Tomaree National Park Park

Address: Tomaree National Park, Port Stephens, NSW, Australia

Website: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/tomaree-national-park

Hours: Parks generally open dawn-dusk; specific facilities vary

Admission: National park entry fees may apply; see NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service

Tomaree National Park is a coastal protected area in Port Stephens, New South Wales, preserving headlands, beaches and coastal bushland around Tomaree Headland. The park is notable for its prominent headland, coastal walking tracks and World War II fortifications.

The most visited feature is the Tomaree Head summit walk, a short but steep trail with stair sections that leads to a summit lookout offering wide views over Port Stephens and the Pacific Ocean. The park also provides sandy beaches, bays for swimming and snorkeling, and coastal trails suitable for day visits and photography.

Defensive works including concrete gun emplacements and observation posts were constructed on Tomaree Head during World War II as part of Australia’s coastal defenses. The area was later managed for conservation and public recreation as a national park to protect coastal vegetation and cultural heritage.

The park sits on a peninsula in Port Stephens near the town of Nelson Bay on the mid-north coast of New South Wales, adjacent to coastal towns and boating facilities. It is commonly accessed from Nelson Bay and surrounding suburbs of the Port Stephens local government area.

• Summit walk: The Tomaree Head summit walk is a short, steep track with stair sections that leads to a panoramic lookout; it is a widely used day walk within the park.

What to See#

• Tomaree Head Summit and WWII fortifications: A rocky headland rising above the park that features a short but steep walking track to a summit lookout; the headland includes WWII-era concrete fortifications and gun emplacements. The summit offers panoramic views over Port Stephens and the Pacific Ocean.
• Beaches and coastal access: Coastal beaches and bays within the park offer swimming, snorkeling and coastal walks, with popular access points near the towns of Nelson Bay and Shoal Bay.

Tomaree National Park is reached by road from Newcastle or Port Stephens. Nelson Bay is a common gateway town; follow park signage to carparks for headland walks. Public buses serve Port Stephens from Newcastle and Sydney (seasonal/intercity services).

• Walk to points like Tomaree Head for panoramic views early in the morning to avoid heat and crowds.
• Check tide timetables before exploring rock platforms and intertidal pools; some areas are hazardous at high swell.
• Catch morning boats to nearby islands or beaches from Nelson Bay for calmer sea conditions.