Tomaree National Park

Tomaree National Park protects the stunning coastline around Nelson Bay and Shoal Bay at Port Stephens, a scenic drive north of Newcastle. With its rugged headlands, pristine beaches, bushland and the prominent Tomaree Head, it's one of the region's great natural drawcards — a place of dramatic scenery where the bush meets the sea.

The appeal is that combination of beautiful, varied coastline and rewarding walks, headlined by the climb to the Tomaree Head summit, which delivers breathtaking panoramas over the bay, the offshore islands and the ocean. Beyond the summit, the park offers secluded beaches, coastal tracks, wartime heritage and, in season, superb whale watching from the headlands.

With a 4.7 rating from more than 1,400 reviews, it's a firmly established favourite. National park access, the walking tracks and conditions vary with the weather, and the summit climb is steep in sections, so it's worth checking current park information before you go — and taking water, sun protection and good footwear, and allowing time to enjoy the views and the beaches that make the park so special.