Heaton Gap to Newcastle
40.3 km oneway 
11 h to 2 days
Heaton Gap to Newcastle
40.3 km
Oneway
11 h to 2 days
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. From Teralba this walk 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 to Charlestown Park track head. From here you will follow the Great North Walk through a few reserves and along a 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. 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 Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
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