THE Original Tea Gardens Ferry has picked up a major tourism accolade, winning Best Visitor Experience (Tourism Business) at the 2026 MidCoast Business Awards.
The award, presented on Saturday, 1 August, recognises the ferry’s role in creating memorable experiences for visitors while showcasing the natural beauty and character of the Myall Coast.
For the local community, the win is about more than a trophy.
The ferry provides an important link between Nelson Bay and Tea Gardens, bringing visitors across the water and encouraging them to explore Tea Gardens, Hawks Nest and surrounding communities.
Owner and operator Kerrie Jeffreys said the business was delighted to have the efforts of its team recognised.
“We were beyond honoured to receive the award and to have the experience we provide recognised alongside so many outstanding MidCoast businesses,” said Ms Jeffreys.
“I like to think of myself as a facilitator of smiles and memories.
“People come to us because they love our beautiful historic ferries, but it’s the experience we create around that journey that hopefully stays with them.”
The ferry crew’s friendly approach is a key part of that experience, with the team working to make passengers feel welcome rather than simply treating the trip as a means of getting from one side of the water to the other.
The business says an important part of its role is introducing visitors to the Myall Coast and encouraging them to spend time in the area, visit local attractions, and support local cafes, restaurants, shops and tourism operators.
That focus is also behind the ferry’s growing range of special experiences.
One of its newest offerings is the Lost Landscapes Myall River Discovery Cruise, taking passengers further up the Myall River to explore its landscapes, stories and lesser-known places.
Other experiences have included heritage and storytelling cruises, dining cruises, high teas, community charters and seasonal events.
The ferry team says more experiences are planned as it continues to find new ways for people to discover the region from the water.
“We are very proud to help connect visitors with both Port Stephens and the Myall Coast,” Wendy Dupont, Marketing Manager, told News Of The Area.
The aim is to ensure the benefits of tourism extend beyond the ferry itself by working with local tourism, hospitality and community partners.
The award is a boost for a tourism business that has become an important part of the Myall Coast experience, while putting Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest firmly in the spotlight as destinations worth exploring.
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