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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 Show more

    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.

    Autumn

    Autumn is always the best time for hiking and the ocean temperatures are usually still warm enough for swimming.

    Spring

    A fabulous time to experience Tomaree's wildflowers display.

    Summer

    Cool off with a dip at one of the beaches with a lifeguard on patrol: Fingal Bay Beach, One Mile Beach, or Birubi Beach. Or if you're an experienced snorkeller, try Zenith Beach; a gorgeous and protected marine sanctuary.

    Winter

    Fishermans Bay, Iris Moore lookout and picnic area, Boat Harbour, and Birubi Point are the best places to spot humpback whales as they migrate between May and November. Or you can jump on a boat and take a guided tour from one of the licensed tour operators in the area.

    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

    Barbecue facilities

    Boat ramp

    Cafe/kiosk

    Drinking water

    Showers

    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. 

    Beach safety

    Beaches in this park are not patrolled, and can sometimes have strong rips and currents. These beach safety tips will help you and your family stay safe in the water.

    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.

    Bushwalking safety

    If you're keen to head out on a longer walk or a backpack camp, always be prepared. Read these bushwalking safety tips before you set off on a walking adventure in national parks.

    Camping safety

    Whether you're pitching your tent on the coast or up on the mountains, there are many things to consider when camping in NSW national parks. Find out how to stay safe when camping.

    Fire safety

    During periods of fire weather, the Commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service may declare a total fire ban for particular NSW fire areas, or statewide. Learn more about total fire bans and fire safety.

    Fishing safety

    Fishing from a boat, the beach or by the river is a popular activity for many national park visitors. If you’re planning a day out fishing, check out these fishing safety tips.

    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).

    Water activities

    Beaches, rivers and lakes in NSW national parks offer lots of opportunities for water activities. Please take care in the water and find out how to help your family and friends stay safe around water.

    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