THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Tea Gardens
Things to Do in Tea Gardens
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Tours near Tea Gardens
Book these experiences to see what the area has to offer.
- On the Waterfromper adultAU$42
- On the Waterfromper adultAU$47
- Sightseeing Cruisesfromper adultAU$129
- fromper adultAU$98
- 4WD Toursfromper adultAU$40
- Eco Toursfromper adultAU$49
- fromper adultAU$125
- Extreme Sportsfromper adultAU$40
- 4WD Toursfromper adultAU$52
- 4WD Toursfromper adultAU$42
Other Top Attractions around Tea Gardens
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What travellers are saying
- Mairwen1United Kingdom12,133 contributionsCharmingly named, the Singing Bridge, apparently ‘sings’ whenever a high wind whistles through its railings. A local tourist site describes it as a ‘mournful harp’. I’ve not heard it myself but like the previous reviewer, it’s a good excuse for everyone in the car to belt out a song whenever you cross the bridge.
The concrete girder bridge spans the Myall River, linking the twin holiday towns of Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest.
Built in 1974, it replaced an old ferry service which had operated since 1928.
Pedestrian footpaths on ether side allow you to walk across the 304 metre span although the paths are narrow and kids with bikes will probably have to get off and wheel them across. The views up and down the river, especially at sunset, are well worth taking the time to stroll across.
Immediately, on the Hawks Nest side, is the Jean Shaw Koala Reserve, a natural, untouched bushland expanse that is a haven for the local koala population. On the Tea Gardens side, as you leave the bridge are the local fish co-op, Mumm’s Seafood Restaurant, a picnic and fishing area and the Tourist Information centre.
For many years, pelicans roosted on top of the light posts along the bridge. You will only occasionally see one perched there now because the council, sick of running the gauntlet of pelican droppings, installed spikes on the top of the poles to deter the birds. A shame really as the pelicans were such a distinctive feature of the bridge.Written 18 March 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Mary EGreater Sydney, Australia9 contributionsScenery to die for. Boat trip to Nelson Bay super. Something for all ages. Trivia at Tea Gardens Hotel. Not to busy. Boat shed amazing lunch. Life saving club on Friday night meat raffle and great views. Good caravan park at Jimmy’s beach and surf beachWritten 13 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Mairwen1United Kingdom12,133 contributionsThe Myall River is a wide waterway that is popular for boating, paddle boarding, kayaking and fishing. Easy access can be gained through the holiday towns of Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest.
For tourists to the area, there are a lot of ways to explore the river’s. Its a large river with long runs of mangrove-lined banks, small bays, islands, sandbanks and mudflats.
Kayaks, SUPs and canoes can be hired at EZY Kayaks or Lazy Paddles in Tea Gardens (they do guided river tours also).
Tinnies and runabouts can be hired from the Tea Gardens Boatshed and nearby, BBQ Boats hires out pontoon-style boats with full BBQ/kitchen facilities that cater for larger groups. Discover NSW vouchers can be used for some of these.
For the less adventurous, the ferry between Tea Gardens and Port Stephens is a slow, traditional way to see the river and passes under the charmingly named, Singing Bridge, which will sometimes whistle in the wind.
We always enjoy walking along Marine Drive which follows the riverside through Tea Gardens. Starting from Singing Bridge, you will pass the local fish co-op, Anzac park and the war memorial, the ferry, the Tea Gardens pub, the Ice Cream Shack and several art installations which are a part the Myall Riverside Art Walk. Pelicans gather beside the local fishing co-op fighting over scraps of fish and it’s not uncommon to see dolphins.
The river itself is strongly tidal but at low tide, you’ll see lots of small crabs scuttling between the roots of the mangroves and exposed skeletons of old oyster leases.
At one time, there used to be an old swimming pool built into the riverbank. It’s long-gone now except for the stairs which led down to the pool. A plaque marks the spot and gives a little historical background.Written 23 March 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Mairwen1United Kingdom12,133 contributionsThe Riverside Art Walk is an easy, relaxed way to explore the holiday towns of Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens.
Over 25 artworks, sculptures, mosaics and installations are positioned throughout the two towns. Originally they were placed on Marine Drive, along the bank of the Myall river but as the programme has expanded, they have spread out over both the towns, covering a much larger area.
Without a map, it’s a bit like a treasure hunt. A guide to the walk is available from the local Tea Gardens Information Centre but because the works are so spread out, most people will probably just do the stretch along the river, rather than the whole trail.
Most of the artworks have small plaques beside them, giving their title, date, name of the artist and a brief description.
Some of the the older artworks are starting to show their age. Exposure to the weather and sun has weathered and faded some of them. New ones are added each year.
Some are really very good and some, not so much.
Two of the best ones are near the main beach in Hawks Nest. You have to look closely to find the small, new painting of a very realistic possum, peering out of a gum tree. You’ll find him near the main beach, next to the kids’ playground. It catches you by surprise and is a delight for kids. I believe the same artist has done a large tree frog also but I didn’t find that one.
Nearby, overlooking the beach, is a lookout point with a steel frieze of the rare Gould’s petrel seabirds by artist, Chez Randes. Both the frieze and the view from here are very striking.
The easiest way to see a selection of the works is to walk along Marine Drive, following the river. Starting from Singing Bridge and the Fish Co-op, you can look out for the following works:
* River Crossing by Phillip M. Everett (beside the fish co-op)
* Anzac Mural (in Anzac Park)
* Pioneer Totem Poles by Margaret Germon (in front of the library)
* Mosaic BBQs (along the riverfront, past the ferry)
* Silent Witness by Lee Anderson (opposite HookNCook fish & chips)
* Windows in Wood by Bronwyn Fife (also opposite HookNCook)Written 25 March 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Mairwen1United Kingdom12,133 contributionsThis substantial war memorial sits beside the Myall River in Tea Gardens and is comprised of 3 main parts:
i) a circular structure and flagpole
ii) an original M2A2 Howitzer Gun
iii) Lone Pine
Three plain, concrete walls form the memorial's main circular structure and represent each of the 3 branches of service, the Army, Navy and Airforce. The words 'Lest We Forget' are inlaid in brass and a flagpole stands in the centre. This is a practical memorial and is the focus of Anzac Day services each year.
It is broadly dedicated to to include those who sacrificed their lives during war as well as all men and women who have served overseas - a much more inclusive wording than in older, traditional memorials.
Specific veterans are remembered with plaques affixed to timber park benches surrounding the memorial. Each plaque is inscribed with the full service details of the veteran, including name, service number, conflict, service unit birthdate and date of death.
The Howitzer gun is the most eye-catching feature of the memorial. An original weapon, it was installed here in 2015 and is a tangible reminder of the reality of wartime violence, bloodshed and death. First used by the Australian Army during the Vietnam War, these Howitzers were critical in providing close artillery fire support for the army.
The Lone Pine tree is a highly symbolic and poignant addition to the site. Planted on Anzac Day, 2003, it was grown from a seed from the original 'Lone Pine' at Gallipoli.
The Battle of Lone Pine, a major offensive of WWI, was ultimately devastating for Australia. On one single day on August 6th, 1915, the Australian troops suffered 3500 casualties and won 7 Victoria Crosses. The story of how that seed came to be here is very moving. Following the battle, a soldier, Lance Corporal Smith, collected several pine cones from the trenches and sent them home to his mother. His brother had been one of the 2000 who died over the course of the battle. His mother would never be able go to Turkey where her son died but the pine cones were a small token from there that she could physically hold onto and feel connected to him. She grew two trees from the pine cone seeds, one of which she gave to the Australian War Memorial, and in memory of all those who fell, they propagated many more trees, including this one.Written 20 March 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Mairwen1United Kingdom12,133 contributionsThis might seem an odd listing on a tourist site but it is useful for visitors and tourists to know about because it offers free wifi. Whilst it’s increasingly unusual for holiday rentals not to provide wifi, it can still happen in small, coastal towns. It also has games and puzzles which can be handy if you have a rainy spell while holidaying here.
The library is beside the Singing Bridge. During the week, opening days are every second day - Mon, Wed and Fri, from 9 - 5pm. It’s also open on Saturday, from 9:30-12.
Other than that, there is a small playground out the front and an interesting local artwork called Pioneer Poles which consists of 6 totem poles, each one painted to represent an early local pioneer from the 1800s. An information board tells the story of the Engel and Motum families, early settlers who helped to build up the fledgling fishing and timber industries that once thrived here.
This is something of a community hub and directly across the road, you’ll also find the local Arts & Craft centre and gift shop as well as the Tourist Information Centre.Written 20 April 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Mairwen1United Kingdom12,133 contributionsThis small park runs alongside the Myall River in Tea Gardens and has an expansive outlook across the water, towards Singing Bridge.
Created as a memorial space to commemorate the war time sacrifices of those who have served overseas, the park is the focus of Anzac Day remembrances each year.
It is also a community space. Farmers’ Markets are sometimes held here and there are BBQ and picnic facilities. In particular there is an electric BBQ, toilets and a covered picnic table space. There’s no playground for kids but there is a small patch of sand along the riverside which can keep kids entertained.
There are prettier spots to sit, further along the river but this is the only one as far as I know with a public BBQ available.
A large mural at the far end of the park attempts to capture the Anzac spirit with symbolic images and the words ‘Lest We Forget’ but what really catches your eye most of all, is the original M2A2 Howitzer Gun. These guns were first used by the Australian Army during the Vietnam War and played a significant role at the Tet Offensive. It was installed in the park in 2015.
Beside the gun, you’ll also see a formal memorial structure consisting of 3 plain walls around a central flagpole. Park benches surround the memorial and plaques have been added to each seat to commemorate individual veterans.
In addition, a pine tree has been planted to remember the appalling losses at the WWI Battle of Lone Pine. On a single day on 6th Aug, 1915, Australia suffered 3500 casualties and won 7 Victoria Crosses. What is most poignant about this tree, is that it was propagated from the original ‘lone pine’ that stood in Turkey at the battlefield.
There is plenty of free street parking along the front of the park.Written 20 March 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - EllaDee011Macksville, Australia583 contributionsWell located near the river, lots of variety of nice things to look at and buy at reasonable prices. Usually a sale rack out the front.Written 6 April 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- EllaDee011Macksville, Australia583 contributionsEasy to pop in to the shady garden which has seating and go for a wander through the gallery of ever-changing local artists. Always something different and lovely.Written 6 April 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- EllaDee011Macksville, Australia583 contributionsSo much to see and buy in this lovely gallery at reasonable prices... great for local handmade gifts. The staff are pleasant and helpful. Lots of parking.Written 6 April 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Anne H1 contributionIt was fantastic. Darryn. was great with his information and showed us a sea eagle which was wonderful. We just loved it. On the water, it was so peaceful. Can’t recommend it highly enough.Written 11 February 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.