Best trails in Watagans National Park
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
- (106)•Moderate•0.9 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrFollow 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.
- (69)•Hard•18.2 mi•Est. 9.5–10.5 hrThe 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...
- (50)•Hard•9.8 mi•Est. 5.5–6 hrThis 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.
- (35)•Moderate•1.6 mi•Est. 1–1.5 hrThis 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.
- (32)•Moderate•5.6 mi•Est. 2.5–3 hrThis 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.
- (13)•Moderate•0.5 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrThis 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...
- (10)•Moderate•8.3 mi•Est. 4–4.5 hrA 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.
- (12)•Moderate•3.9 mi•Est. 1.5–2 hrTurners 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.
- (11)•Moderate•2.9 mi•Est. 1–1.5 hrA 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
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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 106 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 16 trails in Watagans National Park. These trails have an average 4.1-star rating from 446 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 7 camping trails in Watagans National Park and the most popular is Gap Creek Falls Walking Track with an average 4.6 star rating from 106 community reviews.
Are there running trails available in Watagans National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 5 running trails in Watagans National Park and the most popular is Watagans Boardinghouse Dam Loop with an average 4.5 star rating from 13 community reviews.
Are there biking trails available in Watagans National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 2 biking trails in Watagans National Park and the most popular is Watagans. Hunter and Maclean Lookouts with an average 4.2 star rating from 43 community reviews.
Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Watagans National Park?
Yes, there are 7 trails with scenic viewpoints in Watagans National Park, including Great North Walk: Congewai East Track Head to Heaton Gap, Watagans. Hunter and Maclean Lookouts, Georges Road, Undercliff Off George’s Road, and Monkey Face Lookout via Gap Creek Lookout [CLOSED].
Are there any trails with picnic areas in Watagans National Park?
Yes, there are 10 trails with picnic areas in Watagans National Park, including Gap Creek Falls Walking Track, Great North Walk: Congewai East Track Head to Heaton Gap, Watagans via Slippery Rock Road, Gap Creek Falls via Gap Creek Forest Walk, and Mount Faulk Road to Gap Creek Campground.
Are there any trails with cliffs in Watagans National Park?
Yes, there are 3 trails with cliffs in Watagans National Park, including Monkey Face Lookout via Gap Creek Lookout [CLOSED], Monkey Face Lookout [CLOSED], and Gap Creek Lookout to Monkey Face Lookout [CLOSED].
