Tomaree Coastal Walk
A stunning 27km coastal trail in Port Stephens, offering panoramic ocean views, secluded beaches, and rich cultural heritage.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds & catch sunrise
Tomaree Coastal Walk
Best Time
Beat the crowds & catch sunrise
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning 27km coastal trail in Port Stephens, offering panoramic ocean views, secluded beaches, and rich cultural heritage.
"Breathtaking ocean views and a close connection to nature make this a must-do in Port Stephens."
👟 Wear comfortable shoes
The walk involves steep sections and varied terrain. Good walking shoes are essential for comfort and safety.
💧 Stay hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially on warmer days. There are limited facilities along the longer stretches of the walk.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tomaree Head Summit
Shoal Bay
Panoramic 360-degree views of Port Stephens, including the coastline and islands. A must-do for breathtaking vistas.
Slot Canyon Lookout
Boat Harbour
A hidden gem along the walk, featuring a dramatic sea-carved canyon with stunning ocean views.
Sunrise/Sunset Spectacle
Tomaree Head Summit
Witness the sky ablaze with color over the ocean. An unforgettable experience for photographers and nature lovers.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for the Best Views
+1Pace Yourself on the 27km Trail
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear comfortable shoes
The walk involves steep sections and varied terrain. Good walking shoes are essential for comfort and safety.
💧 Stay hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially on warmer days. There are limited facilities along the longer stretches of the walk.
☀️ Sun protection is key
Pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. The coastal sun can be intense, even on cloudy days.
📸 Capture the views
Don't forget your camera or phone! The scenery is spectacular, and you'll want to document it.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear comfortable shoes
The walk involves steep sections and varied terrain. Good walking shoes are essential for comfort and safety.
💧 Stay hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially on warmer days. There are limited facilities along the longer stretches of the walk.
☀️ Sun protection is key
Pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. The coastal sun can be intense, even on cloudy days.
📸 Capture the views
Don't forget your camera or phone! The scenery is spectacular, and you'll want to document it.
🗺️ Plan your route
Decide which sections you want to explore. The full 27km can be done over multiple days.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking ocean views and the well-maintained trails of the Tomaree Coastal Walk, highlighting its natural beauty and connection to Worimi Country. While some find certain sections steep, the overall experience is highly recommended for its spectacular scenery and the opportunity to explore pristine beaches. +1
"Tomaree Coastal Walk is one of the most breathtaking trails in Port Stephens, offering incredible ocean views and a close connection to nature. The path stretches along the coastline, passing through lush greenery, rocky cliffs, and pristine beaches. Every step reveals a new perspective of the stunning blue sea and golden sand dunes in the distance. The walk is well-marked with clear signs, making it suitable for most fitness levels. Along the way, you can learn about the rich cultural heritage of the Worimi Country, whose traditional owners have cared for this land for thousands of years. It’s a peaceful and inspiring experience — you can stop for photos, enjoy the sea breeze, and listen to the waves. Whether you’re here for hiking, sightseeing, or simply relaxing, Tomaree Coastal Walk perfectly captures the natural beauty of the Australian coast. A must-do for anyone visiting Port Stephens!"
王建策
"Series of well signposted, easy half beach / half trail hikes. We stayed at Fingal Bay which is around half way point, and started either end to finish at Fingal Bay each day. Bonus is there are great options to dine out or simply enjoy an afternoon cocktail in Shoal Bay and Fingal Bay in the late afternoons at the end of each day's walk, very civilised!"
Simon C
"Rather steep hills requiring quite a few stops for the unfit. Walk at your own pace. Very busy, worth your time. Great be out in the sun among nature!"
Kathleen Avery
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Tomaree Coastal Walk is approximately a 3-hour drive north of Sydney. You can drive directly to the various starting points like Shoal Bay or Anna Bay. Public transport options are limited, so a car is recommended for flexibility.
Parking is available at key access points such as Shoal Bay, Fingal Bay, and Birubi Point (Anna Bay). Parking can be busy during peak times, so arriving early is advisable.
While there are local bus services in the Port Stephens area, they may not directly access all trailheads. It's best to check local bus schedules or consider ride-sharing services if you don't have a car.
Yes, the 27km Tomaree Coastal Walk can be started from either Tomaree Head (Shoal Bay) or Birubi Point (Anna Bay), or even from intermediate points like Fingal Bay.
The Tomaree Head Summit Walk is easily accessible from the Shoal Bay side. There's a clear path leading up from the parking area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Tomaree Coastal Walk and its sections, including the Tomaree Head Summit Walk, are free to access as they are part of Tomaree National Park.
Tomaree National Park is generally open from sunrise to sunset. However, it's always a good idea to check the NSW National Parks website for any alerts or temporary closures before your visit.
There is no entry fee for Tomaree National Park, making the Tomaree Coastal Walk a fantastic free activity.
While there isn't a specific official guided tour for the entire 27km walk, local tour operators in Port Stephens may offer guided experiences for certain sections or the summit walk.
No permits are required for general walking on the Tomaree Coastal Walk. It's an open public access trail.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The full 27km walk can take anywhere from 5.5 to 8 hours depending on your pace and how many stops you make. Many visitors opt to do sections over 2-3 days.
The Tomaree Head Summit Walk is manageable for older children, but the full 27km coastal walk can be challenging. Consider shorter, flatter sections for younger children.
The walk features a mix of well-maintained trails, sandy paths, rocky headlands, and some steep inclines, particularly to the summit.
Toilets are available at major access points like Shoal Bay, Fingal Bay, and Birubi Point. Facilities are limited along the more remote sections.
Yes, there are numerous beautiful beaches along the walk where you can swim, such as Zenith Beach and One Mile Beach. Always check local conditions and safety advice before swimming.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The summit of Tomaree Head offers incredible panoramic shots. Other great spots include Slot Canyon Lookout, Zenith Beach, and various lookouts offering views of One Mile Beach.
Sunrise and sunset provide the most dramatic lighting for photography. Midday can be harsh, but still offers stunning ocean blues.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal scenery. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife or distant coastal features.
Drone usage is subject to regulations within national parks. It's essential to check the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service guidelines and local council rules before flying a drone.
Include a person in your shot to give a sense of scale, or use leading lines from the path or coastline to draw the viewer's eye into the scene.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of snacks and water, and make a day of it by combining a walk with a visit to one of the many family-friendly beaches along the coast, such as Shoal Bay or Fingal Bay. The chance to spot marine life or simply enjoy the sand and sea makes it a fun outing for all ages.
🚶♀️ Solo Adventurers
For those seeking a longer challenge, the full 27km walk can be tackled solo, with clear signage and the option to break it into manageable day hikes. It's a fantastic way to connect with nature, clear your head, and enjoy the coastal beauty at your own pace.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Don't miss the unique geological formations at Slot Canyon Lookout or the sweeping vistas of beaches like One Mile Beach. +1Consider visiting during the 'golden hours' for the best light. A wide-angle lens is highly recommended to capture the expansive coastal scenery. Remember to check drone regulations if you plan to use aerial photography.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Full 27km Tomaree Coastal Walk
+2Key sections include the popular Tomaree Head Summit Walk, which provides breathtaking 360-degree views, and the more remote stretches that lead to hidden coves and pristine beaches like Zenith Beach and One Mile Beach. The walk showcases varied vegetation, from coastal heath to pockets of forest, and offers opportunities to spot local wildlife. It's a journey that truly highlights the diverse coastal environments of Port Stephens.
+1Planning is crucial for tackling the full walk. Consider your fitness level and the time you have available. Many visitors choose to complete sections, using towns like Fingal Bay as a halfway point. This allows for comfortable day hikes with the bonus of enjoying local dining and accommodation options at the end of each day's trek.
The Iconic Tomaree Head Summit Walk
+1While relatively short, the walk does involve a steep climb with numerous stairs, making it a good workout. Visitors are advised to wear appropriate footwear and bring water, especially during warmer months. The effort is well worth it, as the 360-degree vista from the top is truly breathtaking and a highlight for many who visit the area.
This summit walk is a key component of the larger Tomaree Coastal Walk but can be enjoyed as a standalone activity. Its accessibility and the sheer beauty of the views make it a must-do for most visitors to Port Stephens, offering a quick yet impactful connection with the region's stunning natural landscape.
Cultural Significance and Worimi Country
Understanding the cultural significance of the area enhances the walking experience. The Worimi people have a deep connection to the coastal dunes, waterways, and the natural resources found along the walk. Respecting this heritage is an integral part of visiting the park.
By walking these trails, visitors can gain a greater appreciation for the enduring connection between the Worimi people and their ancestral lands, recognizing the importance of conservation and cultural preservation.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit