Bennetts Beach, Hawks Nest

Bennetts Beach, Hawks Nest, is one of the longest beaches in New South Wales. Things to do at Bennetts Beach include swimming near the surf club, surfing at Dark Point and tackling the Yacaaba Headland walking trail.

Where is Bennetts Beach, Hawks Nest?

Bennetts Beach is a 14.3km beach in Hawks Nest, New South Wales. It is one of the longest beaches in the state.

The beach stretches from the Yacaaba Headland at the northern end of Port Stephens to the Dark Point Aboriginal Place.

The section nearest the town of Hawks Nest is sometimes known as Hawks Nest Beach.

The northern end of Bennetts Beach is backed by largely unvegetated sand dunes. Most visitors stick to the area around Hawks Nest, which is 3km from the Yacaaba Headland.

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Can you swim at Bennetts Beach?

It is possible to swim at Bennetts Beach, although there are several rips to be very wary of.

The safest place to swim at Bennetts Beach is between the flags outside the Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Surf Life Saving Club.

Things to do at Bennetts Beach, Hawks Nest

The best things to do at Bennetts Beach are surfing at Dark Point and walking the Yacaaba Headland walking track.

Waves tend to get bigger the further north you go along the beach. The best breaks are around Dark Point.

That said, there is usually still some surf at the southern end of the beach, too. This is usually more suited to novice surfers and bodyboarders.

Yacaaba Headland walking track

The Yacaaba Headland walking track is a tough, 7km, grade four walk. It is steep in places and the rocks can get very slippery.

The reward for completing it is superb views out towards Seal Rocks, Cabbage Tree Island and Tomaree Head.

Is Bennetts Beach dog-friendly?

Bennetts Beach has restrictions on dogs. They can only be walked at certain times, and must be on a lead.

Camping at Bennetts Beach

The Stewart and Lloyds Campground in Myall Lakes National Park is towards the northern end of Bennetts Beach.

This 12 site campground has barbecues and toilets, but not much else. You will need to bring your own drinking water and firewood.

All sites at the Stewart and Lloyds Campground are unpowered. They cost $17 a night, but there is also a national park entry fee of $8 per vehicle per day.

To check availability and book camping at Bennetts Beach, visit the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service website.

Bennetts Beach accommodation

Most Bennetts Beach accommodation is in the form of holiday lets. Search for the best deals with Vrbo.

The other alternative is the Reflections Hawks Nest Holiday Park. This Hawks Nest caravan park offers powered sites at rates from $43 a night and cabins for from $102 a night. Bookings can be made online.

Reflections also runs the nearby Jimmys Beach holiday park at Jimmys Beach.

More New South Wales beaches

Play in the white sands at Huskisson Beach or Long Beach, Jervis Bay.

Discover Whites Beach, Byron Bay.

Check out Corindi Beach on the Coffs Coast.

Surf at Tallow Beach in Byron Bay.

Snorkel at Bushrangers Bay in Shellharbour.