NSW is Australia’s most popular bushwalking destination, and it’s easy to see why. Bushwalking is great exercise, and spending time outdoors boosts wellbeing. It’s also a free activity that everyone in the family, from kids to grandparents, can enjoy together.
Exploring the Tomaree Coastal Walk
The Tomaree Coastal Walk, stretching from Tomaree Headland to Birubi Beach in Tomaree National Park, makes exploring our local bushland and rocky coast even better. Set in the traditional lands of the Worimi people, this walk is rich in history and culture. It’s also one of the ‘Great Walks’ in New South Wales National Parks, connecting 27 kilometres of beautiful coastal views and varied landscapes.
Getting ready for a bushwalk on the Tomaree Coastal Walk is easy. Just pick the section you want to explore and pack a few essentials. We suggest bringing a reusable water bottle, sturdy shoes, layered clothes for changing weather, a mobile phone for safety and photos, a hat, sunscreen, a small backpack, and basics like Band-Aids, insect repellent, and a compression bandage. If you bring snacks, please carry out any packaging or, even better, choose snacks without packaging.
The coastal walk offers something for everyone. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just want a gentle walk to enjoy the views, you can pick from short walks or longer trips that take half a day or more. This variety makes bushwalking a great weekend activity for both locals in Port Stephens and visitors who want to see the area’s beautiful scenery.
One of the best parts of the walk is the amazing views from Tomaree Summit. The walk up to the top has been improved, with a wider steel stairway and a better walking track. This part of the walk also gives you a look into Australia’s history during World War II at Fort Tomaree, which played an important role in the country’s defence. You can still see the gun emplacements there.
A highlight of the walk is the spectacular panoramic views from the Tomaree Summit. The invigorating walk to the peak is also receiving significant restorative and replacement works with the steel stairway being widened and replaced and improvements to the walking track. While this work takes place, the Tomaree Summit walk will be closed to all visitors until the end of June. This section of the walk also provides historical insights of Australia during World War II at Fort Tomaree, a location instrumental in Australia’s wartime defence capabilities. Visitors can view the gun emplacements that remain in the area.
At the other end of the walk, the Birubi Gateway has seating and a new lookout. Birubi Beach is a great place to look out over the ocean or watch the sunlight on the sand dunes.
Between these two points, you’ll find a large area of bushland full of birds. You might also see echidnas, possums, goannas, and wallabies. The headlands are great spots to watch whales in the right season.
Before setting out, you should check for any National Park closures at www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/alerts/alerts-list.
