Tomaree Head Summit walk is a 2.2km, grade 5 hike located in the Tomaree National Park, New South Wales. The hike should take around 1.5 hrs to complete.
Hike summary
Take the invigorating short walk to the summit of Tomaree Head, 161m above the Port Stephens entrance. As you hike the track, you'll enjoy unparalleled views of idyllic Port Stephens and its coastline. From the top, you can even see as far as Cabbage Tree and Boondelbah islands - these nature reserves are the world's only nesting sites for the endangered Gould's petrel.
When you reach the summit, enjoy panoramic views of Yacaaba Head, Cabbage Tree, Boondelbah and Broughton Islands from the north platform. From the south platform, views of Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches, Fingal Island and Point Stephens Lighthouse will be sure to impress. Be sure to check out the historic World War II gun emplacements. Take your binoculars as you might be lucky to see some dolphins.
There's a picnic table at the lookout, so if you have time, take a picnic lunch or some morning tea to enjoy as you take in the view. On the way back down, don't forget to try Fort Tomaree walk.
Take a virtual tour of Tomaree Head Summit walk captured with Google Street View Trekker.
Route and GPX file
This hike is missing a route map and GPX file. If you have one for this hike, please upload your .gpx or .kml file here.
Tips
Take care along the steep sections on this walk as well as paved areas that can become slippery when wet.
Remember to take your binoculars if you want to whale watch - the best time of year is between May and October.
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.
The longitude and latitude of the start and end points are approximately only and should not be used for navigation purposes. Please contact me if you know the correct coordinates.
Gear you might need
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Location
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Getting there
To Tomaree Head carpark. Tomaree Head Summit walk is at Tomaree Head.From Nelson Bay:Follow Shoal Bay Road to the lower Zenith Beach carpark Park entry points Tomaree Head carpark See on map Parking Parking is available at the lower Zenith Beach carpark or upper Zenith beach carpark. On busy days you may need to find a parking spot on Shoal Bay Road.
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.
Gallery
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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.