A little while ago this writer had purchased at auction a weekend pass to a local resort to support young activist and whale protector Skye Bortoli's campaign to save our whales by taking children's art and a BIG swag of petion signatures to Santiago Chile for this years International Whaling Committee meeting.
To my surprise I had the absolute pleasure of a weekend stay at one of the Hunter's best kept secrets Eco-Points Myall Shores resort. Our journey began mid-afternoon as I picked my children up early from school (always a hit) and with the trusty Hilux 4WD packed with goodies we headed north across the Hunter River on the Hexam bridge and off up the newly revamped Pacific Highway towards the Tea Gardens / Hawkesnest turnoff. This stretch was notorious when I was a young football playing surfie. My opinion is the stretch of road is now a pleasure to drive.
Turning in at Tea Gardens one can see that the developers have found this unique and fairly isolated spot though as we keep driving the beautiful location still has that old fishing village feel. For those of you who do not know this area well, it is located on the north side of Port Stephens. Tea Gardens / Hawkesnest is an idyllic seaside location and the tidal river that connects the broadwaters of Port Stephens to the murmuring Myall, a series of connected brackish to freshwater river and lake systems that stretch north to Seal Rocks.
Heading out along Mungo Brush Rd we pass through thick coastal scrub country with the expanse of the Tasman sea on one side and following the Myall river upstream we find the approaching Bombah Broadwater on the other. There is 4WD access to some parts of the beach north to the Big Gibber just inshore from Broughton Island and the boys make me promise to take old 'Migaloo" for a run on the sand. Migaloo by the way is my white whale of a truck:)
It's coming on dark now as we reach the end of the road. Mac the ferry driver spots us and brings the old ferry over to meet us with a smile. Just on the other side of the still brown waters is our destination Myall Shores. Checking in we are greeted enthusiastically by Darren Cowan the efficient and affable manager, shown the ropes and given the keys to our spacious self contained unit by the shores of Bombah broadwater. 
The grounds of Eco Point Resort Myall Shores on Bombah Point hold a variety of styles of accommodation. from low budget dorm style to the two bedroom, two bathroom luxury spa suites with the amazing broadwater outlook where you can relax in shear luxury and walk 20 metres to the shore and play with the kids or enjoy a refreshing swim in the tannin stained mineral waters.
Myall shores is an eco retreat. From it's inception the impact of the developments footprint on the national park area the resort occupies has been the primary focus of design. The most recent inclusion is the state of the art waste treatment plant that has transformed the ability to process waste from the influx of guests that high season produces. At times a full book will see 600 people housed in the various forms of accommodation and now regardless of numbers waste is not an issue.
This writer was impressed by the corporate facilities available at Myall Shores. There are two specific conference rooms on site with state of the art conference facilities, ample amenity and the obligatory bar service available to quench the thirst at the end of a long day. The size of the group is never an issue at Myall Shores Eco Point with groups up to 150 participants easily catered for.
The resort has full amenity in relation to water sports and surrounded by water I consider that a good thing. Whether sailing or motor boating is your thing, you can take a run-about or Hobie cat and explore to your hearts content. Considering the Myall lake system's size consider taking a cut lunch and a fishing rod. There are kayaks and canoes and helpful staff to kit you up and brief you before you set sail on a journey of discovery. You can truly loose yourself up here, the area is pristine and at times you can believe you are the only one on the planet.
For dinner you are sure to meet Michael James the resident chef who's claim to fame is twice beating the legendary Gordon Ramsey to apprentice chef of the year in his native UK. Michael is passionate about his involvement in Myall Shores and brings his special culinary flare to the sumptuous though slightly expensive menu. If your group requires special catering as the fitness industry gathering attending last weekend did, then submit your requests and your tastes will be catered for.
With the Kookaburras laughing we bid a fond farewell and headed home, refreshed and looking forward to returning soon. Myall Shores Eco Point for booking and pricing details
Andrew Parker is the Eco-Marine writer for Huntersbest. Andrew is a facilitator with his company DolphCom Solutions provides a range of adventure training programs in the Hunter Valley and various locations overseas. For further details DolphCom Solutions
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