Snapper Point Beach

Download & Print Map and Notes

15 mins

630 m Return

24 m

Experienced only

Snapper Point Beach is an informal name for the small beach between Frazer Beach and Snapper Point. This walk starts from the great views of the sea cave and leads out to Snapper Point. Here, the walk turns right and follows the shore to the lifebuoy, then across the rocks to the secluded beach. The high grade on this walk is due to the risk associated with walking on the rock ledge, please take care. The notes mention an alternate route that can be used as a shortcut back to the car park.

* This walk passes through very remote areas and sections have no visible track. At least one person in your group should have training and experience in off track walking and navigation. Even with these notes and a GPS these extra skills and equipment are required.

Start of the Snapper Point management trail

Walking through the heath towards Snapper Point

Looking across rocks to Snapper Point beach

Crossing rocks on the eastern side of Snapper Point beach

Looking south west from Snapper Point beach

Snapper Point Cave Lookout

The Snapper Point Cave Lookout[1] is on the northern side of Snapper Point car park (at the end of Snapper Point Rd). The fenced lookout[2] enjoys views over a large inlet with a Frazer Blowhole and the large sea cave[3]. The cave was mined for pebbles during 1975/76. Now protected as part of the State Conservation Area, the cave and this inlet stands as a monument to the struggle of power between the sea and the rocks.

(0km) Snapper Point car park → Life Buoy Sign

110 m

2 mins

-3m Easy track

From the Snapper Point car park (at the end of Snapper Point Rd), this walk heads around the locked metal gate[5] and follows the wide management trail lined with thick heath. The trail soon bends right and comes to a grassy clearing with wide ocean views (with Frazer Beach to the right) and a 'Life Buoys' sign[6].

(0km) Life Buoy Sign → Snapper Point Memorial

30 m

1 mins

-1m Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Life Buoys - 60m' arrow[7], keeping the ocean to the right. The rocky track soon leads to a concrete pillar and memorial to people who lost their lives here[8]. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Veer left.

Snapper Point Memorial

Snapper Point is located north-east of Frazer Beach and is home to a memorial to 7 lives lost on this point in the ten years before 1979 (when the plaque was placed)[9]. Since then, three more names have been added to the memorial[10]. Please heed the warning and avoid your name appearing here. Snapper Point is a popular rock fishing spot, with a large flat platform providing great panoramic views of the ocean. A 'Life Buoy' sign[11] points to two nearby floatation aids if needed.

(0km) Life Buoy Sign → Snapper Point Beach Buoy

100 m

2 mins

-13m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Life Buoys - 100m' arrow[12], keeping the ocean to the left. The track leads back from the cliff and follows the shore, coming to an intersection marked by a red housing, holding a life buoy[13].

(0km) Snapper Point Beach Buoy → Snapper Point car park

120 m

3 mins

14m

0m Moderate track

Turn sharp right: From the intersection and life buoy[14], this walk heads straight up the hill, away from the water, following a narrow track that soon leads into the heath[15]. The track winds through the heath and up a few steps[16] then passes around a locked gate to the Snapper Point car park[17].

(0km) Snapper Point Beach Buoy → Snapper Point Beach

110 m

2 mins

-2m Experienced only

Continue straight: From the intersection and life buoy, this walk heads down to the rocky shoreline, then along to the nearby beach[18], keeping the water to the left. This section of the walk is only passable during low tide and low seas.

Snapper Point Beach

Snapper Point Beach is an informally named beach, just north of Frazer Beach and south of Snapper Point. The deep[19] south-west facing sandy beach has a rock platform either side[20][21]. Some rusted rubbish has washed up on the beach[22] but otherwise the beach feels remote and secluded. Access to the beach is possible along the rocky shore line, but only during low tides and low seas.

Maps for the Snapper Point Beach walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Catherine Hill Bay	1:25 000 Map Series	92314S CATHERINE HILL BAY	NSW-92314S
Lake Macquarie	1:100 000 Map Series	9231 LAKE MACQUARIE	9231

Cross sectional view of the Snapper Point Beach bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Snapper Point Beach

Altitude analysis for Snapper Point Beach

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	630 m
		Time	15 mins
		.
Grade 5/6 Experienced only	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Rough unclear track (5/6)
		Signs	No directional signs (5/6)
		Experience Required	High level of bushwalking experience recommended (5/6)
		Weather	Forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather likely to have an impact on your navigation and safety (5/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

110m of this walk is flat with no steps and another 110m has short steep hills. The remaining (100m) has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track

110m of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 110m follows a rough unclear track. The remaining (100m) follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.

Signs

110m of this walk is clearly signposted and another 110m Has no directional signs. The remaining (100m) has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

110m of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience and another 110m requires a leader with a high level of bushwalking experience. The remaining (100m) requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

110m of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation) and another 110m forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather likely to have an impact on your navigation and safety. The remaining (100m) is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

Around 210m of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 110m has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Snapper Point Beach walk.

Snapper Point

280 m Return, 10 mins

This short walk takes you from the great view of Snapper Point Sea Cave (at the end of Snapper Point Rd) along a management trail to Snapper Point. The area is very rocky and provides grand ocean views. The memorial on Snapper Point gives a good reminder to take care. There are views out over the

Total climbing: 5m

Moderate track

Campbell Drive to Snapper Point

4.2 km One way, 1 hr 45 mins

This walk follows the Coast Track to Frazer Beach, along the Geebung and (overgrown) Grass Tree Tracks. From the northern end of Frazer Beach, the walk heads across the exposed rockshelf to Snapper Point Beach, then on to Snapper Point (consider tide and sea conditions before setting out). From Sna

Total climbing: 135m

Experienced only

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Snapper Point Beach walk.

Palm Tree Circuit Track

609 m Circuit, 20 mins

This circuit walk explores the valley of palm trees and the dry woodland on the ridge. Starting from the back of the Palms Picnic Area, this walk follows an arrow through a palm forest then across a small creek and up a hill. At the top of the hill is an information sign, where the walk turns left

Total climbing: 37m

Moderate track

Timber Beach

768 m Return, 20 mins

Timber Beach is a secluded beach in Munmorah State Conservation Area. The walk starts from a short side road off Snapper Point Rd, at Timber Beach Lookout. From here, the walk follows an eroded track down the ridge, then bends left to cross a clearing and come to the back of Timber Beach. The bea

Total climbing: 67m

Hard track

Grass Tree Track

862 m One way, 30 mins

The Grass Tree Track links Wybung Head Rd with Frazer Beach via a ridge-top track. At the time of writing, this track was very overgrown (hence the high grade) and the trackhead difficult to find. Once on course, much of the track is clearer and quiet eroded in places. It is an interesting walk to

Total climbing: 4m

Experienced only

Wybung Head whale viewing area

142 m Return, 5 mins

This short walk starts at the end of Wybung Head Rd, leading along the top of the ridge to a fairly large clearing with sweeping ocean views. A large sign provides some information on Marine Mammals. This is a good spot to watch migrations - northern migration from June to July and southern migrati

Total climbing: 9m

Easy track

Wybung Head

804 m Return, 20 mins

Wybung Head is found at the end of Wybung Head Rd. This walk leads from the car park along a wide trail to the grand views up and down the coast from the end of the headland. A narrow track finishes the walk to the tip of Wybung Head, where there are 270-degree views of the ocean, up and down the c

Total climbing: 49m

Moderate track

Campbell Dr to Birdie Beach View (Geebung Track)

3.3 km Return, 1 hr 15 mins

This walk follows the Geebung Track to the sweeping views of Birdie Beach. From Campbell Dr, you will follow a management trail down to a creek where the Geebung Track narrows and winds through the heath to the top of the hill, where there is a view to Birdie Beach. The views south along Birdie Bea

Total climbing: 65m

Moderate track

Geebung Track

2.4 km One way, 1 Hr

The Geebung Track links Campbell Dr and Wybung Head Rd via a track through the heath. Forming part of a coastal walk, you will find occasional ocean views in addition to a great view of Birdie Beach about halfway. The Geebung Track is a great place to enjoy the wildflower display in spring and ear

Total climbing: 92m

Moderate track

Munmorah Coast Track

3.3 km One way, 1 hr 30 mins

Starting from Campbell Dr, this walk follows the Geebung and Grass Tree tracks to Frazer Beach, with an optional sidetrip to Wybung Head. Geebung Track leads you through the low heath and past a few sweeping ocean views, and great wildflower displays in spring and summer. The side trip to Wybung He

Total climbing: 96m

Experienced only

Freemans camping area to Birdie Beach

1.2 km Return, 25 mins

A short walk to access the beach from Freemans camping area. This easy walk takes campers along a wide path to Birdie Beach car park, then to Birdie Beach. The campsite is far enough back from the beach to be protected from the sea breeze, so this walk saves the longer trip via the road. Further n

Total climbing: 12m

Easy track

Tea Tree Picnic Area to Birdie Beach

444 m Return, 10 mins

Starting at Tea Tree Picnic Area, this short walk follows a beach access track to Birdie Beach. Along the way, the walk visits Bird Island Lookout, providing a great view of Bird Island, and up and down Birdie Beach. The walk continues down the timber path and steps, across the sand to the edge of

Total climbing: 18m

Easy track

Tea Tree Picnic Area to Bird Island Lookout

136 m Return, 3 mins

This short walk leads from the Tea Tree car park and Picnic Area to the Bird Island Lookout. The view from the fenced platform looks up and down Birdie Beach, and out to sea to Bird Island. The walk starts from the car park and heads across the compacted dirt and gravel track, before leading up a t

Total climbing: 3m

Very easy

Caves Beach Caves Walk

904 m Return, 30 mins

Caves Beach caves are just fabulous for exploring. This walk allows you to meander along the beach, looking and exploring in the many different sized and shaped caves. There are also good tidal pools to look in, making this a great walk for families. This walk requires low tide and calm sea condi

Total climbing: 22m

Hard track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Snapper Point Beach walk starts and ends at the Snapper Point car park (gps: -33.186240, 151.62793)

Car. A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.<br /> (get details)

Weather Forecast

This walk starts in the Hunter weather district.

Current Alerts

Park Information

Munmorah State Conservation Area

Munmorah State Conservation Area is a coastal park south of Catherine Hill Bay at the northern end of the NSW Central Coast. The park is blessed with some wonderful beaches popular with swimmers and surfers. You can stay overnight in either of the two well established campsites, both a short walk from the beach. The park puts on a wonderful wildflower in spring and summer each year. The park entrance gates are locked overnight and are open 5:30am to 9:00p.m during daylight savings period, 6:00am to 6:00pm outside of daylight savings time.

Comments

Download PDF

Open in App

Short URL: http://wild.tl/spb