Blackbutt Reserve is located just 15 minutes from the centre of Newcastle. Set on more than 180 hectares of bushland, the Reserve includes more than 20km of nature trails, a variety of wildlife exhibits, and fabulous picnic facilities.
The reserve is popular on weekends and during school holidays, be sure to arrive early to get a park!
Blackbutt reserve walking trails at a glance
Distance: 8.5 km return (out and back).
Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Track: Well formed pathways
Australian walking track Grade: 2
Start: Canley Ave, Kotara
Finish: Canley Ave, Kotara
Nearby trails: Yeularbah walking and hiking trail
Bookings/Permits: Not required
Other information: Excellent picnic and playground facilities available. Car parking available, but arrive early to get a park. Car parking fees apply.
Information on how walking trails are graded can be found here.
The trail
There are more than 20 kms of walking and hiking trails within the grounds of Blackbutt Reserve. All trails are all well maintained, with clear signposting. Maps are available at various locations throughout the park.
We chose an 8.5 km out and back trail that passed by animal exhibits and would though the native landscape.
– HHT –
Blackbutt Reserve is a popular weekend picnic spot with fabulous facilities for families including a children’s playground, BBQs, clean toilets and small retails outlets for the purchase of food and beverages (limited items).
There are a range of shops on Orchardtown Road selling a variety of food. Otherwise, be sure to take supplies with you if you plan on stopping for a picnic.
It's a good idea to book a picnic area in advance if you have a large group. More information is available from Newcastle City Council.
Getting there
Located less than 10 kms from the centre of Newcastle, Blackbutt Reserve can be reached by car or public transport. Expect to walk up to 1.5 km to the reserve entrance if you plan on using public transport. Bus and train timetable information is available here.
Treachery Headland walk, Seal Rocks
We have been spending quite a bit of time exploring the walking and hiking trails on the Barrington Coast this year. Recently we spent some time at Seal Rocks, staying
Tomaree Coastal Walk
Tomaree Coastal Walk will be a stunning 20km walk from Tomaree Head to Birubi Point in Tomaree National Park. The walk is currently being constructed and is due for completion
Circuit Flat walking track, Yengo National Park
We recently spent the weekend in Wollombi, camping behind the pub. While we were there we did a couple of hikes in Yengo National Park. Circuit Flat walking track is
Wreck Beach walking trail
Wreck Beach trail is a short 2km (return) walk, located in Port Stephens on the north coast of NSW. The trail leads to a small cove on the Pacific Ocean.
Bathers Way Coastal Walk
If you are visiting Newcastle and looking for a walk, check out the Bathers Way Coastal walk. The walk is stunning, stretching from Nobbys Beach to Merewether Beach, hugging the
Soldiers Point circuit walk
There is one word to describe this walk. Ok, there are probably more, but the first word that comes to mind is stunning. Following the coastline around the peninsula, the