Zenith Beach is
located just around the headland from Shoal Bay, in the scenic Port Stephens region. It is a reasonably small beach, in comparison to some of the longer beaches nearby, but it is big on pristine, natural beauty.
This beach can be accessed from the car park at the end of
Shoal Bay Road, next to the entrance to the
Tomaree Head Summit Walk. If you feel like doing the walk first, it is a vertical hike up to the top of the mountain and then you get a "bird's eye" view of Zenith Beach down below - as well as a spectacular view of the entire coastline. The walk isn't easy though, so ensure you take a full bottle of water and plenty of energy!
View of Zenith Beach looking down from the Tomaree Head Summit Walk
Entrance to Zenith Beach from the end of Shoal Bay Road
The landscape of Zenith Beach is particularly striking, as it has the towering Tomaree Head looming over it from the north and Stephens Peak from the south. The combination of the tall, pointed mountains in contrast to the bright white sand and clear blue water, makes it a unique beach to visit in the region. Although the water looks tempting to have a swim, please be aware that this beach isn't patrolled, so there are no flags or lifeguards.
Zenith Beach is also part of the
Port Stephens Marine Park and sanctuary zone, so there is no collecting or fishing off the beach. Please read the signs at the entrance to the beach before you walk down the sandy pathway. Although you can't fish there, Zenith Beach is a quiet, "zen-like" beach to walk along, take in the natural beauty and feel the sand between your toes.
View of the towering Tomaree Head next to the beach
If you feel like exploring the area on your visit, there is a coastal walk through the Tomaree National Park that begins at the southern end of the beach. The start of the walk can be accessed from a car park further up the hill along the
Zenith Beach Loop Road - for more details on this walk, see
here.
The entrance to the walk begins at the car park on the Zenith Beach Loop Road
There are numerous bays and beaches around the Port Stephens region to discover. If you have time, it is interesting to visit some of the secluded ones, tucked away in the national parks along the rugged coastline.
Each time I have visited Zenith Beach, I have been the only one to make footprints in the sand. You really feel like you have landed on a deserted island, with tall mountains all around. It really is, a special place to discover...
Walk down and discover it for yourself...
