Dolphin and Whale Watch Cruises
Depart from Tea Gardens on a daily basis. In the appropriate season A truly unforgettable experience to see friendly dolphins and whales at play.
Dolphins can also be seen whilst enjoying a relaxing trip on the ferry that sails between Tea Gardens and Nelson Bay. The trip takes about 60 minutes and crosses Port Stephens Bay.
Koalas
Koalas are important to the Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest environment and tourism. The Koala area is located on the left after crossing the bridge into Hawks Nest. If you look carefully you may also see Koalas in the trees in the streets of the two towns, but predominantly are found in the Hawks Nest area.
Sighting of Koalas cannot, however be guaranteed.
Water Activities
Canoe or Kayaking tours and hire of craft are available during the summer. Brochures included in this information pack.
Walking Trails
There are many walking trails in the Mungo Brush area of the National Park. For further information visit the Visitors Information Centre.
Swimming
Tea Gardens has a swimming pool which is open during the summer.
Opening times are 6.00am to 7.00pm. The swimming pool is to be found near the Singing Bridge on Marine Drive. Council charges an entry fee to the pool. Daily fees are payable and season passes are available from Council’s Tea Gardens District Office.
National Parks Pass
From Tea Gardens Visitor Information Centre (VIC) 245 Myall Street Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest Newsagency
Beach Driving
Beach driving is strictly regulated on Bennett’s Beach and is prohibited on Jimmy’s Beach. Driving permits can be obtained from the Council Offices in Myall Street, Tea Gardens or at the Information Centre at week ends
Fishing
The Myall Waterways are a fisherman’s delight offering River and Beach fishing all the year round. Game fishing can also be found off the coast. There are a number of businesses in Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest who supply bait and tackle.
Purchase Fishing Licence
Fishing licences are available from NSW Waterways Office (Saturdays only), Tea Gardens Garage, the Tea Garden Boatshed, Hawks Nest Newsagency and online at Tea Gardens CTC.
Local waterways maps and fishing guides are available at the Tea Gardens Boatshed, the Tea Gardens Marine Centre and Garage as well as the Visitors Information Centre.
Recreational Fishing Activities and Compliance
Port Stephens Fisheries Centre – General Information phone 1300 550 474 Marine Park Information Sanctuary Zones – http://www.mpa.nsw.gov.au
Information – http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries – http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries
Recreational Regulations – Saltwater Crab and Bait Nets
Golf
Hawks Nest Gold Club offers a fantastic Championship rated 18 hole course of 6079 metre of easy walking. Hawks Nest welcomes all standards of players. Enjoy the tranquility of the natural bush setting with an abundance of wildlife and native flora.