Family Guru decided to join Gurus-in-laws for the weekend in the little village of Hawks Nest.
Accom: provided by Guru who went up earlier accompanied by Gurus daughter to pitch the tent at Hawks Nest Beach Caravan Park. Sites in the park are a little sandy but it is well located a 3 minute walk and you're in the water. Amenities block: we were "down the back" so mostly had the facilities to ourselves. Clean and plenty of them - no queueing.
Location: Hawks Nest is a quiet village for most of the week. It becomes somewhat busier on weekends and the park went from near empty to about 80 percent full. The town is bounded on 3 sides by water, a surf beach, snorkel location and the river (for launching of boats). There are a smattering of restaurants and two motels. Also lots of private rentals available.
Activity: We were on the beach early on Saturday morning and watched 6-8 pods of dolphins play in the waves and among the surfers. Water temp was still a bit cool (21c) but okay for a quick swim. Air temp however was around 30c making it very hot on the beach without shade.
The beach is very long and we walked for about an hour in the afternoon passing only 2 other people.
Dining: No trip to the area is justified without an evening meal at Tillerman's in tea gardens. Bookings are essential for Saturday evenings. Four "walk ins" were turned away. Food was lovely and they have an amazing wine list.
Remainder of the meals were self catered with the exception of pies from "the pieman" for Sunday Lunch.
Getting there: Guru left home at 2.40pm and arrived some time around 5. I left 1 hour later and arrived at 7pm. Moral..get out of Sydney before 3pm on a Friday! getting Home: 2 and a half hours.
Other things to do:
Snorkel at Jimmys beach.
Stop in at "The Rock" (a big fake Ayers rock)
Kayaking tours up the Myall River.
Fishing
Catch a ferry across to Nelson Bay
Visit Mungo Brush National Park.
Golf- popular golf course.