BUSHWALKERS from the Gloucester Environment Group undertook the magnificent Tomaree Coastal Walk south of Port Stephens on 17-18 May.
This multi-day walk from Tomaree Headland to Burubi Point at Anna Bay, was opened in September 2023.
It traverses a range of coastal landscapes, over well-marked trails.
Navigating the walk is made easier by downloading a detailed map that can be found on the National Parks website. The walk is well signposted and features some new footbridges and boardwalks that ease the path through some of the more difficult sections.
In addition to this, information boards are provided along the way that highlight notable historic, cultural and natural
aspects of the area.
On the first day, the group walked a 9km section from One Mile Beach to Birubi Point.
The path covered coastal basalt outcrops featuring toughened and hardy vegetation that survives the constant battering of sea spray.
Some highlights of the day included the “Slot Canyon Lookout” a deep, narrow rock gorge (dyke) formed from volcanic activity dating back 300 million years; some dramatic coastal rock shelves and beaches; sighting a whale (they are active from May to October); a walk past the historic Birubi Point cemetery; and ending up at the Anna Bay Point Surf Club.
Looking south from the club are the largest moving coastal sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere, which contain culturally significant Aboriginal middens.
On the second day, the group walked 15km from Tomaree Headland back to One Mile Beach.
The first part of the walk heads slightly inland through sand dunes featuring ferns and stands of angophora forest, before passing through a number of small coastal fishing villages and several isolated, quiet, remote beaches.
Land Care groups have been actively removing weeds and re-generating the vegetation in this area.
The last part of the walk is across the sand of some larger beaches, including the “clothing optional” Samurai Beach (apparently it was a little too cold for the nudists that day”.
This was the first time the Gloucester Environment Group had been on the Tomaree Coastal walk and everyone
appreciated the wonderful variety and landscapes and vistas that it offers.
The group undertakes a variety of activities including river care, koalaways, bird watching, bushwalking and quarterly feasts.
For more information, email Gloucester.environment.group@gmail.com.
By Rod ECKELS
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