Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Experience a serene 2km return hike to the hidden gem of Wreck Beach, Port Stephens, rated Grade 4 in difficulty. This trail offers the tranquillity of secluded beaches and stunning open ocean views, perfect for whale watching and picnicking. Start your journey on Verona Road, meandering through a lush coastal angophora forest before reaching the picturesque cove. Remember, while Wreck Beach is perfect for a peaceful stroll, nearby Box Beach is your best bet for a refreshing swim.

Length:

2km

Duration:

1.25 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Return

Max elevation: 45m

Min elevation: 18m

Total Ascent: 44m

Start: Fire Trail, Shoal Bay

End: Fire Trail, Shoal Bay

Tomaree National Park

New South Wales

Nearby town: Shoal Bay

From state capital: 212km

Latitude: -32.72660612

Longitude: 152.17732256727916

Overview

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Hike overview

The short walk to Wreck Beach offers a private alternative to the beaches of Port Stephens, with opportunities for picnicking and whale watching.

If you're looking for a peaceful spot to soak up the serene marine splendour of Port Stephens, take this short walk to Wreck Beach - tucked away behind the houses at Shoal Bay and visible from the majestic lookout at Tomaree Head summit.

From Verona Road, follow the track uphill and onto the fire trail which eventually takes you onto Wreck Beach walk. Walking through this lush coastal angophora forest leads onto a small cove, with beautiful sand and open views of the ocean, which is perfect for seasonal whale watching. You might even spot a bottlenose dolphin frolicking with their calf in summer.

Enjoy a walk barefoot along the beach as the water laps at your feet. When you're finished, settle down in a relaxing picnic spot and enjoy the solitude of one Port Stephens' best kept secrets. If you feel like getting in the water then your best option is to drive five minutes over to Box Beach; a better swimming spot with great facilities.

Tips

Remember to take your binoculars if you want to whale watch along with a hat, sunscreen and drinking water.

Visit NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for more information on this trail.

Gallery

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Walk map and GPX file
Wreck Beach Walk (2km)

Total distance: 1081 m
Max elevation: 45 m
Min elevation: 18 m
Total climbing: 44 m
Total descent: -44 m

Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Tomaree National Park.

To Tomaree Head carpark. Wreck Beach is near Shoal Bay in Tomaree National Park. To get there:Follow Shoal Bay Road around from Nelson BayTurn right onto Tomaree RoadTurn left onto Verona Road and follow it to the end, where the walk begins. Park entry points Tomaree Head carpark See on map Parking Limited on-street parking is available on Verona Road, Shoal Bay. Please avoid parking in front of the access gate on Verona Road because NSW National Park staff and emergency services teams use this access gate in the case of emergencies.

Get there with Google Maps

Closest towns to this walk: Anna Bay, Corlette, Fingal Bay, Medowie, Nelson Bay, Port Stephens, Salamander Bay, Shoal Bay

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.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Tomaree National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

Track grade

Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.

Packing checklists

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.

Let someone know

Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure

Reviews
Wreck Beach Walk (2km)

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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.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Tips

Gallery

Walk map and GPX file
Wreck Beach Walk (2km)