Boutique retreat for Couples | Groups on request | Pet friendly

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.

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.

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.