Fort Tomaree walk
Tomaree National Park
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Fort Tomaree walk.
Track grading
Features of this track
Distance
2.5km return
Time
1hr 30min - 2hrs
Quality of markings
Clearly sign posted
Experience required
No experience required
Steps
No steps
Gradient
Short steep hills: The track slopes uphill all the way along the walk. Some sections are steep and these sections have a handrail.
Quality of path
Formed track: The track is 1m wide and mostly paved along its length. At the point where you turn onto Gun Emplacement Road, the track becomes bitumen and may be worn in sections.
Accessible options
The first 700m of track (from the carpark at the end of Shoal Bay Road to the gun emplacement) is step-free and may be suitable for people with reduced mobility. After this point, the track has steep and narrow sections.
Getting there and parking
Get driving directions
Fort Tomaree walk is at Tomaree Head within Tomaree National Park. To get there:
From Nelson Bay:
- Follow Shoal Bay Road to the lower Zenith Beach carpark
Parking
There's a bitumen carpark at lower Zenith Beach or upper Zenith beach at the start of the walk.
On busy days you may need to find a parking spot on Shoal Bay Road.
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
There's a toilet at the boat ramp, a 4 minute walk from the track entry back towards Shoal Bay.
Seats and resting points
There are benches without backrests or armrests at various points along the walk.
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - hard
- The first 700m of track (from the carpark at the end of Shoal Bay Road to the gun emplacement) is step-free and may be suitable for people with reduced mobility.
- After this point, the track has steep and narrow parts. The steep sections have a handrail.
- The track is mostly paved and 1m wide. At the point where it meets Gun Emplacement Road, the track becomes bitumen and may be worn in parts.
- There are seats without armrests or backrests at points along the track.
Prohibited
Fishing
The area along the shoreline between the northern end of Zenith Beach and the southern end of Wreck Beach is a marine sanctuary zone. Collecting or fishing is not permitted within this zone.
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.
Operated by
- Anna Bay office
- Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm.
- 02 4984 8200
- npws.huntercoast@environment.nsw.gov.au
- 4154 Nelson Bay Road, Anna Bay, NSW 2315
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.