
Zenith Beach is a scenic beach located in the Tomaree National Park near Port Stephens and Newcastle in New South Wales, Australia. The beach nestles between Tomaree Head and Stephens Peak, offering a picturesque setting with rugged and rocky headlands. As part of the Port Stephens - Great Lakes Marine Park, Zenith Beach is a significant conservation zone.
The beach is known for its clean and clear water, which can sometimes feature powerful surf and choppy waves. The area is also notable for its rich wildlife, with sea eagles, whales, dolphins, seals, turtles, schools of fish, and even penguins being spotted by visitors.
Access to Zenith Beach is via the upper or lower car parks at the end of Shoal Bay Road. During the summer season, the beach can become crowded, so it is advised to arrive early for parking. Alternatively, Zenith Beach can be reached by taking the Route 130 bus. From the car parks or bus stop, a short 5-minute walk through the dunes leads to the beach.
Zenith Beach is a key feature along the Tomaree Coastal Walk and the Shoal Bay to Fingal Bay walking track. As a coastal sanctuary zone within the Port Stephens - Great Lakes Marine Park, it provides a habitat for birdlife and dolphins. Visitors are reminded that collecting shells, marine life, or fish is prohibited in this area.
Although Zenith Beach is not patrolled, it is a popular choice for weddings. Despite its popularity, Zenith Beach is often not crowded, even during the holiday season. This could be due to the fact that the beach is unpatrolled, making it less family-friendly.
Parking at Zenith Beach can sometimes be challenging, especially during peak hours. However, parking becomes easier later in the afternoon when day trippers start to leave.
Zenith Beach amenities include parking.
Best restaurants near Zenith Beach include The Iron Door Craft Street Food, The Game O Bistro, Mod Thai, Gianni's and The Shoal Bay Diner.
Visitor reviews highlight the beach's natural beauty and abundant wildlife, with sightings of sea eagles, whales, dolphins, seals, turtles, and even penguins. The beach's picturesque location between two mountains and its clear, clean water are also highly praised. However, visitors complain about the lack of patrol, heavy waves at times, and difficulty in finding parking.
Visitors to Zenith Beach often stay in the nearby town of Shoal Bay, which offers a range of accommodations from luxury resorts to cozy holiday apartments. Some also choose to stay in Nelson Bay, a vibrant hub with more dining and entertainment options, making it a convenient base to explore the scenic surroundings.
The following map shows available accommodations and their prices. See the full list of accommodation options here.
Latitude: -32.720046 / Longitude: 152.1843945
Zenith Beach is located in New South Wales. The following map of Zenith Beach shows the exact location.
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