Hawks Nest crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
96 recorded in this period, compared with 100 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Hawks Nest
Hawks Nest is a coastal town located in the Mid-Coast Council local government area of New South Wales, within the postcode 2324. Situated approximately 2.5 hours north of Sydney on the northern shore of the Port Stephens estuary, the locality is geographically defined by its proximity to the Tasman Sea, the Myall Lakes National Park, and the broad expanse of Bennett's Beach. According to the 2021 census, the town supports a small, predominantly permanent residential population alongside a significant number of holiday homes, resulting in notable seasonal fluctuations in population due to tourism.
Local life and amenities in Hawks Nest are heavily oriented around coastal recreation, tourism, and retirement living. The town shares a commercial and community connection with its twin town of Tea Gardens, located just across the Myall River. Together, these localities provide essential services including local retail, medical facilities, primary schooling, and recreational clubs. Prominent local features include extensive surf and sheltered beaches, river waterways used for boating and fishing, and a local golf course, making the area a popular destination for swimming, camping, and outdoor leisure.
Historically, the region was traditionally inhabited by the Worimi people, who utilized the rich coastal and riverine resources for sustenance and cultural practices. European presence in the area began in the 19th century, driven initially by the timber industry, particularly cedar cutting, and later by commercial fishing and sand mining. The establishment of permanent settlements and infrastructure gradually transformed the area from an isolated timber outpost into a recognized holiday and residential destination, while preserving much of its natural surrounding environment.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Malicious damage to property | 15 | 6 |
| Other offences | 14 | 29 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 10 | 5 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 9 | 13 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 8 | 2 |
| Other theft | 6 | 10 |
| Steal from dwelling | 6 | 0 |
| Break and enter non-dwelling | 4 | 0 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 3 | 3 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 3 | 3 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 2 | 4 |
| Fraud | 2 | 5 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 2 | 6 |
| Receiving or handling stolen goods | 2 | 0 |
| Sexual assault | 2 | 3 |
| Arson | 1 | 0 |
| Blackmail and extortion | 1 | 0 |
| Cultivating cannabis | 1 | 0 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 1,413 residents. This is not a current population estimate.
Sources and interpretation
These are police-recorded incident or victim counts, not every unreported incident or a prediction of personal safety. Percentage changes are not tests of statistical significance; small counts need particular care.