A charming coastal suburb, Hawks Nest is renowned for having the alluring Tasman Sea on one side and the Myall River on the other. Swimming, snorkelling and whale watching are complemented by a range of bushwalking trails, rich Aboriginal culture and nature reserves.

Things to do

Hawks Nest is a gateway to the mesmerising Myall Lakes National Park, home to the largest coastal lake system in New South Wales. Stroll along over 40 kilometres of idyllic beaches, see the magnificent 76-metre-high Grandis tree, hire a boat or venture through the national park in your four-wheel drive. Dingoes, koalas and a wealth of native birds can be seen throughout the national park.

Need a beach day? Head down to Jimmy’s Beach, where the Tasman Sea meets soft sands. Swimming and kayaking are popular activities in the summer, while whale watching takes centre stage during the annual migration. The Myall River is another great spot for a day on the water, whether you’re fishing, canoeing or stand-up paddleboarding.

Active travellers will love the walking tracks around Hawks Nest, especially the coastal Yacaaba Spit Track, which takes you along Providence Bay up Mount Yacaaba to uninterrupted views of offshore islands and Mount Tomaree from Yacaaba Head. The Dark Point walking track also reveals stunning Tasman Sea vistas, along with deep Indigenous culture and history at Dark Point Aboriginal Place, a revered gathering point for the Worimi people.

Venture into the centre of Hawks Nest to browse locally-owned boutiques and dine at unique restaurants along Tuloa Avenue and Booner Street. Kelly’s Famous Bakehouse is known for its delicious pies, coffee and sweet treats, while Moongarden Restaurant has hearty soups.

Getting around

Hawks Nest is about a one-hour drive from Newcastle and a 2.5-hour drive from Sydney. You can easily walk around the main part of town and to the beaches, but you’ll need a vehicle to travel further afield.