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Parks

Tomaree National Park

4.7 · 1,423 reviews
Rugged, windswept, and naturally preserved.
Tomaree National Park, Moorland Road, Nelson Bay NSW 2315, Australia
Interesting facts
1

The park contains the remnants of two 6-inch gun batteries built in 1941 for coastal defense.

2

The Tomaree Head summit track involves a steep incline that ascends over 160 metres in approximately 1 kilometre.

3

The park provides one of the best land-based whale-watching vantages in the region during the annual migration.

4

The headland's geology consists of volcanic rocks known as the Tomaree Head formation.

5

The park serves as a protected sanctuary for the threatened Eastern Osprey population.

6

World War II observation posts remain accessible to the public at the peak.

7

The park connects the ocean beaches to the sheltered waters of Port Stephens.

8

The vegetation includes significant patches of rare coastal saltmarsh and swamp sclerophyll forest.

Overview

Tomaree National Park encompasses 850 hectares of coastal land, featuring volcanic peaks and diverse ecosystems ranging from heathland to littoral rainforest. The park is defined by the Tomaree Head summit, which reaches 161 metres above sea level and provides panoramic views of Port Stephens and the Tasman Sea. The area contains historical military sites, including World War II gun emplacements constructed in 1941 to protect the Australian coastline. Visitors can access several beaches within the park, such as Wreck Beach and Zenith Beach. The landscape serves as a critical habitat for diverse fauna, including wallabies, echidnas, and various migratory shorebirds. The park is located on the Worimi Aboriginal Land, which holds significant cultural importance to the local Indigenous community. A network of walking tracks connects the coastline to the elevated vantage points.

Photo spot

The upper observation platform at the Tomaree Head summit overlooking Yacaaba Head and the Tasman Sea.

Insider tips

Wear sturdy walking shoes with good grip as the summit trail is steep and can be slippery after rain.

Bring binoculars for whale spotting during the winter and spring migration months.

Carry at least 1 litre of water per person, as there are no refill stations on the summit trail.

What to avoid

Attempting the Tomaree Head summit track during heavy rainfall or high wind conditions.

Etiquette

Stay on marked tracks to protect fragile cliff-top vegetation and avoid disturbing wildlife.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
3-4 hours
Best time to visit
Early morning in winter or spring for whale watching and to avoid midday heat.
-32.750, 152.146
Get directions
Details
Terrain typeCoastal volcanic headland and heathland
Notable trailsTomaree Head Summit Walk, Wreck Beach Trail

Frequently asked

Plan for about 3-4 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Early morning in winter or spring for whale watching and to avoid midday heat..

The upper observation platform at the Tomaree Head summit overlooking Yacaaba Head and the Tasman Sea.

Close by you'll find Barry Park, Tomaree Head Summit walk, Tomaree Mountain.

Australia

About Newcastle, New South Wales