Shoal Bay to Fingal Bay walking track
Tomaree National Park
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Shoal Bay to Fingal Bay walking track.
Track grading
Features of this track
Distance
5km one-way
Time
1hr 30min - 2hrs 30min
Quality of markings
Clearly sign posted
Experience required
No experience required
Gradient
Gentle hills
Steps
Occasional steps
Quality of path
Formed track, some obstacles
Getting there and parking
Shoal Bay to Fingal Bay walking track is in Tomaree National Park.
To get to the Shoal Bay start point:
- Take the Pacific Highway from Newcastle or Buladelah, turn east into Richardson Road and continue along Nelson Bay Road
- From Nelson Bay, follow Shoal Bay Road to the lower Zenith Beach carpark.
Free all-day parking is available at the base of the track, and along Shoal Bay Road. Arrive early because this area is busy on weekends and in summer.
To get to the Fingal Bay start point:
- take the Pacific Highway from Newcastle or Buladelah, turn east into Richardson Road and continue along Nelson Bay Road
- from Nelson Bay, follow Shoal Bay Road
- turn right on Government Road which turns left slightly and becomes Sylvia Road
- continue on Marine Drive until you reach the car park at the back of Fingal Beach surf life saving club.
Road quality
- Sealed roads
Vehicle access
- 2WD vehicles
Weather restrictions
- All weather
Parking
At Shoal Bay, free all-day parking is available along Shoal Bay Road and at the lower Zenith Beach carpark or upper Zenith beach carpark. Arrive early because this area is busy on weekends and in summer.
Parking is available at Fingal Bay along Marine Drive or at the back of Fingal Beach surf life saving club. Arrive early because this area is busy on weekends and in summer.
By public transport
You could also catch a taxi or a bus from your location to the base of Tomaree Head Summit.
Port Stephens Coaches run buses to Shoal Bay and Anna Bay. Route 130 stops at many locations along this walk including Shoal Bay, Nelson Bay, Fingal Bay, One Mile Beach, Boat Harbour, Birubi Point and Anna Bay.
Visit the Transport for NSW website for trip planning.
Facilities
Toilets
Public toilets are available along this walk at: Shoal Bay Road, or behind Fingal Bay surf life saving club
- Flush toilets
Picnic tables
Picnic tables are located at Fingal Bay
Barbecue facilities
Barbecue facilities are located at Fingal Bay
Cafe/kiosk
Cafés are located at Fingal Bay surf life saving club
Carpark
Parking is available.
At Shoal Bay, free all-day parking is available along Shoal Bay Road and at the lower Zenith Beach carpark or upper Zenith beach carpark. Arrive early because this area is busy on weekends and in summer.
Parking is available at Fingal Bay along Marine Drive or at the back of Fingal Beach surf life saving club. Arrive early because this area is busy on weekends and in summer.
Drinking water
Drinking water is available at Fingal Bay surf life saving club
Showers
Beach shower facilities are available Fingal Bay surf life saving club
- Cold showers
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - no wheelchair 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.
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.