Hawks Nest, NSW: What are the best things to do?

The best things to do in Hawks Nest, NSW, include surfing at Bennetts Beach, walking to Dark Point and kayaking along the Myall River.

5 best things to do in Hawks Nest, NSW

The best things to do in Hawks Nest are:

Swim at Jimmys Beach.
Surf at Bennetts Beach.
Get tremendous coastal views along the 6km Yacaaba Headland Walking Track.
Tackle the Dark Point Walking Track in Myall Lakes National Park.
Rent out a kayak (or take a kayaking tour) along the Myall River.

Where is Hawks Nest, NSW?

Hawks Nest, NSW, is a fantastic beach town on what is currently being marketed as the Barrington Coast. It’s on the northern side of Port Stephens, next to Tea Gardens and the Myall Lakes, before you get to Seal Rocks and Forster.

Search for the best Hawks Nest accommodation deals here.

Hawks Nest beaches

The best things to do in Hawks Nest, NSW, are all outdoorsy. The two main beaches are Jimmys Beach and Bennetts Beach. Jimmys Beach is on Port Stephens and has calmer water – it’s usually good for swimming. It’s also plenty long enough for you to find your own perfect spot.

Bennetts Beach in Hawks Nest, New South Wales. Photo courtesy of Destination NSW.

Bennetts Beach gets the surf, however, so bring a board. It’s the starting point for the 6km Yacaaba Headland Walking Track. From Bennetts Beach, this climbs more than 200 metres in elevation, through tall forest and along a ridgeline. The views from the summit, out over to Cabbage Island, are well worth the tricky trek.

Things to do in Hawks Nest, NSW: Dark Point Walking Track

There’s more walking to be done at the northern end of Hawks Nest, where the beach borders the Myall Lakes National Park. Here, the Dark Point Walking Track threads through the sand dunes, ending up as a rocky headland. Known as the Dark Point Aboriginal Place, this headland has been a feasting and ceremonial site for the Indigenous Worimi people for thousands of years.

Also on the list of the best things to do in Hawks Nest is kayaking along the peaceful Myall River. Ezy Kayaks in Hawks Nest rents out kayaks and also runs kayaking tours. The tours along the Myall River last around two hours and cost $50.

Best Hawks Nest accommodation options

The top places to stay in Hawks Nest are:

For a year-round outdoor pool: Oceanside Hawks Nest.
For cabins near the beach: Reflections Holiday Parks Jimmys Beach.
For central location: Hawks Nest Motel.

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