Tomaree Coastal Walk will be a stunning 20km walk from Tomaree Head to Birubi Point in Tomaree National Park. The walk is currently being constructed and is due for completion in 2022. In the meantime, you can complete two sections of the hike, commencing at Tomaree Headland and finishing at Big Rocky. Updates on the completion of the walk are available at the NSW Department of Environment.
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Tomaree Headland to Fingal Bay
Distance: 8.7 km out and back; or just over 4 km one way
Duration: 2 1/2 hours to 3 1/2 hours (return)
Track: Combination of fire trails, sandy tracks, single-track paths
Grade: 3
Start: Tomaree Headland, Tomaree National Park
Finish: Tomaree Headland, Tomaree National Park
Nearby trails: Tomaree Head Summit Walk, Wreck Beach Walk
Bookings/Permits: Not required
Other information: This hike can be completed as an out and back hike or a one-way hike finishing at Fingal Bay. The trailhead is located near Zenith Beach, and there is a car park at this location. Start early during holiday periods to make sure you can get a car park. There are picnic facilities and toilets located at Fingal Bay Surf Club.
Information on how walking trails are graded can be found here.
The Trail
This is an excellent trail with fantastic views. Be sure to take the short side trips to Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches (if you have time!) for magnificent views of the coastline and Tomaree Headland.
You can either choose to take the Forest route to Fingal Bay or the cycleway. The Forest route is more scenic, popping out at Fingal Spit. But be warned! There is a rather large sandhill before you arrive at the Bay. Think incredibly soft sand! But worth the view. This route follows the beach along to Fingal Bay Surf Club.
The cycleway (we took this on our return journey) is a well-formed concrete pathway which allows much easier walking.
Getting there
While this hike commences at the base of Tomaree Summit walk, the best place to park is the car park near Zenith Beach. This car park is located at the beginning of the trail. There is limited parking here, so arrive early to get a park in busy holiday periods.
Fingal Bay to Big Rocky
Distance: 8 kms
Duration: 2 1/2 hours to 3 1/2 hours
Track: Combination of fire trails, sandy tracks, single track paths and boardwalks
Grade: 3
Start: Big Rocky, off Gan Gan Road, Anna Bay, NSW
Finish: Barry Park, Marine Drive, Fingal Bay
Nearby trails: Tomaree Head Summit Walk, Wreck Beach Walk
Bookings/Permits: Not required
Other information: This hike can be completed in either direction. Starting at Fingal Bay and finishing at Big Rocky or vice versa. There are picnic facilities and toilets located at Barry Park, Fingal Bay, but not at Big Rocky. The last part of the track into Big Rocky is suitable for 4WD vehicles only. Parking for other vehicles is located at the beginning of the 4WD track.
Information on how walking trails are graded can be found here.
The trail
Tomaree Coastal Walk is one of my favourite hikes in the Port Stephens region. The walk hugs the coastline and provides numerous spots for viewing the magnificant Pacific Ocean.
From mid-May through to mid-November, Humpback whales can be seen migrating to and from their breeding grounds in the South Pacific region.
The trail is just over 8kms one way, including short side trips to the various viewing spots on the hike.
During holiday periods the walk can be quite busy, but if you leave early in day you will miss the busiest time.
The track gently undulates along the coastline and is a relatively easy grade. Parts of the track include walking across sand or having to negotiate rocky stairs.
There is little public transport available in the area, so if you are planning on completing a one-way walk it is best to take two cars - leaving one at each end of the trail.
Getting there
If you plan on starting your walk from Big Rocky, take Big Rocky Trail accessible from Gan Gan Road, Anna Bay and leave your car either in the 2WD or 4WD carparks available at the trail head.
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