Entire home
🐚 Drift at Tea Gardens | 🛌 Sleeps 14 | 🐾 Pet friendly | ⛳ Golf | 🐬🦅🦘🐨 |
Riverside holiday home with kitchen and balcony
Photo gallery for 🐚 Drift at Tea Gardens | 🛌 Sleeps 14 | 🐾 Pet friendly | ⛳ Golf | 🐬🦅🦘🐨 |
Reviews
10 out of 10
Exceptional
5 bedrooms3+ bathroomsSleeps 142368.1 sq ft
Popular amenities
Explore the area
Tea Gardens, NSW
- Place, d'Albora Marinas Nelson Bay
- Place, Nelson Bay Golf Club
- Place, Tea Gardens-Hawks Nest Bridge5 min drive
- Airport, Newcastle, NSW (NTL-Williamtown)53 min drive
Rooms & beds
5 bedrooms (sleeps 14)
Bedroom 1
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 2
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 3
1 Single Bunk Bed, 1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bed
Bedroom 4
1 Queen Bed
Living Room 2
1 Single Bed
Study / Bed 5
1 Queen Sofa Bed
3 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom
Bathroom 1
Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer
Bathroom 2
Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shampoo
Bathroom 3
Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo
Bathroom 4
Soap · Towels provided · Toilet
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area
About this property
🐚 Drift at Tea Gardens | 🛌 Sleeps 14 | 🐾 Pet friendly | ⛳ Golf | 🐬🦅🦘🐨 |
Welcome to Drift at Tea Gardens, an expansive, architect-designed sanctuary overlooking the Karuah River where it meets Port Stephens. Completed in 2024 and lovingly designed by its owner, this home is made for memorable weekends away – especially for large family gatherings, golf weekends, fishing or beach 4WD expeditions or to just drift and get away from the busy day to day lives we all lead these days.
Set across two levels, the home sleeps up to 14 guests in five beautifully appointed bedrooms, with multiple living spaces, a gourmet kitchen, and decks that invite you to soak up the views or fire up the BBQ.
Nature is quite literally at your doorstep. Wake to the sound of birds, spot dolphins playing in the river, and wander the mangrove beach teeming with marine life.
You will appreciate the tranquil conditions for catching up on quality sleep as well as plenty of star gazing opportunities on clear nights.
You're just a 3km flat bicycle ride from Tea Gardens village and a less than 10 minute drive to Hawks Nest’s iconic beaches. national parks and dunes.
Sleeping Configuration
Upstairs
Master Suite: King bed, ensuite with tub, private balcony with river views
Study/Bedroom 5: Koala 3 seater / Queen Sofa Bed, adjacent to powder room
Downstairs
Bedroom 3: Queen bed
Bedroom 4: Queen bed
Bedroom 5: Queen + 2 Singles – ideal for kids or family group
Features & Amenities
Sleeps 14 across 5 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms
Open-plan living & indoor/outdoor entertaining
Designer kitchen with butler’s pantry & modern appliances
Smart TVs, high-speed Wi-Fi, games & books
Full laundry with washer and dryer
Ducted reverse cycle air conditioning throughout
Pet-friendly
Outdoor BBQ and firepit area
River access
Access to 9'5 SUP
Inflatable kayak
3 x foam surfboards
2 x boogie boards
2 x bikes
Off-street parking
3 x bikes (and helmets)
2 x foam surfboards
1 x hammock
Location & Local Attractions
Bayview River Retreat is located on the tranquil foreshore of the Karuah River, with expansive views to Mount Yacaaba and Nelson Bay. Enjoy incredible sunsets and abundant local wildlife, including kangaroos, echidnas, dolphins, and birdlife galore. Within minutes you can:
Ride or stroll 3 km into Tea Gardens for coffee, shops, or the pub
Visit Two Fat Bakers for pastries or grab fish & chips by the ferry jetty
Drop into Tea Gardens Coop for fresh prawns and seafood
Hire kayaks or powerboats and explore the river
Catch the ferry to Nelson Bay
Take a 4WD adventure or sandboard the dunes at Dark Point
Hike Mount Yacaaba (2–2.5hr return, Grade 4 trail)
Light a driftwood fire on Jimmy’s Beach at sunset
Visit the Hunter Valley Providores (Saturdays)
Tee off at Hawks Nest Golf Club
Take a Yoga class in Hawks Nest Community Centre
Enjoy sundowners at the Surf Club (Fri & Sat nights)
Set across two levels, the home sleeps up to 14 guests in five beautifully appointed bedrooms, with multiple living spaces, a gourmet kitchen, and decks that invite you to soak up the views or fire up the BBQ.
Nature is quite literally at your doorstep. Wake to the sound of birds, spot dolphins playing in the river, and wander the mangrove beach teeming with marine life.
You will appreciate the tranquil conditions for catching up on quality sleep as well as plenty of star gazing opportunities on clear nights.
You're just a 3km flat bicycle ride from Tea Gardens village and a less than 10 minute drive to Hawks Nest’s iconic beaches. national parks and dunes.
Sleeping Configuration
Upstairs
Master Suite: King bed, ensuite with tub, private balcony with river views
Study/Bedroom 5: Koala 3 seater / Queen Sofa Bed, adjacent to powder room
Downstairs
Bedroom 3: Queen bed
Bedroom 4: Queen bed
Bedroom 5: Queen + 2 Singles – ideal for kids or family group
Features & Amenities
Sleeps 14 across 5 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms
Open-plan living & indoor/outdoor entertaining
Designer kitchen with butler’s pantry & modern appliances
Smart TVs, high-speed Wi-Fi, games & books
Full laundry with washer and dryer
Ducted reverse cycle air conditioning throughout
Pet-friendly
Outdoor BBQ and firepit area
River access
Access to 9'5 SUP
Inflatable kayak
3 x foam surfboards
2 x boogie boards
2 x bikes
Off-street parking
3 x bikes (and helmets)
2 x foam surfboards
1 x hammock
Location & Local Attractions
Bayview River Retreat is located on the tranquil foreshore of the Karuah River, with expansive views to Mount Yacaaba and Nelson Bay. Enjoy incredible sunsets and abundant local wildlife, including kangaroos, echidnas, dolphins, and birdlife galore. Within minutes you can:
Ride or stroll 3 km into Tea Gardens for coffee, shops, or the pub
Visit Two Fat Bakers for pastries or grab fish & chips by the ferry jetty
Drop into Tea Gardens Coop for fresh prawns and seafood
Hire kayaks or powerboats and explore the river
Catch the ferry to Nelson Bay
Take a 4WD adventure or sandboard the dunes at Dark Point
Hike Mount Yacaaba (2–2.5hr return, Grade 4 trail)
Light a driftwood fire on Jimmy’s Beach at sunset
Visit the Hunter Valley Providores (Saturdays)
Tee off at Hawks Nest Golf Club
Take a Yoga class in Hawks Nest Community Centre
Enjoy sundowners at the Surf Club (Fri & Sat nights)
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
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10.0 out of 10, (4 reviews)
House Rules
Check in after 11:00 AM
Check out before 11:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Events
Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Pets
Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
Please note that pre-approval required for pets
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Gather used towels and store extra beds
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Please do not strip beds just leave unmade and please place all towels in the bath tubs. Leave the full set of keys on the kitchen draws and don’t forget to place the single key back in the lockbox.
Please put the bins out on the street for collection. Bin night is Monday night
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 14
Long-term renters welcome
This property uses solar energy
Host has indicated that there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property, but there are gas appliances; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
Property Registration Number 2324, PID-STRA-71749
We should mention
This property does not have any lifts
About the area
Tea Gardens
Located in Tea Gardens, this holiday home is on a river. Tea Gardens-Hawks Nest Bridge and Heritage Light House Cottage are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Corrie Island Nature Reserve and Jean Shaw Koala Reserve. Travelling with kids? Consider Pelican Park and Fly Point Marine Reserve. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Tea Gardens, NSW
What's nearby
- Tea Gardens-Hawks Nest Bridge - 5 min drive - 3.5 km
- Bennetts Beach Hawks Nest - 7 min drive - 5.4 km
- Jimmys Beach - 9 min drive - 6.6 km
- Winda Woppa Reserve - 10 min drive - 7.3 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- The Little Nel - 65 min drive
- Tea Gardens Pub - 4 min drive
- Mavericks on The Bay - 65 min drive
- Seabreeze Hotel - 65 min drive
- Bluey’s - 65 min drive
Frequently asked questions
About the host
Hosted by Mandy Hunt
Hello, I’m Mandy — owner and host of Drift in Tea Gardens. I live on Sydney’s Northern Beaches with my husband (we met back at university) and our three teenagers, and life at home is always full, lively, and full of laughter — just how I like it.
When I’m not hosting or enjoying time at Drift myself, you’ll often find me at Taronga Zoo, where I work as a Guest Experience Officer. I love connecting with visitors from all over the world and helping them discover the incredible stories behind our wildlife. Outside of work, I enjoy DJing, spending time outdoors, and soaking up the chaos and joy of family life — usually with our fox red Labrador, Skipper, and our Russian Blue cat, Max, never far away.
I’ve always loved sharing special places and experiences with others — whether that’s through music, travel, or welcoming guests to Drift. Connecting with people comes naturally to me, and I genuinely enjoy making others feel welcome, comfortable, and inspired.
Hosting at Drift brings together everything I love — creating memorable moments, sharing the beauty of the Tea Gardens–Hawks Nest area, and offering guests the same warmth and care I give family and friends. For me, being a host isn’t just about accommodation — it’s about connection, conversation, and helping others experience the joy of this beautiful part of the world.
When I’m not hosting or enjoying time at Drift myself, you’ll often find me at Taronga Zoo, where I work as a Guest Experience Officer. I love connecting with visitors from all over the world and helping them discover the incredible stories behind our wildlife. Outside of work, I enjoy DJing, spending time outdoors, and soaking up the chaos and joy of family life — usually with our fox red Labrador, Skipper, and our Russian Blue cat, Max, never far away.
I’ve always loved sharing special places and experiences with others — whether that’s through music, travel, or welcoming guests to Drift. Connecting with people comes naturally to me, and I genuinely enjoy making others feel welcome, comfortable, and inspired.
Hosting at Drift brings together everything I love — creating memorable moments, sharing the beauty of the Tea Gardens–Hawks Nest area, and offering guests the same warmth and care I give family and friends. For me, being a host isn’t just about accommodation — it’s about connection, conversation, and helping others experience the joy of this beautiful part of the world.
Why they chose this property
I first fell in love with the Tea Gardens–Hawks Nest area more than 20 years ago, and it’s been part of my family’s story ever since. There’s something truly special about this place — the calm of the Myall River, the ever-changing ocean, and the relaxed rhythm of coastal life. It’s a destination that invites you to slow down, reconnect, and appreciate the beauty of simple moments.
Bayview Road, once known as Limekilns, has a rich and layered history. The area was once home to the Worimi people, who lived along the river and coastline, drawing on its abundance for thousands of years. Early European settlers later processed oyster shells here to make lime, a byproduct of the thriving oyster industry that still defines the region’s character today. The red cedar forests along the Myall River drew timbergetters in the 1800s, their logs hauled to ships bound for Sydney and Newcastle. The rock walls that line the riverbanks today were built from the very stones those ships carried for ballast.
The Australian Agricultural Company arrived in 1826, reportedly attempting to grow tea — an endeavour that inspired the name Tea Gardens. In time, Hawks Nest evolved into a much-loved holiday escape, especially from the 1950s onward, when families began discovering its pristine beaches and laid-back charm.
For my family, this region has always felt like home. We’ve spent countless summers here — swimming, fishing, sailing, and exploring the dunes and forests — and every visit has deepened our connection. When we created Drift, our dream was to share the peace and beauty we’ve found here with others. This area offers the best of both worlds: unspoiled nature, friendly locals, and a sense of timeless tranquillity that’s becoming increasingly rare.
Tea Gardens Hawks Nest isn’t just a place to visit — it’s a place revisit, in different seasons and years over decades. And for us, it will always be home.
Bayview Road, once known as Limekilns, has a rich and layered history. The area was once home to the Worimi people, who lived along the river and coastline, drawing on its abundance for thousands of years. Early European settlers later processed oyster shells here to make lime, a byproduct of the thriving oyster industry that still defines the region’s character today. The red cedar forests along the Myall River drew timbergetters in the 1800s, their logs hauled to ships bound for Sydney and Newcastle. The rock walls that line the riverbanks today were built from the very stones those ships carried for ballast.
The Australian Agricultural Company arrived in 1826, reportedly attempting to grow tea — an endeavour that inspired the name Tea Gardens. In time, Hawks Nest evolved into a much-loved holiday escape, especially from the 1950s onward, when families began discovering its pristine beaches and laid-back charm.
For my family, this region has always felt like home. We’ve spent countless summers here — swimming, fishing, sailing, and exploring the dunes and forests — and every visit has deepened our connection. When we created Drift, our dream was to share the peace and beauty we’ve found here with others. This area offers the best of both worlds: unspoiled nature, friendly locals, and a sense of timeless tranquillity that’s becoming increasingly rare.
Tea Gardens Hawks Nest isn’t just a place to visit — it’s a place revisit, in different seasons and years over decades. And for us, it will always be home.
What makes this property unique
Drift is unlike anywhere else on the coast — a brand-new, purpose-built holiday home that combines thoughtful design, absolute tranquillity, and an unbeatable location just moments from town.
Tucked away in a secluded pocket of Tea Gardens, Drift feels a world away from the hustle of everyday life — yet it’s only a few minutes from cafés, shops, and beaches. It’s the perfect blend of convenience and escape. From the moment you arrive, you’ll notice the stillness — the sound of birds instead of traffic, the breeze in the trees, and the quiet rhythm of the river right on your doorstep.
What truly sets Drift apart is that it wasn’t just built — it was carefully designed from the ground up to be the ideal coastal retreat for families and friends. Every detail has been considered to make your stay effortless, relaxing, and memorable.
The home was completed in May 2024, and everything — from the architecture to the layout to the furnishings — reflects modern comfort and coastal sophistication. Large open spaces invite people to gather, while private corners provide calm and quiet. There’s an easy flow between indoors and out, so the line between home and nature feels beautifully blurred.
Whether you’re sharing a long meal at the dining table, gathering around the firepit, or watching the sunrise over the river, Drift feels like it was built exactly for that moment.
Tucked away in a secluded pocket of Tea Gardens, Drift feels a world away from the hustle of everyday life — yet it’s only a few minutes from cafés, shops, and beaches. It’s the perfect blend of convenience and escape. From the moment you arrive, you’ll notice the stillness — the sound of birds instead of traffic, the breeze in the trees, and the quiet rhythm of the river right on your doorstep.
What truly sets Drift apart is that it wasn’t just built — it was carefully designed from the ground up to be the ideal coastal retreat for families and friends. Every detail has been considered to make your stay effortless, relaxing, and memorable.
The home was completed in May 2024, and everything — from the architecture to the layout to the furnishings — reflects modern comfort and coastal sophistication. Large open spaces invite people to gather, while private corners provide calm and quiet. There’s an easy flow between indoors and out, so the line between home and nature feels beautifully blurred.
Whether you’re sharing a long meal at the dining table, gathering around the firepit, or watching the sunrise over the river, Drift feels like it was built exactly for that moment.
Languages:
English
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