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 12 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
Bedroom 2: Queen 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 12 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
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)
