https://www.tomareeheadlandportstephens.com.au/

Tomaree Headland Friends, PO Box 199, Nelson Bay (2026)

12/02/2026

📸 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝘁 𝗧𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱

We’re proud to share that two stunning photographs by our very own local photographer Jen Newman are now on display at the Tomaree Lodge Information Centre.

Jen’s work captures the beauty, spirit, and changing light of our coastline in a way that truly makes you stop and feel the place we’re so lucky to call home. Seeing her images featured at the Headland is a wonderful celebration of local creativity and connection to country.

If you’re visiting the 𝗧𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱, be sure to drop into the Information Centre and take a moment to enjoy Jen’s beautiful work — it’s something really special.

Information Centre opening hours below 👇
9am to 3pm Monday to Frida

06/02/2026

𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗰𝘁 🌿

We’re pleased to share that Council has now commenced design work to upgrade and expand the Tomaree Headland entry precinct — an important step toward improving the experience for everyone who visits this very special place.

Early plans will potentially provide:
✅ Improved, much-needed parking and traffic management
✅ A turning circle for motor vehicles and shuttle services
✅ Safer people drop-off zones to support greater pedestrian safety

Our ongoing advocacy has also focused on improved waste management and amenities at the entry, enhancing the whole sense of arrival for the many thousands of international and other visitors each year.

Ensuring the overall accessibility to the Headland remains a priority is so important — both for protecting this remarkable place and for welcoming our community and visitors in a safe, thoughtful way.

We’ll continue to keep the community updated as planning progresses, and we thank everyone who supports the careful stewardship of Tomaree Headland 💙

02/02/2026

📚 𝗔 𝗵𝘂𝗴𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁-𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗝𝘂𝗱𝘆 𝗪𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗿𝘂𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗱 📚

We are absolutely delighted to share just how strongly 𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙚 𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙧𝙪𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙙, Judy Washington’s beautifully written history of the Tomaree Headland, continues to resonate with our community.

Since Christmas alone, we’ve sold 𝗮𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟭𝟬 𝗰𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗲𝘀 after receiving our latest order – an incredible result and a real testament to the power of local stories, told with care and passion.

You can find Paradise Interrupted at our wonderful stockists:
📖 Readers Retreat
📖 Nelson Bay Visitors Centre
📖 Fighter World
📖 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘁: now also available at 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗦𝗰𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗹𝗲𝘆

The book has also been flying off the table at community events, with:
🇦🇺 Around 𝟵 𝗰𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗮 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗮𝘁 𝗙𝗹𝘆 𝗣𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁
⚓ 𝟭𝟰 𝗰𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗱 when Judy presented to 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗰𝘂𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘀 on Tuesday 27 January

Judy’s work captures the layered history of the Tomaree Headland with warmth, insight and respect – and it’s clear that locals and visitors alike are keen to learn, reflect and connect with this special place.

Thank you, Judy, for preserving and sharing these stories so beautifully. We’re so proud to support this important piece of our local heritage.

📸 A little behind the scenes:
The photos you’re seeing here are from Judy’s recent presentation to Marine Rescue Port Stephen - huge thank you to Jen Newman Photography for capturing the moment so beautifully.

26/01/2026

Today, our hearts are absolutely bursting with pride. 💙

Our very own 𝗣𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗹𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵, President of the Tomaree Headland Heritage Group, has been awarded the 𝗣𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗮𝗹 – one of the highest honours our community can bestow.

The medal was presented by 𝗣𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝘆𝗼𝗿 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗵 𝗔𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻 at the 𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗮 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗥𝗮𝘆𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝘆𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘆, making the moment even more special and deeply meaningful.

The Port Stephens Medal recognises outstanding service and dedication to making our region a better place to live, work and belong. It celebrates people who give their time, energy and heart to strengthening community life, protecting what matters, and inspiring others to care.

Peter embodies everything this award stands for.

Through his tireless advocacy for Tomaree Headland, his deep respect for history, heritage and place, and his unwavering belief in community, Peter has helped shape conversations that reach far beyond our group. He leads with integrity, generosity and purpose – always with the bigger picture in mind, and always for the good of our region.

This honour is richly deserved and so beautifully fitting.

Congratulations, Peter. Thank you for everything you give to our community. We are incredibly lucky to walk beside you. 🌿🏅

Leah Anderson - Mayor of Port Stephens Nathan Errington - Councillor for East Ward, Port Stephens Tyson Cottrill - NBN News Port Stephens News Of The Area

24/01/2026

Two beautiful reasons to love Australia Day at Fly Point tomorrow, Monday 26 January .

✨ Enjoy the amazing Australia Day celebrations by the bay – community, coastline, connection, and that unmistakable Port Stephens magic.
📚 And don’t miss the chance to purchase Paradise Interrupted by the wonderful Judy Washington – a powerful local story that honours our past and deepens our understanding of this place we call home.

It’s the very best of what Australia has to offer: people, stories, culture, and the natural beauty that surrounds us.

From all of us at Tomaree Headland Heritage Group –
Happy Australia Day, everyone 💛

22/01/2026

We’re incredibly grateful to Port Stephens News of the Area for shining a spotlight on the Tomaree Headland Shuttle Bus Trial and the work of our volunteers during the busy holiday period.

This thoughtful and well-researched article captures just how warmly the community embraced the service — and why it matters. From easing congestion and parking pressures, to supporting visitors and locals alike, it highlights the real impact this trial has already had.

It also reflects the bigger picture: that as our peninsula continues to grow in popularity, we need smart, community-led transport solutions that keep people moving safely while protecting the places we love.

If you’d like to learn more about how the shuttle came about, how it performed, and what could come next, we encourage you to read the full article here:

👉 Community applauds holiday shuttle trial in the Tomaree Headland
By Jacie Whitfield, Port Stephens News of the Area
https://portstephens.newsofthearea.com.au/community-applauds-holiday-shuttle-trial-in-the-tomaree-headland

This is an important conversation for our community — and this piece is a brilliant place to start. 💙

15/01/2026

📊 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗧𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗮 𝗕𝗶𝗴 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 📊

Over the recent Christmas and school holiday period, one thing became very clear at Tomaree Headland – 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗯𝗶𝗴 𝗻𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀.

During the 13 days our Help Desk was operating, we recorded:
👣 𝗔𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝟯𝟬𝟬–𝟰𝟬𝟬 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗿
🔥 𝗔 𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘅𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝟲𝟬𝟬 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗿

That’s thousands of locals and visitors enjoying the Summit Walk, Coastal Walk and surrounding areas – every single day.

Who were we seeing?
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Lots of family groups, many with young children
🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Young adults aged around 15–30
🌆 The vast majority visiting from Sydney
🌍 A noticeable increase in international visitors, particularly from Europe

What does this tell us?
Tomaree Headland, Shoal Bay and Fingal Bay are becoming even more popular year on year. People are actively seeking out these experiences – and they’re coming in greater numbers than ever before.

This growing demand is fantastic for Port Stephens, but it also highlights the need to think carefully about how we manage access, transport, parking and the overall visitor experience into the future.

The numbers don’t just show popularity –
𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱.

More to come… 👀
(Next up: what visitors are telling us and why it matters.)

13/01/2026

💙 𝗔 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗹𝘆 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗧𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 💙

If you visited Tomaree Headland over the Christmas and school holidays, you may have spotted our Help Desk near the entry – and maybe even stopped for a chat.

From 23 December to 6 January, our amazing volunteers were on site each morning, helping locals and visitors enjoy one of Port Stephens’ most loved places.

For 13 days straight, the Help Desk was all about being friendly, helpful and easy to approach. We helped with:
🗺️ Maps and tips for the Summit Walk and Coastal Walk
📍 Directions, parking and transport info
🚌 Information about the free Tomaree Shuttle Bus
🏛️ Local history (a big favourite!)
❤️ Minor first aid and plenty of smiles

𝗜𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝘆 𝘁𝗼𝗼 – 𝗮𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝟯𝟬𝟬–𝟰𝟬𝟬 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗿, 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝟲𝟬𝟬 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗻 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗿.

The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many people saying how reassuring it was to have friendly locals on hand to help.

Now in its third year, the Help Desk continues to make a real difference.

Just people helping people.
And to our volunteers – you’re absolute legends. 💙

12/01/2026

🚌💙 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗶𝘁. 𝗥𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗶𝘁. 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝘁.
𝗔 𝗦𝗵𝘂𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗕𝘂𝘀 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘀

From all reports, the Tomaree Shuttle Bus Trial has been an outstanding success – especially as locals and visitors became more aware of the service.

The busiest stops were Nelson Bay and Shoal Bay, with Fingal Bay also proving hugely popular. Some Shoal Bay visitors even told us they parked their car on arrival and used the Shuttle for the rest of their stay – travelling easily between Nelson Bay and Fingal Bay.

That’s a big win for:
🚗 Reduced congestion
🌱 Sustainability
😌 Stress-free holidays

What the trial has clearly shown:

Shoal Bay and Fingal Bay are growing rapidly in popularity

Parking in Shoal Bay is totally inadequate and worsening

There is a real need for better public transport options

Shuttle services, ferries and cruise access are part of the solution

It also highlighted opportunities to improve the service, including additional pick-up points (like Nelson Bay Foreshore and Little Beach) and relocating the boat ramp stop to avoid conflict with fishers and boat users.

One of the key goals was to reduce the number of cars on the road – particularly around Shoal and Fingal Bays. We’ll be very interested to see the data on how car usage changed.

What’s already clear is this:
🚌 The Shuttle works
🏖️ Our bays are under growing pressure
🌍 Port Stephens is attracting more international visitors

This trial wasn’t just about moving people.
It was about reimagining how we move around our beautiful place.

Park it. Ride it. Love it.

05/01/2026

💙 𝗔 𝗯𝗶𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂, 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 💙

Today marks the final day of the 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹’𝘀 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝘀𝗵𝘂𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗯𝘂𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 and our 𝗧𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗸 for this holiday period — and what an incredible couple of weeks it’s been.

The Bay has been buzzing, with 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗽𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹𝘀 heading up to Tomaree Headland to soak up those iconic views 🌊⛰️
Through it all, our amazing volunteers have been there — welcoming, informing and supporting people every step of the way.

We also wanted to share some lovely feedback we received directly from Claire, who used the shuttle with her group:

“We (8 of us) took the bus from the depot to Nelson Bay and back yesterday. The bus was great — minimal wait time, comfy seats and we all had one. There were even more people on the bus heading back later in the day, which was great to see. With traffic in Nelson Bay and the car park full, having that bus running was fantastic.”

This is exactly why initiatives like this matter 💙

𝗧𝗼 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗸 𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗿𝘀 — thank you for generously giving your time over the past two weeks. Your smiles, local knowledge and care made a real difference to thousands of people.

𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗣𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹 — thank you for trialling such a thoughtful and practical initiative. The shuttle bus has shown just how effective 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗶𝘁. 𝗥𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗶𝘁. 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝘁. can be for visitors, locals and the Headland itself.

Here’s hoping we see more of this in the future 🙌
Our community, our visitors and our beautiful Headland all benefit.

Port Stephens Council Port Stephens News Of The Area NBN Television Mark Watson - Port Stephens Councillor Roz Armstrong Port Stephens Councillor Nathan Errington - Councillor for East Ward, Port Stephens Tyson Cottrill - NBN News

02/01/2026

🚨 𝗪𝗢𝗪 𝗧𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲! 🚨

Last 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟵 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿, our amazing volunteers recorded 𝗮 𝗺𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝟭,𝟴𝟬𝟮 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟯 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 at Tomaree Headland 😮

🕘 𝟵.𝟯𝟬𝗮𝗺 – 𝟭𝟮.𝟯𝟬𝗽𝗺
That’s a HUGE number of people enjoying this special place — and it’s a clear trend we’re seeing 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗱.

It’s wonderful to see so many people loving Tomaree Headland 💙
But it also highlights just how busy things can get — especially when it comes to parking and traffic.

👉 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀?
Leave the car behind and take advantage of the 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝘀𝗵𝘂𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗯𝘂𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲.

🚗 Less congestion
🚌 Easy access
🌿 A better experience for everyone

👉 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗵𝘂𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗕𝘂𝘀 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀, 𝗿𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗽𝘀:
https://www.portstephens.nsw.gov.au/services/holiday-services/shuttle-bus

𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗶𝘁. 𝗥𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗶𝘁. 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝘁. 💙☀️

Big thanks to our volunteers for keeping track of visitor numbers — your work really matters 🙌

02/01/2026

Hearing it straight from our locals 💙
Susie hopped on the FREE Tomaree Shuttle to Tomaree Headland and was thrilled with the experience.

A Council initiative that’s making it easier to enjoy the Bay.
👉 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗵𝘂𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗕𝘂𝘀 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀, 𝗿𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗽𝘀:
https://www.portstephens.nsw.gov.au/services/holiday-services/shuttle-bus

𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗶𝘁. 𝗥𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗶𝘁. 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝘁. 🚌☀️
Port Stephens Council Mark Watson - Port Stephens Councillor Roz Armstrong Port Stephens Councillor Nathan Errington - Councillor for East Ward, Port Stephens Leah Anderson - Mayor of Port Stephens

Tomaree Headland Friends

12/02/2026

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26/01/2026

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22/01/2026

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