A guide to Tomaree Peninsula

A short drive from our home city of Newcastle and just two and a half hours north of Sydney is Tomaree Peninsula, part of the Port Stephens region and loaded with spectacular beaches, coastal campsites and plenty of places to unwind with a bite to eat and a drink in hand.

The Natural World:

Tomaree Mountain : At the head of the peninsula you’ll be hard-pressed not to spot Tomaree Mountain jutting proudly above the sun-soaked beaches and towns of Port Stephens. A steep but relatively short hike will take you to the summit, where you’ll be treated to breathtaking views across the ocean, down the coast to Newcastle and into the Hunter. Spring is the best time to find local wildflowers flourishing into life as you ascend the mountain.

Fingal Island : From the top of Tomaree Mountain you’ll be able to spot Fingal Island just off the coast. The island is connected to the mainland at low tide via a dangerous spit, so if you want to explore the unique ruins atop the island's crest, you’ll need to hop on one of the many boat tours venturing that way. Fingal Island features one of Australia’s oldest lighthouses, with guided tours teaching you about the fascinating history of the area while you gaze back at the stunning coastline of Fingal Bay.

Wreck Beach: A short walk from Shoal Bay will get you to the secluded sandy cove of Wreck Beach, surrounded by rolling dunes and lush hillsides where you can spend the day feeling a million miles away from the world. A great spot to whale watch in winter and spring, and a fantastic place to dive into the waves in summer, you’ll be reinvigorated by this slice of coastal heaven.

Eating and Drinking:

Aussie Bob’s Fish & Chips: Need we say much more other than that name? Sometimes when you’re exploring Australia’s never-ending coastline you just want a hit of proper local fare, no fancy menus, no fawning waiters. Aussie Bob’s is a true local staple, with fresh produce made in a flash for you to take to the beach and watch the sunset with. The calamari is a must-have.

Sip It Nelson Bay : On the other hand, there are nights when you want to indulge the more discerning side of yourself and enjoy an expansive range of cocktails with a sea view. Sip It in Nelson Bay offers a wide variety of liquid concoctions and a tapas menu to delight your palate alongside world-beating views.

Scoop & Roll : A coastal getaway is never complete without an ice-cream to finish the day off. Scoop & Roll is a beaut little ice-cream trike nestled at the bottom of Tomaree Mountain, giving you that extra push to get up to the summit and push the legs down the descent to grab a well-deserved scoop. If you’re a fan, they even cater for weddings and private parties in the region.

Places to stay:

Halifax Holiday Park: Bordered by two white sand beaches and with commanding views of Nelson Bay, Halifax Holiday Park is the premier spot to stay on the Tomaree Peninsula. With modern amenities and facilities, and with the whole of the region on your doorstep, you won’t find a better spot to park your van.

Abstobys Retreat : This popular campsite is located a little ways down the peninsula, conveniently situated between Worimi Regional Park and Tilligerry Creek. You’ll have no shortage of places to explore within walking distance, and the provided amenities mean you can kick back amongst nature in comfort.

Fingal Bay Holiday Park : This excellent campground has something for every type of holiday; from luxurious first-class cabins to beachfront sites for vans and everything in between. Just a few steps to the shore, you can relax in comfort and style at Fingal Bay.