LOCATION AND ACCOMODATION PAGE

••••••Hawks Nest / Tea Gardens is located on the north shore of Port Stephens about 215km north of Sydney CBD. For those driving, it’s easy. Just head north along the F3 freeway turn right at the roundabout at the end and head for the North coast. (Make sure you turn on to the Hexham Bridge, which is about 6 km from the roundabout.) The turn-off to Hawks Nest/ Tea Gardens is another 50km north of the roundabout, 1km past the Ayers Rock Roadhouse. Allow 2.5-3hours from, Sydney to Hawks Nest.

••••••For others there are several options. There are many TRAINS to NEWCASTLE then BUSWAYS COACHES depart Newcastle: 14:30 daily and 9:45, 15:30M-F for Hawks Nest. Also other busways and long distance buses pass along the highway, but you will need to arrange a pick up.

•••••••An equally affordable and more interesting route is catch a bus from Newcastle to Nelson Bay then a ferry to Tea Gardens. You will see Port Stephens itself and dolphins enroute. Buses from Newcastle to Nelson Bay are at 825, 935, 1305(M-F) and 825, 1215 weekends. Ferries depart Nelson Bay for Tea Gardens at 830, 1200and1530.

You could make a stopover at Melaleuca Surfside Backpackers with bungalows in the bush just south of Nelson Bay.

For BACKPACKERS wanting a package, the following is available.

SEE TOUR PAGE FOR PRICES

With this package, all my tours, and your general stay in Hawks Nest, the aim is for you to have a REAL Australian experience.  While "cultural" promises are hard to make, I can assure you, that you are staying in a non-touristy town .You will meet more locals than tourists. Don’t expect nightclubs and pampering, but DO expect the unexpected. Christian knows just about everyone in town, so you never know what might eventuate! 

"Backpackers also note, if you are wanting to visit the area without taking any of my tours, I am happy to offer advice free of charge and point you in the right direction when you are here. So please contact me .The only catch is that once you leave I hope you tell others how beautiful Hawks Nest / Tea Gardens is!"

OTHER ACCOMODATION

There are multiple accommodation types available in town catering for all needs from Garden cottages for backpackers, Pub style backpacker accommodation, home stays, Band Bs and motels.

•••Recommended are Lenis Garden Cottage for backpackers ph 49971389, email leni1234@imprimus.com.au,

•••Tea Gardens Hotel Motel ph 49970203 email tghotel@myallcoast.net.au,

•••Jimmy’s beach Caravan and Camping, 49970466 or wateredge Band B 49971623 watersedgebb@bigpond.com

(note backpacker packages stay at Lenis Cottage) Or phone Christian to arrange the most suitable for YOU.

Other activities while in town are:

•••••••LAZY PADDLES -short tours of the bird and history infested lower Myall River wetlands. Ph 0412 832 220

••••••SIMBA DOLPHIN WATCH Scenic Dolphin Watch cruises of Port Stephens (99per cent sighting rate) ph 02 49971084

••••••X-Jet -for adrenaline junkies- wild blasts, spins etc on Port Stephens in fast jet boat

ph (02) 49972555.

•••••DIVING AND SNORKELLING on the ISLANDS, HAWKS NEST DIVE CENTRE (02) 49970442 www.hawksnestdive.com.au

••••••Hawks Nest Fishing Charters for Large Groups. ph. (02) 49970457 or 0427942103