Easy hikes and walks in New South Wales

Iron Cove Bridge is a concrete girder bridge in Sydney spanning Iron Cove, connecting the suburbs of Drummoyne and Rozelle, forming part of Victoria Road. The current structure opened in 1955, replacing an earlier swing bridge, and was designed to accommodate increasing vehicle traffic across Sydney Harbour’s inner waterways. It carries multiple traffic lanes along with pedestrian and cycle access, and is part of a busy transport corridor linking the inner west to the city.

The World War II gun emplacements on Tomaree Head were constructed in 1941 to defend Australia’s east coast. These reinforced concrete structures once housed large coastal artillery designed to protect Port Stephens and nearby strategic infrastructure. Today, the remains are among the most visible relics of the site, standing as a reminder of its military past.

Tomaree Headland stands at the southern entrance to Port Stephens, with its rugged cliffs dropping steeply into the sea. There are several walking paths that wind through the coastal bush, leading to lookouts that offer impressive views of the bay and coastline. Its elevated position made it a key defence site during World War II, with fortifications built to monitor and protect the coastline. Today, it remains a prominent natural landmark where its military history sits quietly within the landscape.

Shoal Bay is a sheltered coastal bay at the northern edge of Port Stephens, known for its calm, clear waters and gently curving sandy beach. Framed by surrounding headlands, including Tomaree Head, the bay is protected from strong ocean swells, making it popular for swimming and boating. From here, the view across the water is beautiful, inviting you to slow down and take in the scenery.

This large waterfront park has a lot to see. From the large car park there is a restaurants, like the Water's Edge Canberra and Portrait Cafe, and a huge mowed lawn and public restrooms. There is history to read up on like the Women's Reconciliation Place Artwork, and Commonwealth Place. There is a waterfront jetty and paved path and so much more!

The Captain James Cook Memorial commemorates Captain James Cook's first sighting of the East Coast of Australia. Aside from the globe sculpture, the giant water jet is part of the memorial. This jet shoots about six tons of water 152 metres at random times.

On the north shore of Kings Park sits the Australian Merchant Navy Memorial, honouring the Australian Merchant Navy's deployment in World War I and World War II. The monument was created by Daryl Jackson Alastair Swayn.

This lookout sits at the summit of Tomaree Head, reached by the popular Tomaree Head Summit Walk. From here, there are fantastic, unobstructed views of the entrance to Port Stephens, including Shoal Bay, Zenith Beach, and the surrounding coastline. This elevated vantage point offers one of the most recognisable panoramas in the Port Stephens area.