Mount Tomaree
You’ll see whispers of the sea sneaking between ashen trees as you plod towards Mount Tomaree’s topmost bulge, but nothing prepares you for the views when you reach it. To your right, Shoal Bay’s lego-like white apartments sidestep neatly into its navy lagoon; on your left, tree-tufted hills shrug into the fizzing waves at Zenith Beach. Snap the required arms-outstretched photograph (as inspired by every Port Stephens tourist brochure) and consider returning at sunrise to see the entire scene through a spectacular orange filter. Recommended by local insider Angharad Jones