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
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.

Map


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Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

Local alerts

For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/historic-buildings-places/world-war-ii-gun-emplacements/local-alerts

General enquiries

Park info

See more visitor info

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about World War II gun emplacements.

Getting there and parking

Get driving directions

Get directions

    The World War II gun emplacements are at Tomaree Head, accessible via Fort Tomaree walk.

    From Nelson Bay:

    • Follow Shoal Bay Road to the lower Zenith Beach carpark
    • Follow Fort Tomaree walk to the gun emplacements

    Road quality

    • Sealed roads

    Vehicle access

    • 2WD vehicles

    Weather restrictions

    • All weather

    Parking

    Parking is available at the lower and upper Zenith Beach carparks, about a 10-minute walk from the WWII gun emplacements.

    Best times to visit

    There are lots of great things waiting for you in Tomaree National Park. Here are some of the highlights.

    Spring

    A fabulous time to experience Tomaree's wildflowers display.

    Summer

    Cool off with a dip at Shoal Bay or Box beach, or try snorkelling at Zenith beach; a gorgeous and protected marine sanctuary.


    Winter

    Fishermans Bay and Boat Harbour are the best places to spot humpback whales as they migrate north between May and July or you can take a guided tour.

    Weather, temperature and rainfall

    Summer temperature

    Average

    17°C and 27°C

    Highest recorded

    41.5°C

    Winter temperature

    Average

    8°C and 19°C

    Lowest recorded

    1.1°C

    Rainfall

    Wettest month

    May and June

    Driest month

    October and November

    Facilities

    Toilet facilities are available at the boat ramp back towards Shoal Bay, a four-minute walk from the base of Fort Tomaree walk.

    Picnic tables

    Maps and downloads

    Safety messages

    Mobile safety

    Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

    River and lake safety

    The aquatic environment around rivers, lakes and lagoons can be unpredictable. If you're visiting these areas, take note of these river and lake safety tips.

    Prohibited

    Pets

    Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.

    Smoking

    NSW national parks are no smoking areas.

    Learn more

    World War II gun emplacements is in Tomaree National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:

    Aboriginal heritage

    People admiring the cultural artwork by Worimi man, Gerard Black at Birubi Point Aboriginal Place. Credit: Remy Brand © Remy Brand

    Tomaree National Park is the traditional land of Worimi People and provided a range of resources, including food, medicines and shelter. The ancient landscape of the park is part of the cultural knowledge and 'Dreaming' stories of the Worimi People and remains an important Aboriginal place today. The south end of the park includes Birubi Point, a declared Aboriginal Place. A walk along the beaches of Tomaree National Park are a walk along ancient travel routes used by Worimi to travel north and south through their Country.

    • Aboriginal culture Bring your students to this unique excursion in Tomaree National Park, near Port Stephens. They’ll experience the park through the eyes of an Aboriginal person on this Stage 2 (Years 3-4) Aboriginal culture Geography excursion.
    • Birubi Point Aboriginal Place Learn more about the culture of the Worimi People at Birubi Point Aboriginal Place in Tomaree National Park, near Anna Bay. Hear Worimi artist, Gerard Black, discuss his artwork titled Matjarr nguka biinba.
    • Birubi Point to One Mile Beach walking track This 7.5 km one-way walk from Birubi Point to One Mile Beach offers ocean views and Aboriginal culture. Located in Tomaree National Park near Port Stephens, it winds through several coastal villages with convenient facilities.
    • Junior ranger: Tomaree coastal adventure tour Be guided by a NPWS Discovery ranger on this bush to beach adventure in Tomaree National Park.
    • Ocean rockpool nature tour: Tomaree Discover the amazing world of rockpools along the rocky shores of Fishermans Bay on the Tomaree National Park coastline. See what you can find below the surface, not far from Nelson Bay.
    • The Earth's environment Join The Earth's environment Geography excursion for Stage 2 (Years 3-4) students at Tomaree National Park, near Port Stephens. They'll discover how NSW National Parks safeguards over 10 per cent of land in NSW.
    • Tomaree Coastal Walk Explore a mountain summit, beaches, rock platforms, and Worimi Aboriginal culture on this multi-day adventure along Tomaree Coastal Walk.
    Show more

    Birdlife and koala country

    Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus), Tomaree National Park. Photo: John Turbil

    The park's beaches and rocks support sooty oystercatchers and the swamps support active populations of wallum froglet populations of migratory shore birds including the eastern curlew and red-necked stint. See if you can spot the passing bar-tailed godwit - this long-beaked bird holds the record for the longest non-stop flight; 11,000km without a break. Visit in winter to see colourful lorikeets and honeyeaters feeding on wildflowers in the coastal heathland and in summer you'll see migratory tropical species including cuckoos and rainforest pigeons. Look close at the surrounding shoreline and you may find green turtles and dugongs. Tomaree National Park also offers the opportunity to see one of Australia's iconic animals up close. See koalas feasting on swamp mahogany in and around the park, or in the trees around One Mile Beach carpark.

    • Fingal Island eco-walk and lighthouse tour Discover the captivating history of Point Stephens Lighthouse and Fingal Island on this tour with Aquamarine Adventures. Take in the incredible views and immerse yourself in this magical landscape in Tomaree National Park, near Nelson Bay.
    • Junior ranger: Tomaree coastal adventure tour Be guided by a NPWS Discovery ranger on this bush to beach adventure in Tomaree National Park.
    • Ocean rockpool nature tour: Tomaree Discover the amazing world of rockpools along the rocky shores of Fishermans Bay on the Tomaree National Park coastline. See what you can find below the surface, not far from Nelson Bay.
    • The Earth's environment Join The Earth's environment Geography excursion for Stage 2 (Years 3-4) students at Tomaree National Park, near Port Stephens. They'll discover how NSW National Parks safeguards over 10 per cent of land in NSW.
    • Tomaree 4WD tag-along and passenger tours Explore the fabulous sand dunes of Tomaree National Park safely with experienced guides from 4WD Tag-Along and Passenger Tours, near Nelson Bay and Port Stephens.
    • Tomaree coastal walking tour Explore Tomaree National Park near Port Stephens and discover it's spectacular coastline and incredible Australian wildlife on this 2 hour guided walk.
    • Wreck Beach walk The short walk to Wreck Beach offers a private alternative to the beaches of Port Stephens, with opportunities for picnicking and whale watching.
    Show more

    Ancient landscape

    A lookout perched on the rugged cliff edge along Tomaree Coastal walk, near Iris Moore lookout and picnic area in Tomaree National Park. Photo: John Spencer © DPE

    The northern section of Tomaree National Park has 4 peaks, the largest being Tomaree Head at 162m high. Overall, the landscape is the residual surface of a peneplain uplifted during the tertiary period (65 to 1.8 million years ago) and subsequently eroded, leaving the more resistant volcanic rocks as small hills. Port Stephens is a flooded river valley. The western sections of the park are sand deposits of fluvial and estuarine origin.

    • Embrace Tomaree women's guided coastal walk Join Women Embrace Adventure on a multi-day hiking getaway on the Tomaree Coastal Walk in beautiful Port Stephens, near Newcastle. This tour is all inclusive, so you don’t need to worry about a thing.
    • Junior ranger: Tomaree coastal adventure tour Be guided by a NPWS Discovery ranger on this bush to beach adventure in Tomaree National Park.
    • Ocean rockpool nature tour: Tomaree Discover the amazing world of rockpools along the rocky shores of Fishermans Bay on the Tomaree National Park coastline. See what you can find below the surface, not far from Nelson Bay.
    • Surf lessons in Tomaree National Park Feel the thrill of riding waves at some of Australia’s most beautiful beaches on a surfing tour with Mojosurf in Tomaree National Park.
    • Tomaree 4WD tag-along and passenger tours Explore the fabulous sand dunes of Tomaree National Park safely with experienced guides from 4WD Tag-Along and Passenger Tours, near Nelson Bay and Port Stephens.
    • Tomaree coastal walking tour Explore Tomaree National Park near Port Stephens and discover it's spectacular coastline and incredible Australian wildlife on this 2 hour guided walk.
    • 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.
    • Wreck Beach walk The short walk to Wreck Beach offers a private alternative to the beaches of Port Stephens, with opportunities for picnicking and whale watching.
    Show more

    Military history

    Tomaree Head gun enplacements, Tomaree National Park. Photo: John Spencer

    Follow in the footsteps of Australian soldiers on the trail to Tomaree Head. The historic Fort Tomaree played an important role in the defence of Port Stephens during World War II, including Tomaree Head that was solidly armed with gun emplacements. You can take a guided Discovery tour of the gun emplacements to find out more about this historic site.

    • Fingal Island eco-walk and lighthouse tour Discover the captivating history of Point Stephens Lighthouse and Fingal Island on this tour with Aquamarine Adventures. Take in the incredible views and immerse yourself in this magical landscape in Tomaree National Park, near Nelson Bay.
    • Fingal Island historical lighthouse tour Take a step back in time with this tour of Point Stephens Lighthouse and Fingal Island in Tomaree National Park. Hear fascinating stories of the island's history from a passionate local guide on this engaging outing with Moonshadow-TQC Cruises, near Nelson Bay.
    • 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.
    • Point Stephens Lighthouse and Fingal Island Take a boat or a tour to Fingal Island and explore Point Stephens Lighthouse and historic ruins. Aquamarine Adventure run regular tours to Fingal Island. It's not safe to walk across the sand spit to the island as the tide and swell can change quickly.
    • World War II gun emplacements 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.

    Plants and animals protected in this park

    Animals

    • Koala. Photo: Lucy Morrell

      Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)

      One of the most renowned Australian animals, the tree-dwelling marsupial koala can be found in gum tree forests and woodlands across eastern NSW, Victoria and Queensland, as well as in isolated regions in South Australia. With a vice-like grip, this perhaps most iconic but endangered Australian animal lives in tall eucalypts within a home range of several hectares.

    • White-bellied sea eagle. Photo: John Turbill

      White-bellied sea eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster)

      White-bellied sea eagles can be easily identified by their white tail and dark grey wings. These raptors are often spotted cruising the coastal breezes throughout Australia, and make for some scenic bird watching. Powerful Australian birds of prey, they are known to mate for life, and return each year to the same nest to breed.

    Plants

    • Old man banksia, Moreton National Park. Photo: John Yurasek

      Old man banksia (Banksia serrata)

      Hardy Australian native plants, old man banksias can be found along the coast, and in the dry sclerophyll forests and sandstone mountain ranges of NSW. With roughened bark and gnarled limbs, they produce a distinctive cylindrical yellow-green banksia flower which blossoms from summer to early autumn.

    • Smooth-barked apple. Photo: Jaime Plaza

      Smooth-barked apple (Angophora costata)

      Smooth-barked apple gums, also known as Sydney red gum or rusty gum trees, are Australian native plants found along the NSW coast, and in the Sydney basin and parts of Queensland. Growing to heights of 15-30m, the russet-coloured angophoras shed their bark in spring to reveal spectacular new salmon-coloured bark.

    • Grass trees, Sugarloaf State Conservation Area. Photo: Michael Van Ewijk

      Grass tree (Xanthorrea spp.)

      An iconic part of the Australian landscape, the grass tree is widespread across eastern NSW. These Australian native plants have a thick fire-blackened trunk and long spiked leaves. They are found in heath and open forests across eastern NSW. The grass tree grows 1-5m in height and produces striking white-flowered spikes which grow up to 1m long.

    Environments in this park

    Education resources (1)

    School excursions (3)