Tomaree Coastal Walk – Complete Guide to 27km Multi-Day Trail

The Tomaree Coastal Walk opened on 1 September 2023 as a 27-kilometre multi-day hiking trail traversing Worimi Country through Tomaree National Park. Stretching from Shoal Bay to Anna Bay on the NSW north coast, the route connects ancient volcanic headlands with secluded coves, offering a structured journey through one of Australia’s newer long-distance coastal tracks.

Located within the 23.18 km² Tomaree National Park, approximately three hours’ drive from Sydney or accessible via Newcastle Airport, the trail links coastal villages including Shoal Bay, Fingal Bay, and One Mile Beach. The walk terminates at Birubi Point Aboriginal Place, where Worimi cultural artwork marks the southern boundary of this significant landscape.

How Long and Difficult is the Tomaree Coastal Walk?

Officially listed as 27 kilometres, the trail suits a two-day itinerary with experienced bushwalkers covering 18 kilometres on day one to One Mile Beach, followed by a 9-kilometre second day to Birubi Point. Those preferring a leisurely pace often extend this to three days. GPS recordings have occasionally logged 22 kilometres, though park authorities maintain the official 27-kilometre measurement.

Key trail characteristics:

• The route is rated Grade 4 overall, requiring some bushwalking experience due to length and varied terrain
• Terrain includes flat and gentle sections interspersed with short steep hills, sandy beaches, rock platforms, and stairs
• Total elevation gain ranges between 347–400 metres across the full distance
• The Tomaree Head Summit Walk adds 2.2 kilometres return and 161 metres elevation, rated Grade 5 for its steepness
• Fit hikers can complete the full 27 kilometres in approximately 4 hours 5 minutes, though most take 4–8 hours per day
• The summit section alone requires 1.5–2 hours

Where to Start the Tomaree Coastal Walk and Parking Options

The walk officially begins at Tomaree Head in Shoal Bay, though the trail’s linear design allows for multiple access points. Drivers can park at Shoal Bay (the northern terminus), Fingal Bay, One Mile Beach, Boat Harbour, Fishermans Bay, or Birubi Point at the southern end. This segmented parking structure enables walkers to tackle sections individually or arrange vehicle shuttles for one-way itineraries.

Starting Points and Directions

From Shoal Bay, walkers follow well-signposted coastal tracks southward toward Anna Bay. The route progresses through volcanic headlands and angophora forests before descending to beach level. Those arriving from Sydney face approximately three hours’ driving time, while interstate visitors typically fly into Newcastle Airport and arrange ground transport to Port Stephens.

Transport and Logistics

The trail connects several coastal communities, allowing walkers to resupply at Shoal Bay, Fingal Bay, and One Mile Beach. Those planning a multi-day journey can arrange accommodation in these villages or utilise designated camping areas within the national park.

What Highlights and Views Can You Expect?

The trail presents a sequence of distinct landscapes, from the panoramic vantage of Tomaree Head to the secluded coves of the southern coastline. The route traverses Worimi Conservation Lands, home to the largest sand dunes in the southern hemisphere, where camel rides and sandboarding operations operate adjacent to the trail.

Tomaree Head Summit

Rising 161 metres above the coastline, the summit offers sweeping ocean views extending to Cabbage Tree and Boondelbah Islands, both critical nesting sites for Gould’s petrel. An augmented reality experience at the summit provides additional ecological context. The return walk to the summit adds 2.2 kilometres to any itinerary and demands significant elevation gain over steep, rocky terrain.

Coastal Landscapes and Cultural Sites

Key waypoints include Zenith Beach, Samurai Beach (noted as clothing-optional), and One Mile Beach. The trail passes through angophora forests and across sandstone platforms before reaching Birubi Point, where Worimi cultural artwork marks the trail’s conclusion. Seasonal whale migrations add dynamic wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly during winter and spring months.

Best Time to Visit and Practical Tips

The trail remains open year-round, though walkers should consider seasonal weather patterns when planning longer sections. Summer heat presents significant challenges for the full 27-kilometre distance, while winter and spring coincide with humpback whale migration along the coast. Early morning starts at Tomaree Head reward hikers with sunrise views across the ocean.

Seasonal Considerations

Ranger-guided tours operate between 9:30am and 11:30am, offering two-hour interpretive walks covering local ecology and cultural history. While the trail operates throughout the year, individual track sections may close temporarily due to severe weather or maintenance requirements.

Facilities and Accommodation

On-trail facilities remain limited. Water sources and amenities are sparse along the 27-kilometre route, requiring walkers to carry adequate supplies. Accommodation options include Samurai Beach Campground and the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary near One Mile Beach. Nearby villages provide dining and resupply points, though these require detours from the main trail.

How the Trail Unfolds: Day by Day

Structuring the 27-kilometre walk requires understanding the daily breakdown and key transition points between terrain types.

1. Day One: Shoal Bay to One Mile Beach (18 km)

   Beginning at Tomaree Head, walkers climb to the summit before descending through coastal heath to Zenith Beach and Fingal Bay. The route continues south across rock platforms and through angophora forest to reach One Mile Beach, where camping and accommodation options exist.

2. Day Two: One Mile Beach to Birubi Point (9 km) The Tomaree Coastal Walk is a 27km multi-day trail, and you can find more information about the marathon distance in km here. marathon distance in km

   The shorter final day traverses Samurai Beach and Boat Harbour before crossing the Worimi Conservation Lands. The trail concludes at Birubi Point Aboriginal Place, marked by significant cultural artwork and views across the sand dunes.

3. Single-Day Option

   Experienced trail runners and fast hikers have recorded completion times around 4 hours 5 minutes, though this requires minimal stopping and high fitness levels.

What We Know vs. What Depends on Conditions

Understanding the difference between permanent trail features and variable conditions helps walkers prepare appropriately.

The Landscape and Its Significance

Tomaree National Park encompasses 23.18 square kilometres of ancient volcanic terrain on the NSW north coast. The landscape represents a transition zone between coastal heath and subtropical forest, supporting diverse bird populations and marine mammals. The trail traverses Worimi Country, with Birubi Point holding particular cultural significance as an Aboriginal Place.

The adjacent Worimi Conservation Lands contain the largest mobile sand dunes in the southern hemisphere, creating a dramatic backdrop for the final kilometres of the walk. This proximity to significant natural features places the Tomaree Coastal Walk within a broader ecological and cultural context similar to other Palm Beach Locations Guide coastal narratives that highlight NSW shoreline environments.

Source Verification and Authority

Trail specifications derive from NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service documentation, supported by independent GPS tracking and tourism authority verification. Official measurements indicate 27 kilometres total length, though individual recording devices may vary slightly based on tracking methods.

The Tomaree Coastal Walk represents a significant addition to NSW’s multi-day hiking infrastructure, offering structured access to previously disconnected coastal tracks while maintaining the ecological integrity of the national park.

Detailed mapping provided by Stay Port Stephens includes precise distances between parking areas and topographic information essential for trip planning. These resources complement the official NSW National Parks guidance.

Planning Your Visit

Successful completion of the Tomaree Coastal Walk requires preparation for Grade 4 terrain across two days, with water carrying capacity and weather monitoring essential. Walkers should verify current track conditions through official channels before departure, particularly following severe weather events that may affect coastal sections. For those interested in other regional travel developments, recent transport infrastructure discussions include the Qantas Flight Darwin Cairns route operations.

Common Questions Answered