Stephens Peak is the next headland along from Tomaree Mountain and is at the southern end of Zenith Beach - one of the most beautiful in all of Port Stephens. You’re unlikely to share this un-signposted trail with anyone else and you’ll get some fabulous views of Wreck Beach, Fingal Island and Shoal Bay from the top.

However, the summit is very bushy so don’t expect panoramic uninterrupted views. That said, it’s wonderfully natural and the feeling of being at the top all by yourself is a real treat.

If you’re reading this post then we assume you probably aren’t a Port Stephens local, so whilst this is a really nice walk, you should definitely do Tomaree Head too as the views from there are unbeatable.

Here’s what to expect from the secret walk to Stephens Peak.

Stephens Peak at the southern end of Zenith Beach

The Stephens Peak Walk

The stats

Distance: 2.1km return
Elevation: 143m
Difficulty: Easy - moderate

The walk to the top of Stephens Peak isn’t hard and is refreshingly short at just over 1km each way. We took 25 minutes to walk to the top from Zenith Beach and 15 minutes to walk back.

However, the path is rough in places and has sections of rubble and rock as you near the top. A local described it as a goat track, which seemed pretty apt!

Starting the trail

The walk begins at the signpost for the Tomaree Coastal Walk and heads into the bush on a stony fire trail. You’ll begin heading gently uphill through the forest with the occasional glimpse out to the water through the trees.

There is lots of birdlife providing a nice backdrop to the trail and though it’s mainly all uphill, it’s not difficult.

If there has been heavy rain, the path can start to get a bit muddy and slippery, but you can usually bypass the worst of it.

We walked after a heavy storm and it was not too bad, but another day’s rain would probably have made it less pleasant.

The secret turn to Stephens Peak

You need to take a turn into the bush on your left-hand side at 740m in from the trail head (you can find the exact location on Google Maps by clicking here).

As there is no signpost it would be really easy to miss, so keep an eye out from 700m in. The path looks a bit washed out and it’s quite narrow and rocky. It’s a “blink and you miss it” kind of turn.

The turn for the summit to Stephens Peak

It heads uphill more steeply than the fire trail, but it really doesn’t take long at all to reach the peak.

Whilst the trail is rougher than the signposted tracks in the area, it’s by no means a scramble and it’s considerably less steep than the Tomaree Head summit walk.

You’ll quickly emerge from the bush to spectacular views on your right, with the gorgeous Fingal Island and layers of mountains providing a lovely backdrop to the climb.

You’ll reach the summit 260m after turning off the Tomaree Coastal trail and we couldn’t believe how quick it was to get to the top!

The top of Stephens Peak

As mentioned, the top is bushy so you don’t get uninterrupted views, although if you’re walking on a really hot day like we were, you will be grateful for the shade at the top.

In that regard, it’s a lot like the Yacaaba Headland walk, which is another lesser known trail in Port Stephens (but on the Hawks Nest side).

The views from the summit of Stephens Peak

My favourite view was down to Wreck Beach which has to be one of the best in NSW.

It looks so wild and remote, and there’s barely ever anyone on it. After you come down from the peak you can carry on along the fire trail for 750m to Wreck Beach, which is a fantastic way to cool off after the climb.

On the other side of the peak you get a lovely view out to Shoal Bay, you do have to walk for a few seconds through the gap in the bushes to see it though!

Although you can see Tomaree Mountain too, you unfortunately can’t see down to Zenith Beach.

We did try to bush bash and find a way, but alas it isn’t possible. To be honest though, it would be hard to beat the view from the Tomaree Head summit so we didn’t feel too bad about it!

You can also see out to Jimmys and Bennetts Beaches in Hawks Nest in the distance.

When you’ve enjoyed all the views, the walk back down to the car park is mostly easy. The 260m along the narrow goat track requires a couple of moments of concentration on footing, but nothing too difficult by any means. Once you hit the fire trail it’s an easy stroll back to the car park.

We loved the wild nature of Stephens Peak and would highly recommend it if you like your trails a little off the beaten track.

Just make sure you do Tomaree Head too because it might be busier, but it’s still an absolute must do!

Essential information about the Stephens Peak Walk

Where to park

The best place to park is at the day use car park for Zenith Beach (it’s up a little hill). Whilst there isn’t a huge amount of parking we managed to get a space several times on a busy and sunny Saturday. If you can’t, there is some additional street parking alongside the main Zenith Beach car park, just a few minutes walk away.

Parking is free and unlimited.

How to get there

The Stephens Peak walk is just a five minute drive from Nelson Bay. It’s 220km and 2.5 hours from Sydney.

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