Tomaree National Park

Tomaree National Park, a coastal gem just north of Newcastle, offers some of the most spectacular views on the New South Wales coast. The park’s rugged headlands, pristine beaches, and lush bushland make it a must-visit for nature lovers and hikers. The star attraction is the Tomaree Head summit walk, which rewards you with panoramic vistas of Port Stephens, the surrounding islands, and the endless Pacific Ocean. With its rich Aboriginal heritage and abundant wildlife, this park is a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural significance.

Highlights & What to See

• Tomaree Head Summit Walk: A steep but short 2.2 km return hike to the summit, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of Port Stephens and beyond. Best done at sunrise or sunset for dramatic lighting.
• Zelgler’s Lookout: A more accessible viewpoint that provides stunning vistas of the coastline and the park’s rugged cliffs.
• Shoal Bay Beach: A beautiful, calm beach perfect for swimming, kayaking, or simply relaxing with a picnic.
• Gan Gan Lookout: Another excellent vantage point, particularly for whale watching during migration season (May to November).
• Aboriginal Heritage: The park is culturally significant to the Worimi people; look for interpretive signs that share stories of the area’s Indigenous history.
• Wildlife Spotting: Keep an eye out for goannas, wallabies, and a variety of birdlife, including sea eagles and honeyeaters.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan for at least half a day to fully experience Tomaree National Park. The summit walk takes about 1–2 hours round trip, including time to soak in the views. Add another hour or two to explore the beaches and other lookouts. If you’re a keen photographer or hiker, you could easily spend a full day here, combining walks with a swim at Shoal Bay or a picnic lunch. The park is compact, so you can cover the highlights without rushing.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Nobby's Beach: A popular surf beach in Newcastle, great for a post-hike swim or a coastal stroll.
• Fort Scratchley: A historic coastal defense site in Newcastle offering guided tours and panoramic views of the city and ocean.
• Port Stephens: The broader region includes Nelson Bay, famous for dolphin watching cruises and sandboarding at Stockton Beach.
• Stockton Beach: Experience the largest moving sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere, ideal for 4WD adventures and sandboarding.
• Newcastle City: Explore the revitalized waterfront, with its excellent cafes, breweries, and the Newcastle Art Gallery.

Please check official sources for current details.