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Box Beach

Tomaree National Park

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Overview

Box Beach is a surf spot located between Fingal Bay and Shoal Bay in Tomaree National Park. 

Framed by scenic conical headlands, sandy Box Beach is a popular surf spot for Nelson Bay locals. If you're hiking Tomaree Coastal Walk or Shoal Bay to Fingal Bay walking track you'll pass this beach along the way.

Conservation

Part of the Port Stephens – Great Lakes Marine Park, Box Beach is a coastal habitat protection zone. It's a great place to see birdlife and dolphins.

While fishing is permitted here, spearfishing is not permitted at any ocean beach more than 20m from a headland.

Beach and water safety

Box Beach has no lifeguard service and dangerous rip currents. The ocean may look idyllic, but conditions can change rapidly. Don’t risk your life.

The safest place to swim is always between the red and yellow flags at a patrolled beach. The closest patrolled beach is at Fingal Bay.

Getting there

  • From Shoal Bay, take Tomaree Road then continue on to a small car park at the end of Box Beach Road.
  • The car park closes at 10pm each night.
  • You'll need to arrive early in summer as this can be a busy place.

Nearby

  • Wreck Beach walk, Tomaree National Park. Photo: John Spencer/OEH

    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.

  • Two men wearing day packs stand near the base of a rocky headland, alongside the clean white sands and turquoise waters of Wreck Beach. Photo: © Erin McGauley

    Wreck Beach

    Wreck Beach is in Tomaree National Park at the end of Wreck Beach walk. It’s a peaceful little cove with beautiful sand, perfect for whale watching or just a barefoot stroll along the seashore.

These maps give a basic overview of park attractions and facilities, and may not be detailed enough for some activities. We recommend that you buy a topographic map before you go exploring.

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