Best Ways to Spend the Day on the Water in Tea Gardens
With the sparkling waters of the Myall River, easy access to the Myall Lakes and the beautiful waterways around Hawks Nest, this is a destination made for boating, fishing, kayaking, swimming and simply slowing down.
Whether you’re bringing your own boat for a day of exploring or hiring a kayak for a peaceful paddle, there are plenty of ways to make the most of Tea Gardens from the water.
Explore the Myall River by Boat
One of the best ways to experience Tea Gardens is from the deck of your own boat. The Myall River winds its way through the region, offering beautiful scenery, quiet stretches of water and plenty of opportunities to stop and explore.
Launch your boat and spend the day cruising along the river, taking in the bushland and birdlife or finding a peaceful spot to drop anchor for a swim. Pack a picnic, plenty of water and your favourite snacks and make a day of it.
For families, boating is a great way to explore at your own pace, while keen anglers will find plenty of opportunities to wet a line along the waterways.
Go Fishing
Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest are a dream for fishing enthusiasts, with the Myall River, Myall Lakes and surrounding waterways offering a variety of fishing experiences.
Head out early when the water is calm and the day is fresh, or enjoy a leisurely afternoon on the water as the sun begins to dip. Depending on conditions and where you fish, you may encounter bream, flathead, whiting and other local species.
Don’t have a boat? There are also plenty of options to explore the waterways from the shore or arrange a local fishing experience.
Paddle the Myall River
For something slower paced, grab a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and explore the waterways under your own steam.
Lazy Paddles has been part of the Tea Gardens community for nearly two decades, offering kayak hire and guided kayak tours designed to get you up close to the natural beauty of the area. Launching from Anzac Park in Tea Gardens, their tours and hire options are a wonderful way to discover the Myall River, spot local wildlife and experience the waterways from a completely different perspective.
Whether you’re an experienced paddler or trying kayaking for the first time, there’s an option for everyone. And with many guests returning year after year, it’s clear that paddling the Myall is an experience worth repeating.
Lazy Paddles operates year-round, but they’re not always on-site, so pre-booking is required. Plan ahead, grab a paddle and spend a few peaceful hours exploring the waterways at your own pace.
The Myall River is particularly beautiful in the early morning when the water is calm and the surrounding bushland is reflected on the surface. Keep an eye out for native birdlife as you paddle and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere away from the bustle of everyday life.
It’s an easy way to combine a little exercise with some serious holiday relaxation.
Discover the Myall Lakes & National Park
If you’re keen to spend a full day exploring, head out to the spectacular Myall Lakes National Park, a beautiful coastal wilderness stretching across a network of lakes, rivers, waterways, beaches and native bushland.
The Myall Lakes are the perfect place to explore by boat, with plenty of opportunities to cruise across the calm waters, find a peaceful spot to drop anchor, enjoy a swim or wet a line. Surrounded by the natural beauty of Myall Lakes National Park, a day on the water feels like a true escape from the everyday.
Pack a picnic, plenty of water and your fishing gear, and set out to discover the park from the water. Keep an eye out for the abundant birdlife and native wildlife that call the waterways and surrounding bushland home.
Whether you spend the day boating, fishing, swimming or simply soaking up the scenery, Myall Lakes National Park is a must-visit for anyone who loves getting out on the water.
Take the Heritage Ferry
For a more leisurely adventure, hop aboard The Original Tea Gardens Ferry and enjoy a scenic one-hour journey across Port Stephens from Nelson Bay to Tea Gardens.
Keep your eyes on the water along the way and you may spot playful dolphins, pelicans and other local wildlife as you cruise across the bay. As you approach Tea Gardens, you’ll dock right in town, making it easy to step off the ferry and continue exploring the cafes, shops and waterfront.
It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the beauty of Port Stephens without having to navigate the waterways yourself — and a memorable addition to a day trip or holiday in Tea Gardens.
Dine by the Water
After a morning out on the water, there’s no better way to continue the experience than with a meal overlooking it.
Pull your boat up or sit on the deck at the Tea Gardens Boatshed and settle in for modern coastal dining with the water as your backdrop. It’s the perfect spot to relax after a day of exploring the river.
For fresh seafood and a taste of the local area, Mumm’s on the Myall and Tillermans Café are also worth adding to your holiday itinerary. Whether you’re stopping in for lunch, grabbing a coffee or settling in for a leisurely meal, you’re never far from a delicious waterfront experience in Tea Gardens.
Pack a Picnic and Find a Quiet Spot
Sometimes the best way to spend the day on the water is to do absolutely nothing.
Pack a picnic lunch, bring some cold drinks and head out to find a peaceful stretch of water. Drop anchor, jump in for a swim, soak up the sunshine and enjoy a long, lazy lunch surrounded by nature.
With so much beautiful coastline, river and lake scenery around Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest, it’s easy to turn a simple boating trip into one of those holiday days everyone remembers.
Holiday Homes with Boat Parking
Bring the Boat — and Make Yourself at Home
If getting out on the water is an important part of your holiday, choosing accommodation with boat parking can make your stay so much easier.
Rather than worrying about where to leave your boat, look for a Tea Gardens or Hawks Nest holiday home with suitable off-street parking. You can arrive, unload, launch when you’re ready and have your boat conveniently parked at your accommodation between adventures.
It’s particularly handy for families and fishing groups planning multiple days on the water. Spend the morning exploring the Myall River, head out fishing in the afternoon or take the boat across to explore more of the Myall waterways — then return to your holiday home without the hassle.
When searching for your next stay with Tea Gardens Real Estate Holidays, look out for holiday homes with boat parking and choose a property that makes getting on the water part of the holiday.
Your Next Tea Gardens Waterway Escape
From sunrise fishing trips and peaceful kayak adventures to family boating days, leisurely ferry rides across Port Stephens and waterfront dining, there are so many ways to enjoy Tea Gardens from the water.
The beauty of a holiday here is that you don’t have to choose just one. Bring the boat, pack the fishing gear, hire a kayak, hop aboard the heritage ferry or simply find a quiet spot to enjoy the view.
Ready to make the most of the water? Find your perfect Tea Gardens or Hawks Nest holiday home and start planning your next getaway with Tea Gardens Real Estate Holidays.