Mount Yacaaba

The reason I give this four stars is that the summit doesn’t have great views. Surely a platform could be built to enable you to see Port Stephens and Tomaree. The Viewpoint back to Jimmy’s and Hawks is awesome. We took 2 hours from the car park to the summit and back to the car park. Had a quick dip on the way back and didn’t hang around much on the top because you can’t really see much. Took 24 minutes from the car park to the sign at the bottom. Half an hour from the sign to the viewpoint. And just over 15 minutes from the viewpoint to the summit - but they were tough minutes.

Hike was overall ok, you start with a 15-20 minute walk along the beach which is nice, before walking slightly up and along the hiking path. Theres not much to look at the whole time except the bush and all the birds like to hide away.. did see some bush turkeys though. Once we got to the lookout (see photo) the hike quickly became comparable to the final stretch to the summit of Mt Everest— the average person would not survive. I felt my life flash before my eyes on the largest elevation climb I’ve ever experienced, for a moment I thought I was bouldering up a vertical plane. Perhaps my experience was stunted by the fact that I am extremely unfit, or perhaps that I didn’t have any water cause I forgot to bring it - however, I strongly encourage people who are not super fit or even care about getting to the top to ignore the last 200m of the hike. The top view is comparable to looking out the window of your brand new apartment with hopes and dreams in your heart of a beautiful skyline view of the city, only to be met with a new skyscraper development next door and a brick wall. The top of the hill had NOTHING, there is no point in completing this squid game level endurance test, unless you’re into that. I genuinely was considering seeking mental help after this hike, so I’d recommend going to the peak only if you are a well adjusted and fit person. For the rest of us normal people, just go to the first lookout, take a rest and some pictures, and head back down and enjoy the beach.

Was a wonderful walk, wheel chair friendly with off road wheels and a ladder, short walk on the beach, easy hike to the top with a stunning view at the summit you can’t miss it, multiple water stations, psa shoes aren’t needed.

Great hike with amazing views. Get there early in the morning for some great light along the shores and islands. Gradual hike with some steep inclines. Recommend good shoes for the trek up.

We had a good time walking to the top of Mount Yacaaba. There is a bit of a walk through the beach at the beginning which takes around 25mins and then when you reach the end you can make your way up. It’s not a long or hard walk so I completely recommend it. Beautiful view from the top.