Riverfront Luxury | Serenity to Celebration | Pets OK | Sleeps 14 | Tea Gardens | House in Tea Gardens
5 Bedroom House in Tea Gardens
Just two and a half hours north of Sydney lies one of Australia's most quietly spectacular secrets.
Drift is a brand new luxury riverfront home on the Karuah River in Tea Gardens — where wildlife roams freely, the river stretches out to a protected island nature reserve, and the only sounds are birdsong, water and the wind through the Casuarinas.
Sleeping up to 14 across five bedrooms, Drift is perfect for couples seeking serenity, families making memories and groups celebrating together — with pets welcome by prior approval. Whether you're an overseas visitor discovering coastal New South Wales, a Sydney family chasing a long weekend, or a group of friends finally making the trip — Drift is where you exhale.
Arrive to made beds, fresh linen, towels and toiletries all provided, and a fully equipped gourmet kitchen ready to go. Launch a kayak onto the river, cast a line from the backyard, explore pristine surf beaches, or simply sit on the deck and watch the wildlife roll in. Everything is taken care of. Just show up.
Rated 10/10 by our guests.
The Property
A Rare Find — Riverfront Luxury That Welcomes Everyone
Drift is one of those properties that genuinely works for any group — whether you're two people seeking a peaceful riverside escape or fourteen friends celebrating together. Bedrooms are prepared according to the number of guests booked, so you only pay for what you need and the home always feels just right.
Multiple living areas, a gourmet kitchen and seamless indoor-outdoor flow make Drift ideal for shared meals, relaxed gatherings and extended stays. Golf groups, fishing trips, family reunions, milestone celebrations, overseas adventures — Drift has welcomed them all.
Wildlife — Guaranteed to Take Your Breath Away
This is the real deal. Drift sits within one of coastal New South Wales' most extraordinary wildlife corridors — and the animals here are not shy.
You will almost certainly see:
* Eastern Grey Kangaroos grazing on the riverbank at dawn — often just metres from the firepit
* Swamp Wallabies on evening walks
* White-bellied Sea Eagles and Ospreys riding the thermals above the river — including a resident nesting pair near the property
* Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos, Rosellas, Ibis and Herons along the waterline
* Echidnas waddling through the garden
With patience and a little luck:
* Dingoes moving quietly through the bush after dark
* Koalas resting in the surrounding Sclerophyll forest — look for the Swamp Mahogany, their favourite food tree in this area
For overseas visitors, this is bucket-list wildlife in a completely natural setting — no zoo, no tour bus, no crowds. Just you, the river and the animals going about their day.
Corrie Island & the Karuah River
Directly opposite Drift lies Corrie Island Nature Reserve — recently listed as a national park and one of the most pristine birdwatching destinations on the NSW coast. Paddle across on a kayak or SUP and circumnavigate the island at your own pace — a full-day adventure best enjoyed with a packed picnic, plenty of water and a deep respect for the environment. Truly unforgettable.
The bushland opposite the property forms part of a formally protected 3km wildlife corridor — classified as Sclerophyll Swamp Forest and never to be developed. The extraordinary views, the birdsong and the sense of untouched wilderness are here to stay.
Bedrooms & Sleeping Arrangements
Drift sleeps up to 14 guests across five bedrooms on two levels, offering flexibility, privacy and comfort for any group size.
Bedrooms prepared according to confirmed guest numbers
Fresh linen, towels and toiletries provided for all prepared rooms
Quality beds and furnishings throughout
Additional bedrooms remain unprepared for smaller bookings but are accessible
Fresh Linen — All Included, All Prepared
Every stay includes a full linen service prepared before your arrival so you can settle in straight away. No linen to pack, no beds to make.
Each guest receives:
* Fitted and flat bed sheets, pillows and pillowslips
* Quilts, quilt covers, extra rugs and throws
* Bath towel, bath mat, hand towels and face washers
* Tea towels
Kitchen & Living
The gourmet kitchen is ready for everything from lazy breakfasts to epic group feasts — quality appliances, generous bench space, all the essentials and those sweeping river views while you cook. Open-plan living and dining flows directly to multiple outdoor decks with uninterrupted views across the Karuah River to Corrie Island.
* Air conditioning throughout
* Natural light and river breezes year-round
* Full speed Wi-Fi with QR login
* Party platters and large scale cooking appliances
Outdoor & Water Activities — All Included
On the Water
* River kayak (1 person)
* Fibreglass SUP 10'6
* Inflatable SUP 10'6
* Snorkelling gear x 2
* Foam surfboards x 2
* Boogie boards x 2
* Crab pot — cast a line or drop a pot straight from the backyard
On Land
* Bikes x 2 for exploring Tea Gardens
* Beach accessories including family-sized Cool Cabana and beach table
* Dartboard, corn toss, badminton, croquet
* Multiple BBQ and outdoor dining areas
* Firepit area
* Board games, cards and Lego
Location — The Perfect NSW Road Trip Base
Drift is the ideal base for exploring one of New South Wales' most beautiful and diverse regions — and it's closer than you think.
Getting Here
* Sydney CBD - approximately 2.5 hours north via the Pacific Highway
(soon to be 2.25 hrs when the bi-pass is completed in late 2026)
* Newcastle Airport - 45-60 mins
* Hunter Valley - 45 mins
* Central Coast - 90 mins
Explore and base yourself at Drift
* Port Stephens — dolphins, whale watching, sand dunes and some of the most beautiful waterways in NSW
* Hunter Valley — world-class wineries, restaurants and cellar doors just over an hour away — a perfect day trip for wine lovers
* Myall Lakes National Park — drive the lakes, put your car on the punt and explore one of Australia's most beautiful lake systems
* Hawks Nest & Bennetts Beach — 6km (5 minutes) from Drift; pristine surf beach, rock pools and the famous Hawks Nest Surf Club for sunset drinks
* Jimmy's Beach at Winda Woppa — calm, sheltered swimming, perfect for snorkelling or SUP
In Town
* Two Fat Bakers, The Boatshed and Mumm's on the Myall
* Tea Gardens Hotel — pub, playground, trivia and live music
* Tea Gardens Country Club — lawn bowls, karaoke and raffles
* Hawks Nest Surf Club — epic sunsets, open weekends
* Hawks Nest Golf Club
* Local courtesy bus — pick up and drop off from all popular venues
* Mount Yaccaba — a short hike rewarded with panoramic views across Port Stephens and Myall Lakes
* Little Gibber — beach 4WD through the national park (permit required)
* Tea Gardens to Nelson Bay ferry — spot dolphins, pass Corrie Island and arrive in Nelson Bay for lunch
A special weekend or week starts here
Drift was built for the kind of weekend you talk about for years. A long table dinner on the deck as the sun drops behind the river. Wildlife drifting across the lawn at dusk. Kids launching off the bank on a SUP. Someone finally catching a fish.
The firepit going long after everyone should have gone to bed.
Whether you're here for one night or one week — Drift has a way of making time slow down.
Pricing & Booking
* Early check-in from 11am — make the most of your weekend from the moment you arrive
* Base rate covers up to two guests — additional guests charged per person per night
* Seasonal rates apply during Christmas, Easter and school holidays
* Professional cleaning fee applies to all bookings
* Refundable security bond held and released post-stay inspection
* Minimum stay requirements may apply during peak periods
Good to Know
* Pets welcome by prior approval
* Drift is a peaceful residential property — we welcome groups who respect our quiet neighbourhood
* Bedrooms prepared according to guest numbers booked
* Check-in 11am | Check-out 3pm
* Registration: PID-STRA-71749
This 5 Bedrooms House provides accommodation with Pet Friendly, TV, View, for your convenience. This House features many amenities for guests who want to stay for a few days, a weekend or probably a longer vacation with family, friends or group. The rental House has 5 Bedrooms and 3 Bathrooms to make you feel right at home.
Check to see if this House has the amenities you need and a location that makes this a great choice to stay in Tea Gardens. Enjoy your stay in Tea Gardens at this House.
This Property is OneKey Eligible
Earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible vacation rentals, villas, cottages, cabins, and more when you book on Vrbo.
Amenities
Facility Overview
-
Air conditioning
-
Heating
-
Toilet paper
-
Shampoo
-
Soap
-
Hair dryer
-
Towels provided
-
3+ bathrooms
-
Bathtub or shower
-
Bed sheets provided
-
5 bedrooms
-
Dining table
-
Living room
-
Fireplace
-
Stovetop
-
Electric kettle
-
Dishwasher
-
Microwave
-
Oven
-
Refrigerator
-
Blender
-
Cookware/dishes/utensils
-
Kitchen island
-
Laundry facilities
-
Near laundromat
-
Washing machine and dryer
-
Near the beach
-
Beach sun loungers
-
Beach towels
-
Onsite parking options include a garage
-
Onsite parking
-
Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking available
-
Pet friendly
-
2 total pets
-
Welcoming dogs only
-
Upper floors accessible by stairs only
-
Tile flooring in public areas
-
Well-lit path to entrance
-
Thin carpet in public areas
-
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
-
Visual alarms in hallways
-
Smooth flooring in public areas
-
Handrails in stairways
-
Designated smoking areas
-
1 on-site accessible parking spaces
-
No elevators
-
Wheelchair-accessible van parking
-
Wheelchair-accessible parking
-
1 stairs to reach property
-
Fishing nearby
-
Cycling nearby
-
Power boating nearby
-
Fitness center
-
Wildlife and game walks nearby
-
Boat on site
-
Water tubing nearby
-
Fitness facilities nearby
-
Kayaking nearby
-
Kayak on site
-
Windsurfing nearby
-
Bicycle on site
-
Hiking nearby
-
Water sports equipment
-
Sailing nearby
-
Games
-
Smart TV
-
Books
-
Local culture & ecosystem education
-
Double-glazed windows
-
Uses some LED lighting
-
Local artist showcase
-
Recycling
-
Unit size: 3229 sq ft (300 sq m)
-
English
-
Near the sea
-
On the river
-
Next to a golf course
-
Near the bay
-
Near a health or beauty spa
-
Desk
-
Computer monitor
-
Desk chair
-
Highchair
-
Children's dinnerware
-
Children's books
-
Children's games
-
Children's toys
-
Housekeeping (on request)
-
Change of bedsheets (on request)
-
Change of towels (on request)
-
Iron/ironing board
-
Chef
-
Free WiFi, with speed of 500+ Mbps (good for 6+ people or 10+ devices)
-
Balcony
-
Firepit
-
Garden
-
Outdoor furniture
-
Barbecue grill
-
Smoke detector installed (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
-
First aid kit
-
Fire extinguisher
-
No carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property but there are gas appliances; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip)
-
Massages
Policies
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property host has indicated there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property but there are gas appliances; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip long-term renters welcome note from host: 12 adults in shared beds but can have up to 16 max parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site; maximum attendees: 25 property registration number 2324, pid-stra-71749 safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed this property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room this property is managed through our partner, vrbo. you will receive an email from vrbo with a link to a vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Reviews
FAQ's
Is this Tea Gardens house pet-friendly for guests?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property. Check the guest reviews to learn what guests had to share.
Does the Tea Gardens house have a swimming pool?
No, this Tea Gardens house does not have a swimming pool. Check the Facility Overview section for details about the pool and other available facilities.
How much does it cost per night to stay in Tea Gardens house?
Best-rates for the Tea Gardens house starts from $585 per night with includes View, Guest Services, Child Friendly, Internet, Designated Smoking Area, Oceanfront, Bedding/Linens, Entertainment, Air Conditioner, Ocean View, Balcony/Terrace, Sports/Activities, Fireplace/Heating, Kitchen, Parking, Wellness Facilities, Barbecue/Outdoor Cooking, Laundry, Pet Friendly, TV with all other facilities. matches every traveler with their perfect accommodation, whether you are traveling with a group, friends, family, or pets.
Is Tea Gardens house a family-friendly place to stay?
Based on the information we have received from the owner or our partner, this is considered to be a family-friendly property. Families have rated this house Good or guests have recommended them suitable for families. As reported by the owner or manager, the house has specified that children are welcome. Please see details about suitability for your family or inquire with the property to learn more.
Is the Tea Gardens house wheelchair accessible or offer services for disabled guests?
Based on the information received from our partner, the Tea Gardens house has not specified they are wheelchair accessible. Likewise, there is not an elevator specified as being available at the property. Specific accessibility details may be addressed in the property details section of this page.
What is the minimum night stay policy for the Tea Gardens house?
Based on the information reported by the owner or manager, the Tea Gardens house indicates 1 day stay policy at this house. Guests are cautioned that the minimum stay policy may differ based on seasonality or availability and may be at the discretion of the owner or manager.
What cancellation policy is in place for Tea Gardens house?
Guests are cautioned that the cancellation policy may differ based on seasonality, availability, or current travel restrictions. Guests should also be aware that this policy may be subject to change and should be confirmed prior to booking. More details may be available on this page in the property description. However, early check-in or late check-out can sometimes be negotiated between the guest and the owner or the manager of this property.
