Tomaree National Park
Tomaree National Park is a national park in Port Stephens, near Newcastle, New South Wales.
Understand
[edit]History
[edit]This area became a national park in 1984 with two prominent locations in the park are Point Stephens Light, a lighthouse built in 1862 and the Tomaree Head Fortifications, World War II gun emplacements on Tomaree Head which were built in 1941.
Landscape
[edit]The landscape is a little hilly with lots of sand dunes, but mostly coastal.
Flora and fauna
[edit]Climate
[edit]The park is mostly cool in winter and warm in summer, but it is never hot or cold.
Visitor information
[edit]Get in
[edit]
The only way to get into Tomaree National Park is by car, and only via limited access which may be closed during floods. The western end can be accessed via the Gan Gan Road via either the two towns of Boat Harbour or Fishermans Bay and from the east via the town of Fingal Bay.
Fees and permits
[edit]No fees or permits required, but do note the park may be closed with no notice.
Get around
[edit]Walking is your only way to get around, but you could take your car around the park albeit it taking about 20 minutes.
See
[edit]- 1 World War II gun emplacements (take Fort Tomaree walk). These are of particular interest for those military history enthusiasts which played a role in protecting Australia during WWII. If you're going here during whale watching season (May-November), bring some binoculars, as you may as well have a chance of spotting them.
- 2 Fingal Island (Shark Island). Nice quiet island, as seen in the banner, connected to the mainland via an isthmus.
- 3 Port Stephens Lighthouse, Lighthouse Trail, Fingal Bay. 7AM-7PM. This lighthouse was built in 1862, it has a flared appearance which gives it a different unique look compared to other lighthouses in NSW.
- 4 Fingal Beach, Ocean Beach Trail, Shoal Bay. There's no saying no to sliding down the beach here.
- 5 Box Beach, Box Beach Road, Shoal Bay. This beach is more or less interesting than the other beaches in the area, unless you're an avid surfer.
Do
[edit]- 1 Tomaree rock climbing courses, 16 Noamunga St, Boat Harbour, ☏ +61 422 372 273, shane@escapetrekkingadventures.com.au. $130 per person for 3 hrs. These cliffs are generally beginner friendly, even if you're a first timer.
- 2 Tomaree Head Summit walk. 2.2km return, although it is very hard and steep. Takes about 1.5-2 hours to do, but the views are rewarding.
- 3 Fort Tomaree walk. The walk that takes you through most WWII relics.
- 4 Wreck Beach walk. 2 km (1.2 mi) return walk, which takes about 30 minutes at best to an hour at max to do.
- Fingal Island historical lighthouse tour. A small tour of the Point Stephens Lighthouse.
- 5 Samurai Beach. A surfing and clothing optional beach.
Buy
[edit]There are no shops in the park and the nearest shops that one can find are located in the residential areas of Port Stephens.
Eat and drink
[edit]There aren't any cafes or restaurants in Tomaree National Park but there is one picnic area. The closest cafes and restaurants are either in Nelsons Bay or Anna Bay. The only one place to eat is in the park, but the only way to get in here is outside the park, unless by walking.
- 1 Fishermans Bay foreshore, 11 Ocean St, Fishermans Bay. Contains a boat ramp nearby along with some beaches with sand dunes a couple of metres high. During May to November, you may be lucky enough to spot a whale as they migrate north.
Sleep
[edit]There is only one place to sleep in this park. The nearest accommodation outside is either in Nelson Bay or Anna Bay.
- 1 Samurai Beach campground, Samurai Beach Track, One Mile. Tent camping, 20 campsites available. It is conveniently by the beach, however travellers should note that the nearby Samurai Beach is clothing optional. If you are uncomfortable camping near a clothing optional beach, your only options are to stay in one of the motels in Port Stephens. Another thing to note is that access to the campground can only be done via a 4WD. $6 booking fees apply.
Stay safe
[edit]There are not too many concerns in Tomaree National Park but do watch out for wildlife after dark.
Go next
[edit]- Head out to the rest of Port Stephens
- Explore Stockton Beach, a beauty in its own right
- It takes a really long time to get here, but if you can cross the river, head to Myall Lakes National Park