Walk, hike or ride your way through some of the most spectacular landscapes in Port Stephens. From breathtaking coastal tracks and national park trails to wetlands, bushland and easy waterfront paths, there are Port Stephens walks and cycling trails for every pace.
Take on the iconic Tomaree Head Summit walk for panoramic views across Port Stephens and the offshore islands, or discover more of the coastline on the spectacular Tomaree Coastal Walk, stretching through Tomaree National Park from Tomaree Head to Birubi Point. Choose the full adventure or tackle shorter sections through headlands, forests, secluded beaches and spectacular coastal lookouts.
Around Nelson Bay, follow the scenic Bridle Path and foreshore trails from Little Beach towards Bagnalls Beach, taking in beaches, marina views and the beautiful waters of Port Stephens along the way. Continue exploring the shared coastal pathways around Corlette and Salamander Bay, perfect for walking, running and cycling.
Landscapes, wildlife and coastal scenery
Whether it’s a sunrise summit, a section of the Tomaree Coastal Walk, a family bike ride, birdwatching in the wetlands or a leisurely Nelson Bay coastal walk, exploring Port Stephens, NSW on foot or by bike brings you closer to the landscapes, wildlife and coastal scenery that make the region so special.
Walks & Hikes
Head into the hinterland to discover the wetlands and walking trails around Seaham, a haven for native wildlife and birdwatching, or explore the Tilligerry Peninsula’s boardwalks and bushland, where you may even spot a koala amongst the trees.
TOMAREE HEAD SUMMIT
Distance: 2.2km (return) I Time: 1 hour 30 minutes – 2 hours I Difficulty: Medium - Hard
Take the invigorating walk to the summit of Tomaree Head, 161m above the Port Stephens entrance. Enjoy unparalleled views from the top.
FORT TOMAREE – SHOAL BAY
Distance: 2.5km (return) I Time: 1 hour – 1 hour 30 minutes I Difficulty: Medium
Walk on a paved track around the lower slopes of Tomaree Head brings you face-to-face with local military heritage - World War II Gun emplacements, built in 1941.
WRECK BEACH – SHOAL BAY
Distance: 2km (return) I Time: 30 minutes – 1 hour I Difficulty: Medium
This easy walk to Wreck Beach, through a lush coastal Angophora forest, leads onto a small cove with beautiful sand and open views of the ocean.
NATIVE FLORA GARDENS – NELSON BAY
Distance: 1km I Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour I Difficulty: Easy
These gardens feature local and Australian native plants, diverse bird life, steps and pathways (some water views). There are a number of Aboriginal canoe trees in and around the gardens. Formerly the site of HMAS Assault from 1942 to 1945.
ONE MILE BEACH – ONE MILE
Distance: 3km (return) I Time: 1 hour – 1 hour 30 minutes I Difficulty: Easy
Backed by sand dunes and bushland, favourable for swimming, surfing and sunbathing the beach is an easy stroll along the sand and be sure to keep an eye out for sea life such as whales and dolphins.
BIG ROCKY – FINGAL BAY
Distance: 2.8km (return) I Time: 1 hour minutes each way I Difficulty: Medium
A sandy track leading to a rocky headland - ideal at low tide.
You can discover more walks in Port Stephens or purchase the Bushwalking booklet at the Nelson Bay Visitor Information Centre.
Prefer two wheels?
Cycling in Port Stephens is an easy way to explore, with shared pathways connecting beaches, town centres and waterfront areas, plus bush and mountain biking trails for those looking for more adventure.
Port Stephens is great for cycling, from serious mountain bikers right through to families who enjoy a safe and scenic bike ride. A Port Stephens bike ride offers amazing views and very little traffic.
BARTLETT CYCLEWAY - NELSON BAY - CORLETTE
Distance: 5km (one way) I Time: 30-45 minutes at leisurely speed I Difficulty: Easy
From Bagnalls Beach, to Little Beach / Inner Light Cafe via Dutchies, Nelson Bay Marina, Fly Point and Little Beach.
FINGAL CYCLEWAY
Distance: 3km (one way) I Time: 20-30 minutes at leisurely speed I Difficulty: Easy
From Fingal End of Tomaree Road to Barry Park via Fingal Surf Club, Fingal Beach and Barry Park Whale Watching Platform.
ZENITH TO FINGAL CYCLEWAY
Distance: 2.5km (one way) I Time: 20-30 minutes at leisurely speed I Difficulty: Medium (some areas require caution)
From Zenith Beach to Fingal Cycleway via Wreck Beach and Box Beach.
RAYMOND TERRACE TO MEDOWIE CYCLEWAY
Distance: 11km (one way) I 1 hour 30 minutes at leisurely speed I Difficulty: Easy (minimal road crossing points with the route being entirely off road).
This route connects the two communities of Raymond Terrace and Medowie. Starting at the Lakeside Leisure Centre carpark, the route passes Finnan Park Picnic Area, (bbq and toilet facilities) then skirts the Grahamstown Dam shoreline. Next stop is the Grahamstown Aquatic Centre (picnic area) and then through the rural area of Medowie into the main shopping centre.
