Things to do at Jimmys Beach

Ask any beach-loving soul what some of their favourite beaches on NSW’s Mid Coast are, and Jimmys Beach is bound to get a mention. In fact, it often tops many an adventurer’s list.

As there are so many things to do in Jimmys Beach, it’s a perfect holiday destination for explorers, foodies and families who love fun outdoor activities mixed with relaxation and doses of nature.

Outdoor activities in and around Jimmys Beach 

Whether you’re a keen angler, surfer, windsurfer, kite surfer, or someone who loves swimming, snorkelling, body boarding or 4WDriving, Jimmys Beach is the perfect place to base yourself while enjoying the abundance of outdoor activities.

If walks along the beach, reading a book under a beach umbrella and BBQs at sunset are more your style, this pocket of paradise will become one of your favourite places.

Fishing and Boating

Jimmys Beach is well talked about in fishing circles, as there are fishing options galore. The beach’s sandflats and shallow waters are ideal for shore-based fishing.

For the more adventurous, kayak fishing along the beach or in the calm waters of Myall River is the perfect way to access different hotspots.

Boaties can easily launch their boats off the nearby boat ramps at Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest to explore the estuaries or head into the open waters.

Commonly caught fish are bream, flathead, tailor or whiting, and after a good day out on the water, you can cook up your catch at Jimmys Beach Reflections.

Located in a sheltered bay, Jimmys Beach is protected from strong currents and with clear, shallow waters. It’s perfect for wading and a peacefulswim, and it’s a picture-perfect spot for a family picnic.

Surfing and Swimming

For those wanting to surfing holiday, Jimmys Beach camping is the way to do it, as there are some well-known surf beaches nearby.

One Mile Beach is a fan favourite, popular with surfers of all abilities, whereas Bennetts Beach and Shark Bay are preferred by more experienced surfers.

You can’t beat Hawks Nest Beach, which has smaller, fun waves for beginners on some stretches, and larger, more challenging waves for the more adventurous.

Hiking and Nature Walks

Once you’ve had your fill of beach life, Myall Lakes National Park has great trails to explore the coastal forests and wetlands, peppered with lookouts and coastal views.

The Mungo Brush Walking Trail is a moderate 3.5 km, one-waytrail through forests, wetlands and coastal heathlands. This trail leads to Mungo Brush, a scenic spot for enjoying views of the Myall River.

Wander through a rainforest canopy with pretty mosses and ferns on the Mungo Brush Rainforest Walk, an easy 1.5km return trail.

For those on amore slow-paced holiday at Reflections Jimmys Beach, take in the panoramic views at the Myall Lakes Lookout without doing a hike. Accessible by car, this lookout offers a stunning view of the area’s natural beauty. Why not head there for an early sunrise coffee or enjoy a sunset sundowner?

Local Attractions at Jimmys Beach

Jimmys Beach Reserve

There are so many things to do at Jimmys Beach, but you a must-do is Jimmys Beach Reserve– a pristine 5km arc of white sand stretching from the Myall River mouth to Yacaaba Headland.

With great views of Port Stephens and Myall River, this grassy reserve is well-loved by families and groups for picnicking, relaxing and having a great day out.

With trees for shade, BBQs, and shallow waters for swimming, paddle boarding, and kayaking, Jimmy Beach Reserve is the go-to for a day out, and it’s also dog-friendly.

Winda Woppa Nature Reserve

Winda Woppa Nature Reserve is another favourite with locals and visitors. A beautiful coastal scenic reserve, it features a mix of sand dunes, wetlands and forests, and there’s easy access to both Myall River and nearby Bennetts Beach.

It’s dog-friendly and has spacious picnic areas, BBQs and a playground for the little ones. It also hasa boat ramp for those who enjoy boating, kayaking, and fishing.

Yacaaba Headland Walking Track

The popular 7km return Yacaaba Headland Walking Track is worth the effort. Starting at Bennetts Beach, the trail leads to the top of Yacaaba Headland with its panoramic views of Port Stephens, Myall Lakes, and the coastline.

It has a diverse mix of flora and fauna, with coastal heath plants, eucalyptus trees, native shrubs, and coastal mangroves. While the climb up may be mildly challenging, the view at the top is worth it with one of the best scenic viewpoints in the region. 

The bird life is sure to excite twitchers, with sea eagles, oystercatchers, cormorants, ospreys, magpies and kookaburras all calling this region home. 

The rocky headland of Dark Point has a rich cultural history and has been a gathering place for the Worimi people for over 4,000 years. While visitors are welcome to visit, take care to respect it, and it’s an offence to drive on or over the headland or dunes.

Dining and nightlife at Jimmys Beach

Restaurants

Jimmys Beach and the surrounding areas offer a variety of casual and coastal dining options. For Jimmys Beach restaurants, you may need to travel a little further afield but nowhere is far from anywhere here.

The Tea Gardens Boatshed is popular spot for burgers, seafood platters and cocktails. A highlight for al fresco diners is that at high tide, you can enjoy a meal with the water lapping at your feet, as it covers the deck.

Mumms on the Myall at Tea Gardens has a prime spot on the Myall River for a relaxed breakfast or lunch, or a more formal dinner with a wine, beer or cocktail the deck.

With a cracking view and casual vibe, you can’t go past the Tea Gardens Hotel, with all the Aussie pub favourites on the menu, pub trivia on Thursday nights and a beer garden for summer sips.

‘Where the sands meet the greens’ you’ll find Sando’s Cafe and Restaurant at the Hawks Nest Golf Club. Offering breakfast, lunch and dinner with modern coastal flavours, you can mix some exercise with a meal and drink.The fantastic championship-rated 18-hole golf course is considered one of the prettiest in NSW, with stunning views of the ocean and mountains in the distance.

Markets

If you feel like cooking your own meals back at Reflections Jimmys Beach, support local farmers and pick up some fresh local produce at the farmers markets in Tea Gardens.

Seasonal events and activities

Jimmys Beach draws in adventure-loving souls who love the great outdoors, so it’s not surprising that the activities are based around nature and exploring.

In early July, the The Lakes Trail Festival attracts fitness fanatics from far and wide, with the running festival traversing the Great Lakes including Myall Lakes National Park’s forests.

If you fancy winning a prize for throwing a brick, rolling pin or a rubber chicken (no kidding!) the nearby town of Stroud has been hosting the Stroud Brick Throwing and Rolling Pin Competition since 1962. Apart from people hurling stuff, there’s markets and loads of entertainment.

Plan your camping getaway at Jimmys Beach

Whether you’re after the buzz of summer or wanting a place to chill out in the quieter cooler months, Reflections Jimmys Beach is a fantastic destination.

There are so many things to do in Jimmys Beach, whether you prefer this historic, cultural or nature-based activities. So, what are you waiting for? Book your next getaway in paradise!