A coastal walk is the perfect way to beat the heat and there’s a brand new one to explore just 2.5 hours north of Sydney. The Tomaree Coastal Walk in Port Stephens comes with glittering seas, secluded beaches, endless vistas and towering rock formations. It also ends at Birubi Point Aboriginal Place and the Worimi Conservation Lands, home to the magnificent Stockton Bight Sand Dunes — the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. The action-packed walk would take around 2 or 3 days to complete with plenty to do along the way and a range of accommodation options if you’re keen to make a trip of it. Here’s everything you need to know.
Tomaree Coastal Walk
The easy-to-follow walking route connects a former walking track with a new and fabulous 17-km continuous coastal track that starts at Tomaree Head in Shoal Bay. The track retraces ancient routes used by the Worimi People who have occupied the land for many years. The delightful new trail treats walkers to lush angophora forests, beautiful seascapes, coastal villages like Fingal Bay and Boat Harbour and bigger towns such as Nelson Bay, Shoal Bay and Anna Bay where you can catch your breath and refuel. There are also plenty of secluded spots to stop for a dip and cool off.
Unmissable sightseeing highlights include the Tomaree Head Summit which features sweeping views over Port Stephens and its coastline, the resident Koala Sanctuary and several golden beaches like Samurai and One Mile Beach. It also offers excellent opportunities for spotting dolphins, sea eagles and migrating humpback whales.
Don’t forget to learn more about the landscape’s rich history at the Birubi Point Aboriginal Place where the walk winds up. And finally, there’s the giant sand dunes where adventure lovers can indulge in sandboarding, quad biking, camel rides and more. It’s the perfect long weekend trip for the whole family.
How to get to the Tomaree Coastal Walk
The driving distance to the coastal walk is around 2.5 to 3 hours from Sydney with buses running to Shoal Bay and Anna Bay. Parking is available at several spots including Shoal Bay, Fingal Bay, One Mile Beach, Boat Harbour, Fishermans Bay, Birubi Point, and Anna Bay. The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service website advises arriving early in the day as summertime can get busy.
What to pack
The walk is suitable for intermediate hikers with some bushwalking experience. Essentials such as water, sunscreen, sturdy shoes, a first-aid kit and swimmers are recommended.
Read more about the stunning walk here and find the full map for the Tomaree Coastal Walk here.