Shoal Bay to Fingal Bay walking track
Tomaree National Park
Overview
This 5 km one-way walk from Shoal Bay to Fingal Bay in Tomaree National Park is ideal if you’re after an easy walk near beaches and cafes..
- Where
- Tomaree National Park in North Coast
- Accessibility
- No wheelchair access
- Distance
- 5km one-way
- Time suggested
- 1hr 30min - 2hrs 30min
- Grade
- Grade 3
- What to
bring - Drinking water, hat, sunscreen, sturdy shoes, suitable clothing, snacks
- Please note
- The best spot to stop for a swim or snorkel is Fingal Bay Beach as it has lifeguards on patrol.
- Many sections of the track are natural surface like rock platforms.
- Follow the wayfinding totems picturing the sea eagle to navigate your along the walk.
This short day walk from Shoal Bay to Fingal Bay is part of the longer Tomaree Coastal Walk experience, however this section is suitable for inexperienced walkers and families with kids.
You can start the 5 km walk from either Shoal Bay or Fingal Bay, then catch a bus or a taxi back to your starting point. If travelling in a group with 2 cars, you could arrange a car shuffle.
From Shoal Bay, park at Zenith Beach car park and follow the Tomaree Coastal Walk signage featuring the iconic totem of a white-bellied sea eagle. Begin your journey trekking south across the sandy shores of Zenith Beach while enjoying views of Tomaree Head Summit. Part of largest marine park in New South Wales, Zenith Beach is a great place to see birdlife and dolphins.
As you traverse around the back of Quarry Hill you might spot the resident echidnas on the hunt for ants. Listen out for wattlebirds and rare black glossy cockatoos in the bushland and forests here. Although it's an open coastal walk you'll also enjoy the cool shade of smooth barked apple or angophora trees along the way.
If you happen to be walking in the cooler months, keep an eye out for migrating humpback whales between May and November.
As you approach Fingal Bay surf life saving club you’ll spot a café options for breakfast and lunch. Fingal Bay Beach is patrolled by lifeguards for most of the year a swim or a snorkel is the perfect way to end your hike.
Also see
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Zenith Beach
Zenith Beach in Tomaree National Park is framed by rugged and rocky headlands at the base of Tomaree Head. It's a special place for conservation as it's part of the Port Stephens - Great Lakes Marine Park.
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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.
Map
Map legend
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/walking-tracks/shoal-bay-fingal-bay-walking-track/local-alerts
General enquiries
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Park info
- in Tomaree National Park in the North Coast region
Tomaree National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Shoal Bay to Fingal Bay walking track.
Track grading
Features of this track
Distance
5km one-way
Time
1hr 30min - 2hrs 30min
Quality of markings
Clearly sign posted
Experience required
No experience required
Gradient
Gentle hills
Steps
Occasional steps
Quality of path
Formed track, some obstacles
Getting there and parking
Shoal Bay to Fingal Bay walking track is in Tomaree National Park.
To get to the Shoal Bay start point:
- Take the Pacific Highway from Newcastle or Buladelah, turn east into Richardson Road and continue along Nelson Bay Road
- From Nelson Bay, follow Shoal Bay Road to the lower Zenith Beach carpark.
Free all-day parking is available at the base of the track, and along Shoal Bay Road. Arrive early because this area is busy on weekends and in summer.
To get to the Fingal Bay start point:
- take the Pacific Highway from Newcastle or Buladelah, turn east into Richardson Road and continue along Nelson Bay Road
- from Nelson Bay, follow Shoal Bay Road
- turn right on Government Road which turns left slightly and becomes Sylvia Road
- continue on Marine Drive until you reach the car park at the back of Fingal Beach surf life saving club.
Road quality
- Sealed roads
Vehicle access
- 2WD vehicles
Weather restrictions
- All weather
Parking
At Shoal Bay, free all-day parking is available along Shoal Bay Road and at the lower Zenith Beach carpark or upper Zenith beach carpark. Arrive early because this area is busy on weekends and in summer.
Parking is available at Fingal Bay along Marine Drive or at the back of Fingal Beach surf life saving club. Arrive early because this area is busy on weekends and in summer.
By public transport
You could also catch a taxi or a bus from your location to the base of Tomaree Head Summit.
Port Stephens Coaches run buses to Shoal Bay and Anna Bay. Route 130 stops at many locations along this walk including Shoal Bay, Nelson Bay, Fingal Bay, One Mile Beach, Boat Harbour, Birubi Point and Anna Bay.
Visit the Transport for NSW website for trip planning.
Facilities
Toilets
Public toilets are available along this walk at: Shoal Bay Road, or behind Fingal Bay surf life saving club
- Flush toilets
Picnic tables
Picnic tables are located at Fingal Bay
Barbecue facilities
Barbecue facilities are located at Fingal Bay
Cafe/kiosk
Cafés are located at Fingal Bay surf life saving club
Carpark
Parking is available.
At Shoal Bay, free all-day parking is available along Shoal Bay Road and at the lower Zenith Beach carpark or upper Zenith beach carpark. Arrive early because this area is busy on weekends and in summer.
Parking is available at Fingal Bay along Marine Drive or at the back of Fingal Beach surf life saving club. Arrive early because this area is busy on weekends and in summer.
Drinking water
Drinking water is available at Fingal Bay surf life saving club
Showers
Beach shower facilities are available Fingal Bay surf life saving club
- Cold showers
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - no wheelchair access
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
Shoal Bay to Fingal Bay walking track is in Tomaree National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
Aboriginal heritage
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.
Birdlife and koala country
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.
Ancient landscape
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.
- 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.
- 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.
Military history
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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.