Tomaree National Park 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 Birubi Beach for some surfing. The rock pools at Boat Harbour are great fun for all the family. There are some good places for fishing throughout the bay, though you’ll need to check the marine park zoning before setting out.

However you choose to spend your time in Tomaree National Park, make sure you hike the Tomaree Head Summit walk. It’s not difficult and you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views over Port Stephens, the coast and Broughton, Cabbage Tree and Boondelbah islands nature reserves.