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, a landscape of volcanic headlands, pristine beaches and coastal heathland unfolds against a spectacular oceanic backdrop. Here’s everything you need to know before you lace up your hiking boots 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 can be found in Tomaree National Park in Port Stephens on 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 away.

The coastal national park spans 2318 hectares and is abundant 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 undertake shorter sections of the trail:

Tomaree Head Summit walk: A Grade 5, 2.2-kilometre return walk rewarding 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 guiding hikers to the picturesque Fingal Bay.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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 idyllic 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 sweeping views across Port Stephens and Stockton Beach, while the Slot Canyon lookout reveals stunning cliffside views.

There are plenty of flora and fauna spotting opportunities on the trail, with bottlenose dolphins, pelicans, comorants, blue-tongued lizards, coastal wildflowers and banksia being found in the area.

If you’re exploring the trail between April and November, the elevated headlands provide excellent vantage points to spot breaching humpback whales as they make their yearly migration up to the Great Barrier Reef.

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 Country. You can find Worimi artist Gerard Black’s artwork titled Matjarr nguka biinba here.

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 staying at nearby accommodations such as Ingenia Holidays One Mile Beach is recommended.

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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.

Discover the magic of a Sydney staycation in summer at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.

Sydney City is magical in summer. Warm summer evenings beg to be spent sipping cool cocktails at one of many al fresco and rooftop bars. Ferries and buses are ready to transport travellers to the best nearby beaches for salty days on the sand. National parks and rainforests are waiting to be explored. And the city’s events calendar is packed, from live music to cultural attractions. All elements that call for a Sydney staycation.

Discover where to eat, stay and play for the perfect local getaway.

Where to stay

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

Amid the bustle of the perfect Sydney staycation, one needs a place to escape to and recharge. Enter, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney. The hotel is an icon in its own right – nestled inside the 151-year-old building that was originally Sydney’s General Post Office, its heritage-listed sandstone walls and Victorian renaissance grandeur have been carefully preserved – providing a rare chance to sleep within Sydney’s history.

Despite its fascinating history, the hotel isn’t short on modern, luxurious comforts. Rooms and suites are available in both the modern high-rise with gorgeous views over the clock tower and lively city below, or inside the historical post office building itself.

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney Heritage Long Suite bathroom — Heritage rooms maintain their old-world style.

Either way, guests can enjoy sophisticated touches, including a deluxe bed and pillow menu, Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers, a digital concierge, a Vittoria coffee machine and amenities from the Balmain bathroom collection.

The team at this five-star hotel provides excellence and a quality experience for all their guests, while amenities like a gym help with a well-rounded stay. For a peaceful moment with sweeping city views, enter The Fullerton Club Lounge on level 28. This private haven for dining and relaxation is available to any guests staying on the hotel’s club floors and suites.

Add to this a central location in the CBD’s Martin Place, with easy access to Sydney’s top attractions, and convenience meets style.

Where to drink & dine

1. The Bar

the Fullerton Hotel afternoon tea at the bar — Indulge in the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea.

Inside The Fullerton Hotel Sydney’s lobby, The Bar does more than sling a few delicious cocktails (although it certainly does that well). Its brown leather chairs and glass ceiling create the perfect, almost al fresco, setting for the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea.

Served daily from 12 to 4 pm, the afternoon tea is a nod to the cherished social occasion it once was during the Victorian Renaissance era. People like to dress up for this afternoon tea, and if you’re lucky, a pianist often sits down at the on-site grand piano, just adding to the elegance.

The afternoon tea is served high tea style, offering reimagined British flavours of the Victorian Renaissance era with a unique blend of Australia’s culinary heritage. A sweet layer offers delights like a Malted Milk Envelope (a milk mousse layered between two biscuits), Bakewell Pudding (a super tasty egg-based pudding), and Apple Charlotte.

On the savoury layer, expect finger sandwiches with fillings like cucumber, egg and smoked salmon. While classic pinwheels and stuffed eggs almost make the menu. And, of course, all finished off with traditional scones served with cream and mixed berry jam.

Can’t fit in a whole afternoon tea? Be sure to at least order a slice of the 32-layered chocolate cake, a decadent mix of dark chocolate crémeux, fresh whipped cream, and Valrhona Azélia chocolate sauce. ⁣

2. The Place

the Fullerton Hotel the place dining — Dine in the stunning GPO atrium.

On level one of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney lives The Place – the hotel’s restaurant, in an atrium overlooking the former GPO. Here, dine on Modern Australian cuisine – think fresh, local seafood and a Riverina steak sandwich – along with a touch of Singaporean signature dishes, like Thai-style green curry or chicken satay. All in the shadow of the GPO clock tower, enjoying the GPO atrium’s natural light.

3. Local gelato

Couple enjoying ice-creams at First Fleet Park, The Rocks — Enjoy ice cream in the sunshine. (Image: Destination NSW)

What is summer without ice cream and/or gelato? Luckily, there are plenty of options just a short walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, whether you’re craving a midday pick-me-up or an after-sun treat.

What to do/see

1. GPO Heritage Tour

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney lobby — Be awed by the building’s history.

Want to know more about the building you’re staying in? The Fullerton Hotel Sydney offers a complimentary 90-minute GPO Heritage Tour. Follow a knowledgeable tour guide to discover the stories, tales and legends of the former Sydney General Post Office building.

From the iconic clock tower (completed in 1891) to the black-and-white tiled staircase at 1 Martin Place, which was once the main entrance to the GPO and today serves as a prominent feature of the building to the 24 stone faces (mascarons) on the Martin Place side of the building. Part of the 1880s-era facade (designed by architect James Barnet), each represents different states, countries and continents.

2. Circular Quay

aerial of circular quay sydney — Catch a ferry from Circular Quay. (Image: Destination NSW)

An easy walk or light rail ride away from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, lies the bustling Circular Quay. Here, you can sit for a drink and nibbles at the Opera Bar, or head into the iconic house itself for a show. It’s also a major ferry port, becoming your gateway to Sydney’s beaches, Luna Park and even Sydney Zoo.

3. Royal Botanic Gardens

view of circular quay from Sydney's Royal Botanic Garden — Wander through Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. (Image: Destination NSW)

Just beyond Circular Quay, discover Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. Wander through this 30-hectare, heritage-listed, botanical garden – exploring its differing sections, from Australian native botanicals to garden beds of vibrant flowers to towering groves of international trees.

It’s also the perfect place for a picnic, so pick up supplies before you come and enjoy a spot on the grassy meadow looking out into the harbour.

4. Theatre Royal

Just a one-minute walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, take in a show at Theatre Royal. Built in 1976, the theatre has been offering a broad range of entertainment since the 1990s. Expect a show roster that ranges from the classics (like Cats) to the modern) like Pretty Woman: The Musical).

Start planning a summer stay in Sydney worth remembering at fullertonhotels.com/fullerton-hotel-sydney.

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

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

Where is the Tomaree Coastal Walk?

How long is the Tomaree Coastal Walk?

What are the highlights along the Tomaree Coastal Walk?

Is there accommodation along the way?

Details

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Discover the magic of a Sydney staycation in summer at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.