Explore Hawks Nest NSW | Local Businesses, Artisans & Coastal Lifestyle

Hawks Nest Village

Hawks Nest is a quiet village that becomes a popular holiday destination a few hours from Sydney during the Holiday Season. In Spring, the area is filled with Flannel Flowers and various other types of flora, both in the bush and along the roadside. The town exudes a laid-back vibe. While shopping options are limited, they are sufficient to satisfy locals and provide for tourists. It is located just across the bridge from Tea Gardens.

The Singing Bridge - Connecting Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens

The Singing Bridge connects Tea Gardens to Hawks Nest and is named due to the sounds the railings create in strong South/Westerly winds. This bridge is a pleasant stroll across with magnificent views and often a place to capture stunning sunsets over the Myall river. As soon as you exit the bridge from Tea Gardens, or before you cross from Hawks Nest, take care when driving as it is adjacent to a koala reserve.

Jean Shaw Koala Reserve

Note: This Koala was not taken at the Reserve, it was at Billabong Zoo. I am still yet to see a Koala in the wild here, although 30 years ago when I stayed at Hawks Nest, we spotted them walking up the street everywhere.

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 in the region are listed as endangered due to dogs and road kills. It is possible to spot them in the eucalypts, particularly in Eucalyptus robusta (Swamp Mahogany), at the Koala Reserve, and they also inhabit a strip of land to the west of Mungo Brush Road north of the town. You can't enter in the Jean Shaw Koala Reserve, because it is very dense and also a regeneration area.

Jimmys Beach

The moment I set eyes on Jimmys Beach I knew we were in for a long-term relationship. 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 perfect for swimming for those that do not like waves, like me. There are warnings of strong currents so be careful when swimming.

The beach has a moderately steep beach face and then a shallow seabed, which is usually slightly sloped and covered by seaweed under low water.

Osprey with a fish filmed at Jimmys Beach.

Bennetts Beach Hawks Nest

Bennetts Beach: A Coastal Gem in Hawks Nest

Bennetts Beach serves as the primary beach for the picturesque coastal town of Hawks Nest, located on the stunning New South Wales coastline. This beach is not only a hub for recreational activities but also boasts a dedicated surf life saving club that plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of beachgoers. The club actively monitors the water conditions and provides essential services such as first aid and rescue operations, making it a vital part of the local community.

Access for 4WD Vehicles on Bennetts Beach

One of the unique features of Bennetts Beach is that certain areas are accessible to 4WD vehicles, allowing visitors to explore the beach in a way that is not commonly found at many other coastal locations. However, it is important to note that a permit is mandatory for those wishing to drive on the beach. This regulation helps to maintain the integrity of the natural environment while ensuring the safety of all beach visitors. The ability to drive along the sandy shores offers a distinct experience, allowing families and adventure seekers to set up camps and enjoy picnics right by the water's edge.

Dolphin Sightings

Bennetts Beach is renowned for its vibrant marine life, and one of the most delightful experiences for visitors is the opportunity to spot dolphins frolicking in the surf. These playful creatures are often seen swimming close to the shore, providing a captivating sight for beachgoers. The presence of dolphins adds to the beach's charm and makes it a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike, who often spend hours watching these magnificent animals in their natural habitat.

Surfing at the Southern End

For those interested in surfing, the southern end of Bennetts Beach offers ideal conditions for both novice and experienced surfers. This section of the beach is known for its consistent waves and favorable surf breaks, making it a favored spot for local surfers and visitors looking to catch some waves. The surf life saving club often provides information on the best times to surf and the current conditions, ensuring that surfers can enjoy their time on the water safely.

Not far from the southern end of Bennetts Beach, near the striking backdrop of Mt Yacaaba, lies a scenic track that leads to the serene waters of Jimmys Beach. This pathway is perfect for those who enjoy walking or hiking, as it meanders through beautiful coastal scenery and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Jimmys Beach is known for its calm waters, making it an excellent spot for families with young children or those looking to enjoy a peaceful day by the water. The contrast between the lively atmosphere of Bennetts Beach and the tranquility of Jimmys Beach provides visitors with a diverse beach experience.

In conclusion, Bennetts Beach is more than just a beach; it is a vibrant community hub that offers a variety of activities and experiences for everyone. From the thrill of surfing and the joy of dolphin watching to the adventure of driving along the sandy shores and exploring nearby Jimmys Beach, this coastal destination has something special to offer every visitor.

.

Mungo Brush

Mungo Brush campground 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 plenty of campsites to choose from, but be warned, in summer, be prepared to battle mosquitoes.

You will also need to book a site through National Parks.

From the campground there is easy access north to Mungo Rainforest trail and south to Tamboi walking track and Mungo walking track. As the campsite is adjacent to the lake, it is perfect for fishing and kayaking. You can cook your freshly caught fish on a BBQ in the campground if you do not have your own.

The mixture of fauna and flora is abundant, and so are Dingoes!

Dingoes at Hawks Nest

Dingoes can often be seen roaming around Hawks Nest, and visitors are asked please do not feed them. You are not doing these wild dogs any favours by doing so, and in fact, you are promoting a problem. I had a frightening experience with dingoes. I often (foolishly) take off into the bush by myself, and a few days I do so again, down the Mungo Brush Track (the track closer to town, not the camp site). Funnily enough a fleeting thought crossed my mind that I could encounter a dingo, so I picked up a stick. What I should have done was going home and found a walking buddy.

I was about 1km into my hike when I realised Dingo tracks, and they were huge. I decided then and there to turn and go back but then I heard this thumping sound in the bush. I looked up and saw two dingoes hurrying towards me. I was frozen. I had visions of being mauled or even killed by these dogs. I picked up another stick and started hitting them together. I watched the dingoes go into the bush and I worried they were going to corner me. So I did what I should never have done. I ran back as fast as I can, and kept belting the sticks together. By the time I got back to my car it took me over half an hour to get my breath back.

Tea Gardens

Across the singing bridge from Hawks Nest is Tea Gardens. This quaint village offers a range of shopping including boutiques, cakes shops, restaurants, seafood co-op, hairdressers, Coles and much more. Read more about Tea Gardens here.

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.

Players can enjoy the tranquility of the natural bush setting with an abundance of wildlife and native flora.

Dark Point: A Spectacular Aboriginal Place in NSW

Dark Point is an extraordinary site located on the stunning coastline of New South Wales, Australia. This remarkable location holds significant cultural and historical importance for the Aboriginal people, serving as a testament to their deep connection with the land and its natural features. The area is characterized by its breathtaking landscapes, which include pristine beaches, rugged cliffs, and lush vegetation, all of which contribute to its unique beauty.

Yacaaba Head

If you like a challenging hike with spectacular views, then grab your hiking boots and make your way Yacaaba Headland walking track. The trail leads up and across the northern headland of Port Stephens, in the southern reaches of Myall Lakes National Park. It starts off quite easy for the first 1km. Be prepared for it to get pretty tricky the last 500m but I can assure you it is worth every step!

Start from the Southern end of Bennetts Beach and it is a steep climb. As the track veers North, stop and take in the magnificent views up the coastline. On a clear day, the distant blue ridgeline of Barrington Tops is visible. You will come across birds and stunning Australian flora.

As you reach the top, the track becomes much rockier and steeper. Views are 360, including Cabbage Tree Island, known as John Gould Nature Reserve, which protects the only known breeding colony of one of the world’s rarest birds; the Gould’s petrel.

Take care coming back down, it can be challenging in places.