ADDITIONAL closures are now in place on and around the Tomaree Summit Walk as the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) nears completion of upgrades as part of the new Tomaree Coastal Walk.

From Monday 22 May, the Fort Tomaree Walk, known as Tomaree Track, and the Connection Track from the World War II gun emplacements to the Summit will be closed to visitors.

Advertise with News of The Area today.
It’s worth it for your business.
Message us.
Phone us – (02) 4981 8882.
Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au

This is in addition to the existing closure of the Tomaree Head Summit Walk.

These closures will be in place until Friday 30 June, when upgrade works are expected to be completed.

Access to the World War II gun emplacements will still be possible via Gun Emplacement Rd.

The upgrades at Tomaree Head include replacing ageing steel stairways on the Summit Walk, drainage and stabilisation works and widening and resurfacing the Summit and Fort Tomaree walking tracks.

NPWS Hunter Central Coast Director Kylie Yeend said the walking tracks and the area surrounding the Summit are part of an active construction site.

“There is a large construction site spread across Tomaree Headland, where stairways have been demolished, drainage channels are being dug and tracks resurfaced,” said Ms Yeend.

“For the safety of visitors, we’ve placed signs and barriers at all entrances and we’re asking all walkers to please respect these closures.

“Over the past few weeks, we’ve had some visitors ignoring the closure signs, walking around the barriers and entering the construction zone, which is really unsafe for our staff and for you.

“There is an abundance of different walking tracks to explore in Tomaree National Park, including the short Wreck Beach walk through coastal angophora forest and the longer Morna Point walk with its breathtaking ocean views.

“If you’re after an alternative lookout, check out Gan Gan Lookout.

“While not in a National Park, it is Port Stephens’ highest and most accessible lookout and offers panoramic views of Port Stephens.

“As always, make sure you check the NPWS alerts webpage for the latest closure information before you head out to a national park and keep an eye out for safety signage,” said Ms Yeend.

The $6.7 million Tomaree Coastal Walk is expected to be completed in July 2023.

The 20-kilometre walk will provide a first-class nature-based tourism attraction for Port Stephens and promote the spectacular natural and cultural heritage of Tomaree National Park.