Walks and Wildlife around Newcastle

Fernleigh Track

The Fernleigh Track is a disused railway corridor stretching 15.5 kilometres between Adamstown and Belmont. It provides a walking and cycling track through bushland settings with links along the way to adjoining residential communities. It is used as a regular bike and walking track for families.

Stage two of the track has recently been completed in a joint venture between the Roads and Traffic Authority and Lake Macquarie and Newcastle City Councils. The full length of the track is now 5.5km from Adamstown to Whitebridge.

Blackbutt Reserve

The Blackbutt Reserve provides free entry to nature trails, wildlife exhibits, children’s playgrounds and recreational facilities. It is the perfect place for a relaxing family picnic or to explore the wonders around it. Located six kilometres from Newcastle’s Central Business District, nestled in the suburbs of New Lambton and Kotara. The main entry points into the Reserve are from Carnley Avenue, Lookout Road and Freyberg Street (Richley Reserve entrance). Reserve has easy parking at various locations.

Staff and volunteers at Blackbutt Reserve offer a range of educational experiences for young people on a variety of subjects to fit in with school curriculums. Please see the following:

Education talks: Educational talks can be conducted on a variety of subjects. Previous talks have included discussions on shelters and habitats and general information on the Reserve and its wildlife.

Koala Encounters: The Koala Encounters program involves a talk on Australia’s most internationally recognised animal by trained Reserve staff. Children learn about the habitat of the koala, diet, breeding, status, conservation studies and general facts and information. Public Koala Encounters are held at 2pm each day for a fee of $3 per person. If you would like a private encounter outside of this time please contact the Blackbutt Reserve Office (please note there is a minimum fee of $35 for private encounters).

Wombat Talks: Talks involves a talk on the Common Wombat by trained Reserve staff. Children and adults learn about the habitat of the Common Wombat, diet, breeding, status, conservation studies and general facts and information.

Sensory Trail: The Sensory Trail experience aims to give young people a better understanding of the Australian Bush by using their senses to explore … sight, sound, smell and touch. Children will also discover the smells and sounds of the bush. They will be given mystery boxes for them to reach inside and try to guess what they feel. The Sensory Trail is a popular and fascinating educational experience for children. The program runs for approximately 1 hour.

Education programs: School excursions Blackbutt Reserve has developed a range of education programs for schools that link in with the School curriculum for Science and Human Society and its Environment.

There are so many more additional activities to experience at Blackbutt Reserve, contact Blackbutt Reserve Office on 02 4904 3344, for further details or to discuss individual needs.

The Wetlands Centre

Located on 45 hectares, the Hunter Wetlands Centre is a wildlife sanctuary providing a habitat for over 250 wildlife species which includes various species of birds, ducks and reptiles.

The Hunter Wetlands Centre offers a range of activities for all ages - from walking trails (self guided or organised tours), canoeing, dipnetting, feeding talks, birdwatching, a children’s discovery playground, interactive displays, observation decks, boardwalks and much more.

The centre is an accredited Visitor Information Centre and also an agent for National Park and Wildlife Service annual passes. The Hunter Wetlands Centre is on Sandgate Road, Sandgate NSW 2304, only 10 minutes from Newcastle and is accessible via car, train or bus.

Regular Events & Activities at The Wetlands Centre

Breakfast with the Birds

A nice easy stroll around the Wetlands observing the flora and fauna with our experienced guides. Then return to Café Nourish for a scrumptious hot buffet breakfast.

Sunday mornings, bi-monthly.
11 Jan, 1 Feb (World Wetlands Day), 8 Mar, 10 May, 12 Jul, 13 Sep, 8 Nov.

Guided walk: 7:30am - 9.00am. Breakfast from 9.00am.

$30 adults, $15 children.

Bookings Essential

Canoeing on the A-maze-ing Ironbark Trail

Paddle and explore the canoe trail with experienced guides. Stop off for a guided walk through the remnant coastal rainforest area and then return to Café Nourish for a delicious lunch.

9:30am Sundays - first Sunday of the month.
4 Jan, 1 Feb, 1 Mar, 5 Apr, 3 May, 7 Jun, 5 Jul, 2 Aug, 6 Sep, 4 Oct, 1 Nov, 6 Dec.

$15 adults, $10 children, $40 family.

Bookings Essential

Spotlight Prowl

Do creatures of the night amaze you? A slight rustle in the bushes, flapping of unseen wings and a pair of glowing eyes staring down on you? Join experienced guides and be amazed! BYO Torch.

Saturdays at sunset - third Saturday of the month.
17 Jan, 21 Feb, 21 Mar, 18 April, 16 May, 20 Jun, 18 Jul, 15 Aug, 19 Sep, 17 Oct, 14 Nov, 19 Dec.

$10 adults, $5 children, $25 family.

Music at the Wetlands

Kick back and relax to the light blues stylings of the house bands 'Technophobe' and 'Summer Wine'. Enjoy a delicious bush fusion lunch on the deck overlooking the ponds at Cafe Nourish. 12.00 noon-2.00pm

Sundays - First and third Sunday of the month.

Other Walks Around Newcastle

Bathers Way

Stretching from the commanding lighthouse at Nobby's Headland to the coastal wilderness of Glenrock Reserve and the early coal workings at Burwood Beach, Newcastle's Bathers Way is a scenic five kilometre coastal walk waiting for you to discover, play, swim and eat any way you choose.

Great North Walk

Coastal walking trail stretching from Sydney to Newcastle. Maps are available from Newcastle Visitor Information Centre.

Historic Wallsend Town Centre Walk

Walk through historic Wallsend and enjoy highlights such as the Grapes Inn (c1869), the Railway Goods Shed (1877) and The Rotunda (1888) built by Robert Snowden and George Froome cast iron fluted columns.

Hunter Regional Botanic Gardens

Over 140 hectares of gardens, situated north of Newcastle on the Pacific Highway at Hexham.

Newcastle East Heritage Walk

A journey past the many points of interest and spectacular coastal views that will enrich your understanding of Newcastle East's remarkable history.

Newcastle Town Walk

Encompasses points of interest in the city in particular heritage buildings and coastline. Maps are available from the Newcastle Visitor Information Centre.

Shipwreck Walk

The Shipwreck Walk is a pleasant 2km walk along the Stockton breakwater (north side of Newcastle Harbour). Maps are available from the Newcastle Visitor Information Centre