309 The Boathouse, TOP NOTCH

The twin town of the oceanfront Hawks Nest and the gateway to the Barrington Coast, the charming riverside village of Tea Gardens adds a touch of sophistication to a classic beach holiday with its strip of restaurants, cafes and galleries displaying the works of local artists inspired by the natural beauty of its stunning waterways. The Myall River, spanned by the 'singing bridge' that leads to Hawks Nest, is great for fishing and boating. Grab a paddle and explore by a kayak hired from Lazy Paddles, or take a guided tour. The secluded Black Oaks picnic area is a gorgeous spot to stop for lunch on a paddling trip. In the spectacular Myall Lakes National Park, take a boat trip to sandy Broughton Island, home to the only campground in NSW where you can camp among a seabird colony. For a scenic and affordable day trip, jump on the Port Stephens Ferry Service which departs daily from Tea Gardens to Nelson Bay, where you can take dolphin watching cruises year round or go whale watching between May and November. Across the bridge in Hawks Nest, there are kilometres of beautiful beaches to relax on, including Bennett's Beach