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World War II gun emplacements

Tomaree National Park

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Overview

Discover the military history of Port Stephens on a guided tour of the historic gun emplacements at Tomaree Head in Tomaree National Park on the north coast of NSW.

Type
Historic buildings/places
Where
Tomaree National Park in North Coast
What to
bring
Hat, sunscreen, drinking water
Please note
  • You'll need to take Fort Tomaree walk to get here.
  • Take care along the steep sections on this walk as well as paved areas that can become slippery when wet.
  • Remember to take your binoculars if you want to whale watch – the best time of year is between May and October.

If you’re interested in Australian military history, make sure you take the short walk along Fort Tomaree walk to Tomaree Head. The headland, part of Fort Tomaree, played an important role in Australia’s east coast defence system during World War II. Fort Tomaree included search light stations, a radar tower, torpedo tubes and barracks, where around 500 army, navy and air force personnel served.   

Most of the Fort’s buildings and guns have been removed; however the historic gun emplacements remain, a visual reminder of Australia’s military history. It’s easy to see why this location was chosen – the headland features panoramic views of Port Stephens and the coast. If you’d like to find out more, check out the interpretive panels near the emplacements, or take a guided Discovery tour.

On the way back to the car, take Tomaree Head Summit walk to the summit of Tomaree Head for a picturesque view of Port Stephens.

Take a virtual tour of the World War II gun emplacements captured with Google Street View Trekker.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Also see

  • Young couple on Fort Tomaree walk in Tomaree National Park. Photo: John Spencer © OEH

    Fort Tomaree walk

    Fort Tomaree walk is an easy walk that runs just below Tomaree Head Summit walk and takes you to the World War II gun emplacements, used in the defence of east coast Australia during World War II.

  • Coastal view from Tomaree Head summit walk. Photo: John Spencer © OEH

    Tomaree Head Summit walk

    Tomaree Head Summit walk offers a short but challenging hike and picturesque ocean views across Port Stephens and beyond. It's a must-see destination if you're in the area.

 

Gould's petrel immersive story

See the amazing journey of the Gould’s petrel come to life with our augmented reality immersive story. Enjoy this mobile experience at Tomaree National Park, or without leaving home.

A Gould's petrel chick, Cabbage Tree Island. Photo: John Spencer © DCCEEW

 

Download our app

The free NSW National Parks app lets you download maps and explore parks, things to do and places to stay—all without mobile reception.

Hand holding a phone with NSW National Parks app on screen. Photo: Branden Bodman/DPIE

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