The short walk to Wreck Beach offers a private alternative to the beaches of Port Stephens, with opportunities for picnicking and whale watching.
If you're looking for a peaceful spot to soak up the serene marine splendour of Port Stephens, take this short walk to Wreck Beach - tucked away behind the houses at Shoal Bay and visible from the majestic lookout at Tomaree Head summit.
From Verona Road, follow the track uphill and onto the fire trail which eventually takes you onto Wreck Beach walk. Walking through this lush coastal angophora forest leads onto a small cove, with beautiful sand and open views of the ocean, which is perfect for seasonal whale watching. You might even spot a bottlenose dolphin frolicking with their calf in summer.
Enjoy a walk barefoot along the beach as the water laps at your feet. When you're finished, settle down in a relaxing picnic spot and enjoy the solitude of one Port Stephens' best kept secrets. If you feel like getting in the water then your best option is to drive five minutes over to Box Beach; a better swimming spot with great facilities.
Total distance: 1081 m
Max elevation: 45 m
Min elevation: 18 m
Total climbing: 44 m
Total descent: -44 m
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Grade 4 (Hard) -
Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the
AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
To Tomaree Head carpark. Wreck Beach is near Shoal Bay in Tomaree National Park. To get there:Follow Shoal Bay Road around from Nelson BayTurn right onto Tomaree RoadTurn left onto Verona Road and follow it to the end, where the walk begins. Park entry points Tomaree Head carpark See on map Parking Limited on-street parking is available on Verona Road, Shoal Bay. Please avoid parking in front of the access gate on Verona Road because NSW National Park staff and emergency services teams use this access gate in the case of emergencies.
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Tomaree National Park, jointly managed with Hunter Water Corporation, provides a magnificent backdrop to the coastal towns and villages of Nelson Bay, Shoal Bay, Boat Harbour and Anna Bay. It's the only place in NSW where you can see outcrops of the acid volcanic rock rhyodacite.
It's an excellent spot for whale watching and offers a range of scenic walks, including the short Wreck Beach walk through coastal angophora forest and the longer Morna Point walk that comes alive with spring wildflowers. Keep your eyes out for koalas dozing high in the trees.
The park's beaches are pretty places for a family barbecue and there are picnic facilities around Anna Bay and Fishermans Bay - enjoy a swim or snorkel or head to One Mile Beach for some surfing. There are some good places for fishing, though you'll need to check the marine park zoning before setting out.
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
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Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
