Get a taste of the Tomaree Coastal Walk in Port Stephens and take the kids on a walk from Anna Bay to Little Kingsley Beach.
The National Parks Tomaree Coastal Walk which runs from Tomaree Headland to Anna Bay is a multi-day 27 km experience, but that’s not always suitable for a family powered by little legs and with limited time.
Instead of tackling the whole walk, take a snippet and create a half-day adventure with plenty of wow factor and water views, enough to keep everyone in the family entertained.
The southern section certainly allows quite a few options to do so with a few short walks to choose from. One walk we recommend is the walk from Anna Bay to Little Kingsley Beach, a 4km walk.
Commence your walk at Robinson Reserve (Robinson Street, Anna Bay) where you will find parking, toilets, a delightful new playground and a popular skate park.
From here, head northward on the shared path taking time to check out the nearby Worimi Aboriginal Place and whale viewing platform – May to August is the best time for whale watching.
Continue along under windswept banksias, passing the historic Birubi Point cemetery and then along expansive rock platforms and by little rock pools.
The Iris Moore Reserve and lookout lies ahead and so does the steep but reasonably short sandstone stairs that lead you up to the scrubby headland.
Views from here look down into the numerous rocky chasms, pillars and dykes where the churning waves rush in and out.
Keep the kiddies to the track here and follow along until you emerge at the little hidden village of Fishermans Bay.
Following the road around to the left, you can then drop down and explore the secluded small beach. Turquoise waters and white sands will delight your senses here. Public toilets are available in the adjacent reserve.
Return to the road above the beach (High Street) and continue until a signposted track heads into the bushland.
This shady track meanders around apple-barked gum trees, banksias and wildflowers and crosses little footbridges and ferny gullies.
Arriving on the next coastal scrub headland, you descend to your destination via more sandstone stairs.
Little Kingsley Beach is a perfect spot to relax, picnic, swim, snorkel and splash around in, but like most beaches and swimming holes on this walk it is not patrolled so as always consider the current conditions.
On our visit we had the beach to ourselves with the exception of a couple of walkers passing by.
From here you return back to the start of your walk along the same route you came.
Alternatively, if you have 2 cars, you could continue via Kingsley Beach to a pre-dropped car for your return and make it a one way walk of less overall distance and time. Another option is to start from Kingsley Beach and complete a shorter return walk taking in both Kingsley and Little Kingsley.
Arriving back at Birubi Point, you have the opportunity to continue south a short distance along the shared path to Birubi Beach where you will find patrolled swimming, a popular cafe, camel rides and 4WD sand dune adventures.
Good to know
Distance: This part of the walk is up to 4km and takes 2+ hours. Easy to Moderate
Getting There: Park at Robinson Reserve at Robinson Street in Anna Bay
Bring: Pack good walking shoes, hats, sunscreen, water, sunglasses, snacks, swimmers and towels. Don’t forget your camera to capture some great photographic opportunities. Mobile reception was available whenever we infrequently checked.
Amenities: Toilets are located at Robinson Reserve in Anna Bay and also at adjacent reserve at Fishermans Bay.
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