Mount Tomaree Walk In Port Stephens – Visitor’s Guide

The Mount Tomaree walk is by far one of the best things to do in Port Stephens! A short 30-minute hike to the Mount Tomaree summit, you’ll be rewarded with incredible panoramic views of Port Stephens, Nelson Bay, and Tomaree National Park.

In this guide, I have included everything you need to know about Tomaree Mountain, the best time to visit, and what to expect when you’re there.

Also, at the bottom of this guide, I have included some useful information on where to stay in Port Stephens and other points of interest on Australia’s east coast.

 

 

WHERE IS MOUNT TOMAREE?

Mount Tomaree is located in the town of Port Stephens, just a 1-hour drive north of Newcastle and around 3-hour’s drive south of Port Macquarie.

Click here to see the location on Google Maps.

 

HOW TO GET HERE

It’s best to have your own vehicle to visit Port Stephens and Tomaree Mountain as public transportation options are limited.

Search All → Car Rentals in Newcastle

Search All → Car Rentals in Port Macquarie

 

BEST TOURS IN PORT STEPHENS

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BEST TIME TO VISIT

Mount Tomaree can be visited year-round and the best time to embark on the Mount Tomaree walk is, in my opinion, at sunrise or sunset.

I personally hiked to the summit early one morning and experienced the most incredible sunrise as it lit up the bay and cast a shadow of Tomaree Mountain on the nearby Zenith Beach.

If you’re not an early bird, no worries, you can still visit at any time during the day and enjoy all that this epic location has to offer.

Sunrise at Tomaree Mountain

 

MOUNT TOMAREE WALK

The trailhead to Tomaree Mountain can be found in the parking lot at the end of Shoal Bay Road and from here, the way up to Mount Tomaree summit is clearly signposted. The trail consists of concrete pathways, steel steps, and treetop walkways. 

Mt Tomaree walk is a 2-km return trail that takes around 30 minutes each way. It’s not the longest walk in the world but it can be challenging as it’s quite a steep pathway from the get-go. Don’t let this deter you though as the view from the Tomaree Mountain Lookout is well worth the effort. 

Be sure to pack plenty of drinking water, a head torch if you plan to hike at sunrise or sunset, and, of course, a camera to capture the awe-inspiring landscapes that you’ll see from the summit!

Tomaree National Park

The trailhead

Treetop walkway

Enjoying the view at Tomaree Mountain

One of the lookouts

 

MOUNT TOMAREE SUMMIT

At the summit, there are a number of different lookouts, each offering spectacular views of the stunning coastal region that surrounds Port Stephens.

To the north, you can see all the way across the bay to Hawks Nest, to the west you can enjoy views of Shoal Bay and to the south, you can marvel at the untouched beaches known as Zenith Beach, Wreck Beach, and Box Beach. Shark Island can also be spotted off in the distance.

Between May and October, whales can be spotted from the top as they cruise along the east coast of Australia during their annual migration. Hot tip: bring a pair of binoculars to better your chances of spotting these humble giants. 

You could easily spend an hour enjoying the experience at the top of Tomaree Mountain before making your way back down to the parking lot.

Sunrise at the Mount Tomaree lookout

View of Shoal Bay from Tomaree Mountain

Marveling at Zenith Beach

Mount Tomaree National Park

 

 

AIRBNB PORT STEPHENS

Another option for accommodation in Port Stephens is to stay at an Airbnb, which generally has some great deals!

 

WANT TO SAVE $$$ ON AIRBNB? GET MY AIRBNB MONEY SAVING GUIDE

 

FINAL THOUGHTS