If you get to Shoal Bay then, quite frankly, you really must head up to Tomaree Head if you feel confident in a long, sometimes steep walk to the summit. I did this on a warm, sunny but quite windy day in November recently. The views as I slowly climbed were outstanding. And at the summit you will find a number of lookouts giving you a glimpse in all directions. On one side you can look down onto the pristine sands of the long Zenith beach. And on another, you have superb views of the entrance to the bay and nearby islands. Of course there are also wonderful views down to Shoal Bay and beyond. It being November I guess I was too late in the season to see any migrating whales in the mighty ocean at my feet. I certainly didn't see any. But there were quite a few people hiking up and down. Many were puffing and blowing with the exertion of the climb. But there was at least one fit individual who was running down without a care in the world. Oh, you can also take a path that leads to the old gun emplacements set up in WW2 to protect the entrance into the bay. There isn't much left now but it is worth a short detour. Thank goodness that the guns that used to be there were never fired in anger.

The climb to the summit is recommended for those with medium levels of fitness and above. The view from the summit is one of my favourite views and is a rewarding walk. It provides a 360 view of the surrounds and is an exceptional place for a sunset. Highly recommended!

The hike to the top of Mt Tomaree is hard work but the views from the top are jaw-dropping. The walk is rated as Grade 5, the only one I came across in Australia, but while it is fairly tough there are much tougher walks in the Blue Mountains that are rated as Grade 4. So don't let the grading put you off this hike. It is an absolute must-do in Port Stephens