With thousands of visitors set to descend upon Port Stephens, work’s finished on the final track on the new 27-kilometre Tomaree Coastal Walk.
While the $6.7 million project opened in September, the last piece of the puzzle – reducing temptation to cross the dangerous sandbar – was yet to be completed.
But, now, it is.
The latest addition connects walkers straight to Fingal Bay Beach just beyond the Spit, and close to a patrolled beach swimming area.
The bypass takes them through forested areas with towering blackbutts, eucalypts and melaleucas and includes pedestrian bridges plus a viewing platform with 180-degree views across the bay and towards Barry Park.
“Locals and visitors alike absolutely love our new Tomaree Coastal Walk,” Port Stephens MP Kate Washington said.
“The track twists and turns through different terrain with stunning vistas along the way.
“Those planning a trek should definitely allow two or three days to properly soak it all in.
“I’m grateful to National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) for the thoughtful, collaborative approach it took to developing and delivering the track, especially this latest enhancement which avoids walkers being lured towards the dangers of Fingal Spit.”
The entire walk can be done as a self-guided two-day hike.
The first stage could cover 18 kilometres from Tomaree Head Summit to the town of One Mile where overnight accommodation is available.
Then day two would be a shorter 9km journey from One Mile to Birubi Point.
“The overall walk is easily broken up into smaller sections, so visitors can go at their own pace to experience the stunning natural coastal vistas,” NPWS Hunter Central Coast Director Kylie Yeend said.
“You can choose your own adventure and explore the walk over a number of days.
“The track retraces ancient routes used by the Worimi People and finishes up at Birubi Point Aboriginal Place where NPWS has installed cultural artwork so you can learn the stories of this land.
“It’s a great way to get off screens, get outdoors and enjoy nature.
“Simply check out the detail online to find which sections of the track suits your needs.”
The 27-kilometre walking track connects Birubi Point in the south with Tomaree Head in the north and was formally opened by NSW Premier Chris Minns in September.
It is one of 13 projects featured in the NSW Great Walks initiative.
For further information about the walk, go to https://nswparks.info/tcw
For more community stories:
- Dusk patrols to heighten safety in Port Stephens following recent drownings
- Services step up to help Lake Mac holiday hot spots
- Calvary Mater welcomes additional nurses ahead of 2024
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