Hawks Nest

Beautiful beaches  

Separated from Port Stephens by the prominent Yacaaba Headland, Hawks Nest is best defined by its spectacular ocean beach, which is patrolled at the southern end (also known as Bennetts Beach). Meanwhile, on the bayside, tranquil Jimmys Beach offers sheltered areas for children to play in and is popular with picnickers. 

Bennetts Beach, Hawks Nest

Take a hike

For a sensational overview of the region, take the challenging, 6km Yacaaba Headland Walking Track, ascending 228m from Bennetts Beach through tall open forest and a rocky ridgeline to the summit. From the top, you can see as far as Seal Rocks and Barrington Tops, while out to sea, Cabbage Tree Island protects the only known breeding colony of the endangered Gould’s Petrel. 

Follow the Dark Point Walking Track through the dunes to discover Dark Point Aboriginal Place, a rocky headland overlooking Broughton Island that served as a ceremonial and feasting place for the Worimi people for more than 4,000 years. You can also extend this walk by continuing onto the Mungo Walking Track, a 21km hike through the Myall Lakes National Park that takes in Aboriginal and post-colonial heritage sites as well as a diversity of landscapes. 

Please note: Yacaaba Headland, in southern Myall Lakes National Park at Port Stephens/Hawks Nest, is temporarily closed while environmental and cultural heritage assessments are undertaken. Please see National Parks & Wildlife for more information. 

Aerial photo of Dark Point Walking Track, Myall Lakes National Park - Credit: John Spencer/DCCEEW

Discover the river

The many moods of the tranquil Myall River unfold on a guided kayak tour with Ezy Kayaks Hawks Nest or Lazy Paddles. You can also hire a kayak or stand-up paddleboard for self-exploration, paddling along the river to the remote Engels Reach Picnic Area or Pipers Creek Picnic Area for a scenic lunch. 

Ezy Kayaks Hawks Nest, Hawks Nest

Riverside dining

With its stretch of riverside cafes and restaurants, Tea Gardens is the place to head for a seafood dinner or casual lunch. The iconic Tillermans is the longest-operating restaurant on the NSW North Coast, focusing on regional cuisine; while Tea Gardens Boatshed is a popular meeting place for breakfast and lunch. 

Tea Gardens Boatshed, Teagardens - Credit: Destination Barrington Coast

Where to stay 

There are two Reflections Holiday Parks in Hawks Nest, one at Bennetts Beach and the other by Jimmys Beach, each with cabins and caravan/camping pitches, along with tiny homes and glamping at Jimmys. Both are dog friendly. For hotels, Oceanside Hawks Nest and Hawks Nest Motel both offer hotel rooms and family units. In the nearby Myall Lakes National Park are lots of camping options along with heritage cottages to rent.   

Reflections Jimmys Beach - Holiday Park, Hawks Nest - Credit: Reflections Holidays

Getting there  

Perfect for a beachside escape or family holiday, Hawks Nest is around three hours’ drive north of Sydney and 45 minutes from Newcastle Airport. Coach services also run from Sydney via Newcastle. You can make this a memorable stop on a North Coast road trip.