calf directly beneath it.
Jean Shaw Koala Reserve
The Jean Shaw Koala Reserve is located on Kingfisher Avenue (corner of Ibis Avenue), just across the Myall River and just behind the Singing Bridge. The koalas are endangered due to road kills and dogs. They particularly like munching on Swamp Mahogany. I remember years ago when I visited Hawks Nest the koalas were seen wandering around the streets; I am yet to encounter one since I moved up here in September.
Jimmy's Beach
Jimmy's Beach is sensational and, stunning! When I first discovered this beautiful beach, I was in awe. This tranquil beach is a picture of paradise, with calm waters, water birds and views to Nelson Bay and other towns in Port Stephens. The beach is wonderful to swim in, but it can have a strong current so caution is needed as with any beach swimming. The views are spectacular. On the Southern end of the beach there are a few tracks that take you across to Bennetts Beach. You may come across dingoes on these beaches.
Bennetts Beach
Bennetts Beach in Hawks Nest is the primary beach in the area and is home to a surf life-saving club. Certain sections of the beach permit 4WD vehicles, although a permit is required for access. This beach is quite lengthy, and I find it challenging to walk on when the tide is high due to the softness of the sand. Despite this, I have a great fondness for this beach because of its stunning views and crystal-clear water. The sight of Mt Yacaaba from the beach is truly magnificent, and to reach the summit, one must traverse the shoreline. Additionally, Bennetts Beach features numerous sand dunes that offer entertainment for children. Dolphins are often spotted.
Hawks Nest Golf Club
Hawks Nest Golf Club is a beautiful space adjacent to the beach. The Club offers modern Clubhouse facilities and a magnificent Championship rated 18 hole course of 6079 metres of pleasant walking. The club welcomes all standard of players.
Mt Yacaaba Hawks Nest
For those who enjoy a challenging hike with stunning views, put on your hiking boots and head to Yacaaba Headland walking track. This trail takes you across the northern headland of Port Stephens, located in the southern part of Myall Lakes National Park. Initially, the walk is relatively easy for the first 1km, but the final 500m becomes tough, with a steep and rocky ascent.
Now, moving on to Tea Gardens, where I live.
In order to reach Hawks Nest, you need to travel through Tea Gardens. The Singing Bridge acts as a boundary between the two communities. Nestled by the Myall River, Tea Gardens is a charming village that provides a peaceful escape. Surrounded by waterways and parks, the village offers a serene atmosphere. One of the things I enjoy the most is brewing a cup of coffee with my Nespresso machine and walking down to the water to admire the sunrise (shown in the first photo of this article).
So let's explore...
The Tea Gardens Hotel
A well-liked pub among both residents and tourists. They offer excellent bistro dishes and pizzas, and their garden area is ideal for a lunch outing on a pleasant day! The hotel boasts water views and provides accommodation as well. As previously stated, it is advisable to visit during the off-peak season to fully appreciate the charm of Tea Gardens without the large crowds.
The Tea Gardens Art Gallery is a must-see destination, offering not only exquisite art and craft but also featuring a magnificent garden.
Tea Gardens Police Station and Court House
This quaint little building brings a smile to my face, especially with the pelican sculpture on top of a pole with handcuffs in its mouth.
Bakers
In the early hours of the morning, I am greeted by the enticing aroma of freshly baked bread. I typically awaken between 4:00 and 5:00 a.m., so this pleasant scent serves as a wonderful way to start my day, accompanied by the cheerful chorus of singing birds. I enjoy purchasing scones and local jam to indulge in a delightful Devonshire Tea on my home's balcony.
Bohemian Spirit
Bohemian Spirit is an Iconic gift and clothing boutique in Tea Gardens, offering locals and visitors a unique shopping experience. Located on the Cnr of Maxwell and Myall Streets. The boutique offers a wonderful shopping experience.
You will notice the exotic scents from the diffusers created by Australian Native Flora providing a delicate perfume in the store. Infused with Native Aromas and finished with Quandong Seeds, these glass beauties will scent your room 24 hours for up to six months.
Maxine, the owner, is passionate about the environment, particularly reducing landfill, so all packing is recycled as much as possible in the store. The store offers a range of eco-friendly goods as well as organic skincare.
Upbeat and Positive Jewellery
I must mention my own store, right? Visit Upbeat and Positive Jewellery located within Bohemian Spirit, where I create and sell crystal jewellery. The collection features mostly one-of-a-kind and distinctive pieces. Additionally, I offer restringing services and can create custom-made pieces as well.
Circle of Friends
I have been a fan of Circle of Friends for years. I can't even remember how many. I have quite a few statement pieces in my home from Circle of Friends, and here is one of them below.
Tea Gardens also offer a few stylish restaurants, a fishing co-op, fish n chip restaurants, real estate agencies, boating and bait. As well as the Information Centre. Tea Gardens also has a swimming pool.
Things to do in Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens
Activities to enjoy consist of fishing, kayaking, ferrying across to Nelson Bay, swimming, camping, hiking, exploring the art gallery, or relaxing with a beer at the pub.
The Myall Lakes shopping center provides a Coles supermarket, liquor store, pharmacy, post office, and several specialty stores.
During Spring, flannel flowers bloom profusely in the bush and along Mungo Brush Road, alongside various other plant species.
The Original Tea Gardens Ferry
The Original Tea Gardens Ferry is a must do.
The Original Tea Gardens Ferry offers a daily round-trip ferry service connecting Nelson Bay and Tea Gardens. Crossing the bay is a popular activity for both tourists and residents exploring the Port Stephens and Myall Coast Blue Water Wonderland. Their experienced and friendly crew will share interesting insights as you admire the breathtaking views of Port Stephens and The Myall River. Enjoy a leisurely journey through Port Stephens Marine Park and keep a lookout for local wildlife such as Dingoes, Turtles, Seabirds, and the resident dolphins that often entertain our passengers.
Mungo Brush
Mungo Brush campground is not far out of Hawks Nest on the Mid North Coast NSW. It is a wonderful place to take your caravan, campervan, trailer or tent. There are 72 campsites to choose from, including: caravan, tent, camper, tailer and sleep next to the car, but be warned, in summer, you will have to battle mosquitoes. Mungo Brush campground offers a close walk to the beach, lake views, kayaking, fishing, bushwalking in the stunning rainforest and relaxation in nature.
I drive out to Mungo at least once a week because it really is spectacular and I love being in nature.
Dingoes
Dingoes are frequently spotted wandering around Hawks Nest and Mungo Brush, and it is advised for visitors not to feed them. Feeding these wild dogs does not benefit them in any way; in fact, it only exacerbates the issue. I have had a couple of encounters with these animals. Once, I ventured out for a solo bushwalk (I know, not very smart) and stumbled upon a few dingoes. It was a frightening experience despite the fact that they are quite tame in this area. After managing to escape that situation, the following day I was driving towards Mungo Brush when I spotted a lone dingo on the road. I stopped and quickly took a photo, but this time I had the safety of my car to protect me!
Dark Point Aboriginal Place
Without a doubt, Dark Point Aboriginal Place is the most sacred place ever! You can read more about this Dark Point Aboriginal place in this post.
Please be respectful when you visit and take your rubbish with you including the things you slide down the dunes on.
In conclusion, Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest is a charming vacation spot conveniently located near Sydney.
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