Hunter Wetlands National Park is located a short drive from Newcastle, NSW, AU. The park is a great place to wander through the mangroves, fish, cycle or birdwatch. There are a number of short out and back walks that can be combined into a longer hike.
Hunter Wetlands National Park at a glance
Distance: From 2kms return
Duration: From 20 minutes – 2 hours
Track: Mostly sealed level walkways. Some tracks are unsealed
Grade: Easy
Start: Via Ash Island Bridge, Hexham
Finish: Via Ash Island Bridge, Hexham
Nearby trails: Blackbutt Reserve, Glenrock, Anzac Walk
Bookings/Permits: Not required
Other information: Toilet and picnic facilities available. Free parking – but limited spots available.
The Welcome Walk
The Welcome Walk is a short 1 kilometre (one way) walk that takes your through estuaries of the Hunter River. Fantastic walk for families with young children.
Time: 20 – 40 minutes
Distance: 2 kms return
Grade: Easy
Rainforest walk to Riverside Park
A really lovely walk (also suitable for cycling). Pass by the ruins Milhams Farmhouse, originally built in the 1860s and WWII bunkers. Check out the Hunter River and the Riverside Park – the perfect place for a picnic.
Time: 1 – 2 hours
Distance: 2kms one-way
Grade: Easy
Looking for a longer hike?
If you are looking for a longer hike, combine the Welcome Walk with the Rainforest Walk to Riverside Park and create a loop around part of the National Park. This walk is about 7kms in length and passes through rainforest, farming land that is being generated into natural landscape, the old school house and the Hunter River Estuary.
Time: 2 1/2 – 3 1/2 hours
Distance: 7kms round trip
Grade: Easy
Getting There
The best way to gain access to Hunter Wetlands National Park is via Ash Island Bridge at Hexham. From here you can access most walks / hikes and the Riverside Picnic Area. More information on Hunter Wetlands National Park is available from the National Parks website.
You might be interested in:
Walking and hiking trails in Copeland Tops State Conservation Area
Even before I was born my family has spent each Easter camping at Barrington Tops. Every Easter for more than 40 years, we have driven past the turn off to
Blackbutt Reserve walking and hiking trails
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
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
Godwins walking and hiking trail
Godwins trail is located in Myall Lakes National Park, roughly between Booral and Bulahdelah. We set out on this hike not really knowing what to expect. The hike firstly meanders
Bucketts Scenic Walk
Bucketts Way Scenic Walk is a steep 2.2km out and back walk located just outside of Gloucester, NSW, AU. The walk is maintained by the Lions club and passes through
Columbey National Park walking and hiking trails
Columbey National Park is a small park, located 25km north-west of Raymond Terrace, NSW., AU. The park has a number of trails that criss-cross the park and is used primarily