Walking Tracks in Port Stephens
WRECK BEACH WALK Distance : 1.0km each way (one-way route)
Wreck Beach is definitely worth a visit and can be accessed via a short 1km hiking track through coastal angophora open forest. This beach is not patrolled and may have strong currents or rips, so be careful if you go in the water.
Directions: a small track from Verona Road or Lionel Avenue takes you up the hill where you turn right at the T-intersection and then left onto the Wreck Beach fire trail.
Time suggested : 20 minutes each way Difficulty : Medium Difficulty
BIG ROCKY WALK Distance : 1.4km each way (one-way route)
This sandy track leads to the rocky headland and is shared by both walkers and 4WD vehicles. If you plan the trip to coincide with the low tide you can explore the rockpools.
Take plenty of drinking water and snacks for an enjoyable picnic. Walkers can also access the tracks to Little Rocky and Boulder Bay from the 4WD carpark.
Directions: this walk begins at the 2WD carpark 1.8km along Big Rocky Track, off Gan Gan Road. If you're in a 4WD you can drive all the way along the shared track, and then have a short walk (200m) to the headland. If you walk from the start of Big Rocky Track at Gan Gan Road, the walk will be 3.2km each way.
Time suggested : 30 minutes each way Difficulty : Medium Difficulty
FINGAL ISLAND AND POINT STEPHENS LIGHTHOUSE WALK Distance : 2.0km each way (one-way route)
Fingal Island is part of Tomaree National Park and is accessible via boat and occasionally via 'the spit' at low tide from the northern end of Fingal Beach. When the spit is exposed you can to walk out to Point Stephens and inspect the lighthouse and the ruins of the lighthouse keeper's cottage complex, built in 1862.
This walk takes you along beautiful Fingal Beach and across the spit and is suitable for people with moderate fitness. There are no facilities on the island or along the route. Please ensure you have adequate water and supplies. Facilities including an amenities block, picnic tables and barbecues are available near Fingal Beach.
Sanctuary zone: the southern part of Fingal Island is a sanctuary zone to 40m depth; no collecting or fishing is permitted within this zone.
Caution: crossing the spit should only be undertaken one hour either side of low tide when there is no water. Do not cross if the spit is awash as it is extremely dangerous. Sand conditions can be very unstable and there are strong currents.
When conditions are suitable, guided tours through the Point Stephens Lighthouse are available. Contact : Discovery at the Nelson Bay office for more information on 02 49848200
Directions: this walk starts at Fingal Beach and parking is available at the Fingal Beach Surf Lifesaving Club on Marine Drive, Fingal Bay.
Time suggested : 1 hour each way Difficulty : Medium Difficulty
FORT TOMAREE WALK Distance : 2.0km each way (one-way route)
This paved track takes you around the lower slopes of Tomaree Head to the historic World War II gun emplacements. Fort Tomaree was established during World War II as part of the defence system for the east coast of Australia and there are interpretive signs at the WWII gun emplacements.
There are some steep sections and the paved areas can become slippery when wet.
Sanctuary zone: Zenith Beach at the start of this walk is a sanctuary zone (no collecting or fishing is permitted).
Guided tours are available through the WWII gun emplacements and to the summit.
Contact : Discovery at the Nelson Bay office for more information on 02 49848200
Directions: start at the Zenith Beach carpark and follow the paved track.
Time suggested : 30 minutes each way Difficulty : Medium Difficulty
TOMAREE HEAD SUMMIT WALK Distance : 2.0km each way (one-way route)
Tomaree Head stands 161 m above the entrance to Port Stephens and from here there are breathtaking panoramic views over Port Stephens, the coast and to Broughton, Cabbage Tree and Boondelbah Islands. The summit was also the site for the longest serving radar in WWII. Cabbage Tree Island (John Gould Nature Reserve) and Boondelbah Island are the only nesting sites in the world for the endangered Gould's Petrel.
Spot the resident Port Stephens dolphins, and during the winter months (May to October) you may be lucky enough to see humpback whales on their annual migration.
The path has elevated walkways and stairs. Take care as there are some steep sections on the walk and the paved areas can become slippery when wet.
Guided tours are available to the summit and through the WWII gun emplacements.
Contact : Discovery at the Nelson Bay office for more information on 02 49848200
Sanctuary zone: Zenith Beach at the start of this walk is a sanctuary zone; no collecting or fishing is permitted within this zone.
Directions: from Nelson Bay follow the Shoal Bay Road to the start of the walk at the Zenith Beach carpark; follow the path to the summit which is paved in parts.
Time suggested : 45 minutes each way Difficulty : Medium Difficulty
MORNA POINT WALK Distance : 5.5km (loop)
Take a relaxing walk to the coast at Morna Point through this spectacular part of the park. In spring the heathlands around Tank Hill are awash with wildflowers. If you detour along the sandy tracks toward the shore you will see interesting geological formations.
Some areas adjacent to the coast are steep and care should be taken with small children. Morna Point is a popular place for recreational fishing.
Directions: from Nelson Bay head towards Newcastle on Nelson Bay Road and turn left into Gan Gan Road and then left again into Blanch Street. Take the second right at Richardson Avenue, left into Boat Harbour Road and continue on to the T-intersection. Turn right and the next left will bring you to the NPWS depot where you can park your vehicle. The walk begins on a sandy trail at the back of the depot. Follow the sandy trails to the top of Tank Hill then proceed downhill on the road and return via the forest trail to the depot.
Time suggested : 2 hours 30 minutes Difficulty: Medium Difficulty
