Top 3 Places to Spot Dolphins in Tea Gardens & Hawks Nest
🐬 Plus the Best Ways to See Them!
If you’re planning a beach holiday with the kids and hoping for some up-close encounters with nature’s friendliest locals, you’re in for a treat. Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest — tucked between the Myall River and the stunning Port Stephens coastline — are some of the best places in NSW to spot dolphins.
Whether you’re watching from the shore or heading out on an adventure, here are the top 3 places to spot dolphins in the area — plus the best ways to experience them as a family.
1. Tea Gardens Waterfront – Spot Them From the Shore (Or on a Ferry!)
The calm waters of the Myall River are a dolphin hotspot. Stroll along the Tea Gardens waterfront, grab a coffee from local favourite Tillermans Café or an ice cream from Tea Gardens Ice Cream Shack, and watch the water — dolphins often glide right past the public wharf!
Best way to experience it:
- Catch the ferry from Tea Gardens to Nelson Bay with Port Stephens Ferry Service — it’s scenic, fun for the kids, and dolphin sightings are almost guaranteed.
- Or just bring a picnic and a pair of binoculars to the grassy foreshore and keep an eye out.
2. Yacaaba Headland – Hike with a View
For active families, the Yacaaba Headland walk from Bennetts Beach offers one of the best panoramic views in the region — and a great chance to spot dolphins cruising the coastline below.
Best way to experience it:
- Pack a backpack and sturdy shoes and enjoy the 1.5–2 hour return hike. At the top, scan the water — you’re likely to see pods of dolphins (and possibly whales in season).
Tip for families: The climb is steep towards the top, so it’s best suited to older kids who love a bit of adventure.
3. Jimmys Beach – Paddle with the Dolphins
Protected by Yacaaba Headland, Jimmys Beach has calm, crystal-clear water — perfect for dolphin spotting from the sand or the sea. It’s common to see pods close to shore, especially in the mornings.
Best way to experience it:
- Hire a kayak or SUP from Lazy Paddles and take a relaxed paddle out — dolphins are known to swim right by.
- Prefer to stay dry? The dunes near the Surf Club offer a great elevated view over the bay.
Extra fun: Jimmys Beach is also great for younger kids to splash around and explore, with calm waves and plenty of sand to play on.
Bonus: Book a Dolphin Cruise or Snorkel Tour
If your family is keen to get even closer, Moonshadow-TQC Cruises in nearby Nelson Bay offers family-friendly dolphin-watching cruises — many with a boom net to ride on or even a waterslide into the ocean. You can book via their website or at one of the local booking offices in Tea Gardens.
Wrap-Up: The Ultimate Family-Friendly Dolphin Spotting Day
Here’s a suggested itinerary:
- Morning: Coffee and dolphin spotting at Tea Gardens wharf.
- Midday: Pack lunch and hike Yacaaba Headland.
- Afternoon: Cool off with a paddle at Jimmys Beach.
- Evening: Watch the sunset (and maybe another dolphin pod) from the dunes.
🏡 Where to Stay: Family-Friendly Accommodation in Tea Gardens & Hawks Nest
Make your dolphin-spotting holiday extra relaxing with a stay in one of these top-rated local stays:
🌴 Tea Gardens Real Estate Holidays
- Over 150 self-contained holiday homes and apartments across Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest.
- Perfect for families — choose from pet-friendly stays, waterfront homes, and properties with large backyards for the kids.
Plan Your Dolphin Adventure Today 🐬
With its sparkling waters, uncrowded beaches, and relaxed vibe, Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest are made for family adventures. Whether you’re paddling beside dolphins, catching a glimpse from a headland hike, or spotting them from your picnic rug, the memories you’ll make here will last a lifetime.