This NSW coastal walk traverses ancient volcanic terrain, rugged headlands and hidden beaches

Lace up your hiking boots for the incredible Tomaree Coastal Walk.

Warm weather calls for long days by the water, and the Tomaree Coastal Walk gives hikers the chance to soak up the best of what Australia’s East Coast has to offer.

Across 27 kilometres, this idyllic walk reveals a landscape of volcanic headlands, pristine beaches and coastal heathland, against a spectacular oceanic backdrop. Here’s everything you need to know before you get moving this summer.

Where is the Tomaree Coastal Walk?

three people standing on the Tomaree Coastal Walk summit — Spectacular views at the summit of the Tomaree Coastal Walk. (Image: DParsons DPE)

The Tomaree Coastal Walk is situated within Tomaree National Park in Port Stephens, New South Wales. This is Worimi Country, the traditional land of the Worimi Aboriginal people. It’s approximately 220 kilometres from Sydney’s CBD and an approximate two-hour and 45-minute drive.

The coastal national park spans 2318 hectares and is teeming with coastal vegetation and wildlife, including some of Australia’s most iconic species like the koala.

How long is the Tomaree Coastal Walk?

the Slot Canyon lookout, Tomaree Coastal Walk — Slot Canyon lookout boasts unbeatable cliffside views. (Image: DParsons DPE)

The entire self-guided Grade 4 walk from Tomaree Head Summit to Birubi Point stretches 27 kilometres. It takes approximately two to three days to complete, but hikers can join or leave the walk at multiple points. Those not wanting to commit to the full stint should consider one of the shorter routes:

Tomaree Head Summit walk: A Grade 5, 2.2-kilometre return walk that rewards hikers with spectacular views across Port Stephens and the surrounding coastline.
Boat Harbour to Fishermans Bay: An easy to moderate six-kilometre (one-way) walk with coastal forest, secluded beaches and coastal headlands.
One Mile to Birubi Point: A nine-kilometre (one-way) easy to moderate walk with sandy beaches and coastal headlands.
Shoal Bay to Fingal Bay walking track: A Grade 3, five-kilometre one-way walk that takes hikers to the picturesque Fingal Bay – a perfect spot for a swim and a relaxing lunch.

What are the highlights along the Tomaree Coastal Walk?

exploring the Birubi Point Aboriginal Place, Tomaree Coastal Walk — Learn about the Worimi People at the Birubi Point Aboriginal Place. (Image: DParsons DPE)

Hikers are spoilt with 10 beautiful beaches along the Tomaree Coastal Walk, including Fingal Bay, One Mile Beach, Boat Harbour, Fishermans Bay and Birubi Point.

The Tomaree Head Summit is a standout location, as it offers panoramic views of Port Stephens and Stockton Beach, while the Slot Canyon lookout boasts unbeatable cliffside views.

There are plenty of flora and fauna spotting opportunities on the trail. Keep your eyes peeled for Bottlenose dolphins, pelicans, comorants, blue-tongued lizards, coastal wildflowers and banksia.

If you’re exploring the trail between April and November, the elevated headlands provide excellent vantage points to spot Humpback Whales as they make their migration up the East Coast of Australia.

The Birubi Point Aboriginal Place – located near Anna Bay – is a significant site in which to learn about the Worimi People and their connection to the land. Here, you can see Worimi artist, Gerard Black’s artwork titled Matjarr nguka biinba.

The Stockton Sand Dunes make for a spectacular finish to the walk.

Is there accommodation along the way?

Official camping along the track is limited. The Samurai Beach campground is only accessible if you have a 4WD, so it’s recommended to stay at nearby accommodations such as Ingenia Holidays One Mile Beach .

Details

walking along a coastal forest at Boat Harbour, Tomaree Coastal Walk — Walk through a secluded coastal forest from Boat Harbour to Fishermans Bay. (Image: DParsons DPE)

Distance: 27 kilometres

Parking: Parking can be found at Shoal Bay, Fingal Bay, One Mile Beach, Boat Harbour, Fishermans Bay, Birubi Point and Anna Bay.

What to pack: Sturdy walking shoes, sun protection, sufficient water and snacks, swimmers and a towel. Drinking water can be found at Shoal Bay, Fingal Bay, Barry Park, One Mile Beach, Boat Harbour, Fishermans Bay and Birubi Point.

Grade: 4

Entry fee: None

Accessibility: This walk is not wheelchair friendly

For updates on the Tomaree Coastal Walk, visit the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service website

Discover the best things to do in Port Stephens.

The ultimate road trip begins and ends on NSW’s stunning Grand Pacific Drive.

Whales, charming villages, fine wine and stunning natural vistas: there’s a lot to love about a road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive in New South Wales. Winding from the Royal National Park through Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven before heading inland to the Southern Highlands, this scenic drive makes for an unforgettable road trip.

But like all great road trips, it’s not just about the drive but the stops made along the way. From incredible farm-to-plate (and grape-to-glass) dining options to unbeatable natural vistas and quaint towns with beautiful accommodation, there’s plenty to explore en route.

Where to eat

What is a road trip without incredible food? Whether you’re after fresh seafood, slow-cooked paddock-to-plate feasts or delicious wines, you’ll find something around every bend along Grand Pacific Drive.

Restaurant Santino is a local Wollongong secret we can’t keep quiet any longer. With a fresh take on Italian cuisine, servings are hearty and flavours are comforting. The chitarra with blue swimmer crab, garlic, chilli, parsley and crustacean oil is a crowd favourite.

Keep it local in Shellharbour with a menu all about fresh local produce at Relish on Addison . From South Coast oysters and blue swimmer crab linguine to crispy pork belly, surf and turf takes on an elevated meaning here.

Kiama’s neighbourhood wine and cocktail bar, Little Betty’s , is just as good for a tasty share plate as it is for creative cocktails. The signature Grilled Octopus with burnt honey, garlic confit and sautéed Asian greens is worth a trip on its own.

Only the best will do in Shoalhaven, where multi-award-winning Bangalay Dining uses native Australian ingredients to bring its dishes to life. Start with the Smoked trout croquette before moving on to the sautéed potato gnocchi. Don’t forget the white chocolate mousse for dessert.

Meanwhile, the Southern Highlands are full of culinary highlights. From dining on incredibly fresh, local fare (we’re talking ingredients plucked from the team’s on-site kitchen garden or sourced through local producers) at Eschalot Restaurant in Berrima to creating gin blends at Millsheds Distillery .

bangalay dining shoalhaven — Taste native flavours at Bangalay Dining.

Exploring nature

Scenery is everything when hitting the road, and Grand Pacific Drive serves it up in spades. Drivers don’t even have to leave the car to enjoy the iconic ocean views from Seacliff Bridge (but several lookouts make it easy to stop).

Seaside Kiama boasts stunning beaches and famous blowholes. But travellers can also swap ocean for rainforest when taking the Minnamurra Rainforest walk, culminating in a picturesque waterfall. Or soar overhead at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures .

The scenic coastal drive along Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton. — Cruise along the stunning Grand Pacific Drive.

Between May and November, 30,000 whales make their way passed the South Coast between May and November. Spot them from the coastal shores or join a whale-watching cruise from Shellharbour Marina or Jervis Bay. Dive in with Woebegone Freedive .

Shellharbour’s Killalea Regional Park is home to a traditional bush tucker and medicine walk with Aboriginal tour group, Gumaraa . Learn Indigenous healing practices and gain a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage and wisdom of the land’s Traditional Owners.

Wollongong is the perfect place for hikers, with the 6.5-kilometre Wodi Wodi track serving up views, settler history and a variety of landscapes in one loop. If you prefer, skip the walk and pull up at Bald Hill Lookout for expansive views south towards Wollongong (and a hang-glider or two).

For something truly unique, join the Highland Cow experience at The Swallow’s Nest in the Southern Highlands. In a brand-new offering, get a taste of farm life and help groom and feed these gorgeous creatures.

kiama coast walk people with dog — Wander the Kiama Coast Walk.

Unique experiences

No need to choose between an adrenaline rush or a culture fix, Grand Pacific Drive serves up both.

Soar into aviation history at Shellharbour’s HARS Aviation Museum . Tour the museum, then join a guided walk onto the wing of the record-breaking Qantas Boeing 747 and see the significant historic aircraft up close.

If ever there was a place to skydive, it’s in Wollongong. Dive from 15,000 feet (tandem, of course) with Sky Dive Wollongong and see the coastal beauty of this region from above.

Shoalhaven’s Bundanon Art Museum has to be one of the most unique offerings in the country. The legacy of artist Arthur Boyd and more than just a gallery, find eco-accommodation, fine dining, award-winning architecture and community here.

Kiama’s Crooked River Estate is about more than just delicious wine. Grab a picnic blanket and enjoy casual food and drinks with live music at Kick Back Fridays , every week.

Between June and August, the Southern Highlands’ Robertson attracts novice truffle hunters. Join the hunt at family-owned and operated Robertson Truffles (alternatively, you can order truffle treats online, if your sense of adventure isn’t up for it).

Freshly dug truffles at Terra Preta Truffles, Braidwood. — Discover hidden gems beneath the soil in the Southern Highlands. (Image: Destination NSW)

Where to stay

Road trips are the ultimate promotion for slow travel, encouraging visitors to take their time, enjoy the journey and stop along the way to really immerse themselves in local towns.

Find history and elegance at Berida Hotel in the Southern Highlands. Intimately set amongst gardens, but still close to the main street of Bowral, this 1920s private residence turned boutique hotel is the perfect stay.

Stay in one of Barranca’s private villas with views of rolling farmland overlooking the dramatic escarpment at Kangaroo Valley or be surrounded by native bushland (a short walk from the beach) in Jervis Bay.

Speaking of beachside escapes, Headlands Hotel Austinmer Beach delivers unrivalled access to Wollongong’s beaches. These serviced apartments enjoy coastal views from spacious balconies.

For something completely different again, check in at Cicada Luxury Camping . Stay in safari-style or large bell tents, each with a private fire pit and top-notch kitchen facilities. Outside, enjoy spectacular countryside views.

Discover more and plan your ultimate road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive and beyond at grandpacificdrive.com.au/grand.