If you’re looking for a fun short walk in Port Stephens, take the kids on a walk from Boat Harbour to Slot Canyon lookout. This short 1km walk is part of the National Parks Tomaree Coastal Walk. Tomaree Coastal Walk is a multi-day 27 km experience which runs from Tomaree Headland to Anna Bay, but you can do short walks as well.
This walk is a great one for familes as it’s a short and scenic walk. It’s great for adventurous kids as they get to walk through the bush and then over a rocky headland.
The walk starts at the end of Ocean Parade in Boat Harbour. There’s free parking for cars along this road.
We recommend downloading the free NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service App. Download the information for Tomaree National Park when you’re at home, then view information and maps during your visit, even without reception or internet access.
Consult the map when you’re walking to ensure you’re going the right away especially at the start of this walk from Ocean Parade.
You’ll head north until you see the trail which leads into the bush.
Go over the bridge and follow the trail.
The path continues and you’ll soon come out to coastal views
The path then becomes a bit more rocky so ensure that your family is wearing comfortable footwear.
From here, you can look back at Boat Harbour.
Keep walking and you’ll come to a bridge across the cliffs followed by a series of steps.
This then opens up into path along a rocky headland. From here, there’s great views along the coast.
Keep walking and you’ll come across a rock pool. If you’re thinking the water looks a bit reddish, you’re not wrong. The discolouration comes from the tea tree-like plants that grow on the cliff. As the water rolls off the cliff, the water becomes discoloured.
From here, continue on the path up the hill through the rocky scrub.
It’s another 50 metres to the lookout.
You’ll soon come to Slot Canyon lookout. This spot is perched over one of the unique geological formations of the coastline known as a ‘dyke’ or ‘slot canyon’.
You can see the canyon as you look over the edge of the lookout.
From Slot Canyon, you can keep walking north and you’ll end up at One Mile Beach or you can return the way you came and head back to Boat Harbour.
Once, you’re back in Boat Harbour, you can visit the timber playground there. There’s also amenities located next to the playground.
If you feel like cooling off on a hot day, have a swim at Boat Harbour.
If you want to do another short walk on the Tomaree Coastal Walk, do the 4km walk from Anna Bay to Little Kingsley Beach.
Good to know
Distance: This part of the walk is 1km from Boat Harbour to Slot Canyon lookout and takes 30 – 40 minutes. Easy to Moderate
Getting There: Park at Ocean Parade in Boat Harbour
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 Boat Harbour and also One Mile if you continue to walk there from Slot Canyon.
Find on map