Tea Gardens · Port Stephens · NSW
A place to
drift into stillness
A modern coastal sanctuary sleeping 12 guests — up to 16 — nestled between the Myall River, the bush, and the sea. 2.5 hours north of Sydney.
Tea Gardens, Port Stephens
"Golden hour, right at your door."
The House
Thoughtfully designed for
generous living
Drift is a beautifully appointed two-storey home that celebrates its coastal setting without shouting about it. Light pours through every room. Natural textures — timber, rattan, linen — keep things grounded. With four bedrooms plus a study, Drift sleeps 12 guests, and up to 16 with extra children on air beds and a floor mattress, so there's space for everyone to find their corner of quiet.
Whether you're gathering around the long dining table for a feast, spilling out onto the deck at golden hour, or settling into the deep sofas after a day on the water — Drift moves at whatever pace you need.
The Rooms
Every room tells
its own story
← Scroll to explore, or tap a room to see more →
The House Tour
Ninety seconds
at Drift
Walk through the house, out onto the River Balcony and down to the water, with the sounds of a Drift morning.
"From dream to Drift — our coastal sanctuary."
Tea Gardens · Port StephensTea Gardens
Where the river
meets the sea
Tea Gardens sits where the Myall River spills into Port Stephens — a place that hasn't rushed to keep up with anywhere else, and is all the better for it. Dolphins, fresh oysters, endless beaches, and some of the most beautiful national park on the east coast, all within a short drive.
Jimmys Beach & Bennetts Beach
Five minutes away. Jimmys is sheltered and perfect for families; Bennetts faces the open ocean for the surfers.
Myall Lakes National Park
Kayak through glassy lake country, swim in the freshwater, and camp under the stars if you can bear to leave.
Dolphin watching & the river
The Myall River is a playground. Hire a boat, grab a BBQ vessel, or just watch the dolphins from the bank.
Cafés, oysters & local food
Tiny coffee spots, fresh seafood straight off the boat, and a handful of genuinely good restaurants within walking distance.
2.5 hours from Sydney
North of Newcastle, clear of the crowds. The drive up the Pacific Highway is half the pleasure.
Guest Stories
What people say
when they leave
Family Easter weekend · 14 guests
"What a fabulous get away! The house is stunning — so much space and so beautifully styled. We didn't want to leave."
April 2025 · via Stayz
70th birthday celebration · 15 guests
"Excellent house for a large family or group. We had 12 of us and it never felt crowded. Location is perfect — beach and bush right there."
March 2025 · via Stayz
Family weekend, dog included · 12 guests
"We came for a long weekend and ended up wishing we'd booked the whole week. The dog loved it too — beach walks every morning."
February 2025 · via Stayz
Good to know
Questions guests ask
How many people does Drift sleep?
Drift has beds for 12 adults across four bedrooms plus a study: three queen bedrooms, a bunk room with a triple bunk and a single, and a study with a queen sofa bed. Up to 4 extra children can sleep on two double air beds and a single foam floor mattress, for a maximum of 16 guests. Babies under 2 sleeping in a BYO cot are free and don’t count towards guest numbers.
Is Drift pet friendly?
Yes. Up to two well-behaved pets are welcome, subject to approval. The back garden is fully fenced, and there's an XL trampoline dog bed and food bowls waiting.
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is from 2pm and check-out is by 11am. A late check-out until 2pm may be available on request, depending on bookings.
How far is Tea Gardens from Sydney?
About 2.5 hours' drive north of Sydney via the M1 and Pacific Highway. Take the Hawks Nest / Tea Gardens exit and Drift is about 12 minutes from the turn-off. Newcastle Airport is about 40 minutes away.
Where exactly is Drift?
On the banks of the Myall River in Tea Gardens NSW 2324, just across the singing bridge from Hawks Nest. The exact address and keypad check-in instructions are sent with your booking confirmation.
Can I book Drift direct instead of through Airbnb or Stayz?
Yes. Booking direct on this website avoids platform service fees. Pick your dates on the booking page and pay a 25% deposit to hold them, with the balance due 48 hours before check-in.
Is Drift good for large groups and celebrations?
Yes. Guests have hosted 70th birthdays, four-generation family stays and golf weekends of 11 to 15 people. The open-plan living area, long dining table and big deck keep everyone together.
What's nearby?
The Myall River is at the bottom of the garden. Jimmys Beach, Bennetts Beach, Mount Yacaaba and Myall Lakes National Park are all a short drive away.
Rates & Booking
Book direct &
save the fees
Booking direct with us means no platform fees — for either of us. Rates run across four tiers — Mega Peak, Peak, Off-peak and Winter — with day-of-week pricing, automatic discounts for smaller groups, and no GST charged.
See our full Rates page for nightly pricing, minimum nights and discounts by tier, or check the calendar for live pricing on your exact dates. Booking direct also saves you the platform fees Airbnb and Stayz add on top.
Make an enquiry
Tell us when you'd like to come and we'll check availability and send you rates. Direct bookings include a welcome pack and our personal local guide.
Find Us
Tea Gardens,
Port Stephens NSW 2324
Drift sits on the banks of the Myall River in Tea Gardens — just across the singing bridge from Hawks Nest, and 2.5 hours north of Sydney via the M1. Your exact address and check-in details are sent with your booking confirmation.
NSW 2324
Exact address sent on booking
Exit Hawks Nest / Tea Gardens — 12 mins from the turnoff
40 mins
Instructions sent on booking