THE ‘WHERE’S THE BOTTLE STORE BLUES’ GUIDE TO KEY WINDSURFING AREAS:

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THE ‘WHERE’S THE BOTTLE STORE BLUES’ GUIDE TO KEY WINDSURFING AREAS

HAWKES NEST

Only approximately 250kms north from Sydney, a short 2½ hour drive.

How to get there: www.travelmate.com.au

What the Map won’t show:

Reaching the end of the freeway (heading north from Sydney), you get to a large roundabout; turn right and follow signs towards TAREE.
You will eventually drive through a small town called KARUAH.
Next you will see ‘THE ROCK’ on your right - a convenience stop and the region’s version of Ayers Rock. The turnoff to Hawks Nest is next on the right.
Drive through Tea Gardens, over the Singing Bridge, and you reach a T-junction that looks directly at the Golf Course. Turn right.
Go to the end of the main road into Hawks Nest – (Mungo Brush Road turns into Tuloa Ave) and where it meets Coorilla St is where Jimmys Beach is on the left. This is the main place to rig up and is also the location of the Caravan Park.

Before getting there:

Accommodation

Accommodation ranges from the local camping grounds to serviced apartments.

If you wish to bring a pet, just ask for pet-friendly accommodation. Hawks Nest Real Estate require a bond . Just be aware that the standard of the houses aren’t as high as non pet-friendly houses and BOOK EARLY.

Hawkes Nest Real Estate: 02 4997 0262 www.hawkesnestrealestate.com.au

Tea Gardens Real Estate: 02 4997 1300 www.teagardensrealestate.com.au

Teagardens Real Estate website has some great photos of the accommodation but be aware that these photos can be deceptive.

Beachfront Motor Inn: 02 4997 0324 www.beachfront.com.au

Don’t leave home without:

Most properties do not supply linen, so do not forget to pack the following:

Sheets

Pillowcases

Bath towels

Tea towels

Dishcloth

Other little items to pack which may or may not be supplied:

Toilet paper

Soap

Dishwashing liquid

Bug spray

If you do forget any of the above, DON’T PANIC!

You can hire linen from the Tea Gardens Laundry Service, your estate agent will have contact details.
There is a huge chemist on the corner of Yamba St and Tuloa Avenue.
The IGA supermarket is in Booner St.

Desirable areas to stay:

Anything close to Jimmy’s Beach as again, this is the area for rigging, launching and racing.

The Boulevarde – across the road to Jimmy’s Beach. Only area for water views over the harbour.

Coorilla St - opposite Jimmy’s Beach.

Beach Rd – opposite the surf beach.

The block between Jimmy’s Beach and the Golf Club.

While at Hawks Nest -

Sustenance:

Eating Out: Call and book at the restaurants in Tea Gardens, even just to check if they are open. Go early, often last orders are at 9pm.

CASUAL DINING There are a few cafes in Hawks Nest, mostly on Booner St and in Tea Gardens on Marine Parade.

The local Golf Club is a safe bet for a table for lunch or dinner, no breakfast, but book for large groups. (02 4997 0145).

FINE DINING Depending on your definition of fine dining, save this for the city.

Takeaway or Do It Yourself:

HOT BREAD SHOP On the main road of Tuloa Avenue in the block of shops.

BURGER BAR Tuloa Avenue, next to petrol station.

PIZZA Check out the italian place in the small mall in Booner St shops.

SUPERMARKET In Booner St shops.

FISH SHOP At Tea Gardens, next to the river and the swimming pool. Call and book for a Christmas and New Years Eve order.

BUTCHER In Booner St shops and at Tea Gardens.

DELICATESSEN Booner St shops.

FRUIT AND VEG Booner St shops, next to the mini-mall. Also carries small amount of deli goods, and great rotisserie chicken.

BOTTLE STORE: Pass the Booner St shops on your right, veer right at the fork in the road.

What to do if SKUNKED!

See above for directions to the Bottle Store.

SURF/BOOGIE BOARD At the main beach in front of the Surf Club. B.Y.O boards, unsure if can hire.

TENNIS Myall Park, Yumba St. Just book at the Hawks Nest Real Estate. Again, B.Y.O racquets.

BUSH WALKING Mungo Track and the Yaccaaba Headland.

BOWLING (??) Yalinbah St, Tea Gardens. 02 4997 0250

GOLF All weather 18 hole golf course. Very good quality country course, great value for money at only $20. Greens are of a better standard than you may expect.

For the not-so-active or just blatantly hung-over you can:

Boat cruise for dolphins. (Book through Hawks Nest Real Estate).

Fish off the beach – bring your own gear. Unfortunately you need to go to Port Stephens for boat and game fishing. They may pick you up on this side, but need to know who to call, and I don’t.

Golf Club has pokies, pool table and large screen television.