List of Bushwalks in Cessnock City Council

Boarding House Dam Circuit

Boarding House Dam Circuit

1.7 km circuit

30 min to 45 min

This is a cool walk on a hot day. Take your time exploring the rock formations along the creek, before finding the moss wall. Walk alongside the moss wall to its end, and then follow a track through moist rainforest back to the dam. A pleasant relaxed walk starting and finishing from the Boarding House Dam picnic 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.

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

Great North Walk: Watagan Creek Road to Flat Rock

Great North Walk: Watagan Creek Road to Flat Rock

3.8 km oneway

1 h 45 min to 2 h

This walk starts on Watagan Creek Road and soon crosses the lovely Watagan Creek. From this point, the walk leaves the Watagan valley and climbs steeply up the bush track through forest. The walk then travels on dirt road, passing a campsite and rest area, before arriving soon afterwards at the unfenced Flat Rock Lookout. Flat Rock Lookout is a natural rock platform that offers magnificent views across the Congewai Valley to the east and north. An enjoyable walk, offering pleasant walking through forest and an outstanding viewpoint. 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: Heaton Lookout to Heaton Gap

Great North Walk: Heaton Lookout to Heaton Gap

4.1 km oneway

1 h 45 min to 2 h

This section of the Great North Walk start from grand views at Heaton Lookout in Heaton state forest and leads to the picnic area and motel at Heaton Gap. The first section of this walk follows the dirt road to a communication tower before passing another lookout and expansive valley views. Here you start the steep decent along a rocky track and passing a lovely grove of grass trees. From here you follow a grassy trail and powerlines before the narrow track leads down and across the road at Heaton Gap. 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

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

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

1 h 30 min to 2 h 15 min

Environment

Hunter Lookout and Great North Walk loop

Hunter Lookout and Great North Walk loop

5.4 km circuit

2 h 15 min to 3 h

This loop track starts from the Hunter Lookout picnic area and follows the Great North Walk around the edge of the ridge via the Macleans Lookout, Rocky Creek gully and the cliffs around the eastern edge of the ridge. This walk provides great views across the valley and much of the Hunter to the north. On the return, the walk takes a leisurely stroll along the dirt roads, passing the pines plantation area and the rocky creek camping area. 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

Turners Walking Track

7.2 km return

2 h 15 min to 3 h 30 min

Turners Walking Track

7.2 km

Return

Take this challenging return walk in Watagans National Park to see the historic remnants of O’Hara’s Sawmill and take in the beautiful rainforest. 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

2 h 15 min to 3 h 30 min

Ruins

Environment

Great North Walk: Watagan Headquarters to Heaton Lookout

Great North Walk: Watagan Headquarters to Heaton Lookout

7.9 km oneway

2 h 45 min to 4 h

This scenic walk includes dramatic lookouts and time spent in moist cool forest. The walk initially travels on dirt road past Hunter and MacLean’s Lookout, before descending into the Wallis Creek catchment. Here the walk traverses underneath many cliffs before crossing Wallis Creek and arriving at Heaton Lookout. A recommended walk with car access either end. 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

Cedar Brush to Basin Campsite

Cedar Brush to Basin Campsite

8.6 km oneway

4 h to 4 h 30 min

This section of the Great North Walk makes a good walk to a comfortable campsite, with the section along the Lyrebird Trail by the Wollombi Brook being particularly recommended. From the Cedar Brush track head, the walk winds up into the Olney State Forest through bushland (crossing over two moist gullies). Once most of your height is gained, this walk follows unsealed road before dropping down into the Wollombi Brook gully. From here, the walk follows bush tracks along Lyrebird Trail and to the Basin Campsite. 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

Cedar Brush track head to Basin Campsite

Cedar Brush track head to Basin Campsite

8.6 km oneway

4 h to 6 h

This section of the Great North Walk starts from the Cedar Brush track head and winds up into the Olney State Forest, following bushtracks and service trails down into the Wollombi Brook gully. From here, the walk heads south along the Lyre Bird trail to the Basin Campsite. The Basin Campsite provides more than enough space for large groups to camp, as well as a picnic shelter, fire place and a toilet. It is a fair drive around for the car shuffle, but a nice walk into the campsite. 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.

Environment

Watagan Creek Road to Congewai Valley Track Head (West)

Watagan Creek Road to Congewai Valley Track Head (West)

11.9 km oneway

4 h to 6 h

2 h 15 min to 3 h 30 min

This section of the Great North Walk starts from the Watagan Creek Road and winds north across the valley and up into the Watagan State Forest, following the ridge lines around the Flatrock Lookout and down into the Congewai Valley before finishing at the track head at Congewai Valley Road. There are few (and unreliable) water sources in this section, so carrying sufficient supplies is necessary. 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

Watagan Forestry HQ Campsite to Heaton Gap

Watagan Forestry HQ Campsite to Heaton Gap

12 km oneway

5 h to 6 h

This walk starts from the Watagan Forestry HQ Campsite and follows the Great North Walk through the Watagan State Forest. The walk then heads out to Heaton lookout and down the long descent into Heaton Gap, passing several more fantastic lookouts and picnic areas on the way. The walk finishes at Heaton Gap on Freemans drive, just opposite the Watagan Forest Motel. 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

Swim

Environment

Basin Campsite to Watagan Creek Road

Basin Campsite to Watagan Creek Road

12.4 km oneway

5 h to 6 h

2 h 30 min to 3 h 45 min

This section of the Great North Walk starts from the Basin campsite in the Olney State Forest and winds north into the Watagans, via the Warrawolong Flora Reserve. This walk also offers a side trip from Turners Road up to the top of Mt Warrawolong, which is the highest point along the Great North Walk. The walk finishes at the Watagan Creek Road and gives a nice opportunity for that quiet drive in the country. 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

Swim

Environment

Great North Walk: Flat Rock to Congewai Valley East Track Head

Great North Walk: Flat Rock to Congewai Valley East Track Head

13.3 km oneway

4 h 45 min to 5 h

Starting from the grand views of Flat Rock Lookout high on the range, you will walk down into the Congewai Valley below. On the first section of this walk, you will explore a little used dirt road to the Congewai Communication Tower. From here you follow a series of tracks that wind down, steeply in places, through the tall open forest with a scattering of grass trees to the bottom of the range. Now the walk guides you through open farmland before following Congewai Road along main valley to the trackhead near Brown Muir Farm. 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

Rural

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

Great North Walk: Cedar Brush to Watagan Creek Road

Great North Walk: Cedar Brush to Watagan Creek Road

17 km oneway

6 h to 9 h

This section of the Great North Walk makes a good walk along the Lyrebird Trail by Wollombi Brook. From Cedar Brush track head, the walk winds up into the Olney State Forest through bushland (crossing over two moist gullies). Once most of your height is gained, this walk follows an unsealed road before dropping down into the Wollombi Brook gully. From here, the walk follows bush tracks along Lyrebird Trail, past Basin Campsite (side trip) into the Olney State Forest to wind north into the Watagans, via the Warrawolong Flora Reserve. This walk also offers a side trip from Turners Road up to the top of Mt Warrawolong, which is the highest point along the Great North Walk. The walk finishes at Watagan Creek Road and gives a nice opportunity for that quiet drive in the country. 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: Congewai Track Head (East) to Watagan Headquarters

Great North Walk: Congewai Track Head (East) to Watagan Headquarters

17.1 km oneway

5 h 30 min, 8 h 30 min to 2 days

17.1 km

Oneway

5 h 30 min, 8 h 30 min to 2 days

This full day walk starts from the Congewai valley trackhead (east) and follows the Great North Walk up into the Watagan National Park. Winding east along Georges road for the most part, this walk also passes many great lookouts and gives the option of a side trip down to the 125r lookout, which provides a great view to the south and nice spot for lunch. The walk finishes at the Watagan Headquarters campsite, which has a fire place and a picnic table. Let us begin by acknowledging the Darkinyung people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Yarramalong to Basin Campsite

Yarramalong to Basin Campsite

19.5 km oneway

5 h 30 min to 2 days

Starting at the quaint Yarramalong township, this walk follows a couple of rural roads to the Cedar Brush Trackhead. This is the longest road stretch on the Great North Walk. Some people see this is a road slog and either grab a lift or power walk it, others see it as an opportunity to stroll through the country side. However you choose to undertake this section of the walk, I encourage you to enjoy the valley views and soak up the vibe on the semi secluded rural valley community. The section along the Lyrebird Trail by the Wollombi Brook is particularly recommended. From the Cedar Brush track head, the walk winds up into the Olney State Forest through bushland (crossing over two moist gullies). Once most of your height is gained, this walk follows unsealed road before dropping down into the Wollombi Brook gully. From here, the walk follows bush tracks along Lyrebird Trail and to the Basin Campsite. 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.

Environment

Rural

Congewai Valley East Trackhead to Heaton Gap

Congewai Valley East Trackhead to Heaton Gap

27.2 km oneway

9 h to 2 days

This full day walk starts from the Congewai valley trackhead (east) and follows the Great North Walk up into the Watagan National Park. Winding east along Georges road for the most part, this walk also passes many great lookouts and gives the option of a side trip down to the 125r lookout, which provides a great view to the south and nice spot for lunch. Another lunch spot is Watagan Headquarters campsite, which has a fire place and a picnic table. Then follow the dirt road past Hunter and MacLean’s Lookout, before descending into the Wallis Creek catchment. Here the walk traverses underneath many cliffs before crossing Wallis Creek and arriving at Heaton Lookout. From grand views at Heaton Lookout in Heaton state forest walk past the picnic area and motel at Heaton Gap. Walk follows the dirt road to a communication tower before passing another lookout and expansive valley views. Here you start the steep decent along a rocky track and passing a lovely grove of grass trees. From here you follow a grassy trail and powerlines before the narrow track leads down and across the road at Heaton Gap. 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

Heaton Gap to Charlestown Park

Heaton Gap to Charlestown Park

27.5 km oneway

7 h 30 min to 12 h 30 min

27.5 km

Oneway

7 h 30 min to 12 h 30 min

Starting from Leggetts Drive near Watagan Forest Motel, this walk heads south along the road before turning left on Gap Road. It then follows the Great North Walk through the Sugarloaf State Conservation Park before crossing the Pacific Motorway. From then on it follows roads to Speers Point where views open over Lake Macquarie. Have a break here before heading on past Charlestown Golf Course and a few more pockets of bushland to reach Charlestown Park. 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

Basin Campsite to Congewai Valley East

Basin Campsite to Congewai Valley East

29.5 km oneway

9 h 30 min to 2 days

This varied walk travels north through the Watagans. Leaving the Basin campsite behind, the walk traverses the Wollombi Brook via the Lyrebird trail. The Wollombi Brook Pool is a great spot to stop (and take a swim) on a hot day. From the pool, the walk climbs into the Warrawolong Flora Reserve using a combination of bush tracks and dirt roads. Along the way, a side trip to Mt Warrawolong offers views on the way to the highest point in the area. After descending into the beautiful Watagan Valley this walk soon crosses the lovely Watagan Creek. From this point, the walk leaves the Watagan valley and climbs steeply up the bush track through forest. The walk then travels on dirt road, passing a campsite and rest area, before arriving to the unfenced Flat Rock Lookout. Flat Rock Lookout is a natural rock platform that offers magnificent views across the Congewai Valley to the east and north. From here you will walk down into the Congewai Valley below, exploring the little used dirt road to the Congewai Communication Tower. From here you follow a series of tracks that wind down, steeply in places, through the tall open forest with a scattering of grass trees to the bottom of the range. Now the walk guides you through open farmland before following Congewai Road along main valley to the trackhead near Brown Muir Farm. 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

Swim

Environment

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.

Highlights

Heaton Gap to Newcastle

40.3 km oneway

11 h to 2 days

Heaton Gap to Newcastle

Environment

Urban