List of Bushwalks in Newcastle-Maitland

Environment

This summit walk to Mt Sugarloaf offers fabulous 360 degree views and is highly recommended. This short but steep walk follows a wide trail, which narrows to become fenced steps directly to the summit. From the summit, you can see across the surrounding plains, with the views of Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the ocean which are quite spectacular. This walk is often enjoyed by families and children and is highly recommended. Let us begin by acknowledging the Awabakal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Mt Sugarloaf Summit

640 m return

20 min to 30 min

Environment

Starting from Bombala Street this short circuit walk in Glenrock State Conservation Area takes you past a hang-gliding pad to Dudley Beach where you can have a swim. Let us begin by acknowledging the Awabakal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Bombala Walking Track

670 m circuit

10 min to 20 min

Bombala Walking Track

Swim

Environment

This easy walk, which is wheelchair accessible, travels through open grasslands that are surrounded by healthy eucalyptus forest. The grasslands have two large ponds, with two black swans on the lower pond. Do beware of the swans defending their territory. Richley Reserve is well maintained and makes this walk particularly attractive. Let us begin by acknowledging the Awabakal & Worimi people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Environment

Richley Reserve Circuit

750 m circuit

15 min to 30 min

Richley Reserve Circuit

A must do if you’re in the area, this walk travels through particularly attractive forest as it circumnavigates the summit of Mt Sugarloaf. The side trip to the summit of Mt Sugarloaf would best be done first, followed by a leisurely walk along the track. There are many picnic options, either during or at the end of walk. Enjoy the views and attractive forest on this walk. Let us begin by acknowledging the Awabakal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Mt Sugarloaf Red Track

780 m circuit

20 min to 1 h

Mt Sugarloaf Red Track

Environment

This short walk from the Awabakal car park out to the Awabakal Viewpoint offers a relaxing walk through native forest, with a quiet and secluded viewpoint at the end. The native heath throughout this walk is particularly attractive when in flower (July to October). Why not take a blanket and enjoy a picnic at the viewpoint? This short walk takes you to a lovely viewpoint through native forest and is recommended. Let us begin by acknowledging the Awabakal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Awabakal Viewpoint Walk

1 km return

20 min to 30 min

Awabakal Viewpoint Walk

Environment

Cain's Timber Bridge Viewpoint Walk

Cain's Timber Bridge Viewpoint Walk

1.3 km return

20 min to 30 min

This walk takes you beside the Owens wetland and then finishes at a lovely timber bridge over the Owens Creek. You are likely to see many birds on this walk, particularly if you do the walk in the early morning or late afternoon when the birds are most active. This walk is wheelchair accessible and even has a possible shortcut, ending at the western end of Cain St. This walk makes for a pleasant stroll at anytime of the year. Let us begin by acknowledging the Awabakal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

This return walk is perfect for walking with children. As you walk along the raised boardwalk you can observe animals and plants above and beneath you and learn a lot about the nature of the area. Let us begin by acknowledging the Awabakal & Worimi people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Environment

The Welcome Walk

1.4 km return

45 min to 1 h 15 min

Follow this short circuit walk from the remains of an 1870's stone bridge abutments to the brick tower that was a ventilation shaft from the old mine. Let us begin by acknowledging the Awabakal & Worimi people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Heritage Walking Track

1.4 km circuit

30 min to 1 h

Heritage Walking Track

Ruins

Environment

Starting from Scout Camp Road near Scout Camp campsite this return walk takes you through Glenrock State Conservation Area to Flaggy Creek. You can see the historic Burwood Colliery. There are plenty of options if you want to prolong the walk by joining other trails or looping around the lagoon. Let us begin by acknowledging the Awabakal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Burwood Trail

1.6 km return

30 min to 1 h

Environment

This longer walk travels though gentle forest, with many opportunities for picnics. Primarily in forest, this walk occasionally offers views out to the surrounding plains. The side trip to the western viewpoint (unfenced) is particularly recommended as the views are fabulous. This walk is mostly flat or gently undulating and therefore would be good for families. A recommended walk. Let us begin by acknowledging the Awabakal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Mt Sugarloaf Green Track

1.7 km circuit

40 min to 1 h 30 min

Mt Sugarloaf Green Track

Environment

Scotts Point Way to Riverside Park Trail

Scotts Point Way to Riverside Park Trail

1.9 km oneway

45 min to 1 h 15 min

Take this leisurely one-way walk along the Hunter River. Check out the visitor information shelter for info about the first settlers, then have a picnic at the Riverside Park or go fishing off the jetty. Let us begin by acknowledging the Awabakal & Worimi people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

This walk traverses the Awabakal Nature Reserve. Starting from Dudley in the north, this walk travels south through coastal heath and forest, until coming to Redhead. The vegetation throughout this walk is particularly attractive during the wildflower season of July to October. The side trip out to the Awabakal Viewpoint gives great views to the north along the coastline. A car shuffle would be ideal for this one-way walk. The walking tracks are a little overgrown, but if you like native forest and heath, or simply flowers, then this is the walk for you. Let us begin by acknowledging the Awabakal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Awabakal Coastal Walk

1.9 km oneway

40 min to 45 min

Awabakal Coastal Walk

Environment

Rod Earp Rain Forest Circuit (from Lookout Rd)

Rod Earp Rain Forest Circuit (from Lookout Rd)

2 km circuit

50 min to 1 h

This quiet and secluded walk is an easy amble through attractive rainforest. This walk circumnavigates Rainforest Creek and takes the walker into cool dense forest. You are likely to see flying foxes in the trees and if you are lucky, a Powerful Owl. Accessed from the quieter Lookout Road car park, this walk escapes the crowds well. A recommended walk, particularly on a hot day. Let us begin by acknowledging the Awabakal & Worimi people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Rainforest Walk to Riverside Park

Rainforest Walk to Riverside Park

2 km oneway

1 h 45 min to 2 h 15 min

2 km

Oneway

Walk

1 h 45 min to 2 h 15 min

Rainforest walk to Riverside Park takes you along mostly flat track through Hunter Wetlands National Park. See a historic silos and ruins of Milham’s Farmhouse on the way, then have a picnic at the Riverside Park or go fishing off the jetty. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Ruins

Environment

Rod Earp Rainforest Circuit (from Carnley Ave)

Rod Earp Rainforest Circuit (from Carnley Ave)

2 km circuit

50 min to 1 h

This walk takes the walker into a dense cool rainforest that seems a world away from the hustle and bustle of Newcastle city. You're likely to see flying foxes in the trees and, if you're lucky, a Powerful Owl. Starting and finishing at the Carnley Ave Reserve, this walk can easily be combined with a visit to the Wildlife Exhibits and/or a picnic at Carnley Ave Reserve. A recommended walk. Let us begin by acknowledging the Awabakal & Worimi people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Leggy Point Loop Walking Track

Leggy Point Loop Walking Track

2.2 km circuit

45 min to 1 h

Starting from Scout Camp parking area this circuit walk takes you through Glenrock State Conservation Area with some amazing views over the area. If the walk is too short there are plenty of opportunities to prolong. Let us begin by acknowledging the Awabakal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

The Lookout Circuit is a classic Green Point reserve walk. This walk offers walkers plenty of picnic opportunities, elevated views over Lake Macquarie and travel through eucalyptus forest. There is also good historical and environmental interpretative signage along much of this walk. This recommended walk makes a lovely half day walk if a picnic is included and remember to keep a lookout for Sea Eagles. Let us begin by acknowledging the Awabakal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

The Lookout Circuit

2.3 km circuit

50 min to 1 h

Environment

This walk follows a wide trail along eucalyptus lined broad ridges as it circumnavigates Black Duck Creek. This walk starts and finishes at Carnley Reserve and while there, why not enjoy a picnic and/or visit to the Wildlife Exhibits. Combined with the excellent facilities at Carnley Reserve, this walk is recommended for everybody, on all but the hottest days of summer. Let us begin by acknowledging the Awabakal & Worimi people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Environment

Main Ridge Circuit Walk

2.4 km circuit

1 h to 2 h

Main Ridge Circuit Walk

Leichhardt's Green Point Walk

Leichhardt's Green Point Walk

2.5 km return

1 h to 2 h

This walk offers the shortest way of walking to Green Point. Starting from the elevated Leichhardt Road in Valentine, the walk descends through eucalyptus forest with some pleasant clearings on the way. Green Point is a great place for picnics and feels as if you can see the entire Lake Macquarie from the foreshore. A recommended walk. Let us begin by acknowledging the Awabakal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

The Ken and Audrey Owens Walkway

The Ken and Audrey Owens Walkway

2.5 km return

40 min to 1 h

This walk follows a series of concrete and timber footpaths through the pleasant coastal area. This walk starts and finishes at the Webb Park Picnic Area, which has good facilities and shops nearby. The Owens Walkway has been made in conjunction with the Redhead Landcare group. This walk is great for those wanting to explore the area in a wheelchair or with a pram. There are a few alternate exits along the way if you wish to make the walk shorter. Let us begin by acknowledging the Awabakal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

This is a good walk, a highlight being the delightful Lily Pond picnic area, with its lush vegetation and attractive flowers. This walk travels through eucalyptus forest as well as one section of road walking through a quiet suburban street. The side trip to Richley Park is worthwhile to access the extra facilities there. A recommended walk that doesn't attract the crowds. Let us begin by acknowledging the Awabakal & Worimi people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Environment

Forestway Circuit Walk

2.7 km circuit

1 h to 2 h

Forestway Circuit Walk

This walk descends through open grasslands and eucalyptus forest to arrive at the grassed Green Point. This is a quiet and secluded spot and a fabulous place for a picnic. From Green Point, there are good views up and down Lake Macquarie. The side trip to the Sea Eagle Lookouts is also worthwhile. A good walk, with both scenic views and waterside relaxation. Let us begin by acknowledging the Awabakal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

The Green Point Walk

3 km return

1 h to 1 h 15 min

Environment

The Belmont Lagoon Spit walk in Belmont is a quiet relaxing walk surrounded by water. This walk is best completed in the early morning or late afternoon, when the bird life is most active. You may see Black Swans, Spoon Bills and if you are lucky, the migratory Bar Tailed Godwit. This walk is close to Redhead Beach and could happily be combined with a dip or a beach stroll. The Belmont Lagoon is a sanctuary for wildlife in the area. Let us begin by acknowledging the Awabakal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Belmont Lagoon Spit Walk

3.3 km return

50 min to 1 h

Belmont Lagoon Spit Walk

Environment

Great North Walk: Merewether to Newcastle

Great North Walk: Merewether to Newcastle

4.3 km oneway

1 h 30 min to 3 h

Starting from Merewether, you will mostly follow the coast line to Queens Wharf. After exploring some of Newcastle's (and arguably Australia's) best beaches, the grand views from Strzelecki Lookout, you then wander through King Edward Park where you can take the optional side trip to the intriguing Bogey Hole. The walk then takes you up to more panoramic views from the The Obelisk, before you stroll through Newcastle CBD and mall to Queens Wharf. There are a few long hills, just take you time and enjoy the salt air. Let us begin by acknowledging the Awabakal & Worimi people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Mt Sugarloaf Northern Track

Mt Sugarloaf Northern Track

4.3 km circuit

1 h 30 min to 2 h 15 min

4.3 km

Circuit

Walk

1 h 30 min to 2 h 15 min

This walk takes you away from the Mt Sugarloaf summit, to visit a quieter viewpoint. This longer walk initially visits the western viewpoint, before traversing northward to eventually arrive at the northern viewpoint. From here, the walk gradually descends to the Lower Mt Sugarloaf car park and then gradually ascends back up to the Mt Sugarloaf car park. A walk for those with a little bit more time or wanting to find a quieter corner of Mt Sugarloaf. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Yuelarbah and Burwood Track Loop

Yuelarbah and Burwood Track Loop

4.6 km circuit

1 h to 2 h

Starting from the Yuelarbah car park on Burwood Road, Whitebridge, this walk takes you on a circuit around Glenrock Lagoon via the Yuelarbah and Burwood tracks. This moderately challenging loop winds its way around Glenrock Lagoon, a picturesque freshwater lagoon located within the Glenrock State Conservation Area, which contains many historic sites. The lagoon is a popular swimming spot, fed by two creeks before flowing into the ocean at the opposite end, and is also an important site for the Awabakal people. The walk initially heads along a wheelchair-accessible elevated boardwalk and follows the Yuelarbah Track, crossing a suspension bridge over Flaggy Creek, then continues alongside the creek, passing a picnic area and a small waterfall. After crossing a timber footbridge over Little Flaggy Creek, just above another waterfall, the walk reaches Leichhardt's Lookout, which offers excellent views over Glenrock Lagoon and beyond towards the ocean. From there, the walk descends a series of steps through dense rainforest and meanders alongside the lagoon, crossing several footbridges before emerging at Glenrock Beach, a popular surfing spot. Continuing along the beach, the walk crosses the lagoon outlet and heads inland through the coastal eucalypt forest, passing the Glenrock Scout Camp and offering views of the historic Burwood Colliery. The walk continues along the Burwood Track, which begins on Scout Camp Road opposite the water tank, then follows the Yuelarbah Management Trail back to the car park. This loop consists of wide and narrow walking trails and fire tracks, with uneven natural surfaces, compacted natural surfaces, compacted gravel surfaces, boardwalk sections and steps. Suitable for average fitness levels. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

This walk visits all of the popular locations in Green Point Reserve, as well as some of the lesser-visited areas inland. Taking in Sea Eagle Park, Green Point and Rocky-high viewpoint on the foreshore and then travel inland through mostly eucalyptus forest to enjoy the views at Sea Eagle Lookout, before completing this circuit walk back to your starting point. A varied walk that gives the walker an excellent sense of what Green Point Reserve has to offer. This walk is thoroughly recommended. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Green Point Circuit Walk

7.3 km circuit

2 h 45 min to 3 h

Green Point Circuit Walk

Environment

Great North Walk: Charlestown Park track head to Merewether

Great North Walk: Charlestown Park track head to Merewether

9.4 km oneway

2 h 45 min, 5 h 30 min to 2 days

9.4 km

Oneway

Walk

2 h 45 min, 5 h 30 min to 2 days

Starting from a small park in Charlestown you will follow the Great North Walk through a few reserves and along Burwood Beach, past the heads to Merewether Beach. Exploring bush around Glenrock lagoon on the Yuelarbah Track, including the Leichhardt’s Lookout are highlights. From this lookout the track leads down past the edge of the lagoon then along the sandy beach, past Merewether ocean pools. This walk describes a side trip to the scout campsite beside the lagoon for those who have organised to camp there. Let us begin by acknowledging the Awabakal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Great North Walk: Teralba to Charlestown Park track head

Great North Walk: Teralba to Charlestown Park track head

13.3 km oneway

4 h to 4 h 30 min

This section of the Great North Walk starts from the Teralba train station and winds down and around the edge of Lake Macquarie. The walk passes through the Cockle reserve, and continues to Warners bay and up along the roads, before cutting through the bush to Charlestown, where it winds around the golf course and finishes at the Charlestown Park track head. Let us begin by acknowledging the Awabakal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Cafe

Environment

Great North Walk: Heaton Gap to Teralba Station

Great North Walk: Heaton Gap to Teralba Station

14.8 km oneway

5 h to 6 h

This section of the Great North Walk starts from Heaton Gap near the Watagan Forest Motel, and winds east, towards Newcastle. The walk passes through the Awaba State Forest and past the Sugarloaf Range, down into Wakefield and on to Teralba, a pleasant town on the edge of Lake Macquarie. Accommodation is available at both ends of this day walk allowing you to join it onto other sections of the Great North Walk inn to inn style. Let us begin by acknowledging the Awabakal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Heritage

Environment

Starting from the intersection of Gen Street and Railway Parade, Belmont, this walk takes you to Adamstown via the Fernleigh Track. This moderately easy walk follows the Fernleigh Track, a shared-use rail trail built along the former Belmont railway line between Adamstown and Belmont, with interpretive signage telling the story of the railway and the coal mines it serviced. Remnants of the original railway can be seen along the way, including the former stations' platforms, and there are shops and cafés available nearby at every stop, as well as drinking fountains and public toilets. From Belmont, near the picturesque Lake Macquarie harbour, the walk initially follows a boardwalk through the Belmont Wetland State Park, then heads through coastal heath past an ancient sand dune system before reaching Jewells Station. After passing Redhead, the walk climbs gently through native bushland to Whitebridge Station, then meanders along Tin Hare Creek past the Burwood Colliery Dam. From there, the walk heads through the Glenrock State Conservation Area past Kahibah, then passes through the 180m Fernleigh Tunnel beneath the Pacific Highway before reaching Adamstown. This walk consists of wide, mostly flat, shared-use bitumen paths with boardwalk sections. It is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, as well as prams and wheelchairs, and can be done in either direction. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Fernleigh Track

15 km oneway

4 h to 6 h

3 h 30 min to 6 h 30 min

Environment