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Tomaree National Park

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Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Tomaree National Park.

Getting there and parking

Get driving directions

Get directions

    Tomaree National Park is easily accessible from Nelson Bay and Anna Bay. It surrounds the towns of Boat Harbour, Shoal Bay and Fingal Bay.

    • Take the Pacific Highway from Newcastle or Buladelah, turn east into Richardson Road and continue along Nelson Bay Road.
    • For Anna Bay and Boat Harbour, turn right into Gan Gan Road
    • For Shoal Bay and Fingal Bay, continue along Stockton Street before turning right into Victoria Parade. Continue along Shoal Bay Road which becomes Government Road and then Marine Drive.

    Park entry points

    Parking

    Road quality

    • Sealed roads

    By bike

    Check out the Bicycle information for NSW website for more information.

    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

    Toilets

    Picnic tables

    Boat ramp

    Maps and downloads

    Safety messages

    However you discover NSW national parks and reserves, we want you to have a safe and enjoyable experience. Our park and reserve systems contrast greatly so you need to be aware of the risks and take responsibility for your own safety and the safety of those in your care.

    Extreme care should be taken when swimming or fishing in Tomaree National Park as strong rips, undercurrents and dangerous surf conditions sometimes occur along the coast. The park's beaches are unpatrolled, however, there are seasonally patrolled swimming areas at Fingal Bay in front of the Surf Club, and at the southern end of One Mile Beach.  Birubi Headland at Anna Bay is also seasonally patrolled.

    Please note the Fingal sand spit across to Fingal Island and Port Stephens Lighthouse is currently impassable. Seawater covering the sand spit, combined with deep channels and ocean swell, have made the crossing extremely unpredictable and hazardous. For your own safety, please do not attempt to walk across the spit in any direction. Access to Fingal Island is by boat only, until further notice.

    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).

    Accessibility

    Please note that parts of Tomaree National Park are not open to vehicle access. Please contact the Nelson Bay park office before heading out to confirm 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.

    Tomaree National Park

    Contact

    Links

    Nearby towns

    Nelson Bay (4 km)

    Nelson Bay is a major holiday playground and the main resort area of Port Stephens. It's located on the southern shores of Port Stephens.

    Newcastle (55 km)

    Newcastle is a harbour city surrounded by amazing surf beaches that are linked by a great coastal walk, the Bathers Way. The walk from Nobbys Beach to Merewether Beach takes about three hours and is a great way to explore the city.

    www.visitnsw.com

    Bulahdelah (96 km)

    Buladelah is the gateway to Myall Lakes National Park. It's situated on the Myall River, with a backdrop of soaring, forested hills.

    www.visitnsw.com