The Tomaree Head Summit Walk
If you do one walk in Port Stephens, make it Tomaree Head. Short but satisfyingly steep, it climbs to a 161-metre summit at the mouth of the bay for a panorama that takes in the islands, the beaches, the open ocean and — in season — passing whales. Here's what to expect on the climb, the longer coastal walk it connects to, and the other lookouts worth your time.
To the 161-metre summit
The Tomaree Head Summit Walk is about 2.2 km return — a steady, stepped climb (graded challenging, so take it at your own pace) to the top of the headland guarding the bay entrance. From the summit and its wartime gun-emplacement remains, the view sweeps north to Yacaaba Head and the islands, and south over Zenith, Box and Fingal to the Point Stephens Lighthouse. Go early for cooler air, better light and a parking spot at the base.
The Tomaree Coastal Walk
For keen walkers, the Tomaree Coastal Walk extends the experience into a ~27 km journey from Tomaree Head south to Birubi Point, threading together the national park's headlands, surf beaches and Aboriginal cultural sites. It's usually walked over two to three days, or dipped into as day sections — the stretch around Zenith and Box beaches is especially beautiful. It's one of the NSW coast's standout multi-day walks.
Gan Gan & the easy lookouts
Not up for the climb? Gan Gan Lookout, above Nelson Bay, is a drive-up viewpoint with a glorious sweep over the whole bay — perfect for sunrise or sunset. Headlands at Fingal Bay and Birubi Point add more easy vantage points, several doubling as whale-watching spots in season. Before setting out for Tomaree National Park, check the NPWS alerts, as tracks and the Fingal Island area can close for weather or works.
Tomaree Head: your questions
The Tomaree Head Summit Walk is about 2.2 km return and takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours with stops. It's short but steep and challenging (graded hard), climbing to the 161-metre summit on a mix of paved path and stairs. The reward is one of the finest coastal panoramas in New South Wales.
It's short but genuinely steep, so don't underestimate it — it's officially a Grade 5 (challenging) walk. There are steady climbs and stairs to the summit, but the path is well made and there are rest points and lower lookouts along the way. Wear good shoes, take water, and go early to beat the heat. Most reasonably fit visitors manage it comfortably at their own pace.
A sweeping 360-degree view. To the north, Yacaaba Head and Cabbage Tree and Boondelbah Islands; to the south, Zenith, Wreck and Box beaches, Fingal Island and the Point Stephens Lighthouse; and below, the entrance to the bay where dolphins and (in season) whales pass. It's also one of the best land-based whale-watching spots in Port Stephens.
Yes — the Tomaree Coastal Walk is a spectacular ~27 km track (Grade 4) that runs from Tomaree Head south to Birubi Point, usually done over two to three days or in shorter sections. It links the headlands, beaches and Aboriginal cultural sites of Tomaree National Park. It opened as a NSW National Parks flagship walk and is well worth a section even if you don't do the whole thing.
Yes. Gan Gan Lookout, above Nelson Bay, offers an easy, drive-up panorama over the whole bay and hinterland. The lower lookouts on the Tomaree walk, and headlands like Fingal Bay's Barry Park and Birubi Point, also give wonderful views — several double as whale-watching platforms in season. Check NPWS alerts before visiting, as parts of Tomaree National Park can close for weather or works.