Pet-Friendly Riverfront home for Couples, Families & Groups | Port Stephens NSW

Welcome to Drift at Tea Gardens, a spacious and light-filled riverfront holiday home nestled on the tranquil Karuah River in beautiful Tea Gardens, NSW, at the gateway to Port Stephens. Surrounded by water, bushland and protected nature reserves, Drift offers a rare opportunity to stay somewhere that feels deeply connected to the natural environment, while still enjoying comfort, space and thoughtful amenities.

Designed to adapt effortlessly to the size of your group, Drift is equally suited to romantic couple getaways, family holidays, and group stays, offering generous living spaces without losing warmth or intimacy for smaller bookings.

A Rare Find – A Large Home That Truly Welcomes Couples

Unlike many large holiday homes, Drift is thoughtfully priced and prepared to genuinely welcome couples and smaller groups, without requiring you to pay for unused space.

To keep pricing fair and cleaning standards high, bedrooms are prepared according to the number of guests booked. For smaller stays, only the bedrooms required will be freshly prepared with linen and towels. Additional bedrooms remain unprepared but accessible. This approach allows the home to feel relaxed and comfortable for two, while still offering the luxury of space and riverfront living.

Ideal for Families & Group Accommodation

For larger bookings, Drift comfortably accommodates families and groups with ease. The home features multiple living areas, a well-equipped kitchen, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow, making it ideal for shared meals, relaxed gatherings and extended stays. It will accommodate up to 14 guests in comfortable beds across 5 bedrooms.

Host loves:
Falling asleep to gently lapping Karuah river and waking to beautiful birdsong in the morning
The sound of wind sweeping across the river and hitting Casuarina's
Spotting an Eastern Grey have breakfast on our grass and firepit area or a Swamp wallaby at night walking the dog before bed
An early morning walk and a swim on either Bennets or Winda Woppa with their Labrador
Kitchen and cooking experience with incredible views and open plan living area
Being with family and friends or just ourselves and solo is amazing too


Guests love:
Open-plan living and dining with river views
Multiple decks for outdoor dining and relaxation
Flexible spaces that allow everyone to gather — or enjoy privacy
Pet-friendly accommodation (by prior approval)

Bedrooms & Sleeping Arrangements

Drift offers multiple bedrooms across two levels, providing flexibility, privacy and comfort for a wide range of group sizes.

Bedrooms are prepared according to confirmed guest numbers
Fresh linen and towels are provided for all prepared rooms
Comfortable beds and quality furnishings throughout
Additional bedrooms remain unprepared for smaller bookings

Gourmet Kitchen & Thoughtful Amenities

Drift is equipped with a wide range of amenities designed to make your stay easy, comfortable and memorable.

Kitchen & Dining
The gourmet kitchen is fully equipped for everything from simple breakfasts to shared family feasts, featuring quality appliances, generous bench space and all the essentials for entertaining.

Climate Comfort
The home is fitted with air conditioning, ensuring comfort during warmer months, along with thoughtful design that captures natural light and river breezes year-round.

Beach & Outdoor Gear
Guests are welcome to enjoy a selection of outdoor and beach equipment, making Drift an ideal base for coastal adventures:

Surfboards
Boogie boards
Bikes for exploring Tea Gardens
Beach accessories for nearby Hawks Nest and Bennetts Beach
Everyday Conveniences
Full speed Wi-Fi with QR login on the fridge
Full Laundry facilities - including all detergents
Multiple BBQ and outdoor dining areas
Comfortable furnishings suitable for short or extended stays

A Wildlife Lover’s Paradise

One of Drift’s most special features is its extraordinary connection to nature. The surrounding river, islands and bushland form an important and protected wildlife corridor, offering guests the chance to observe an incredible variety of native animals and birdlife.

Wildlife commonly sighted in the area includes:

Eastern Grey Kangaroos
Swamp Wallabies
Echidnas
White-bellied Sea Eagles soaring overhead
Ospreys, including a nesting pair near the start of Bayview Road that often “welcome” arriving guests
Ibis
Black Yellow-tailed Cockatoos
Rosellas
Herons along the riverbanks
Hundreds of seabird species at different times of the year

With patience and a little luck, guests may also spot:
Dingoes moving quietly through the area
Koalas in the area

Wildlife sightings vary with season and conditions, but the connection to nature here is constant and deeply felt.

Corrie Island & Nature Reserve Adventures

Directly opposite Drift lies Corrie Island Nature Reserve, a protected and untouched sanctuary that is a true bird-watcher’s (twitcher’s) paradise. For guests with kayaking or SUP experience, calm conditions allow the opportunity to paddle across and attempt to circumnavigate the island — a full-day adventure best enjoyed with a packed picnic, plenty of water and respect for the natural environment.

This experience is unforgettable and highlights just how special Drift’s location truly is.

Protected Forest & Wildlife Corridor

Across the river from Drift is a privately owned forest that has been formally preserved as a wildlife corridor. This land is permanently protected and will never be developed, ensuring uninterrupted bushland views, thriving ecosystems and the peaceful, natural setting that makes Drift so unique.

This protected landscape plays a vital role in supporting native wildlife and maintaining the sense of seclusion and tranquillity guests experience during their stay.

Location – Tea Gardens & Port Stephens

Located in the heart of Tea Gardens, Drift is perfectly positioned to explore:

Hawks Nest and Bennetts Beach
Port Stephens waterways and national parks
Local cafes, restaurants and boutique shops
Golf courses, coastal walks and fishing spots
Tea Gardens ferry to Nelson Bay - spotting dolphins and passing Corrie Island on the way
Hike Mount Yaccaba
Snorkel or SUP off Jimmy's Beach
Beach 4WD up to Little Gibber in the National Park
Drive around the Myall Lakes - take a picnic and put your car on the punt

It’s a peaceful riverside escape that still offers easy access to everything the region has to offer.

Pricing & Booking Information

Pricing is based on guest numbers, ensuring fairness for couples and larger groups
The base rate includes accommodation for up to two guests
Additional guests are charged per person, per night
Seasonal rates apply during peak periods such as Christmas, Easter and school holidays
A professional cleaning fee applies to all bookings
A refundable security bond is held and released following inspection
Minimum stay requirements may apply during peak periods.

Good to Know

Pet-friendly by prior approval
Drift is a peaceful residential home and is not suitable for parties or events
Quiet hours apply to respect neighbours
Bedrooms are prepared according to guest numbers booked

Your Riverside Escape Awaits

Whether you’re planning a romantic couple’s retreat, a nature-filled family holiday, or a memorable group getaway, Drift at Tea Gardens offers space, comfort and an extraordinary connection to the natural world.

We look forward to welcoming you to Drift.