Tomaree Head Summit walk

Tomaree Head Summit walk is a short but demanding hike in Tomaree National Park, offering a rewarding way to see the Port Stephens coastline from above. The 2.2km return track takes around 1.5 to 2 hours and rises to the 161m summit of Tomaree Head. From the top, the views stretch across Port Stephens and its entrance, with different outlooks revealing beaches, islands, headlands and the coastline beyond Nelson Bay, Newcastle.

The summit has north and south viewing platforms, each with a distinct outlook. From the north platform, walkers can look towards Yacaaba Head, Cabbage Tree Island, Boondelbah Island and Broughton Island. The southern view takes in Zenith, Wreck and Box beaches, Fingal Island and Point Stephens Lighthouse. On a clear day, the expansive coastal scenery is the main attraction, while the elevated perspective can also help walkers understand the landscape along the Tomaree Coastal Walk or the Shoal Bay to Fingal Bay walking track.

There is a picnic table at the lookout, making it possible to pause for morning tea or lunch rather than treating the summit as a quick turnaround point. The walk also has a wildlife-watching angle: binoculars are recommended for whale watching, with the best chance noted between May and November. Looking towards Cabbage Tree and Boondelbah islands also connects the walk with the conservation story of Gould’s petrel, as the islands are identified as the species’ only nesting sites in the world.

This is best suited to walkers prepared for a Grade 5 track and steep sections, rather than anyone looking for an easy stroll. Paved areas may become slippery when wet, so sturdy shoes, drinking water, a hat and sunscreen are recommended. The route can work well for solo walkers, couples or small groups who are comfortable with a short, strenuous climb and want a scenic destination rather than a long-distance hike. After returning from the summit, visitors can extend their time in the area with the Fort Tomaree walk and its historic World War II gun emplacements. Tomaree National Park is generally open, although conditions such as poor weather or fire danger can lead to closures, so current alerts are worth checking before setting out.