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.
Swells cafe. | Photo by admin, 2010.Looking north towards Merewether Beach. | Photo by admin, 2010.Dixon Park Merewether. | Photo by admin, 2010.View From Dixon Park. | Photo by admin, 2010.Looking over Bar Beach. | Photo by admin, 2010.Looking over Susan Gilmore Beach. | Photo by admin, 2010.Wildflowers on Memorial Drive . | Photo by admin, 2010.Back of Strzelecki Lookout. | Photo by admin, 2010.Looking at the ocean from Cliff Street. | Photo by admin, 2010.Looking towards Shepherds Hill. | Photo by admin, 2010.View from York Drive. | Photo by admin, 2010.Looking into King Edward Park. | Photo by admin, 2010.King Edward Park. | Photo by admin, 2008.York Drive. | Photo by admin, 2010.Road near Bogey Hole. | Photo by admin, 2010.View from above the Bogey Hole. | Photo by admin, 2010.Waves crashing against rocks at Bogey Hole. | Photo by admin, 2010.Dangerous rock pools at Bogey Hole. | Photo by admin, 2010.Staircase at Bogey Hole. | Photo by admin, 2010.Fig tree near King Edward Park barbecue . | Photo by admin, 2010.Steps up to the Obelisk. | Photo by admin, 2008.The Obelisk. | Photo by admin, 2010.The Obelisk. | Photo by admin, 2008.View from Newcastle Obelisk. | Photo by admin, 2010.Looking up towards the Obelisk. | Photo by admin, 2010.The Grand Hotel in the Hill. | Photo by admin, 2010.The Grand Hotel Newcastle. | Photo by admin, 2010.Intersection of King and Bolton Streets. | Photo by admin, 2010.Queens Wharf. | Photo by admin, 2010.Yuelarbah Track Plaque. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
There is a picnic table (about 30 m back from the start).
Find the shelter at the start.
After another 15 m continue straight, to head along Bathers Way.
After another 65 m pass the "Dixon Park Beach" (on your left).
After another 25 m pass the shelter (45 m on your left).
After another 30 m find the "Dixon Park and Dixon Park SLSC" (6 m on your right).
Dixon Park and Dixon Park SLSC
Dixon Park and Dixon Park SLSC
Dixon Park and the Dixon Park SLSC are located in the middle of Bar beach in Merewether. Dixon Park has a large open grassed area, sheltered picnic tables, barbeques, a children's playground, toilets and tap water. The open space of Dixon Park is often used for hangliding or kite flying.
+
-
Dixon Park and the Dixon Park SLSC are located in the middle of Bar beach in Merewether. Dixon Park has a large open grassed area, sheltered picnic tables, barbeques, a children's playground, toilets and tap water. The open space of Dixon Park is often used for hangliding or kite flying.
After another 10 m pass the picnic table (on your right).
After another 20 m pass the toilet (20 m on your left).
After another 10 m pass the picnic table (6 m on your right).
After another 8 m pass a seat (5 m on your right).
After another 15 m turn right, to head along Bathers Way.
Then pass a seat (9 m on your left).
After another 45 m pass the car park (30 m on your left).
After another 50 m pass the picnic table (15 m on your left).
Continue straight, to head along Bathers Way.
After another 220 m turn right, to head along Bathers Way.
After another 9 m continue straight, to head along Bathers Way.
After another 80 m pass the water tap (4 m on your right).
Then pass the picnic table (5 m on your right).
After another 55 m pass the shelter (4 m on your right).
After another 35 m pass the picnic table (5 m on your right).
After another 60 m pass the shelter (5 m on your right).
After another 35 m pass the shelter (5 m on your right).
After another 20 m pass the "Empire Park" (20 m on your left).
After another 135 m pass the picnic table (15 m on your right).
After another 40 m pass a seat (on your right).
After another 35 m pass the shelter (20 m on your right).
After another 40 m pass the car park (on your left).
Continue straight, to head along Bathers Way.
After another 40 m pass the shelter (25 m on your right).
Continue straight, to head along Bathers Way.
Keep left.
After another 70 m come to the viewpoint (20 m on your right).
After another 40 m pass the "Bar Beach Car Park" (on your left).
After another 350 m turn right.
Then head down the steps (about 8 m long)
After another 40 m head down the metal steps (about 9 m long)
After another 50 m head down the metal steps (about 70 m long)
After another 25 m pass the water tap (on your left).
Then cross the bridge (about 320 m long)
Then pass the "Shepherds Hill" (15 m on your left).
After another 10 m come to the viewpoint (on your right).
After another 305 m continue straight.
After another 9 m continue straight.
After another 15 m find the "Strzelecki Lookout" (7 m on your right).
Strzelecki Lookout
Strzelecki Lookout
Strzelecki Lookout, atop the hill, is named in honor of the Polish geologist and explorer whose chemical analyses and research into coal deposits from 1839-45 influenced the development of the region. Wonderful views of the coastline south are available here and if you are lucky, you will see a hanglider taking off.
+
-
Strzelecki Lookout, atop the hill, is named in honor of the Polish geologist and explorer whose chemical analyses and research into coal deposits from 1839-45 influenced the development of the region. Wonderful views of the coastline south are available here and if you are lucky, you will see a hanglider taking off.
Then head through the bollard.
After another 15 m pass the park (10 m on your right).
Continue straight.
After another 50 m (at the intersection of High Street & Bathers Way) veer left, to head along High Street.
After another 10 m (at the intersection of Memorial Drive & High Street) turn right, to head along Memorial Drive (a road).
After another 6 m (at the intersection of Cliff Street & High Street) turn right, to head along Cliff Street (a residential road).
After another 100 m continue straight, to head along The Terrace.
After another 30 m (at the intersection of York Drive & The Terrace) turn right, to head along York Drive (a service road).
After another 30 m head through/around the gate.
dawn-21:00
Then find the "Shepherds Hill" (65 m on your right).
Shepherds Hill
Shepherds Hill
Shepherds Hill is located just south of King Edward Park (off The Terrace in Newcastle). Shepherds Hill is an exposed headland with wonderful views along the coastline. During World War Two, Shepherds Hill was home to gun emplacements, pits, a 100 metre-long tunnel and observation posts. The gun was designed to be a discrete, hard-to-spot weapon which would contract downwards, below its parapet to be reloaded. Shepherds Hill also housed a World War Two radar station. Shepherds Hill is named after a survey report that called it ‘Sheep Pasture Hill’ after its resemblance to English countryside. Hang-gliding is also very common from the hilltop.
+
-
Shepherds Hill is located just south of King Edward Park (off The Terrace in Newcastle). Shepherds Hill is an exposed headland with wonderful views along the coastline. During World War Two, Shepherds Hill was home to gun emplacements, pits, a 100 metre-long tunnel and observation posts. The gun was designed to be a discrete, hard-to-spot weapon which would contract downwards, below its parapet to be reloaded. Shepherds Hill also housed a World War Two radar station. Shepherds Hill is named after a survey report that called it ‘Sheep Pasture Hill’ after its resemblance to English countryside. Hang-gliding is also very common from the hilltop.
After another 90 m turn left.
After another 120 m continue straight.
After another 25 m pass the playground (15 m on your right).
Then pass the toilet (20 m on your right).
Then pass the shelter (25 m on your right).
Turn left.
After another 20 m pass the BBQ (on your right).
After another 20 m pass the "King Edward Park Fountain" (about 15 m ahead).
Then find the "King Edward Park" (30 m on your right).
King Edward Park
King Edward Park
King Edward Park is a large hilly park with established trees, abutting the ocean just 500m from the centre of Newcastle. King Edward Park has toilets, barbeques, a children’s playground, an historic water fountain and flower gardens. King Edward Park was once referred to as the ‘lungs of Newcastle’ as it supplied a natural parkland in contrast to the increasing urbanization of the nineteenth century.
+
-
King Edward Park is a large hilly park with established trees, abutting the ocean just 500m from the centre of Newcastle. King Edward Park has toilets, barbeques, a children’s playground, an historic water fountain and flower gardens. King Edward Park was once referred to as the ‘lungs of Newcastle’ as it supplied a natural parkland in contrast to the increasing urbanization of the nineteenth century.
Turn right.
Continue straight.
After another 80 m turn right.
After another 15 m turn left.
After another 10 m turn right, to head along Reserve Road.
After another 45 m (at the intersection of Wolfe Street & Reserve Road) turn left, to head along Wolfe Street (a residential road).
After another 9 m turn right.
After another 8 m turn left.
After another 140 m pass the picnic table (30 m on your right).
Continue straight.
After another 75 m come to the viewpoint (30 m on your right).
After another 5 m find the "The Obelisk" (40 m on your right).
The Obelisk
The Obelisk
This white stone monument sits above the city of Newcastle, on a green grassy knoll. The Obelisk Park is popular and gives views across the Lower Hunter Plains. The Obelisk was first erected in 1850, to replace the windmill that had stood there before it. The Obelisk was erected to act as a navigational aid for ships. On the grassy knoll is a water fountain and a large sundial.
+
-
This white stone monument sits above the city of Newcastle, on a green grassy knoll. The Obelisk Park is popular and gives views across the Lower Hunter Plains. The Obelisk was first erected in 1850, to replace the windmill that had stood there before it. The Obelisk was erected to act as a navigational aid for ships. On the grassy knoll is a water fountain and a large sundial.
After another 35 m pass the picnic table (50 m on your right).
After another 55 m pass the picnic table (15 m on your right).
After another 35 m continue straight.
Continue straight.
After another 20 m turn left.
After another 25 m pass the picnic table (35 m on your right).
Turn left.
After another 15 m continue straight.
After another 40 m pass the car park (6 m on your right).
Continue straight.
After another 10 m continue straight.
After another 135 m pass the car park (50 m on your right).
After another 115 m turn right.
After another 2 m turn left.
After another 10 m pass the "Cathedral grounds" (65 m on your left).
Then pass the car park (80 m on your left).
Turn right, to head along Church Street.
After another 200 m pass the car park (80 m on your right).
At the intersection of Bolton Street & Church Street turn left, to head along Bolton Street.
After another 10 m continue straight, to head along Bolton Street.
After another 120 m pass the "Bolton Street Car Parking Station" (10 m on your left). This car park is wheelchair accessible.
After another 40 m pass the artwork (9 m on your left).
After another 105 m pass the "Bolton Street Pantry" (15 m on your right).
Continue straight, to head along Bolton Street.
Then pass the "Kitami King Street" (65 m on your right).
After another 7 m (at the intersection of Bolton Street & King Street) continue straight, to head along Bolton Street.
After another 25 m pass the "Good Brother" (35 m on your right).
After another 155 m pass the "Valerie’s Pizza" (55 m on your left).
Continue straight, to head along Bolton Street.
After another 8 m (at the intersection of Bolton Street & Hunter Street) continue straight, to head along Bolton Street.
After another 15 m pass the "Fruit A Peel" (50 m on your left).
Continue straight, to head along Bolton Street.
Then pass the "Porky’s Nest" (35 m on your left).
After another 20 m pass the pay phone (7 m on your right).
After another 55 m pass the "Cirque" (10 m on your left).
After another 80 m pass the water tap (50 m on your right).
Then pass the toilet (50 m on your right).
At the intersection of Scott Street & Bolton Street turn left, to head along Scott Street (a road).
After another 110 m pass the "Ali Shiraz Kebab" (75 m on your left).
Then pass the park (60 m on your right).
At the intersection of Scott Street & Newcomen Street continue straight, to head along Scott Street.
After another 75 m pass the shelter (5 m on your right).
Then pass the "Ka-fey Cafe Bar Restaurant" (70 m on your left).
After another 25 m continue straight, to head along Scott Street.
After another 10 m find the "Hunter Street Mall" (75 m on your left).
After another 7 m pass the picnic table (25 m on your left).
Veer right.
After another 5 m veer left.
After another 9 m continue straight.
After another 25 m pass the "Signal Box" (15 m on your right).
Continue straight.
After another 9 m continue straight.
After another 10 m continue straight.
After another 25 m find the "Queens Wharf" (5 m on your left).
Queens Wharf
Queens Wharf
Queens Wharf is on the Newcastle harbour, just minutes from the centre of Newcastle. The Queens Wharf Tower is over 40m in height and open to the public. From the top of the tower, you are able to see up to 20km in all directions, particularly up and down the coastline (Note that the tower is closed in bad weather). Queens Wharf Tower, was built in 1988 and opened by Queen Elizabeth II to mark the Australian Bicentenary. The Tower was built to mark the spot where the city meets the park and the sea. Queens Wharf is home to a number of restaurants and a bar, and there is a raised pedestrian footbridge from the tower into Hunter Street Mall shops. There is a ferry service across the harbour to Stockton, which gives good views back to across the water to Newcastle City. For more information contact the Newcastle Visitor Information Centre on 02 4974 2999.
+
-
Queens Wharf is on the Newcastle harbour, just minutes from the centre of Newcastle. The Queens Wharf Tower is over 40m in height and open to the public. From the top of the tower, you are able to see up to 20km in all directions, particularly up and down the coastline (Note that the tower is closed in bad weather). Queens Wharf Tower, was built in 1988 and opened by Queen Elizabeth II to mark the Australian Bicentenary. The Tower was built to mark the spot where the city meets the park and the sea. Queens Wharf is home to a number of restaurants and a bar, and there is a raised pedestrian footbridge from the tower into Hunter Street Mall shops. There is a ferry service across the harbour to Stockton, which gives good views back to across the water to Newcastle City. For more information contact the Newcastle Visitor Information Centre on 02 4974 2999.
Then pass the "Great North Walk".
After another 6 m pass the water tap (20 m on your right).
Turn left.
After another 15 m pass a seat (on your left).
After another 65 m pass the "Six Degrees Bar & Restaurant" (10 m on your left).
After another 40 m pass the "Cielo Italiano" (10 m on your left).
Then pass the car park (about 25 m ahead). This car park is wheelchair accessible.
Turn right.
After another 60 m pass the shelter (on your right).
Then pass the picnic table (9 m on your right).
After another 15 m come to a seat.
About 45 m past the end is a park.
About 75 m past the end is "Scratchley's Restaurant". This restaurant is wheelchair accessible.
The end.
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start heading along York Drive.
Find the King Edward Park at the start.
After another 20 m continue straight.
After another 40 m pass the playground (15 m on your right).
After another 45 m pass the shelter (15 m on your right).
Continue straight.
After another 55 m pass the picnic table (9 m on your left).
Continue straight, to head along Shortland Esplanade.
After another 95 m pass the "Garside Garden" (on your left).
After another 75 m turn right.
After another 65 m continue straight.
After another 40 m head through the bollard.
After another 25 m head up the metal steps
After another 7 m come to the end.
About 10 m past the end is "Bogey Hole".
Bogey Hole
Bogey Hole
The Bogey Hole on Shortland Esplanade is a bathing pool that is open to the ocean. The Bogey Hole was built by convict labour for the personal pleasure of Major James T. Morriset, the military commandant from 1819-1822 who did much to improve the breakwater, roads and barracks in the settlement. Over the years, the Bogey Hole was enlarged to its present size. The name "Bogey Hole" came from the Aboriginal word meaning "to bathe". The Bogey Hole can be dangerous during high tides or times of rough seas. For more information, contact the City of Newcastle on 02 4974 2000.
+
-
The Bogey Hole on Shortland Esplanade is a bathing pool that is open to the ocean. The Bogey Hole was built by convict labour for the personal pleasure of Major James T. Morriset, the military commandant from 1819-1822 who did much to improve the breakwater, roads and barracks in the settlement. Over the years, the Bogey Hole was enlarged to its present size. The name "Bogey Hole" came from the Aboriginal word meaning "to bathe". The Bogey Hole can be dangerous during high tides or times of rough seas. For more information, contact the City of Newcastle on 02 4974 2000.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 430 m to the main route.
+
-
Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities
Great North Walk: Merewether to Newcastle
Grading
Class 3/6
Moderate track
Length
4.3 km
Time
1 h 30 min to 3 h
Quality of track
Smooth and hardened path (1/6)
Gradient
Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage
Clearly signposted (1/6)
Infrastructure
Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)
Experience Required
No experience required (1/6)
Weather
Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
Some facilities on route
Shelter: There are 10 on route, on average they are 390 m apart with the largest gap of 1.5 km.
Toilet: There are 3 on route, on average they are 1.1 km apart with the largest gap of 2.3 km.
Seat: There are 5 on route, on average they are 720 m apart with the largest gap of 3.2 km.
