Located 35 minutes from Newcastle, NSW, AU, Heaton lookout via Heaton Road is a moderate out and back walk in Watagans National Park. The the first section of the walk is relatively steep, but well worth the hike for the views from the lookout and the varied terrain that it passes through.
Heaton lookout walking trail at a glance
Distance: 8 – 11 kms
Duration: 3 – 4 hours
Track: Combination of fire trails (unsealed), narrow pathways and stairs.
Grade: 5
Start: Caltex Service Station, Leggetts Drive, Freemans Waterhole
Finish: Caltex Service Station, Leggetts Drive, Freemans Waterhole
Nearby trails: Hunter Wetlands National Park
Bookings/Permits: Not required
Other information: Picnic and toilet facilities available near the service station at the beginning of the hike and at Heaton Lookout. Car parking is available at the service station – the trail head is on the opposite side of the road.
Information on how walking trails are graded can be found here.
The trail
This trail forms part of the Great North Walk between Newcastle and Sydney. The first 1 1/2 – 2 kilometres are quite steep and vary from fire trail to narrow stairs cut into rock.
Turn left at the tower at the top of the hill and continue onto Heaton Road Lookout for a hike of approx. 8 kilometers return. For a longer walk continue onto Watagan Forest Road.
Caution is recommended on this section of the trail which is frequented by 4WD vehicles and trail bikes.
Heaton to Heaton Road Lookout is just one of many hikes available in Watagans National Park and this hike links with the next leg of the Great North Walk towards Sydney.
Getting there
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