The Mount Tomaree walk is by far one of the best things to do in Port Stephens!
With a short 30-minute Mount Tomaree summit walk, you’ll be rewarded with incredible panoramic views of Port Stephens, Nelson Bay, and Tomaree National Park.
In this guide, I have included everything you need to know about Tomaree Mountain, the best time to visit, countless Tomaree Mountain photos, and what to expect when you’re there.
MOUNT TOMAREE – OVERVIEW
Let’s start this guide with all the essentials you should know about MT Tomaree, from its location, getting there, and more.
MOUNT TOMAREE STATS
- Distance: 2.2km return
- Time to the summit: 1.5 – 2 hours
- Best time to hike: See MT Tomaree unrise or sunset
WHERE IS MOUNT TOMAREE?
Mount Tomaree is located in the town of Port Stephens, just 1-hour drive north of Newcastle and around 3 hours drive south of Port Macquarie.
Click here to see the location on Google Maps.
HOW TO GET TO MOUNT TOMAREE?
It’s best to have your own vehicle to visit Port Stephens and Tomaree Mountain as public transportation options are limited.
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WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT MOUNT TOMAREE?
Mount Tomaree can be visited year-round, and the best time to embark on the Mount Tomaree walk is, in my opinion, at sunrise or sunset.
I personally hiked to the summit early one morning and experienced the most incredible sunrise as it lit up the bay and cast a shadow of Tomaree Mountain on the nearby Zenith Beach.
If you’re not an early bird, no worries, you can still visit at any time during the day and enjoy all that this epic location has to offer.
MOUNT TOMAREE WALK
The trailhead to Tomaree Head summit walk can be found in the parking lot at the end of Shoal Bay Road, and from here, the way up to Mount Tomaree summit is clearly signposted.
The trail consists of concrete pathways, steel steps, and treetop walkways.
Mt Tomaree walk is a 2-km return trail that takes around 30 minutes each way. It’s not the longest walk in the world but it can be challenging as it’s quite a steep pathway from the get-go.
Don’t let this deter you, though as the view from the Tomaree Mountain Lookout is well worth the effort.
Be sure to pack plenty of drinking water, a head torch if you plan to hike at sunrise or sunset, and a camera to capture the awe-inspiring landscapes you’ll see from the summit!
The BEST Hotel near Mount Tomaree
Need a place to stay? Anchorage Port Stephens is conveniently located in Nelson Bay.
Whether you’re here to explore the sights or relax in comfort, Anchorage Port Stephens offers the best of both worlds.
MOUNT TOMAREE SUMMIT
At the summit, there are a number of different lookouts, each offering spectacular views of the stunning coastal region that surrounds Port Stephens.
To the north, you can see all the way across the bay to Hawks Nest, to the west you can enjoy views of Shoal Bay and to the south, you can marvel at the untouched beaches known as Zenith Beach, Wreck Beach, and Box Beach. Shark Island can also be spotted off in the distance.
Between May and October, whales can be spotted from the top as they cruise along the east coast of Australia during their annual migration.
Travel tip: bring a pair of binoculars to better your chances of spotting these humble giants.
You could easily spend an hour enjoying the experience at the top of Tomaree Mountain before making your way back down to the parking lot.
WHERE TO STAY IN PORT STEPHENS
There are countless accommodation options to choose from in Port Stephens so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay to fit the needs of budget backpackers, luxury travelers, and everyone in between.
See below for a list of accommodations that I personally recommend:
LUXURY: ANCHORAGE PORT STEPHENS
MID RANGE: LANDMARK RESORT
BUDGET: PORT STEPHENS MOTEL
FOR ALL OTHER PLACES TO STAY, SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM
WHAT TO PACK FOR PORT STEPHENS
When visiting Port Stephens, here is a list of items I highly recommend bringing with you:
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FINAL THOUGHTS – TOMAREE MOUNTAIN
I hope you enjoyed reading this article and if you have any questions, please leave a comment below this post and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.
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THANKS FOR READING
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