Hawks Nest Mungo Brush

Surfing
Longboard, Advanced riders
Best for
Expert
Skill Level
Chop, Ocean
Spot Type
Quiet
Crowd Level

This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.

About this spot

About

Hawks Nest Mungo Brush is a rarely crowded beach-break area inside Myall Lakes National Park, centered on a long left-hand start and a wall that can run toward the beach. It’s best when you have a southeast swell and west winds, and conditions are typically tuned to mid tide. The spot spans sandy bottom and beach, but it’s not “risk free”: rocks are a noted hazard, and rip currents are common along the stretch—especially nearer the headland and when swell builds. Sharks are also described as naturally present in the coastal waters, and the shoreline is remote, so you should plan for longer self-rescue and check local conditions before committing. Wind-wise, the strongest alignment is with west to west-northwest winds, which are described as more favorable (offshore). Conditions can turn choppy and messy when sea-breeze patterns bring less favorable wind angles. Several sources emphasize that sandbars shift frequently, so the quality and ride you get can change after storms. For timing, the clearest “best month” signal is July, while other seasonal guidance points to autumn/winter for more consistent swell and favorable offshore wind patterns. Water temperatures run cool in winter and warmest in summer, and a wetsuit is generally recommended for cooler months.

  • Long left-hand wall sections
  • Mid-tide preference with southeast swell and west winds
  • Rarely crowded due to the long sandy coastline
  • Myall Lakes National Park access
Great for
Surfing longboardAdvanced riders
What's great
  • Long, wall-like left-hand surf at mid tide with southeast swell and west winds
  • Spacious sandy beach with multiple peaks/sections across the stretch
  • Rarely crowded overall due to the length of the coastline
Heads up
  • Rock hazards along the break/approach
  • Rip currents are common, especially near the headland and on larger swells
  • Remote location with limited/no on-water rescue support
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
W
Offshore directions
W
Wind Range
12–22 kts
Wind Type
Mixed — West to west-northwest winds; sometimes described as mixed.
Reliability
moderate
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts
Best Months
July
Shadow Zones
The area immediately under Yacaaba Head may experience some turbulence or shadowing in certain southerly or northerly directions.

Water & beach

Water Type
Chop, Ocean
Beach
Sand — Sandy beach.
Beach Size
Big
Waves
Small — Some descriptions vary by swell; one source also indicates medium waves.
Chop Level
Moderate chop — Choppy/messy when conditions shift away from offshore wind angles.
Launch
Medium — Beach access via Mungo Brush National Park; travel north toward the headland after entering from the beach.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
17–24 °C
Water Temperature
10–27 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jun–Sep: 3/2mmDec–Nov: shorty or rash vest
Crowds by Season

Rarely crowded overall; camping areas can get busy during summer school holidays.

Storm/Rain Season

Rain is possible year-round, with slightly higher averages in late summer and autumn.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Long left-hand start with a long wall that can extend to the beach; works best at mid tide with a southeast swell and west winds.

Beach break
Wave Direction
Left
Optimal Swell
SE, SSE
Swell Height
1–2.5 m
Optimal Tide
Mid — Best on mid tide.
Shelter
Exposed — Long exposed beach break across sand; southern end near the headland may offer more shelter from southerly winds.
Wind Effect
West and northwest winds are more favorable (offshore); other winds can make conditions choppy and messy.
Bigger Swell
Can close out when swell exceeds about 3 meters, though some sandbars may still hold form.
Wave Quality
Average — Wave quality described as average.
Wave Power
Moderate — Moderate wave power.
Wave Shape
Mixed — Mixed shape; can include a long left with wall-like sections.
Peel Speed
Medium — Peels/locks depend on sandbar quality; generally medium.
Ride Length
Long — Long wall sections can go all the way to the beach; ride length described as long/medium depending on conditions.
Ride Length Details
Long left-hand wall at the start; can progress into a long wall that reaches the beach.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Hawks Nest Mungo Brush in the full forecast view.

Hawks Nest Mungo Brush wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
4–13 ktsGusts 26 kts
Direction
E79°
Strongest day
Mon, Oct 2613 kts
Windy days
2/712 kts or more
Waves
1.0–1.9 m8s period
Temperature
14–27 °C

Over the next 7 days, Hawks Nest Mungo Brush is forecast for daytime winds of 4–13 kts, peaking around 13 kts on Monday, October 26 with gusts to 26 kts. The prevailing direction is E. Waves run 1.0–1.9 m with a period of about 8s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

What to know before you launch

Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.

Hazards

  • Rocks
  • Rip currents
  • Sharks
  • Remote location
Ability Level: Expert
Recommended Safety Gear
LeashWetsuit

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
Seasonal
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Seasonal surf life-saving patrols operate nearby; area is serviced by Marine Rescue NSW Port Stephens unit.
Emergency Info
In an emergency, dial 000. Nearest major medical facilities are in Nelson Bay or Raymond Terrace (local guidance also notes major hospital facilities at Tomaree Community Hospital in Nelson Bay).
Localism / Vibe
None — Rarely crowded here; localism described as none/mild.

Rules of the spot

Located within Myall Lakes National Park; standard park regulations apply regarding camping, waste, and 4WD access.

Restrictions
  • 4WD permit required for beach driving
  • National Park entry fees apply
Local Tips
  • Go north of Hawks Nest on Mungo Brush Road until you get to Mungo Brush National Park, get on the beach and travel north.
  • Parking near Jimmies Caravan Park with a short walk to the beach; avoid dune crossing.
  • Long left at the start, then long wall to the beach.
  • Check the sandbar conditions as they shift frequently after heavy storms.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Newcastle
Nearest Town
Hawks Nest
Nearest Airport
Newcastle Airport (NTL)
Parking
Parking available near Jimmies Caravan Park / designated National Park areas; require a short walk to the beach and avoid dune crossing.
Access
Go north of Hawks Nest on Mungo Brush Road to Mungo Brush National Park, get on the beach and travel north toward the headland; parking near Jimmies Caravan Park with a short walk to the beach.
Cost Level
Budget
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Toilets
Camping
Picnic area
Parking
Accommodation
Nearby town — Camping is the primary option within the National Park (Mungo Brush campground); holiday rentals and motels are available in Hawks Nest.
Food & Drink
No facilities on the beach itself; supplies must be brought from Hawks Nest.
Equipment Rental:
Equipment rental available in nearby Hawks Nest or Tea Gardens.
Gear Storage
Dedicated gear storage facilities are limited.
Gear Repair
Basic sail and kite repairs may be available in nearby areas; surf-focused gear repair availability not specified for the beach.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

An expansive, rugged beach setting within Myall Lakes National Park with long sand stretches, headland scenery, and shifting sandbar surf.

Best time to visit: Autumn and winter generally provide the most consistent swell and favorable offshore wind patterns; water and air are cooler in winter.
Myall Lakes National Park0 km

A vast coastal park featuring one of the state's largest lake systems and pristine beaches.

Yacaaba Headland Hike1 km

A challenging walk offering panoramic views of Port Stephens, Cabbage Tree Island, and the coastline.

Dolphin Watching Cruises4 km

Regular boat tours from nearby Tea Gardens and Nelson Bay to view resident bottlenose dolphins.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Hawks Nest Mungo Brush?

The best overall months at Hawks Nest Mungo Brush are July, August, September, October, November. The best wind months are July.

Which wind directions work at Hawks Nest Mungo Brush?

Hawks Nest Mungo Brush works with W winds. Offshore directions are W.

What skill level is Hawks Nest Mungo Brush suitable for?

Hawks Nest Mungo Brush suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate to Expert.