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The coastal hiking game in NSW is, if you ask us, pretty unparalleled – especially now when whale-watching season is at its peak. And if you've exhausted Sydney's gorgeous coastal trails, we've got a new one worth adding to your hit list. If the Blue Mountains’ Grand Cliff Top Walk is all misty escarpments and eucalyptus-scented mountain haze, the Tomaree Coastal Walk is its sun-drenched, salt-sprayed sibling. Newly minted as one of the NSW Great Walks, this Port Stephens stunner serves up a magical lineup of beaches and headlands, with far-reaching ocean views and magical little coves dotted along the trail. It’s long enough to feel like a proper adventure, but broken into achievable sections – so you can earn your post-hike dip multiple times over.
Where is the Tomaree Coastal Walk?
You’ll find the walk in Tomaree National Park, in the Port Stephens region – on the traditional lands of the Worimi people. The walk stretches between Birubi Beach at Anna Bay and Tomaree Head at Shoal Bay, tracing a spectacular slice of coastline just over two hours’ drive north of Sydney.
How long is the Tomaree Coastal Walk?
The full walk clocks in at around 27 kilometres one-way. Most people tackle it over two days, though it can be split into shorter sections if you’re more into a choose-your-own-adventure situation.
What can you see on the Tomaree Coastal Walk?
It’s essentially a highlight reel of the Port Stephens coastline. You’ll wander past wild surf beaches like Birubi Beach, clifftop lookouts, quiet coves and bushland buzzing with wildlife. In winter, keep your eyes peeled for migrating whales offshore; year-round, there’s a solid chance of spotting dolphins cruising the bays. The grand finale is the panoramic view from Tomaree Head Summit – a short but steep climb that delivers knockout views over the entire coastline.
Where can you stay near the Tomaree Coastal Walk?
You’ve got options ranging from beachy holiday parks to slick coastal stays. Nelson Bay and Shoal Bay are the most convenient bases, with plenty of apartments, hotels and classic Aussie motels (Bannisters Port Stephens and Marina Resort are our top picks if you've got cash to splash). If you’re breaking the walk into two days, Fingal Bay also makes a handy overnight stop – close to the track and close to the water (always the goal).
How do you get to the Tomaree Coastal Walk?
From Sydney, it’s roughly a 2.5–3 hour drive to Anna Bay or Shoal Bay. Public transport is doable but slower: catch a train to Newcastle, then connect via bus to Port Stephens. If you’re walking end-to-end, it’s worth planning a car shuffle or using local transport to get back to your starting point – future you will be grateful.
You can find out more about the NSW Great Walks over here.
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