A sharp storm overnight washed everything clean and cleared away most of the oppressive humidity. There was only a short section to walk this morning and I wanted make the most of it with an early start and, hopefully, a stunning sunrise.
Come stroll with me to Birubi Beach…
Day: 2
From: One Mile Beach To: Birubi Beach
Planned Distance: 9km Actual Distance: 7.8km (incl. 600m from caravan park)
Ascent: 188m Descent: 200m
Time: 2h05m
Rating: Grade 4
Terrain: More bush tracks, board walks, sandy beach and paved paths. A few stiff climbs across coastal ridges and promontories. Steps, stairs and rocky paths of coastal sandstone.
Weather: Cloudy, warm and a glorious sea breeze!
Stayed At: Home
General Comments:
- It was just getting light as I left my cabin at One Mile Beach. Despite the early hour, there were plenty of people about – all heading beachward.
- My hopes of a stunning sunrise were quickly dashed by cloud leftover from last night’s storm and that cloud simply refused to budge. It would lift a little every now and then, allowing a few rays of sunlight to filter through, and then the gap would close over again with the thickest blanket. Oh well, at least there was a stiff breeze to keep the temperature more comfortable. Yes, today’s forecast was for another hot one.
- The trail was a little puzzling to start off as there were no clear signs at the end of the beach indicating where to pick up the official trail again. I just hoped for the best and headed for the rocks at the southern end of One Mile Beach, and sure enough, there were some stone stairs and about 20m further along, some reassurance signage. Yes, I was reassured.
- Overall, the signage along this whole trail is very good. When it does disappear, just make sure you keep the water on your left (walking North to South) and the official trail will reappear eventually.
- It felt good to be out walking this morning and I was delighted all over again to have the path pretty much to myself. There were a few early morning locals taking their daily constitutional and I couldn’t help but be a little bit envious that they lived in such a glorious part of Australia.
- The terrain was as varied as yesterday with the fire trails replaced by short stretches of urban roads. Thankfully there was little traffic about and I was soon back in Nature, clambering over rocks again with the sea crashing close by.
- **Please note: Like yesterday, very few beaches along this trail have any lifesavers and most are unpatrolled. They can also be very rough with dangerous currents and waves, so take care if you decide to swim or fish in these waters.
- I tried hard to make myself slow down on this walk and just enjoy all the beauty surrounding me. I often get so excited by being in the Great Outdoors that I speed along, completely carried away by my enthusiasm.
- My slower, more mindful pace, was rewarded with the sight of a white-bellied sea eagle – the mascot of this trail – soaring over the rocky cliffs and ridgelines on the morning’s cool updrafts. I’m not sure if it found its breakfast, but it definitely brought me joy.
- Happy dogs cavorted on the white sand beaches or dug, dug, dug to their heart’s content. One particularly efficient and energetic dog had dug down so deeply that only its haunches and wagging tail remained in view. You had to smile.
- I was making good time and could almost smell the coffee at Birubi Beach. There’s nothing like the thought of a good coffee and a hot breakfast at the end of a hike to put some pep into my step.
- The aim was to catch one of the earlier buses returning to Shoal Bay as I had a long drive home ahead of me. To connect to the bus, it is a further 1.3km walk from Birubi Beach to the Anna Bay bus stop and shops. The bus ride – via Salamander Bay, Corlette, Nelson Bay etc – takes around 40-45minutes. Get off the bus at the Shoal Bay shops and then walk the 800m or so back to the carpark if you have left your car there.
- Overall, this is a really enjoyable path, chockfull of beautiful views. It is also a relatively easy walk with a few stiff climbs broken up by beach walks or descents through coastal scrub.
- You could easily walk this path in one day as my Garmin watch recorded the distance as around 22km. If you choose to do this as a day walk, I recommend you walk in the cooler months.
Top Tips for this Trail:
- Trail Information: The National Parks & Wildlife Service has plenty of information on their website – even if their distances did not marry up with mine. (I have double-checked and I am sure I didn’t take any short cuts.) Printed trail maps are available from local Visitor Information Centres or you could download the trail map from All Trails for use offline. Or just follow your nose.
- Public Transport: If you have an Opal Card you can tap on/off the buses to pay your fare.
- I recommend you make time to savour coffee and food Crest Café at the Birubi Beach Surf Club. It’s open seven days. That coffee and poached eggs really hit the spot! Alternatively, there are other cafés and shops at Anna Bay.
- Option B is pack snacks and carry plenty of water. There are a few places to refill water bottles along the way.
- And just like yesterday, a good hat and sunscreen are a must.
Even though my legs were tired and I really needed a shower, and clean clothes, I felt rejuvenated and recharged at the end of this walk. I had so needed a change of scenery and a complete immersion in Nature, and the Tomaree Coastal Walk ticked all the right boxes.
It also got me excited about the walking year ahead. Bring it on!!
Where do you go to recharge?
#travelinspo #shortwalks # multidaywalks #adventurebeforedementia #NelsonBay #australianbush #nativeflora #bushwalks #greatoutdoors #nativefauna #birdlife #ShoalBay #PortStephens #nationalparks #BirubiBeach #AnnaBay #OneMileBeach #TomareeCoastalWalk #beachwalks #waterviews #seabreeze #NationalParksandWildlifeService
Life...one big adventure 
Not fair! I haven’t had my breakfast yet. About due a second coffee though. I’m struck by the contrast in the dark rocks and the pale sand, Mel. We’re off along the coast to meet up with an old buddy of Mick’s today. Hopefully I’ll get a wander along the clifftops xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy trails to you, Jo. I know you will find beauty wherever you go. xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Even with the clouds it still looks like a stunning walk. When the sun does peak through it brings out the beautiful colours even more. Maggie
LikeLiked by 1 person
Correct. While I would have loved a spectacular sunrise, it was still a stunner of a trail. Thanks for joining me on this stroll, Maggie. Not quite as exotic as your South American adventures, but it felt good to be out walking again.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh my goodness it looks absolutely beautiful. And that poached egg on toast looks tasty too 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great views and good food! What more can you ask for? 🙂
LikeLike
What a great ending to your walk! Even without a pretty sunrise, the scenery is still so pretty. I love the contrast in your photos between the sky, cliffs, beach, and ocean.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful views at every turn. I loved every step.
LikeLiked by 1 person
There are few things I appreciate more than a cool sea breeze on a hot day (especially when hiking). I love your photos with the ocean views and beaches – this is the type of hiking trail I would definitely enjoy! Well done Mel, another one (trail) bites the dust 😉.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Corna. It’s a special part of Aus.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely photos.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ta. And not a characterful door in sight. I will have to rectify that! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think you got something just as good.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
A stunning walk full of rugged natural beauty. And a great way to recharge! Those types of meals are the best 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are correct on every point! It ticks all the boxes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a wonderful place to get recharged, the coastal views look fantastic!
I always love a fresh sea breeze on my face – now through your pictures🥰
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hopefully you will be enjoying your own special Spring (?) breezes soon, Christie.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope that too😍
LikeLike
Sounds like a good trail Mel and one to keep the legs moving! 😀 Yep 37°c seems pretty hot for walking. What’s a snake bandage?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh! Maybe snake bandages are an Aussie thing? They are a special elasticated bandage with squares printed on them. If you are bitten by a snake, when you apply the bandage they stretch, but you know you have the tension right when the squares are perfectly square. A very clever idea and one I hope I never have to use. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
That sounds good and yes, hopefully will never have to use one 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
So far, so good…
LikeLiked by 1 person
this is such a beautifully immersive post—I could feel every step along the Tomaree Coastal Walk with you! The way you describe the early morning, the changing weather, the sea breeze, and those endless water views really brings the trail to life. I loved how you slowed down to notice the little details—the soaring white-bellied sea eagle, the happy dogs on the beach, and even the subtle challenges of navigating the trail. It feels like such a complete and mindful walking experience.
Your post really reminds me of trekking in the Himalayas here in Nepal. When you’re walking through regions like the Annapurna Region or the Everest Region, every hike is full of these same joys: the early morning chill, the ever-changing landscape, the mix of challenge and awe, and those moments that make you pause and simply breathe in the beauty around you.
And it’s not just the mountains themselves—the entire journey is enriched by the local culture and food. Stopping at a small teahouse for dal bhat or momo, sharing smiles with the Sherpa community, and learning about the traditions passed down through generations—it all becomes part of the adventure, just like your thoughtful pauses for coffee and breakfast along the Tomaree Coastal Walk.
I also love how your post shows that being out in nature rejuvenates the soul. That feeling of accomplishment, of being fully present with the elements around you, is exactly what trekking in Nepal delivers too—whether it’s a ridge walk, a forest trail, or a viewpoint over snow-capped peaks. Your detailed reflections, practical tips, and the joy in observing both wildlife and human life along the trail really capture the magic of immersive travel.
This is the kind of post that makes me want to lace up my boots and head straight into the mountains—coastal cliffs or Himalayan peaks, it’s all about stepping into nature, connecting with the local culture, tasting the local foods, and just being fully alive on the trail. Absolutely inspiring!
LikeLike
Thank you for your kind words. While the scenery is very different, the sense of freedom and beauty are exactly the same. Happy trails to you.
LikeLike