Birubi Point to One Mile Beach walking track
Tomaree National Park
Overview
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.
- Where
- Tomaree National Park in North Coast
- Distance
- 7.5km one-way
- Time suggested
- 4hrs - 4hrs 30min
- Grade
- Grade 3
- What to
bring - Drinking water, sunscreen, hat, sturdy shoes, suitable clothing, raincoat, snacks
If you're after salty air, sand dunes, Aboriginal culture, and great swimming this day walk in Tomaree National Park is for you. Choose to start your walk from Birubi Point surf lifesaving club near Anna Bay, or from One Mile Beach surf lifesaving club.
If you choose to complete this 7.5 km hike one-way it will take 4 to 4.5 hours. Be sure to organise a car shuffle, or, catch a taxi or local bus back to your start point.
Those up for a challenge might prefer to take more time and enjoy the 15 km return-walk over a full day.
The track is moderately easy, traversing gentle hills, coastal heathland, and across rock platforms. Listen out for whip birds, wattle birds and rosellas up in the trees in the shadier sections. It conveniently passes the coastal villages of Fishermans Bay and Boat Harbour where you can fill up on water and use the bathrooms.
Get the camera ready when you reach 2 truly spectacular vantage points, Iris Moore lookout and picnic area, and Slot canyon lookout. These are great spots to look for migrating whales, dolphins, sea eagles, or even a fur seal.
You might be tempted to cool off as you wind your way around secluded bays like Kingsley Beach, and the smaller Little Kingsley Beach. But the best is yet to come as you can finish up with a well-earned swim safely at either One Mile Beach surf lifesaving club or Birubi Point surf lifesaving club, both of which have lifeguards on patrol.
Be sure to linger and learn when you reach Birubi Point Aboriginal Place. Located on the edge of the magnificent sand dunes that make up Worimi Conservation Lands, you can listen to an audio recording of Worimi artist, Gerard Black, talking about the meaning of his cultural artwork here. Birubi means ‘Southern Cross’ and one of the special characteristics of Birubi Point is the expansive view it offers of the sea and sky, including the Southern Cross.
This track is part of the longer Tomaree Costal Walk, a 27km connected walk that you can complete over 2 or 3 days. It crosses back and forth between land managed by Port Stephens Council, and sections of Tomaree National Park.
If you complete the walk at Birubi Point and want more adventure, why not try sandboarding, camel rides, or a 4WD tour in Worimi Conservation Lands?
Also see
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/birubi-point-one-mile-beach-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 Birubi Point to One Mile Beach walking track.
Track grading
Features of this track
Distance
7.5km one-way
Time
4hrs - 4hrs 30min
Quality of markings
Clearly sign posted
Experience required
Some bushwalking experience recommended
Gradient
Short steep hills
Steps
Many steps
Quality of path
Formed track, some obstacles
Getting there and parking
Birubi Point to One Mile Beach walking track is in Tomaree National Park. To get there:
- Take the Pacific Highway from Newcastle or Buladelah, turn east into Richardson Road and continue along Nelson Bay Road
- Turn right into Gan Gan Road to reach Anna Bay, Boat Harbour, and One Mile Beach
Road quality
- Sealed roads
Vehicle access
- 2WD vehicles
Weather restrictions
- All weather
Parking
If starting the walk from Birubi Point at Anna Bay, parking is available at:
- Birubi Point, near the surf lifesaving club
- Robinson Reserve car park
- Pacific Avenue car park
If starting the walk from One Mile Beach parking is available at One Mile Beach, behind the surf lifesaving club.
By bike
Check out the Bicycle information for NSW website for more information.
By public transport
Port Stephens Coaches run buses to Anna Bay. Visit the Transport NSW website for trip planning.
Facilities
Toilets
Public toilets are available along this walk at: Birubi Point surf life saving club at Anna Bay, Robinson Reserve, Fishermans Bay, Boat Harbour and at One Mile Beach.
- Flush toilets
Picnic tables
Picnic tables are located at: Robinson Reserve near Birubi Point, Iris Moore lookout and picnic area, Fishermans Bay, Boat Harbour, and One Mile Beach.
Cafe/kiosk
Cafés are located at: Birubi Point surf life saving club, Anna Bay and One Mile Beach (seasonal hours).
Carpark
Parking is available at Robinson Reserve at Anna Bay, Birubi Point surf life saving club, and behind One Mile Beach surf life saving club.
Drinking water
Drinking water is available at amenities blocks at One Mile Beach and at Birubi Point.
Showers
Beach shower facilities are available at Birubi Point surf life saving club, and at One Mile Beach behind the surf life saving club.
- Cold showers
Maps and downloads
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
Birubi Point to One Mile Beach 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.
- Surf lessons in Tomaree National Park Feel the thrill of riding waves at some of Australia’s most beautiful beaches on a surfing tour with Mojosurf in Tomaree National Park.
- 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.
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
-
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.
-
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.