Tomaree National Park

Jutting into the Tasman Sea on the northern headland of Port Stephens, Tomaree National Park is a wild coastal gem that rewards visitors with jaw-dropping views and a sense of isolation just minutes from the holiday town of Nelson Bay. This is a place where you can hike through scribbly gum and banksia woodland, spot migrating whales from dramatic clifftops, and descend to empty surf beaches – all in a single afternoon. The park’s centrepiece is the Tomaree Headland walk, a steep but spectacular climb that offers a 360-degree panorama of the bay, offshore islands, and the endless blue Pacific. It’s a must-do for any self-drive itinerary along the NSW coast, combining natural drama with easy accessibility.

Highlights & What to See

• Tomaree Headland Summit Walk – A 2.2 km return trail (steep in parts) that climbs through coastal heath to the summit, where you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views over Port Stephens, Fingal Island, and the Point Stephens Lighthouse. Go early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds.
• Zambezi Lookout – A short, easier walk from the car park that still delivers knockout views. Perfect if you’re short on time or travelling with kids.
• Wreck Beach – A secluded stretch of sand accessible via a track from the Tomaree Headland walk. It’s named after the wreck of the SS Hereward, which ran aground in 1898. The beach is often empty, great for a quiet picnic or a bracing swim (no lifeguards).
• Point Stephens Lighthouse – A historic lighthouse (1872) perched on Fingal Island, reachable only at low tide across a sandbar. Check tide times carefully – it’s an adventure to walk out and explore the lighthouse precinct.
• Whale Watching – From June to November, the headland is one of the best land-based whale-watching spots on the NSW coast. Humpbacks and southern right whales pass close inshore.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend half a day exploring Tomaree National Park. The Tomaree Headland Summit walk takes about 1–1.5 hours return, but you’ll want to linger at the top. Add another hour to walk out to Wreck Beach or Point Stephens Lighthouse (timing your visit with low tide). If you’re a keen photographer or whale-watcher, allow a full day to soak it all in. The park is compact, so you can easily combine it with a morning at Nelson Bay or an afternoon at one of the nearby beaches.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Nelson Bay – The lively hub of Port Stephens, just a 10-minute drive from the park. Great for lunch, dolphin-watching cruises, and kayak hire.
• Shoal Bay – A stunning beach suburb with calm waters, perfect for swimming and paddleboarding. It’s right next to the park’s entrance.
• Fingal Bay – A quieter beach with a long sand spit that connects to Point Stephens Lighthouse at low tide. Ideal for a relaxed afternoon.
• Anna Bay – Famous for the Stockton Sand Dunes, the largest moving sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere. You can go sandboarding or take a 4WD tour.
• Myall Lakes National Park – A vast system of lakes, rivers, and forests about 45 minutes north. Great for kayaking, fishing, and camping.

Please check official sources for current details.