One of my best friends in high school lived on the Tilligerry Peninsula. As such, I spent many hours on weekends and school holidays exploring the community. However, it’s been some time (!!) since I visited and until recently hadn’t done any real walking on hiking in the area.
The Tilligerry Peninsula primarily includes the townships of Lemon Tree Passage, Tanilba Bay and Mallabula and is located about 45 minutes from Newcastle.
Tilligerry Peninsula circuit at a glance
Distance: 11.5 km return
Duration: 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 hours
Track: Single track, board walks, sand (and sometimes water – depending on the tide!), bush tracks
Australian walking track Grade: 3
Start: Daniel Cres, Lemon Tree Passage
Finish: Daniel Cres, Lemon Tree Passage
Nearby trails: Tomaree Head Summit Walk
Bookings/Permits: Not required
Other information: Picnic, toilet and playground facilities available at Lemon Tree Passage and Tanilba Bay Foreshores.
Information on how walking trails are graded can be found here.
The track
This is a fantastic track with lots of options for shorter walks.
If you would prefer a one-way walk, start at Daniel Cres, Lemon Tree Passage and finish at Peace Park, Tanilba Bay – you will have to take two cars for this walk (leaving one car at the Peace Park). This walk is around 7kms in length.
The first section of this walk, from Daniel Cres to Lemon Tree Passage foreshore, is made up of boardwalks and formed, unsealed pathways. While not signposted, the paths are easy to follow and afford excellent views of Tilligerry Creek.
From the foreshore at Lemon Tree Passage towards Mallabula, follow the shoreline. The very best time to do this is at low tide. There is lots of walking across rocks and through the bush. If the tide is high, be prepared to remove your boots or shoes and walk through the water in order to get to Mallabula.
From Mallabula, follow the shoreline again until it links up with Tanilba Bay Boardwalk, which winds its way past Tilligerry Habitat. At the end of the boardwalk is Peace Park. From here, continue on the bike track back towards Lemon Tree Passage.
If you have some extra time, be sure to stop in at Tilligerry Habitat a 9ha flora and fauna reserve on the banks of Tanilba Bay foreshore.
There are some fabulous cafes and coffee shops if you would like to stop for a coffee or a cold drink at Lemon Tree Passage. There is a supermarket at Tanilba Bay if you are looking for supplies for a picnic lunch.
Getting there
Finding your way to Lemon Tree Passage is straightforward. There is limited parking available at the end of Daniel Cres (the start of the walk).
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