Local sights
Tomaree Headland
Located at the end of Shoal Bay Road, near the Zenith Beach car park, you will find the gateway to Tomaree Head.
Take an invigorating walk to the summit of Tomaree Head, 161m above the Port Stephens entrance and enjoy unparalleled views of idyllic Port Stephens and its coastline. At the summit, see as far as Cabbage Tree and Boondelbah islands, nature reserves that are the world’s only nesting sites for the endangered Gould's Petrel. At the summit, the north platform provides panoramic views of Yacaaba Head and Cabbage Tree, Boondelbah and Broughton Islands, while from the south platform you can view Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches, Fingal Island and Point Stephens Lighthouse.
Alternatively there is an easier walk on a paved track around the lower slopes of Tomaree Head that brings you face-to-face with local military heritage – World War II gun emplacements, built in 1941 to defend the east coast of Australia. Learn about Fort Tomaree from interpretive signs.
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Finish your visit by relaxing on the lovely sands of beautiful Zenith Beach, near where the walk begins. Or make your way to nearby picnic areas under the shade of angophora trees.
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Shoal Bay Beach
Sail Port Stephens
Shoal Bay Beaches
With its extensive bay and picturesque inlets, Port Stephens is famous for its unspoilt beaches and for being home to over 150 bottlenose dolphins, making it the dolphin-watching capital of Australia.
Shoal Bay boasts several beaches with clean white sand and warm, crystal clear water…
Shoal Bay Beach – the perfect place for a swim with a spectacular view of the headland. It boasts a public jetty, boat ramp and kayak hire.
Zenith Beach – this 400 m long beach faces east and is backed by a 10-20 m high foredune, with two walkways to the beach. The beach is partly sheltered by Point Stephens with waves averaging 1.3 m.
Wreck Beach Beach – a 200 m long sandy beach located at the end of a 500 m walking track from the backing streets.
Box Beach – a 350 m long sandy beach accessible from a car park and a 200 m walkway.
Fingal Bay Beach – one of the patrolled beaches Fingal Bay provides the perfect spot for a day at the beach, fishing, surfing, picnic or a barbeque.