Wreck Beach is a secluded beach that is
located between Zenith Beach and Box Beach in Shoal Bay, in the scenic Port Stephens region. The only access to this beach is via the Wreck Beach Track, which is a detour off the Shoal Bay East Trail in the Tomaree National Park.
I have previously written an
article about the bushwalk from Zenith Beach to Wreck Beach, however, since writing it I have discovered a quicker, more of a direct route just to get to Wreck Beach. If you put
"Verona Road, Shoal Bay" into your GPS and park in the small car park at the end of the road, it is just a short walk from here to the main track, before a 300-metre walk down the Wreck Beach Track. On a hot day, this quick route back to the car is a life-saver!
Park at the end of Verona Road and walk left through the trees
After leaving the small car park, walk left and take the path between the trees towards the coastline. A short walk later, past an abundance of springtime flowers, you reach the main track at a T-Junction. If you take a quick right, you will then see the next sign telling you to turn left to Wreck Beach, which is just 300 metres down the hill.
Look for local native flowers, such as this pretty Flannel Flower
Follow the sign down to Wreck Beach
This bush walk down the hill isn't recommended for anyone with bad knees or ankles, as the track is rocky and steep in some places. The walk down is uneven, however you can hear the waves crashing in the distance, so you know the beach isn't far away. As you turn a corner on the way down, the view of Wreck Beach opens up before you and you can take in the beauty and remoteness of the surrounding landscape. To the left of the beach are the tall mountains of Tomarree and Yacaaba Heads, which tower up into the sky.
On our visit, there was no one on the beach, so we walked down and my daughter pretended that we were stranded on our own beautiful, deserted island!
The view on the way down - look for whales between May and November!
On our visit the tide was high, so we didn't explore around the rocky cliffs either side of the beach. We did, however, sit and enjoy a picnic on the sand with a flask of cold lemonade, which was just the refreshment we needed before walking back up the steep hill.
Ensure you stay for a while and simply enjoy the remote isolation of this unique, untouched beach. With so many busy beaches around the Port Stephens region each summer, it is a rare treasure to find one all to yourself...
Don't forget your camera!
The long walk back up...
There is no fishing allowed at Wreck Beach and swimming is not recommended, as there are no lifesaving facilities.
Please be aware of snakes in the warmer months and take a snake bite kit and first aid kit with you.
Whilst in the area, ensure you walk to the top of
Tomaree Head, for the best views of the region.
