Tomaree Coastal Walk

Tomaree Coastal Walk is a 27-kilometre journey through Tomaree National Park, linking Tomaree Head at Shoal Bay with Birubi Point in Anna Bay. Based in the Nelson Bay area of Newcastle, it can be completed as a two-day or three-day self-guided walk, with an overnight stay at One Mile. The route is graded 4, with some bushwalking experience recommended, while shorter sections make it possible to experience parts of the walk without committing to the full distance.

The walk’s standout starting point is Tomaree Head Summit, reached by a 2.2-kilometre return track. From the lookout, walkers can take in broad ocean views, Cabbage Tree and Boondelbah islands, and remnants of the area’s World War II military history, including gun emplacements and torpedo tubes. Along the wider route are secluded beaches, coastal rock platforms, volcanic landscapes, forested gullies and heathland. Gymea lilies, smooth-barked apple, red bloodwood and paperbark trees add variety to the scenery, while bridges, beaches and lookouts create a changing rhythm across the walk.

Tomaree Coastal Walk also follows ancient routes used by the Worimi People. At Birubi Point Aboriginal Place, near the walk’s finish, visitors can engage with Worimi culture through cultural artwork and an audio experience featuring Worimi artist Gerard Black. The route reaches the edge of Worimi Conservation Lands, home to the largest moving sand dune in the southern hemisphere. The website also points to nearby activities including guided camel rides, quad biking and sandboarding, although these are separate experiences from the walk itself.

Wildlife and whale watching are central to the experience. Depending on the season and luck, walkers may see dolphins, sea eagles, fur seals, echidnas, koalas and migrating humpback whales between May and November. Slot Canyon Lookout, Iris Moore Lookout and Birubi Point Aboriginal Place are identified as particularly good whale-watching locations. For a shorter outing, the Shoal Bay to Fingal Bay track covers 5 kilometres one way, while the Birubi Point to One Mile Beach track offers a 7.5-kilometre day walk through beaches, forests, rock platforms and a slot-canyon lookout. A two-hour ranger-guided walking tour is another option for visitors who would prefer local interpretation and a set itinerary. The coastal villages provide access to cafés, water facilities, holiday parks and accommodation, making the walk practical for independent walkers, small groups and visitors building a longer Port Stephens stay.