AdBlock Detected

It looks like you're using an ad-blocker!

Our team work realy hard to produce quality content on this website and we noticed you have ad-blocking enabled.

Fingal Bay and Port Stephens Lighthouse

Sand Spit Fingal Bay Port Stephens Australia

Fingal Bay

Located in Port Stephens near Newcastle Fingal Bay is a quiet town catering to the tourists interested in the beach and surroundings. Our reason for visiting was to walk across the sand spit from the mainland to Shark Island. This spit is submerged at high tide, so we chose two hours before low tide for the walk. There are warning signs stating the dangers of crossing if the spit is submerged. We started the morning with a snack at the Longboat Cafe before walking down the beach and across to the island. This was a very relaxing walk, with great scenery.

Sand Spit Fingal Bay Port Stephens Australia
Sand Spit
Rock Formations Shark Island Fingal Bay Port Stephens Australia
Rock Formations on Shark Island
Mount Tamaree From Shark Island Fingal Bay Port Stephens Australia
Mount Tamaree From Shark Island

Port Stephens Lighthouse and Shark Island

Once on the island, we followed the marked trail to the Port Stephens Lighthouse, which was an easy walk. Well maintained, the lighthouse is still operational and therefore cannot be entered. The old lighthouse keeper’s cottage is being restored by National Parks and Wildlife, but still looks nice, with its old sandstone walls. Before returning to across the spit, we explored the sand cove on the island. Here, we found some interesting rock formations as well as views out to Tomaree Headland.

Walking Track to Port Stephens Lighthouse Shark Island Fingal Bay Port Stephens Australia
Walking Track to Port Stephens Lighthouse
Port Stephens Lighthouse Shark Island Fingal Bay Port Stephens Australia
Port Stephens Lighthouse
Light House Keeper's Cottage Shark Island Fingal Bay Port Stephens Australia
Light House Keeper’s Cottage

Barry Park Lookout

While in the area, we also visited Barry Park Lookout. There are beautiful views out over Fingal Bay towards Shark Island, making this a great stop while here. The gardens and short walks are well put together and maintained and the seating makes it a great place for a picnic.

Barry Point Lookout Fingal Bay Port Stephens Australia
Barry Point Lookout

We have previously walked to the summit of Mount Tomaree and visited Nelson Bay and these are two other great options if you are in the area.

Remember to check the tide times for Fingal Bay before you go as people have drowned in the area, while trying to cross the spit.

To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.