8am – 1pmSaturday
Tea Gardens Farmers Market
Local produce, coffee and artisan stalls. It runs on the first Saturday of every month.
October long weekend · Sat 3 – Mon 5 Oct 2026
Rain or shine on the Myall
A long weekend in Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest works in any weather. Not much rain is forecast, so it won't dampen your beach plans. It won't be perfect beach weather either, which is why we've picked out plenty of other things to do. Here's everything on locally, picked out by us at Drift.
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Saturday15–24° · a few showers, 0–4mm
Sunday14–27° · mostly sunny, 0mm
Monday13–25° · partly cloudy, 0mm
Good news: there's very little rain in the forecast. At most 0–4mm on Saturday and none on Sunday or Monday, so your beach plans are safe. It's not quite peak beach weather though, so mix it up with the river, the bush and the town. Bureau of Meteorology forecast as at Thursday 1 October. Check closer to the day.
Sat
Showers? Head to the pig races
Saturday is the big events day. Start at the market, spend the afternoon at the Country Club, and duck into an exhibition when the rain comes through.
Gates 12pmSaturday
Charity Pig Races
Five races of Noah's Thoroughbred Racing Pigs, plus face painting, magic shows, food from The Garden Eatery and cold drinks all afternoon. First race is at noon. Every dollar goes to the Pindimar/Tea Gardens Rural Fire Service and Tea Gardens Soccer Club.
9am – 3pmSat & Sun
Myall U3A Art Exhibition
The U3A art group's annual exhibition, featuring work by Rozz Albon. Browse, buy an early Christmas present and vote for your favourite painting.
2pm & 7:30pmSaturday
Live music at the Tea Gardens Hotel
Anyerin plays live on The Deck from 2pm, then The Years take over from 7:30pm.
Also on Saturday
- 7:30amSwim with the Myall Mullets, Jimmys Beach
- PatrolledBennetts Beach surf patrols. Swim between the flags.
- 9am – 5pmTea Gardens BBQ Boats (book ahead)
- 7:30am – 4pmBoat hire at the Tea Gardens Boatshed
- 10am – 3pmGalleries in the Gardens, 81 Marine Drive
- 10am · 2:30 · 5:30pmTea Gardens Ferry to Nelson Bay (weather permitting)
- 3 – 7pmSundowners at the Surf Club. BYO nibbles, pets welcome.
- From 6:30amGolf at Hawks Nest Golf Club, or a twilight round in the late arvo followed by a sunset dinner at Sando's. Pro shop 02 4997 0740.
- AfternoonBarefoot bowls at Tea Gardens Country Club. Call 02 4997 0250 (option 5) to check green availability.
Sun
Free yoga, sunshine and the grand final
Clocks go forward an hour at 2am, so you lose a little sleep. Sunday makes up for it: yoga in the morning, the river in the afternoon, and the Knights in the grand final that night.
9:30 – 10:30amSunday
Community Yoga at the Bridge Club
A relaxed, welcoming class for all levels, from beginners to experienced. It's free, and donations are welcome.
12:30 & 4pmSunday
Petting zoo & Argus Duo at the Tea Gardens Hotel
A petting zoo for the kids from 12:30pm, then the Argus Duo play on The Deck from 4pm. Stay on for the grand final on the big screen from 7pm.
Sunday night
NRL Grand Final: Knights v Roosters
Newcastle is in the grand final, and the whole Hunter will be watching. Every pub and club on the Myall will be packed, so book your table today.
Also on Sunday
- 7:30amSwim with the Myall Mullets, Jimmys Beach
- PatrolledBennetts Beach surf patrols. Swim between the flags.
- 9am – 5pmTea Gardens BBQ Boats (book ahead)
- 7:30am – 4pmBoat hire at the Tea Gardens Boatshed
- 10am – 3pmGalleries in the Gardens, 81 Marine Drive
- 10am · 2:30 · 5:30pmTea Gardens Ferry to Nelson Bay (weather permitting)
- 3 – 7pmSundowners at the Surf Club. BYO nibbles, pets welcome.
- From 6:30amGolf at Hawks Nest Golf Club, or a twilight round in the late arvo followed by a sunset dinner at Sando's. Pro shop 02 4997 0740.
- After 1pmBarefoot bowls at Tea Gardens Country Club, once the members' game finishes. Call 02 4997 0250 (option 5) to check green availability.
Mon
A public holiday on the river
Monday is Labour Day, so some places keep shorter hours or close. Mumm's on the Myall and Vinnies are closed, and the Fish Market is closed Mondays. Here's what's on.
Also on Monday
- 7:30amSwim with the Myall Mullets, Jimmys Beach
- PatrolledBennetts Beach surf patrols. Swim between the flags.
- 9am – 5pmTea Gardens BBQ Boats (book ahead)
- 7:30am – 4pmBoat hire at the Tea Gardens Boatshed
- 10am – 3pmGalleries in the Gardens, 81 Marine Drive
- 10am · 2:30 · 5:30pmTea Gardens Ferry to Nelson Bay (weather permitting)
- All dayTea Gardens Hotel: enjoy their newly renovated playground and deck
- From 6:30amGolf at Hawks Nest Golf Club, or a twilight round in the late arvo followed by a sunset dinner at Sando's. Pro shop 02 4997 0740.
- Call aheadBarefoot bowls at Tea Gardens Country Club. Call 02 4997 0250 (option 5) to check public holiday availability.
Any day
On the river and out exploring
You can do these any day of your stay. Take the kayak or SUPs straight from Drift, take a BBQ boat out for lunch, catch the ferry across to Nelson Bay, or tee off at the golf club. On Monday's public holiday, just check hours before you head out.
Don't miss: our favourite family adventure
Sand dunes & culture at Dark Point
Huge coastal dunes to run, roll and slide down, with views out to Broughton Island. Dark Point is also an Aboriginal Place of deep significance to the Worimi people, who have gathered here to feast on seafood for more than 4,000 years. You'll pass ancient middens on the walk. Please stay on the open sand, keep off the middens, and leave every shell and artefact where it is.
Winda Woppa dunes & beach
The sandy point at the end of Hawks Nest, where Port Stephens meets the Myall River. It has dunes to explore, quiet beaches and wide water views. You can only get there on foot or by boat, so it never feels crowded. Shorebirds nest on the sand here in spring, so keep out of any fenced or signed areas and keep dogs away.
Which one should you choose? Winda Woppa is the easier of the two. It's a 20–30 minute walk on sand, so it's a better choice if anyone in your group can't manage a longer, rougher walk. Dark Point is a rougher walk through steep, unformed dunes. Neither walk is suitable for anyone with walking difficulties, or for prams and wheelchairs.
Galleries in the Gardens
Tea Gardens' art gallery has incredible displays of local artwork, and much of it is for sale. There's no special exhibition this weekend, but it's well worth dropping in.
A 5km run from Drift
Lace up at our front door and head out along the river for a flat, easy 5km. It's a really enjoyable way to start the day, and early mornings bring plenty of wildlife along the way.
Mount Yacaaba beach & trail hike
Walk the length of Bennetts Beach to the headland, then climb through angophoras, banksias and grass trees for views over Port Stephens and out to Cabbage Tree Island. It's a hard, steep walk of about 7km return (2.5–3.5 hours), and the rocks get slippery. The track is currently open only as far as a viewing point, with the section beyond it closed for safety.
Get your hands in clay at Myall Street Studio
The local pottery studio runs clay sessions and classes for kids and adults. Check their opening times, and book ahead because sessions fill up fast over the holidays.
Swim with the Myall Mullets
Hawks Nest's local ocean swim group goes in at 7:30am every day, whatever the weather, for 500m or 1km. Their oldest regular is 84, and everyone is welcome. Swimmers take responsibility for their own safety.
Surf patrols are back at Bennetts Beach
The red and yellow flags are up on weekends and public holidays, and as usual, drones are watching the water for sharks. Swim between the flags.
From Drift: pack the car with our family-sized Cool Cabana, eskys, foam surfboards and boogie boards. They're all there for you to use.
Sundowners at the Surf Club
The surf club bar is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 3–7pm. Bring your own nibbles and settle in by the beach. Well-behaved pets are welcome.
Tea Gardens BBQ Boats
Pontoon boats for up to 12 with a four-burner barbecue, sink, toilet and Bluetooth stereo. Bring food, drinks and an esky.
Boat hire at the Boatshed
No licence needed. You get a briefing and a river map, and you can fish or explore at your own pace. The café is great for breakfast.
The Original Tea Gardens Ferry
About an hour across Port Stephens to Nelson Bay, with commentary. Keep an eye out for dolphins. It runs weather permitting.
Bike the Myall
A self-serve bike station with kids' bikes, child seats, helmets and locks. Tap a credit card and ride.
Tea Gardens Pool reopens
The town pool opens for the season this weekend. There's a six-lane 25m pool, a toddlers' pool, shade, a playground and BBQs.
Twilight golf at Hawks Nest Golf Club
Our favourite way to end the day. Tee off in the late afternoon for a twilight round on a classic coastal course (18 holes, par 72, and known as one of Australia's best wet-weather courses). Then head straight in for a sunset dinner at Sando's. Daylight saving starts on Sunday, so there's even more light in the evenings. Call the pro shop for twilight times and rates, and book a cart early because they're in high demand.
Barefoot bowls at the Country Club
Kick off your shoes for a relaxed game of social lawn bowls on the green, with a drink in hand. It's great fun for all ages, even if you've never bowled before. Members' games take the greens on some mornings (Friday and Sunday until 1pm), so afternoons are your best bet. Call ahead to check costs and green availability.
Long weekend at the Tea Gardens Hotel
Four days of live music on the river. Friday: Chris Daniel from 7:30pm. Saturday: Anyerin on The Deck from 2pm, then The Years from 7:30pm. Sunday: a petting zoo from 12:30pm, Argus Duo on The Deck from 4pm, and the NRL Grand Final live and loud on the big screen from 7pm. Monday: enjoy the newly renovated playground and deck. Book dinner and the courtesy bus early.
4WD
Beach driving: amazing, but never unprepared
Four-wheel driving on the beach is one of the most amazing experiences on this coast. It's also where visitors get into real trouble: bogged on a rising tide, stuck without water, or facing damage their insurance won't cover. Please don't go without the right permit, preparation and experience.
The right permit for the beach
Which permit you need depends on where you drive. Hawks Nest beach (access off Sanderling Avenue) needs a MidCoast Council beach vehicle permit, available for 30 days or a year. Stockton Bight, in the Worimi Conservation Lands near Anna Bay, needs an NSW National Parks beach vehicle permit. A normal national park pass doesn't cover it.
First time? Don't go alone
If you haven't driven on sand before, go with someone experienced in a second vehicle, or do a 4WD training course or guided tour first. Sand, tides and soft patches catch out even confident drivers.
Extra water, food and recovery gear
Take more water and food than you think you'll need, plus sun protection. Carry a tyre gauge and compressor, a shovel and recovery boards. If you get stuck, help can be hours away.
Make sure your car is insured for it
Many car insurance policies and hire-car agreements don't cover beach driving, bogging, or sand and saltwater damage. Check yours before you go, and make sure your car is registered and roadworthy.
The rules on the beach
Drive between the high and low tide marks, and plan around low tide. Maximum 40km/h, dropping to 15km/h within 100m of people or other cars, and stay 15m away from people. Keep off the dunes and away from signed shorebird nesting areas (September to March).
Staying at Drift? Talk to us first
If it's your first time driving on these beaches, or your first time in the area, please get in touch before you decide to head out. We're always happy to chat about where to go, the tides and what to take.
Mungo Beach is currently closed to 4WDs
NSW National Parks has closed Mungo Beach in Myall Lakes National Park to four-wheel drives because of hazardous beach erosion. Always check the latest alerts before you head out. Myall Lakes National Park alerts
Dogs
Where the dogs can run
Drift is pet friendly, and a long weekend is better with the dog. The rules on local beaches are stricter than many visitors expect, so here's where your dog can go and where it can't.
Hawks Nest dog park, Providence Bay Park
A fenced off-leash dog park built by the Tea Gardens Lions Club, with separate areas for small dogs and big, energetic ones, plus water, agility equipment and sand pits. It's the one place nearby where your dog can safely run free, and it's right next to Bennetts Beach.
Bennetts Beach & Yacaaba
Dogs are allowed on a lead only, between 5am–9am and 5pm–8pm. That makes it perfect for an early-morning or sunset walk. Dogs must stay out of the flagged swimming area, and you need to pick up after them. Bird flu has been found in seabirds on this beach, so keep your dog away from any sick or dead birds.
Jimmys Beach and the shorebird areas
Signs at the Jimmys Beach access points say dogs are prohibited. Keep dogs well away from Winda Woppa and Corrie Island too, where shorebirds are nesting and resting right now. Dogs aren't allowed in national parks, including Myall Lakes.
Always check the signs at the beach access. Council rules can change, and the signs on the day are what count.
Or don't go anywhere at all
Stuck at home? There are worse places to be
Some of our favourite long weekends have been the ones where we barely left Drift. With four bedrooms plus a study, and beds for 12 adults (up to 16 with kids), there's space for the whole family to spread out, so nobody feels on top of each other, even when the weather keeps everyone close to home.
Launch the kayak or one of our two SUPs (one fibreglass, one inflatable and already pumped up) straight from the riverfront, throw a line in, and watch the dolphins and sea-eagles work the river while the oystercatchers potter about on Corrie Island across the water. Out the back, there's corn toss and badminton on the lawn and darts in the garage. If a shower rolls through, bring out the beautiful puzzles and our two giant tubs of Lego.
Then, as the sun goes down, gather around one of the best backyard fire pits you'll find. If you love open-fire cooking, cook dinner right there over the coals, with fresh prawns from the co-op if you like. And if it all goes pear-shaped, the gas BBQ is standing by. Everything in this guide is close by, but nobody will judge you for staying put.
Wild
Wild neighbours to look out for
Spring is a busy time on the Myall. Birds are nesting, migrants are arriving from the other side of the world, and the bush is waking up. Here's who you might meet, and who to give plenty of room.
Right across the river from Drift
What's happening on Corrie Island
Corrie Island Nature Reserve sits directly opposite Drift, and it's one of the most important shorebird sites in Port Stephens. Bring binoculars to the deck.
- Nesting now: Pied Oystercatchers nest on the island's sand from September to November. Look for the black-and-white birds with bright orange beaks.
- Just arrived: migratory shorebirds are landing after flying in from Siberia and Alaska, including the critically endangered Eastern Curlew with its long curved beak, plus Bar-tailed Godwits, Whimbrels and Grey-tailed Tattlers.
- Island locals: Beach Stone-curlews are regularly seen along the shore, along with egrets, Royal Spoonbills and pelicans.
If you're kayaking or paddleboarding
Migratory birds need to rest and feed after their long journey, and nesting birds abandon their eggs when they're disturbed. Paddle wide around birds roosting on the sandbars, don't land near nesting or roosting birds, and keep dogs well away.
White-bellied Sea-Eagles
Huge, white-headed raptors that patrol the river and coastline. Spring is the end of their breeding season, so you may see young birds learning to fly and hunt.
Peregrine Falcons & Ospreys
Peregrines are the fastest animal on earth, and in NSW their chicks hatch around October. Ospreys, Brahminy Kites and Whistling Kites also hunt over the water.
Eastern Grey Kangaroos
Mobs graze on grassy reserves and fairways in the early morning and late afternoon. Drive slowly at dusk.
Echidnas
They're everywhere here and love the local bush. If you spot one, stay quiet and still and it will carry on digging for ants. Watch for them crossing the road.
Koalas
The local population has dropped sharply over the last two to three decades, and koalas are now listed as endangered. If you're lucky enough to see one, please report it to the Myall Koala hotline on 02 4997 0878.
Dolphins & whales
Keep watching the river for dolphins, both in front of Drift and along the main stretch of river through Tea Gardens. They're almost guaranteed on the ferry to Nelson Bay. Humpback whales are heading south now, and this week they've been seen inside Port Stephens off Jimmys Beach. The lookout next to the Hawks Nest surf club is often the best place to spot them.
Wildflowers
Spring is wildflower season in the coastal heath of Myall Lakes National Park. Look for flannel flowers, banksias and paperbarks in flower along the tracks.
Myall Lakes dingoes
A local dingo family lives close to Hawks Nest. If you drive up Mungo Brush Road into Myall Lakes National Park, never feed them, keep food and rubbish locked away, keep children close, and keep dogs on a lead. Spring pups make adults extra protective.
Brown snakes & red-bellied black snakes
Snakes are active again in the warmer weather. Stay on paths, wear shoes in the bush and dunes, and back away calmly if you see one. For a bite, call 000, keep the person still and apply a pressure bandage.
Bird flu has been found here: look, don't touch
H5 bird flu reached mainland Australia in June 2026, and NSW's first confirmed cases were two giant petrels found on Bennetts Beach, Hawks Nest, in July. More cases have since been confirmed in seabirds at Stockton Beach. The risk to people is low, but please don't touch sick or dead birds, and keep dogs on a lead and well away from them. If you see several sick or dead birds, note the location, take a photo from a distance and call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888. For one injured bird, call Wildlife in Need of Care (WINC) on 1300 946 295. NSW bird flu updates
Eat
Eat well and skip the queues
Our tips to help your group enjoy every meal without getting stuck in long weekend queues or turned away at the door: order ahead, book early and know where to go.
Get your groceries delivered
Book a supermarket delivery for when you arrive and skip the Saturday crowds at Coles.
Tea Gardens Ice Cream Shack
The famous ice cream stop in Tea Gardens and a long weekend must. Send the kids up for a cone while the grown-ups stay at the pub or keep fishing off the wharf.
Tea Gardens Boatshed
A family-run favourite on the river. Amazing takeaway coffee and bacon and egg rolls (not cheap, but worth it), or settle in for a gorgeous riverside lunch or dinner.
Mumm's on the Myall
One of the best seafood restaurants around, family run, with seafood straight from the co-op next door. Grab takeaway or book a special lunch or dinner.
Jimmy's Smash Burgers
Proper smash burgers in Hawks Nest. Order online ahead of time so you don't have to queue.
Aurora's Chinese Takeaway
The best Chinese takeaway in town, and perfect for a big family feast back at Drift.
Thai House
Our go-to for Thai takeaway, with a small dine-in area if you'd rather eat there.
Golden Flame Pizza & Kebab
Pizza, kebabs, pide and gözleme to take home. You can order online.
Tea Gardens Fish Market
The local seafood co-op, with fresh local prawns, lobster, oysters and whole fish. Perfect for the BBQ at Drift.
2 Fat Bakers Bakery
The GOAT of local bakers: sweet and savoury breads, pies, cakes and more, plus good, well-priced takeaway coffee.
Snow's Cafe
A new bakery and café next to Coles in Myall Quays. Handy for coffee and treats while you shop.
Myall Lakes Butchery
A great local butcher next to Coles for BBQ supplies if the delivery leaves you short. Check their page for long weekend opening hours.
Shop
Shop local, rain or shine
Shopping is a perfect plan for a showery Saturday morning. Here are our favourite local shops, from surf gear to vintage finds.
Mungo Road Surf Shop
Hawks Nest's surf and clothing shop, run by family friends of ours. Every surf brand you could want, for the whole family.
Tea Gardens Trading Co
A local favourite for a browse. Check their Instagram for what's new in store.
The Shoe Spot
Tea Gardens' newest shop, full of shoes and bags.
Vinnies Tea Gardens
A great op shop for thrift and vintage hunters. It's open Saturday 9am–12pm, and closed Sunday and on the Monday public holiday.
Anglican Parish Op Shop
A local treasure trove. Look for the sign out the front to see if it's open.
Book dinner now and take the courtesy bus
It's a long weekend and the Knights are in the grand final, so tables will go fast. The courtesy buses will be just as busy, so book your seats on the bus when you book your table.
| Where | Phone | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Tea Gardens HotelBus Google Maps | 02 4997 0203 | Our pick for the weekend. The pub on the river, opposite the ferry wharf, with long weekend entertainment and the grand final on the big screen. It will be very busy, so plan ahead and book both your table and the bus early. |
| Tea Gardens Country ClubBus Google Maps | 02 4997 0250 | The Garden Eatery, and the pig races on Saturday. Book the bus in advance too. |
| Hawks Nest Golf Club, Sando'sBus Google Maps | 02 4997 0145 | A classic coastal golf club and a lovely spot for a sunset dinner. 11-seat bus, Tue–Sun evenings. |
| Tea Gardens Boatshed Google Maps | 02 4997 0307 | One of our favourites. A family-run spot for a gorgeous riverside lunch, or dinner on Fri & Sat only (5:30–8pm). |
| Mumm's on the Myall Google Maps | 02 4997 1162 | Our other favourite. Family-run seafood with fish from the co-op next door. Dine in or takeaway: lunch Tue–Sun, dinner Wed–Sat (closed Monday). Book online. |
| Jimmy's Smash Burgers Google Maps | Order online | Order ahead online so you don't have to queue. |
| Golden Flame Pizza & Kebab Google Maps | 02 4027 1674 | Pizza, kebabs, pide and gözleme to take home. Order online. Open to 8:30pm Fri & Sat and 7:30pm other nights. Shop 3, 83 Marine Dr. |
Good to know
Daylight saving starts
Clocks go forward one hour at 2am on Sunday 4 October.
School holidays
NSW schools are on holidays, so expect busy beaches and book activities ahead.
Swim between the flags
Bennetts Beach is patrolled on weekends and public holidays, with drones watching for sharks. Jimmys Beach on the bay side is calmer for little ones.
Stay with us
Drift, on the river in Tea Gardens
A riverfront home with beds for 12 adults (up to 16 with kids), opposite Corrie Island Nature Reserve, with a kayak, two SUPs and fishing gear ready for days like these. Pets are welcome with approval.