Winda Woppa Beach, tucked at the southern end of Hawks Nest on the Mid North Coast, offers a calm, protected snorkeling experience where the clear waters of Port Stephens meet silky white sand. This quiet, uncrowded beach sits within a marine park setting, with gentle inshore conditions ideal for paddling along the shoreline and spotting fish among the sandy-bottom shallows. The adjacent Winda Woppa Reserve provides picnic shelters and easy beach access, making it a favourite local spot for a relaxed snorkel away from the busier surf beaches.
Winda Woppa Beach - Hawks Nest (snorkeling)
It's a go.
Showing last known conditions
Last evaluated

The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
Moderate risk: Tidal currents at river mouth
Strong outflow currents can develop near the Myall River entrance, especially on an outgoing tide. Stay clear of the immediate channel.
Low risk: Bluebottles (marine stingers)
Bluebottles and other jellyfish can drift inshore, particularly during the warmer months of December through March.
Low risk: Strong southerly swells
While generally calm, occasional southerly swells can create unexpected currents and dumping waves near shore from late autumn through winter.
Low risk: Boat traffic proximity
The beach is near Port Stephens waterways where recreational boats and jet skis operate; stay aware in deeper sections.
Low risk: Boat traffic
The beach adjoins the Lower Myall River channel where recreational and fishing boats pass, so keep a lookout near the western end.
Low risk: Bluebottle jellyfish
Bluebottles (Physalia physalis) can drift onto north-coast beaches in warmer months, primarily November through March.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
1 photo from the community
Getting in
From Hawks Nest town centre, head south past Bennetts Beach along Booner Street / Winda Woppa Road to the southern end where the road ends at Winda Woppa Reserve. The beach entrance is directly at the end of the street.
Free parking available at Winda Woppa Reserve at the southern end of Hawks Nest. Plenty of space, even on weekends.
Free entry. No parking fees.
Spot Map
Community
Trust
Is this spot real, accurate, still loved?
Spots near New South Wales
No nearby spots yet.
Quick verify
One tap helps the community keep this spot honest.
About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.