Tomaree National Park

Tomaree National Park and the Worimi Conservation Lands which include the amazing Stockton Sands cover a massive 98,000 hectares.

The park is an excellent spot for whale watching and walking. Scenic walks, including the short Wreck Beach walk through coastal angophora forest and the longer Morna Point walk which is a great place to spot koalas in the wild.

The park has some amazing beaches, here are a couple of my favourites.

The coastal beaches of Zenith and Box beach show off the more rugged side of my pictures of Port Stephens. Waves crashing against the jagged coastal rocks are a perfect way to illustrate the beauty of this coastline.

The more artistic look I’ve created here is a result of a long exposure which has smoothed out the waves creating a completely different look and feel.

Mount Tamaree

For perfect pictures of Port Stephens head up to Mount Tomaree lookout. I believe this has to one of the most stunning viewpoints in the whole of Australia with views stretching from Stockton Sands in the south up to the Myall Lakes region in the north. The 120 metre ascent can be a tough climb, but all your efforts will be rewarded with spectacular 360 degree views of the area.

This panoramic photograph takes in Shark Island at the left with Zenith and Box Beach holding the middle ground with Shoal Bay on the right. During periods of low tide it’s possible to walk over to Shark Island to visit and photograph Port Stephens lighthouse via a narrow exposed sand spit at Fingal Bay. Just remember, getting caught out by the tide could mean you’re in for a long day or night on the island!

Fort Tomaree

Whilst you’re visiting Mount Tomaree make sure you check out the historic gun emplacements, part of Fort Tomaree and built in 1941. It formed an important part of of Australia’s World War II east coast defence system.

One Mile Beach

One Mile beach and Samurai beach at Anna Bay are a great place to stretch the legs. And if you feeling brave, the nudist beach at Samurai is a great place to let it all hang out.

Shoal Bay

The more sheltered harbour side of Port Stephens offers a totally different outlook. The tranquil shores and white sand of Shoal Bay show off the area as one of the region’s top tourist spots, images your likely to see in many of the tourist brochures serving the area. Here I’ve used the early morning light to grab a different perspective of Shoal Bay only seen by the odd photographer and early risers.

Nelson Bay

Nelson Bay is the largest town in the Port Stephens area. It's a great to place to stay and visit the region. Whale watching tours, sunset cruises and swim with dolphin adventures all leave from the Nelson Bay Marina. There are plenty of places to eat and shop and there are also some sheltered beaches perfect for families with young children.