Hawks Nest
Suburb profile, market snapshot and recent listings for Hawks Nest, NSW 2324.
About Hawks Nest
Welcome to Hawks Nest
Hawks Nest sits at the mouth of the Myall River on the NSW mid-north coast, roughly two and a half hours north of Sydney and a short hop across the water from Nelson Bay via the Tea Gardens ferry, or a longer drive around via Bulahdelah. Paired with its sister village Tea Gardens just across the bridge, it's a pocket of holiday-home calm known for its long ocean beach, sheltered river frontage and the towering dunes of Jimmys Beach.
This is a suburb that suits retirees, sea-changers and holidaymakers rather than commuters — the median age of 61 tells that story clearly. With a permanent population of just 1,413, Hawks Nest keeps a quiet, small-town rhythm most of the year, swelling only during summer and school holidays when the beaches and boat ramps fill up.
Lifestyle & dining
Life in Hawks Nest revolves around water — surf at Bennetts Beach and Jimmys Beach, calm river paddling on the Myall, and fishing from the breakwall or a tinnie. The dining scene is low-key and holiday-town in feel, with cafes, a bowling club and pubs on both sides of the bridge catering to boaters, beachgoers and grey nomads rather than any late-night crowd. For a bigger night out or wider choice of restaurants, most residents head across to Tea Gardens or further afield to Nelson Bay.
Parks & recreation
The natural drawcards are the big attraction here: the Yacaaba Headland and Mungo Brush walking tracks, the Myall Lakes National Park on the doorstep, and the dramatic sand dunes near Jimmys Beach that are popular for guided 4WD and quad-bike tours. Golfers have the Hawks Nest Golf Club, while boat owners make the most of river moorings and ramps for exploring the Myall Lakes system, one of the largest coastal lake networks in NSW.
Getting around
Hawks Nest is reached by road via Bulahdelah and the Pacific Highway, or more directly by the passenger and vehicle ferry linking Tea Gardens with Nelson Bay across Port Stephens, a popular shortcut for locals avoiding the longer land route. There's no train line this far up the coast, so a car (or the ferry) is essential for most day-to-day trips, including the run into Port Stephens' larger centres for bigger shopping or specialist services.
Shopping
Everyday shopping is modest and practical, with a small local strip covering groceries, takeaway and essentials, complemented by the shops just over the bridge in Tea Gardens. Residents needing a wider retail fix typically drive to Raymond Terrace or Nelson Bay, making Hawks Nest better suited to those happy with a simple, low-fuss shopping routine.
The property market
Hawks Nest's property market reflects its status as a tightly held coastal and river escape: the median house price sits at $1.16 million, after strong growth of 31.3% recently, a sign of just how sought-after this stretch of coastline has become. Median rent of $550 a week points to solid demand from both holidaymakers and permanent residents. Current listings lean heavily toward houses (51%), with townhouses making up 29%, vacant land 14% and apartments or units a smaller 6% — reflecting a market built around freestanding homes and low-density living rather than high-rise development.
History
Long before it became a holiday retreat, the Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens area was home to the Worimi people, whose connection to the Myall River and surrounding lakes runs deep. The twin villages later grew around fishing, timber and, from the mid-20th century, tourism, with the ferry crossing to Nelson Bay and the discovery of the area's beaches and dunes helping cement its reputation as a getaway rather than a working town — a character that has held firm to this day.
Market snapshot
Hawks Nest property market
Median sale price
$1.16m
House · 3 bed
Median rent
$550
per week
Gross rental yield
2.5%
annual rent ÷ sale price
Typical price range
Entry
$790k
Median
$1.16m
Premium
$2.05m
Days on market
76
Auction clearance
0%
Sold this year
21
Median sold price trend · House 3 bed
Compound growth +11.2% / yr over 4 yrs
Median price by bedrooms · House
Property types on market
Share of current listings in Hawks Nest by dwelling type.
Who lives here
Demographics
ABS Census 2021 figures for Hawks Nest, NSW 2324.
Population
1,413
residents (2021)
Median age
61
years
Household income
$1,096
median, per week
Median rent
$330
per week
Median mortgage
$1,733
per month
Mortgage / income
36%
stretched (>30%)
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing 2021. Suburb-level (SAL) aggregates.
Recent results
Recently sold in Hawks Nest
$1.30m
3 Carinya Close
Sold ~June 2026
$1.20m
62 Moira Parade
Sold ~June 2026
$825k
32 Yamba Street
Sold ~June 2026
$1.20m
1/15 Moola Street
Sold ~June 2026
$1.20m
2 East Close
Sold ~June 2026
Sold prices as published on the original listing; some may reflect the last advertised price. Dates are approximate.
Explore the area
Properties & amenities in Hawks Nest
Compare the area
Price map around Hawks Nest
Every listing for sale near Hawks Nest, coloured by price — so you can see how it stacks up against the streets and suburbs next door.
Loading price map…
Common questions
Hawks Nest suburb FAQ
What is the median property price in Hawks Nest?
The median house price in Hawks Nest, NSW is $1.16m for a 3-bedroom home. Over the past year, median sold prices have risen about 31.3%.
How much is rent in Hawks Nest?
The median weekly rent in Hawks Nest is around $550 per week.
Is Hawks Nest a good place to live?
Hawks Nest is an established residential suburb in NSW, with a population of around 1,413.
What is the population of Hawks Nest?
Hawks Nest has a population of 1,413 (ABS 2021 Census), with a median age of 61.
How long do homes take to sell in Hawks Nest?
Properties in Hawks Nest take around 76 days to sell on average, with an auction clearance rate of about 0%.
How much do you need to buy in Hawks Nest?
Entry-level properties in Hawks Nest start around $790k, while premium homes reach $2.05m.
What suburbs are near Hawks Nest?
Suburbs near Hawks Nest include Tea Gardens.
Available now