Wreck Beach trail is a short 2km (return) walk, located in Port Stephens on the north coast of NSW. The trail leads to a small cove on the Pacific Ocean. During the winter the cove is a perfect location for whale watching. An excellent spot for a picnic.
Wreck Beach walking trail at a glance
Distance: 2 km return
Duration: 30 mins – 1 hour
Track: Fire trail and narrow single track. Short steep sections.
Australian walking track Grade: 4
Start: Verona Road, Shoal Bay
Finish: Verona Road, Shoal Bay
Nearby trails: Tomaree Coastal Walk, Tomaree Head Summit Walk.
Bookings/Permits: Not required
Other information: There are no toilets at the trailhead. Closest toilets are located in Shoal Bay. Street parking on Verona Road.
Information on how walking trails are graded can be found here.
The Trail
This short trail is crosses the first section of Tomaree Coastal Walk (Zenith Beach to Fingal Bay). At around the 300m mark from the start of the trail you can access trails to both Zenith Beach (1.2km) and Box Beach (1km). If you are interested in swimming at Box Beach, there is car parking available near the beach.
The trail includes short steep sections and some narrow pathways leading down to a small cove. This is an excellent spot of whale watching (in season) and dolphin watching.
Wreck Beach is one of the beaches that you can see from Tomaree Head Lookout. The lookout provides excellent views of Yaccaba Headland, Cabbage Tree Island, Zenith and Box beaches along with Fingal and Point Stephens Lighthouses.
The trail is located just a short drive (or a longer walk) from several excellent cafes and restaurants in Shoal Bay. Wreck Beach itself is a fabulous spot to stop and enjoy a picnic. This beach is not patrolled, if you are interested in a swim Box Beach (the next beach along the coast) is a better option. Or if you prefer a non-surf beach, Shoal Bay is always an excellent option.
Getting there
Wreck Beach trail head is located at the very end of Verona Road, Shoal Bay. There is no formal car park. Street parking is available on Verona Road.
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