The twin towns of Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest are peaceful fishing and holiday villages, only two hours drive north of Sydney, at the take-off point to the Myall Waterways - a river chain of salt and freshwater lagoons and lakes, rainforests and "myalls" of white sand beaches.

The Myall River flows under the Singing Bridge that joins the towns. Local dolphins sometimes escort boats across the sheltered waters of Port Stephens to Nelson Bay - a bustling resort town just a quarter hour away by boat.

On a sunset stroll along the old-time waterfront at Tea Gardens, you can eat at the Boomerang Café, or pause and watch the pelicans have their dinner.