Wander on wild remote beaches with a superb feeling of freedom.
Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens are the twin towns of the Myall River with a relaxed coastal lifestyle. Nearby are wetlands, forests and remote beaches of the southern precinct of Myall Lakes National Park.
The top walks at Hawks Nest
From here you can journey into the Myall Lakes National Park and explore its spectacular blend of lakes, coastal forests, pristine beaches and a huge sand dune system.
1. Yacaaba Headland Walking Track, Myall Lakes National Park
- START: Southern end of Bennetts Beach at Hawks Nest
- DISTANCE: 3.5km each way
- TIME: 3 hours return
- GRADE: Hard
If you enjoy a challenging walk and scenic views rolled into one, then grab your hiking boots and make your way to Yacaaba Headland. The track begins from Bennetts Beach along a steep path which winds its way past smooth barked angophoras, gnarly banksias and grass trees. As the track veers north, take a break and admire the inspiring views up the coastline.
The final section to the top gets rockier and steeper but along the forested ridgetop you’ll be treated to coastal views across the southernmost point of the Barrington Coast, the Tomaree headlands and northwards to Seal Rocks.
2. Mungo Walking Track, Myall Lakes National Park
- START: Mungo Brush Campground
- DISTANCE: 21km (one way)
- TIME: 10 hours
- GRADE: Medium
Mungo Walking Track is a feast for the body, mind and senses. A delightful collection of walks which joins Mungo Brush campground on the shores of Bombah Broadwater to Hawks Nest. It’s a long yet easy walk, taking in some important Aboriginal and historic sites and diverse vegetation.
Set out towards the Myall River along Tamboi Walking Track arriving at the Tamboi village. Continuing south, meander along old sand dunes on historic mining routes, passing a part of the track between Brambles Green campground and Dark Point Aboriginal Place which is known for its splendid display of colourful wildflowers.
This walk can be done in one day or broken into sections by camping lakeside overnight.
3. Dark Point Walking Track, Myall Lakes National Park
- START: Mungo Brush Road carpark
- DISTANCE: 2km return
- TIME: 45 to 75 minutes
- GRADE: Medium
This short stroll packs quite a punch with breathtaking coastal views leading to culturally significant Dark Point Aboriginal Place. Also known as Little Gibber, Dark Point walking track starts at the carpark on Mungo Brush Road leading to the headland overlooking Broughton Island.
Follow this rough unformed track through coastal dunes behind the beach, passing historic middens before arriving at Dark Point, an area rich with cultural and historical significance for the Worimi people of the Barrington Coast.
