The Yacaaba Headland walk
Updated: Oct 6
Written by the owners of Tilly and Annies Place and Seacrest 7, Hawks Nest. Last reviewed October 2026.
Yacaaba is the headland at the southern end of Bennetts Beach. It's the best short walk in Hawks Nest, and it's a proper climb rather than a stroll.
In short: The Yacaaba Headland track at the southern end of Bennetts Beach has been open only to a viewing point since 5 October 2024, with the summit section closed. The beach walk to the foot of the headland is open; check NPWS alerts before you go.
At a glance
Track status: open to a viewing point only since Oct 2024
Start: southern end of Bennetts Beach
Best time: morning, before the heat
Bring: water and proper shoes, no shade on the climb
In this article
Track update: since 5 October 2024 NSW National Parks has kept the Yacaaba Headland walking track open only to a viewing point, with the summit section closed for visitor safety. Check the current NPWS alerts before you go. The beach walk to the foot of the headland is open. The notes below describe the full walk for when it reopens. Do not go past the closure point.
How long
About two hours return, depending how long you stop at the top. Roughly 3km each way. The first section is flat, along the beach and through bush. The last part is steep and rocky.
How hard
Moderate, with a real scramble near the summit. Suits reasonably fit adults and older kids. Know your own limits, and tell someone your plan and when you expect to be back. Not a pram walk, and not a thong walk. Wear proper shoes.
When to go
Morning, before the heat. There's no shade on the climb and no water on the track, so bring your own. Avoid it in the middle of a summer day.
What you'll see
Port Stephens opens up in front of you: Nelson Bay, the Tomaree headland opposite, and the sweep of Bennetts back towards town. Whales pass offshore in the cooler months, roughly May to November, and from that height you get a better look than you would from a boat.
Early morning is the pick, for three reasons. The sand is firmer on a falling tide so the beach walk is easier, the climb is east facing and gets hot by mid morning, and the wind is usually lightest at the start of the day.
In whale season, from about May to November, the height gives you one of the better free vantage points on this part of the coast. More on whale watching here.
Getting there
Park at the southern end of Bennetts Beach and walk along the sand. Check the tide, since the beach section is easier at low tide.
What to take
Shoes with grip. The beach section is flat sand, but the climb is rocky and loose in places and thongs are a bad idea
Water. There is none on the track and the beach approach is exposed the whole way
A hat and sunscreen. You are on open sand for the first part with no shade at all
Binoculars, in whale season. The height is the point
A phone with charge. Reception is reasonable but do not rely on it
Leave the pram at home. Soft sand then a rocky climb. This is not a walk for wheels, and it is a stretch for very small legs. If you are out with little ones, Jimmys Beach is the better morning.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Yacaaba Headland walk open?
Only in part. Since 5 October 2024 NSW National Parks has kept the track open only to a viewing point, with the summit section closed for visitor safety. Check the current NPWS alerts before you go.
Where does the Yacaaba Headland walk start?
Park at the southern end of Bennetts Beach and walk along the sand. Check the tide first, since the beach section is easier at low tide.
What should I bring for the walk to Yacaaba?
Your own water, since there is no shade on the climb and no water on the track, plus proper walking shoes. It is not a pram walk or a thong walk. Go in the morning and avoid the middle of a summer day.
Doing it from the houses
From Seacrest 7 the Bennetts Beach track is directly across Beach Road, so you are on the sand within two minutes of closing the door. From Tilly and Annies Place it is a slightly longer walk, or a two minute drive to the car park at the end of Booner Street.
Either way, this is a walk you can decide on at breakfast rather than plan the night before. That is most of its appeal.
This is general information based on our own experience. Conditions change. Check Beachsafe, SharkSmart and NSW National Parks alerts before you go, and follow lifesavers' directions on the day.
Plan your stay
Two Waters has two places to stay in Hawks Nest, each sleeping six. Tilly and Annies Place is a three-bedroom townhouse near calm Jimmys Beach. Seacrest 7 is a two-bedroom apartment with a pool, across the road from Bennetts Beach. Pick your dates on either live calendar.
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