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.

Total climbing: 43m

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.

Total climbing: 73m

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.

Total climbing: 195m

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.

Total climbing: 220m

This walk follows the most northern section of the Great North Walk, from the Teralba station along Macquarie lake, to Warners Bay. Most of the walking is along footpaths, through park land, or along the road side. After Charlestown, the walk heads through the bush to the old Belmont railway and along Flaggy creek to the Glenrock Scout Camp. On day two, the walk heads along the beaches past Merewether baths, and up to the top of Shephards hill, through King Edwards park to the obelisk and down to the cities train station.

Total climbing: 489m

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.

Total climbing: 460m

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.

Total climbing: 104m

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.

Total climbing: 91m

This walk is a good longer option walking experience at Blackbutt Reserve. This walk visits the two larger picnic areas of Richley Reserve and Carnley Reserve, as well as the Lily pond and Rain Forest picnic areas. A highlight to this walk is the throughly recommended side trip to the Wildlife Exhibits at Carnley Reserve. This enjoyable walk is highly recommended.

Total climbing: 245m

This walk circumnavigates Coal Mine Creek on good trails. The walk starts and finishes at Richley Reserve, which has excellent picnic facilities combined with a lovely outlook over large ponds. The well established eucalyptus forest that this walk travels through surrounds you as you walk along these trail. This is a good walk which is made all the more pleasant by using the excellent facilities of Richley Reserve in Blackbutt Reserve.

Total climbing: 90m

A great family length walk that takes in both of the large reserves in the Blackbutt Park. This walk starts at Richley Reserve and travels to Carnley Reserve and the Wildlife Exhibits before returning a different way to Richley Reserve. Never far from facilities, this walk suits families or those who want to stay on the wider trails. An excellent walk.

Total climbing: 96m

A meandering walk that takes in much of what Blackbutt Reserve has to offer. This walk completes a figure 8 while following the trails around Blackbutt Reserve. The side trip to the Wildlife Exhibits is considered a must see. There are many opportunities to stop along this walk, be it at a seat along the way or at one of the established picnic areas. A recommended classic.

Total climbing: 225m

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. This walk is recommended.

Total climbing: 21m

Wander among the mangroves to step back in time to explore the old Schoolmaster’s House that was part of a once vibrant community in the area. Following devastating floods in 1955, the people moved from the area with the area still being leased as farmland. Now, these wetlands are protected as part of the national park ensuring the survival of the endangered ecological community of saltmarsh and all the fish, birds and other animals that rely on them for survival. Bring a picnic lunch and settle under a tree or bring binoculars and a bird guide. Take your time to enjoy all this area has on offer.

Total climbing: 4m

Come and meander at your own pace through this unique saltmarsh ecosystem. The timber boardwalk guides you among the mangroves as you keep an eye out for baby fish and crabs while also enjoy the birdlife. There are seats along the way making it easy to stop and just watch. There are information signs so you can get a deeper understanding of how precious this ecosystem is. Take the short side trip to the old Schoolmaster’s House and step back in time exploring the historic artefacts and displays. The walk finishes with a stroll through Sue’s Garden then along Cobbans Track to the car park. If you don’t organise a lift from the end, allow extra time and retrace your steps or return along the road.

Total climbing: 3m