The River

The river is a wonderful place for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, river tours, canoeing and camping. If you have your own boat, there are boat ramps in Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest.

The Myall River Camp is a popular campground because of its isolation and rugged bush setting. The bush camp is located a few kilometres north of Hawks Nest, along a road accessible by conventional vehicles. The campgrounds are set on a large grassy expanse beside the Myall River. There is no power and limited facilities and amenities. This is considered a budget-priced wilderness camp suitable for self-sufficient travellers and those who like to live in nature.

There are a number of businesses offering tours of the river. Most of these moor their boats along Marine Drive. You will find contact details at most moorings. Also check our directory for river cruises.

Fun Facts

Hawks Nest Fun Facts

1. The Singing Bridge built over the Myall River between Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens ‘sings’ when there is a strong south-west wind.

2. The Jean Shaw Koala Reserve is located at the Northeast of the Singing Bridge. Perhaps the Koalas cross the bridge to visit their families for a picnic.

3. Matt Lauder, designed the local golf course. He was a professional golfer and the nephew of Sir Harry Lauder, a Scottish singer and comedian who was knighted in 1919.

4. Public transport to Hawks Nest is available daily.

5. The name Hawks Nest came from the navigational marker for the entrance to Port Stephens which was the large nest of a hawk.

6. Hawks' nests are made from pine needles, sticks, bark, and soft leaves and can be 70-90cm wide!

7. You can enjoy a picnic and views over Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens from the Lions Park Lookout on Myall Way (Tea Gardens Road).

8. The local Worimi people welcomed five shipwrecked convicts in 1790 who they believed were ancestors returning from the dead (explains their pale skin). They were the first Europeans to arrive in the area.