Fort Tomaree walk is a 2.5km, grade 3 hike located in Tomaree National Park, New South Wales. The hike should take around 1.5 hours to complete.
Hike overview
Fort Tomaree walk is an easy walk that runs just below Tomaree Head Summit walk and takes you to the World War II gun emplacements, used in the defence of east coast Australia during World War II.
This easy walk on a paved track around the lower slopes of Tomaree Head brings you face-to-face with local military heritage - World War II gun emplacements, built in 1941 to defend the east coast of Australia. Learn about Fort Tomaree from interpretive signs, or take a guided discovery tour for even more detail.
A further track takes you up elevated walkways on Tomaree Head Summit walk, which offers breathtaking lookout views over Port Stephens and nature reserves like Cabbage Tree Island. Humpbacks migrate past here in winter and spring, so you'll want to bring your camera for whale watching.
Finish your visit by relaxing on the lovely sands of beautiful Zenith Beach, near where the walk begins. Or make your way to the nearby picnic area; an idyllic spot to unwind underneath the shade of angophora trees.
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 87 m
Min elevation: 12 m
Total climbing: 135 m
Total descent: -135 m
Tips
There are some steep sections and the pavement can become slippery when wet, so use caution when walking.
Remember to take your binoculars if you want to birdwatch or whalewatch
Zenith Beach is a sanctuary zone, meaning no collecting or fishing is permitted.
Visit NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for more information on this trail.
Trail location
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Getting there
Fort Tomaree walk is at Tomaree Head within Tomaree National Park. To get there from Nelson Bay, follow Shoal Bay Road to the lower Zenith Beach carpark Park entry points Tomaree Head carpark. Parking is available at lower Zenith Beach carpark or upper Zenith beach carpark. On busy days you may need to find a parking spot on Shoal Bay Road.
Gallery
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About the region
Tomaree National Park, jointly managed with Hunter Water Corporation, provides a magnificent backdrop to the coastal towns and villages of Nelson Bay, Shoal Bay, Boat Harbour and Anna Bay. It's the only place in NSW where you can see outcrops of the acid volcanic rock rhyodacite.
It's an excellent spot for whale watching and offers a range of scenic walks, including the short Wreck Beach walk through coastal angophora forest and the longer Morna Point walk that comes alive with spring wildflowers. Keep your eyes out for koalas dozing high in the trees.
The park's beaches are pretty places for a family barbecue and there are picnic facilities around Anna Bay and Fishermans Bay - enjoy a swim or snorkel or head to One Mile Beach for some surfing. There are some good places for fishing, though you'll need to check the marine park zoning before setting out.
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Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Let someone know
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Gear to consider
My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
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Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.