If you’re planning a getaway in New South Wales and looking for something a little quieter than the bustling holiday hotspots, Tea Gardens should be on your radar. This scenic riverside town offers a laid-back alternative to Nelson Bay, with nature, calm waters, and easy access to Myall Lakes National Park. And yes, it’s also home to a handful of well-placed caravan parks that are perfect for travellers keen to slow down and unwind. If you’re browsing caravans in Heatherbrae, Tea Gardens is well within reach and makes an ideal coastal base.
In this guide, we’ll break down how many caravan parks are in the area, what you can expect from each, and some tips to help you make the most of your stay.
Why Choose Tea Gardens?
Located along the Myall River and just over the Singing Bridge from Hawks Nest, Tea Gardens is known for its peaceful surroundings, dolphin sightings, and easy access to the coast. It’s a great place for kayaking, fishing, cycling, and short bushwalks. There’s a strong sense of community here, plus plenty of local cafes and boutiques to explore.
The appeal of Tea Gardens lies in its pace—it’s far enough away from the crowds, but close enough to attractions like Seal Rocks, Myall Lakes, and the beaches of Port Stephens. All of this makes it a solid stop on any caravan touring route.
How Many Caravan Parks Are in Tea Gardens?
Tea Gardens has 2–3 primary caravan parks, depending on how you draw the local boundaries. Including nearby Hawks Nest—which is literally across the river and often bundled together in travel searches—the number expands to 5–6 caravan parks within a 5–10 minute radius.
Notable names include:
- Tea Gardens River Caravan Park – A quiet riverside park with powered sites and basic amenities.
- Jimmys Beach Holiday Park (in Hawks Nest) – Popular for its proximity to the beach and national park.
- Myall Shores Holiday Park (further north) – Technically outside Tea Gardens but included in many broader area searches.
Each park caters to slightly different travellers—some are better for families, while others attract couples or retirees seeking relaxation.
Facilities You Can Expect
While smaller than the setups in Nelson Bay or Forster, the parks around Tea Gardens still cover the essentials. Most feature:
- Powered and unpowered sites
- Basic or ensuite cabins
- BBQ areas
- Laundry and communal kitchens
- Pet-friendly options (at some parks)
A few also provide kayak or bike hire, and some offer seasonal extras like kids’ activities or local tour bookings.
Family vs. Couple-Friendly Options
If you’re travelling with the family, Jimmys Beach Holiday Park is probably your best bet. It has larger grounds, proximity to the beach, and good child-friendly amenities like playgrounds and safe bike paths.
Couples or solo travellers often prefer Tea Gardens River Caravan Park due to its quiet atmosphere and easy walking access to cafes and the marina. The choice really comes down to the kind of holiday you’re chasing.
Booking Advice for Tea Gardens
Given the smaller number of parks, it’s smart to book well in advance—especially during school holidays, public long weekends, and Easter. Unlike major hubs with dozens of sites, Tea Gardens fills up quickly.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Call ahead to confirm pet policies and site sizes.
- Check if there are minimum stay requirements.
- Some parks offer discounts for seniors or long-term stays.
- Local events (like seafood festivals or school rowing comps) can cause unexpected spikes in demand.
Free Camping and Alternatives
There are very limited free camping options near Tea Gardens due to council restrictions. Some travellers opt to stay at low-cost rest areas further inland or around Bulahdelah, but you won’t get access to amenities or the same convenience.
The caravan parks here offer reliable infrastructure and are close to supermarkets, cafes, and medical services—making them a safer and more comfortable choice.
What Makes These Parks Appealing?
It’s all about the atmosphere. Caravan parks in and around Tea Gardens cater to a slower, more nature-oriented style of travel. You’ll hear birds in the morning, see dolphins in the river, and enjoy peaceful walks along the waterfront. Most visitors don’t come here looking for flashy amenities—they want quiet, friendly service, and a clean, well-maintained place to park their van.
This makes Tea Gardens a favourite among grey nomads, weekenders from Sydney, and anyone who prefers low-key travel over big crowds.
Local Attractions Worth Exploring
While you’re based in Tea Gardens, make time to check out:
- The Myall River Walk – Flat, scenic, and great for birdwatching
- Jimmys Beach – Calm and protected waters, great for families
- Winda Woppa Reserve – Picnic areas and kayaking launch points
- Hawks Nest Beach – Ideal for surfers and long beach walks
- Local boat tours – Including dolphin and whale watching during season
Everything is close by and most can be reached by foot or a short drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) How Many Caravan Parks Are in Tea Gardens?
There are 2–3 caravan parks located directly in Tea Gardens, with an additional 2–3 in nearby Hawks Nest. All are within a 10-minute drive of each other and commonly appear in the same travel searches. This means travellers have a pool of 5–6 caravan parks in the immediate area to choose from. Some of the most popular parks include Tea Gardens River Caravan Park and Jimmys Beach Holiday Park, each catering to a different style of holidaymaker. While Tea Gardens tends to offer a more peaceful, laid-back experience, Hawks Nest parks are slightly busier but closer to surf beaches. Most of these parks offer powered and unpowered sites, cabins, and essential facilities like communal kitchens, bathrooms, and BBQ areas. Some parks cater specifically to families, while others lean toward couples or retirees. If you’re planning to visit during holidays or peak season, be sure to book in advance as space is limited.
2) Are There Pet-Friendly Caravan Parks in Tea Gardens?
Yes, there are a number of caravan parks in and around Tea Gardens that welcome pets, particularly dogs. Tea Gardens River Caravan Park is one of the more pet-tolerant parks, and some Hawks Nest parks, like Jimmys Beach Holiday Park, offer dog-friendly sites during certain times of the year. It’s essential to check ahead, as many parks have policies that vary depending on the season, site type, or breed restrictions. Some may charge a small additional fee for bringing your pet. Responsible pet ownership—such as cleaning up after your animal and ensuring they’re kept on a lead—is critical to keeping these policies in place. If you’re travelling with a pet and planning to stay in the area, booking early and confirming the park’s current pet rules will save you hassle on arrival. Pet-friendly travel is growing in popularity, and Tea Gardens is no exception.
3) What’s the Best Park for Families?
Jimmys Beach Holiday Park is consistently rated as one of the best family-friendly caravan parks in the Tea Gardens–Hawks Nest area. It’s located a short walk from calm, protected beaches that are perfect for children to swim and play safely. The park itself features spacious sites, clean amenities, and recreational facilities like playgrounds and open spaces for bikes or ball games. During school holidays, many families flock here for the relaxed atmosphere and the availability of organised activities or themed event days. Its proximity to Myall Lakes National Park also provides excellent day trip options for nature walks or kayaking adventures. The park is well maintained, and staff are known for being helpful and welcoming to families. If you’re travelling with kids, booking Jimmys Beach Holiday Park well ahead of time is recommended, as family-friendly parks in smaller regions like this can fill up quickly.
4) How Much Do Caravan Parks in Tea Gardens Cost Per Night?
Caravan parks in the Tea Gardens area offer a variety of site types and price points to suit different budgets. For powered caravan sites, prices typically range between $40 and $65 per night, depending on location, time of year, and whether the site includes extras like ensuite access. Unpowered sites are slightly cheaper but less common. Cabin options start around $110 per night for basic configurations and climb to $150–$180 for premium cabins during peak season. Factors that influence pricing include how close the site or cabin is to the water, availability of air conditioning or full kitchens, and whether the booking falls within a school holiday or long weekend. Some parks offer weekly discounts or specials for extended stays. Seniors may be eligible for reduced rates with valid identification. As always, checking each park’s official website or contacting them directly is the best way to confirm current rates and inclusions.
5) Should I Book Tea Gardens Caravan Parks in Advance?
Yes, booking in advance is highly recommended—particularly if you’re planning to visit during busy periods such as NSW school holidays, public holidays, or long weekends. Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest have a smaller number of caravan parks compared to more built-up holiday destinations, which means availability is more limited and spots tend to fill quickly. Many regulars book the same site year after year, especially those with waterfront access or extra-large pitches. If you have pets, a large group, or specific needs like accessibility features, giving the park as much notice as possible will improve your chances of securing the right spot. While off-peak periods offer more flexibility and sometimes last-minute availability, it’s still wise to call ahead and confirm. Most parks allow for online booking or direct reservations over the phone, and many provide flexible cancellation policies in case your plans change.
Speak With The Local Experts At 7th Street Caravans
Whether you’re just getting started or upgrading for your next adventure, our team at 7th Street Caravans is here to help.
Start your journey with confidence — visit 7th Street Caravans or give our team a call on 02 4012 6009 for friendly, local advice.