Bicentennial National Trail

The Bicentennial National Trail is a legendary 5,330-kilometre route that snakes from Healesville in Victoria to Cooktown in Queensland, passing through the spectacular Port Stephens region. For travellers exploring this section, the trail offers a raw, immersive experience of Australia's rugged bushland, coastal heath, and wildlife-rich estuaries. Whether you're hiking, horse-riding, or mountain-biking a segment, you'll feel a world away from civilisation as you traverse ancient landscapes that have been used by Indigenous peoples for millennia.

Highlights & What to See

• Tomaree National Park section – A coastal stretch with dramatic headlands, secluded beaches, and the chance to spot migrating whales (June–November) from the trail.
• Myall Lakes National Park – Ride or hike past the largest natural freshwater lake system in NSW, where you can detour for a swim or kayak amid paperbark forests.
• Worimi Conservation Lands – Traverse the towering Stockton Bight sand dunes, the largest moving sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere, and learn about the area's rich Worimi Aboriginal heritage.
• Karuah River crossing – A serene paddle or ferry crossing through mangrove-lined waterways, teeming with birdlife like sea eagles and pelicans.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most travellers tackle the Port Stephens segment as a 2–3 day self-supported hike or ride, covering 40–60 km between Tea Gardens and Nelson Bay. If you're short on time, a day trip focusing on the Tomaree National Park section (8–12 km) rewards with panoramic views from Tomaree Head. Allow extra time for swimming, wildlife watching, and exploring nearby coastal villages.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Stephens – Base yourself in Nelson Bay or Shoal Bay for dolphin cruises, sandboarding at Stockton Beach, and fresh seafood at the marina.
• Myall Lakes National Park – Extend your trip with canoeing, fishing, or camping among the lakes and forests.
• Barrington Tops National Park – A 90-minute drive west offers cool temperate rainforest, waterfalls, and World Heritage-listed wilderness for serious hikers.
• Hunter Valley – After the trail, unwind in Australia's oldest wine region, just an hour's drive south, with cellar doors, gourmet dining, and hot-air balloon rides.

Please check official sources for current details.