We regularly sight schools of dolphins from our windows and wallabies in the bushland, and have daily visits from Eastern Rosellas, King parrots, and many other native and sea birds.

You will be minutes away from the towns of Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest and even closer to the village of Karuah, with its quality oyster industry and picturesque river. All these have commercial activities, dining facilities, tourism ventures, clubs, hotels, and golf and bowling clubs to suit all needs.

Daily ferry services run to Nelson Bay and other parts of Port Stephens. Charter boats host whale and dolphin watching activities, diving and charter fishing trips, plus sightseeing trips to Broughton Island and other points of interest.

We recommend short drives to the historic river towns of Morpeth, Clarence Town and Patterson, or an easy day trip to the Hunter Valley Gardens and the Hunter Valley winegrowing area. Try surfing at Hawks Nest, Winda Woppa, Bennetts Beach and the quieter Jimmy's Beach on the river side. Or swim from our own front lawn.

Within 4km lies the historic Tahlee House, built in 1826 as the first headquarters of the Australian Agricultural Company. You may inspect this jewel with its original homestead, convict-built wharf, the stone lookout for the sentry guards, historic church which is now a private residence, and the early settlers' cemetery.

You can venture on to Dungog, Stroud, and Gloucester to see the wonderful Barrington Tops and National Parks. Closer to home you can roam the banks and waterways of the fabulous Myall Lakes. Go fishing in the rivers, from the beaches, or on the waters of Port Stephens, maybe venture out into the blue water in the marlin season, or go windsurfing, kayaking, sailing, boating, diving and bushwalking. There are even trips that go spotlighting koalas and other local native animals at night.

Golfers and bowlers are well catered for with resort type courses to smaller public inexpensive courses. Something for everyone.

If all that sounds like too much activity, just stay and relax in the superb ambience of Helen's on the Cove, watch the marine activities, see the native and sea birds, read a book, watch TV or move to a quiet room to do as you please. We are air-conditioned for days that are other than perfect, and have ceiling fans in every bedroom. Our full-length glass walls facing the Cove provide you with a dress circle panorama of every activity in the area.

It is your choice to turn on or tune out to suit your circumstances. You may dine in for all meals or dine out if looking for an alternative. Walk our many bush tracks originally laid out by Walter Burley Griffin. Go touring or shopping, tackle our towns or simply doze in the most comfortable ambience and privacy with quietness at Helen's on the Cove B&B at glorious Port Stephens, our water wonderland.