10 Best hikes and trails in Watagans National Park

Best trails in Watagans National Park

4.2(363 reviews)

Australia
:
#180 of 638 national parks

Just one hour from Newcastle, Watagans National Park provides breathtaking wildness including dense rainforests, creeks and waterfalls that are home to a variety of fauna and flora. The park has an array of attractions including hiking, bicycling, lookouts, and peaceful camping spots for longer getaways. The Watagan Mountains are also home to a vibrant cultural legacy; more than 40 Aboriginal sites showcase engraving and art methods, and remains from earlier logging operations reveal the region's European settlement history. Gap Creek Falls is dotted with interesting rock formations and stone walls covered in moss, as well as red cedar and Illawarra flame trees with soaring canopies. Monkey Face and Gap Creek lookouts provide magnificent views over rainforest gullies.

Top trails

#1 - Gap Creek Falls Walking Track

Follow this steep track through the forest to a large beautiful waterfall, one of the best in the region. The trail passes through dense rainforest and then down the aforementioned steep descent to the waterfall base but is manageable for most ages. Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit if the weather is good as you can swim in the pool at the foot of the falls. Gap Creek campground has picnic tables, barbecue facilities, a carpark, and toilets.

#2 - Great North Walk: Congewai East Track Head to Heaton Gap

The Great North Walk connects New South Wales' two largest cities from the obelisk in Australia's first planned town square to the wharf from which its oldest home-built steamship still sails in over 250 kilometres of history, mystery and fascination. This is the eighth section of the Great North Walk. To see the list of sections or the full trail, go here: www.alltrails.com/lists/great-north-walk--70. This section starts near Congewoi Rd and heads for a short section before turning east...

#3 - Watagans via Slippery Rock Road

This is a wonderful trail through the Watagans National Park, located in central eastern New South Wales. The trail starts and ends opposite Horgans Lane where Slippery Rock Road begins. The track has a fairly steady ascent up to Watagan Forest Road where you will cross and take Boardinghouse Dam Road. The scenery along the route is beautiful with tall forest all around and varied vegetation throughout. Boarding House Dam picnic area has toilets, picnic tables and BBQs.

#4 - Gap Creek Falls via Gap Creek Forest Walk

This is a wonderful walk through the rainforest to the base of Gap Creek Falls in Watagans National Park near the Central Coast. The track begins from the Gap Creek campground and heads out into the dense rainforest along the edges of Gap Creek. The track does descend some steep terrain to the base of the falls. Gap Creek campground has picnic tables, barbecue facilities, a carpark, and toilets.

#5 - Mount Faulk Road to Gap Creek Campground

This challenging walk takes you deep into the rainforest of Watagans National Park. Starting from Mount Faulk Road, the trail follows a management trail into a beautiful, shaded gully. The track can be slippery and overgrown in places, making it a real bushwalking adventure. Your destination is the peaceful Gap Creek Campground, a great spot to rest before heading back.

#6 - Watagans Boardinghouse Dam Loop

This is a fantastic family-friendly walk in Watagans National Park, located not too far from the rural town of Brunkerville, in central eastern NSW. The trailhead is located at the end of Boardinghouse Dam Road close to the Boarding House Dam Picnic Area. This trail is particularly nice on a hot day as it's nice and shaded and there is a nice spot to take a dip and cool off. There is a lovely moss wall along the route as well as other rock formations beside the creek. Boarding House Dam...

#7 - Turners Walking Track

Turners walking track is an excellent way to explore Watagans National Park, which is home to some of the most beautiful rainforest in the Newcastle area. Visitors will enjoy the challenge of this former logging route, which also provides fantastic birding opportunities and easy access to the Great North Walk. Watagan Headquarters Camping Area is a fabulous spot to stop for a break and a picnic. Boarding House Dam Picnic Area has BBQs, picnic tables and public bathrooms.

A scenic trail within Watagans National Park located not too far west of Newcastle, New South Wales. There are several stunning lookouts along the way on either side of the ridge, including the Narrow Place Lookout. This route begins and ends from Georges Road. Be sure to check out the lookout just north of the starting point before following Georges Road further into Watagans National Park

#9 - Click Creek Trail via Rope Road

A beautiful trail through Watangans National Park, located not too far from the town of Wongewai, in central eastern New South Wales. This out and back route starts from Watagan Forest Road and follows Rope Road from about 1.4 kilometers before forking off onto Click Creek Trail where you'll head out to the creek and then return to Rope Road for another out and back stretch. Enjoy the scenic views and wildlife along the way in this fairly remote area.

#10 - Undercliff Off George’s Road

3.5(3)

•Hard

•3.5 mi

An adventurous trail through Watagans National Park, located west of Newcastle, New South Wales. This looped route begins and ends from Georges Road. From here it's a steep scramble down to the undercliff, which you'll follow along and make a scramble back up to the track which will be your return route. The undercliff can be quite overgrown and is partly off track so best to download the map for this one.

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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Watagans National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Watagans National Park is Gap Creek Falls Walking Track, which has a 4.6 star rating from 99 reviews. This trail is 0.9 mi long with an elevation gain of 298 ft.

What is the longest trail in Watagans National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Watagans National Park is Great North Walk: Congewai East Track Head to Heaton Gap. This trail is estimated to be 18.2 mi long.

How many trails are in Watagans National Park?

There are 13 trails in Watagans National Park. These trails have an average 4.2-star rating from 363 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Watagans National Park?

If you're looking for elevation gain, Watagans National Park has you covered. Great North Walk: Congewai East Track Head to Heaton Gap boasts the most elevation gain with 3,950 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Monkey Face Lookout [CLOSED], which will get you 2,660 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Watagans National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 6 camping trails in Watagans National Park and the most popular is Gap Creek Falls Walking Track with an average 4.6 star rating from 99 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Watagans National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 3 running trails in Watagans National Park and the most popular is Watagans Boardinghouse Dam Loop with an average 4.5 star rating from 9 community reviews.