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Bushwalking track notes, photographs, maps and more for Blackbutt Explorer are found in each of the tabs below
Blackbutt Explorer
Time: 2 hrs 30 mins Walking time
Please allow extra time to rest and to explore
2.4 km W of Adamstown
Length: 6 km Walk Length
As this is a Circuit style walk, the 6 km includes the walking distance from the start around the loop and back to the start again
Newcastle(LGA)
Climb: 225 m Total Climbing
This walk has a total cumulative climb of 225 m, this is the total of the elevation gains made in each of the walks uphill sections
There is car access and parking near the start and end of this walk There is a bus stop within 2km of the start and end of this walk
Style: Circuit
Track: Moderate

A meandering walk that takes in much of what Blackbutt Reserve has to offer. This walk completes a figure 8 while following the trails around Blackbutt Reserve. The side trip to the Wildlife Exhibits is considered a must see. There are many opportunities to stop along this walk, be it at a seat along the way or at one of the established picnic areas. A recommended classic. (open in app)


Today's Fire rating
LOW MODERATE (No fire ban)
  Bushwalking track notes photographs, maps and camping spots for Blackbutt Explorer

Map of Walk

Location

                Sponsor of Blackbutt Explorer bushwalking tracknotes
Map of Blackbutt Explorer
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Map Controls - Show Contours | Hide Path | Hide Distances | Hide Names
Map Scale 1 km
Richley Reserve (car park)
Richley Reserve (Four Way Intersection)
Richley Reserve (Ponds end)
Int of Forest Way & Tall Trees Walks
Tall Trees & Forest Way Walks
Main Ridge & Lookout Road Trails
Int of Main Ridge & Tall Trees Walks
Int of Main Ridge and Blueberry Ash Walks
Int of Blueberry Ash Walk & Carnley Trail
Carnley Avenue Reserve
Int of Boardwalk & Carnley Trail
Int of Boardwalk & Main Ridge Trail
Int of Boardwalk & Carnley Trail
Int of Boardwalk & Main Ridge Trail
Int of Main Ridge Trail & Lookout Road
Main Ridge & Rain Forest Walks
Int of Rain Forest Walk & Lookout Trail
Int of Lookout Trail AND Rain Forest Walk
Int of Rain Forest Walk & Lookout Road
Int of Rain Forest Walk and Lookout Road
Int of Main Ridge & Blueberry Ash Walks
Int of Main Ridge & Tall Trees Walks
Int of Main Ridge & Tall Trees Walks
Richley Reserve (Short Cut Intersection)
Int of Richley Reserve & Tall Tree Walk (loop)
Richley Reserve (Short Cut Intersection)
Richley Reseve (four way intersection)
Starting point for this hiking track: Richley Reseve (four way intersection)

Base maps are used under licence and is © Department of lands   Panorama Avenue Bathurst 2795   www.lands.nsw.gov.au

Maps that cover the walk area (please always carry maps of the area)

Print a map and track notes here
 Wallsend 1:25 000 Map Series NSW-92323S 
 Newcastle 1:100 000 Map Series 9232 

Photo Gallery

 
Richley Reserve Car Park, Blackbutt Reserve
 
Richley Reserve Car Park, Blackbutt Reserve +
 
Sheltered picnic tables in Richley Reserve in Blackbutt Reserve
 
Sheltered picnic tables in Richley Reserve in Blackbutt Reserve +
 
Large pond with black swan in Richley Reserve
 
Large pond with black swan in Richley Reserve +

 
Timber bridge over creek in Richley Reserve in Blackbutt Reserve
 
Timber bridge over creek in Richley Reserve in Blackbutt Reserve +
 
Black swan in large pond in Richley Reserve
 
Black swan in large pond in Richley Reserve +
 
Timber bridge over Coal Mine Creek at Richley Reserve
 
Timber bridge over Coal Mine Creek at Richley Reserve +

 
Large pond with outlet at Richley Reserve in Blackbutt Reserve
 
Large pond with outlet at Richley Reserve in Blackbutt Reserve +
 
Richley Reserve pond on a sunny day at Blackbutt Reserve
 
Richley Reserve pond on a sunny day at Blackbutt Reserve +
 
Ducks on a large pond at Richley Reserve
 
Ducks on a large pond at Richley Reserve +

 
Uphill Trail near Richley Reserve in Blackbutt Reserve
 
Uphill Trail near Richley Reserve in Blackbutt Reserve +
 
Trail through forest in Blackbutt Reserve
 
Trail through forest in Blackbutt Reserve +
 
Trail and pond in the distance at Richley Reserve
 
Trail and pond in the distance at Richley Reserve +

 
Trail close to Richley Reserve in Blackbutt Reserve
 
Trail close to Richley Reserve in Blackbutt Reserve +
 
Wide trail in Blackbutt Reserve
 
Wide trail in Blackbutt Reserve +
 
Forested trail in Blackbutt Reserve
 
Forested trail in Blackbutt Reserve +

 
Detailed sign on the Tall Trees walk in Blackbutt Reserve
 
Detailed sign on the Tall Trees walk in Blackbutt Reserve +
 
Sealed trail in Blackbutt Reserve
 
Sealed trail in Blackbutt Reserve +
 
Forested trail near Lookout Road in Blackbutt Reserve
 
Forested trail near Lookout Road in Blackbutt Reserve +

 
Trail intersection and sign in Blackbutt Reserve
 
Trail intersection and sign in Blackbutt Reserve +
 
Flower in forest in Blackbutt Reserve
 
Flower in forest in Blackbutt Reserve +
 
Uphill trail in Blackbutt Reserve
 
Uphill trail in Blackbutt Reserve +

 
A trail intersection near Lookout Road in Blackbutt Reserve
 
A trail intersection near Lookout Road in Blackbutt Reserve +
 
Trail through forest in Blackbutt Reserve
 
Trail through forest in Blackbutt Reserve +
 
Trail through forest in the Blackbutt Reserve
 
Trail through forest in the Blackbutt Reserve +

 
Attractive fern forest in Blackbutt Reserve
 
Attractive fern forest in Blackbutt Reserve +
 
Views through the forest in the Blackbutt Reserve
 
Views through the forest in the Blackbutt Reserve +
 
Leafy trail on Blueberry Ash trail in the Blackbutt Reserve
 
Leafy trail on Blueberry Ash trail in the Blackbutt Reserve +

 
Trail beside metal ring fence down towards Carnley Reserve in the Blackbutt Reserve
 
Trail beside metal ring fence down towards Carnley Reserve in the Blackbutt Reserve +
 
Sealed trail and picnic shelter near Carnley Reserve
 
Sealed trail and picnic shelter near Carnley Reserve +
 
Trail next to Black Duck pond in Carnley Reserve in the Blackbutt Reserve
 
Trail next to Black Duck pond in Carnley Reserve in the Blackbutt Reserve +

 
Information centre at Carnley Reserve in the Blackbutt Reserve
 
Information centre at Carnley Reserve in the Blackbutt Reserve +
 
Sealed trail and information centre at Carnley Reserve in the Blackbutt Reserve
 
Sealed trail and information centre at Carnley Reserve in the Blackbutt Reserve +
 
Information centre at Carnley Reserve
 
Information centre at Carnley Reserve +

 
An entrance to the Wildlife Exhibits at Carnley Reserve in the Blackbutt Reserve
 
An entrance to the Wildlife Exhibits at Carnley Reserve in the Blackbutt Reserve +
 
Level trail at Carnley Reserve in the Blackbutt Reserve
 
Level trail at Carnley Reserve in the Blackbutt Reserve +
 
An entrance to the Wildlife Exhibits at Carnley Reserve in the Blackbutt Reserve
 
An entrance to the Wildlife Exhibits at Carnley Reserve in the Blackbutt Reserve +

 
Intersection near the entrance to the Wildlife Exhibits at Blackbutt Reserve
 
Intersection near the entrance to the Wildlife Exhibits at Blackbutt Reserve +
 
Blackbutt Reserve 'Wildlife Exhibits' sign in Carnley Ave Reserve
 
Blackbutt Reserve 'Wildlife Exhibits' sign in Carnley Ave Reserve +
 
Wildlife Exhibit boardwalk entrance at Carnley Ave Reserve in Blackbutt Reserve
 
Wildlife Exhibit boardwalk entrance at Carnley Ave Reserve in Blackbutt Reserve +

 
Intersection and sign in the Blackbutt Reserve
 
Intersection and sign in the Blackbutt Reserve +
 
Sealed trail going downhill in the Blackbutt Reserve
 
Sealed trail going downhill in the Blackbutt Reserve +
 
Leafy trail in Blackbutt Reserve
 
Leafy trail in Blackbutt Reserve +

 
Small picnic area in the Blackbutt Reserve
 
Small picnic area in the Blackbutt Reserve +
 
A small pond and picnic area at the Blackbutt Reserve
 
A small pond and picnic area at the Blackbutt Reserve +
 
Tall Rain Forest in Blackbutt Reserve
 
Tall Rain Forest in Blackbutt Reserve +

 
Views of the sky through trees in the Blackbutt Reserve
 
Views of the sky through trees in the Blackbutt Reserve +
 
Flying Foxes nesting in trees at the Rain Forest Picnic Area in Blackbutt Reserve
 
Flying Foxes nesting in trees at the Rain Forest Picnic Area in Blackbutt Reserve +
 
Timber fencing over Rain Forest Creek in Blackbutt Reserve
 
Timber fencing over Rain Forest Creek in Blackbutt Reserve +

 
Timber sign in Blackbutt Reserve
 
Timber sign in Blackbutt Reserve +
 
Uphill track in the Blackbutt Reserve
 
Uphill track in the Blackbutt Reserve +
 
A clearing under a large tree near Lookout Rd in the Blackbutt Reserve
 
A clearing under a large tree near Lookout Rd in the Blackbutt Reserve +

 
Beautiful large tree at the end of Lookout Rd in the Blackbutt Reserve
 
Beautiful large tree at the end of Lookout Rd in the Blackbutt Reserve +
 
Track to Rain Forest in Blackbutt Reserve
 
Track to Rain Forest in Blackbutt Reserve +
 
Trail on a sunny day in Blackbutt Reserve
 
Trail on a sunny day in Blackbutt Reserve +

 
Attractive plants on the Main Ridge Walk in Blackbutt Reserve
 
Attractive plants on the Main Ridge Walk in Blackbutt Reserve +
 
Graffiti on a tree in the Blackbutt Reserve
 
Graffiti on a tree in the Blackbutt Reserve +
 
Large eucalyptus forest in Blackbutt Reserve
 
Large eucalyptus forest in Blackbutt Reserve +

 
Forest on a sunny day in Blackbutt Reserve
 
Forest on a sunny day in Blackbutt Reserve +
 
Trail to a clearing in Blackbutt Reserve
 
Trail to a clearing in Blackbutt Reserve +
 
Metal post in footpath with a large grassy clearing in Richley Reserve
 
Metal post in footpath with a large grassy clearing in Richley Reserve +

 
Large grassy clearing looking to the north in Richley Reserve
 
Large grassy clearing looking to the north in Richley Reserve +
 
Large grassy picnic area in Richley Reserve
 
Large grassy picnic area in Richley Reserve +
 
Gently downhill trail and garage bin in Richley Reserve
 
Gently downhill trail and garage bin in Richley Reserve +

 
Sealed trail in Richley Reserve in Blackbutt Reserve
 
Sealed trail in Richley Reserve in Blackbutt Reserve +
 
Trail in Richley Reserve near the large ponds in Blackbutt Reserve
 
Trail in Richley Reserve near the large ponds in Blackbutt Reserve +
 
Office building in Richley Reserve in Blackbutt Reserve
 
Office building in Richley Reserve in Blackbutt Reserve +

Terrain

Cross sectional view of the Blackbutt Explorer bushwalking track

Cross Section of the Blackbutt Explorer bushwalking track



Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Blackbutt Explorer bushwalking track

Summary of the gradients over the the lenght of the Blackbutt Explorer bushwalking track

Overview of this walks Grading - Based on the AS 2156.1 - 2001
These details are new. This new feature still requires more testing and refining. Please use the 'Walker Feedback' for report specific issues. Please e-mail Matt if you have any general comments. Hope you find it helpful.

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.
Length 6km
Time 2 hrs 30 mins
.


Grade 3/6

Track: Moderate
AS 2156.1 Gradient Gentle hills with occasional steps (2/6)
Quality of track Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
Signs Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Experience Required No experience required (1/6)
Weather Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
Infrastructure Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)
*This summary of grading information is new and still in testing

Some more detail of this walks Grading
Here is a bit more details explaining the grading looking at sections of the walk.
Gradient
Around 4.1km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps, whilst the remaining 1.9km is flat with no steps.

Quality of track
Around 3.1km of this walk follows a smooth and hardened path, whilst the remaining 2.9km follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs
Around 5km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 780m has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required
This whole walk, 6km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

Weather
This whole walk, 6km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure
This whole walk, 6km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Track Notes


Catch the bus to Richley Reserve (car park)
Public transport (bus) available to this Bushwalk You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times.
Use these links to plan your Bus (and train) trip to the end of this walk.
(Links currently not working sorry)
Plan your trip from --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|
Drive to Richley Reserve (car park)
You can drive or ride to this start of this Bushwalk There is free parking available.
You can drive or ride to the start of this walk
Use these links to plan your trip to the start of this walk.
Plan your trip from --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|

Blackbutt Reserve Alt = 73 m
Blackbutt Reserve, near Newcastle, occupies over 182 hectares of land and provides visitors with the chance to enjoy nature trails[1], wildlife exhibits[2][3], children's playgrounds[4] and recreational facilities. The reserve is the perfect place for a relaxing family picnic or to explore on a bushwalk. Native wildlife, such as the Powerful Owl and the Grey-headed flying fox[5] can be seen within the park. There is an information cottage[6] at Carnley Avenue, which is open 7am to 5pm, or 7am to 7pm during daylight savings. The reserve has car parking at Carnley Avenue, Richley Reserve, Lookout Road and Mahonoy Drive. For more information, phone 02 4904 3344.

Richley Reserve Alt = 38 m
The Richley Reserve, within Blackbutt Reserve, has a park office[7], large pond areas[8] with swans (beware the swans[9] as they defend their territory), sheltered picnic tables[10], water taps[11], toilets[12], open grassed areas[13], a children's playground[14], electric barbecues[15] and a car park[16]. The Richley Reserve car park has disability friendly parking and is open from 7am to 5pm or 7am to 7pm during daylight savings. For further information phone 02 4904 3344.

(0 km) Richley Reserve (car park) to Richley Reserve (Ponds end)
Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath,servicetrail
Length = 259 m Time = 4 mins
Climb = 10 m Descent = -2 m
From the Richley Reserve car park[17] (next to the 'Tall Tree Ridge Walk' sign[18]), this walk follows the footpath[19], while keeping the sign[20] and pond[21] on your right. This walk continues with the pond on your right for about 180m, until the footpath becomes gently uphill and comes to a four-way intersection[22], with a timber footbridge[23] on the right and a children's playground[24] on the left.
Turn right: From the intersection[25][26], this walk follows the sealed trail over a timber footbridge[27], while leaving the children's playground[28] behind you (on the right). This walk continues, leaving the pond behind after about 80m, then comes to a four-way intersection[29][30] with a gently uphill trail[31] into forest and a timber post[32] with chain attached directly ahead.

(0.26 km) Richley Reserve (Ponds end) to Int of Tall Trees and Forest Way Walks
Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 650 m Time = 13 mins
Climb = 35 m Descent = -1 m
Continue straight: From the intersection[33][34], this walk follows the sealed trail gently uphill, while initially keeping the timber post with chain[35] attached on your right and keeping the large pond[36] directly behind. This walk continues through attractive forest[37] (ignoring side tracks[38]) for about 300m, until coming to a level T-intersection[39][40], with a 'Richley Carpark' sign[41] directly ahead.
Veer left: From the intersection[42], this walk follows the 'Tall Trees Walk to Carnley Ave Carpark' sign[43] and sealed trail gently uphill. This walk continues through forest for about 300m until coming to a three-way intersection[44], with a 'Tall Tree Ridge Walk' sign[45] directly ahead.

(0.91 km) Tall Trees & Forest Way Walks to Int of Main Ridge & Tall Trees Walks
Walk: Easy - servicetrail
Length = 637 m Time = 13 mins
Climb = 33 m Descent = -16 m
Continue straight: From the intersection[46], this walk follows the 'Tall Tree Ridge Walk' sign[47] and sealed trail gently downhill, while keeping the valley on the left. This walk continues, undulating through thick forest[48] for about 290m until coming to a three-way intersection[49], with a 'Tall Trees Walk to Richley Carpark' sign[50] directly ahead.
Turn left: From the intersection[51], this walk follows the 'Tall Trees Walk to Carnley Ave Carpark' sign[52] gently downhill, while keeping the valley on your right. This walk continues, undulating through forest for about 400m until coming to a level three-way intersection[53][54], with a 'Tall Trees Walk to Richley Carpark' sign[55] (on the left) and a sealed trail (on the right).

(1.55 km) Int of Main Ridge & Tall Trees Walks to Int of Blueberry Ash Walk and Carnley Trail
Walk: Easy - servicetrail
Length = 917 m Time = 18 mins
Climb = 10 m Descent = -58 m
Turn right: From the intersection[56], this walk follows the sealed trail[57] gently downhill, while walking directly away from the 'Main Ridge Walk to Carnley Carpark' sign[58] and keeping the valley on the left. This walk continues through dense forest for about 170m until coming to a three-way intersection[59], with a 'To Tall Trees Walk' sign[60] (on the right) and a gently downhill trail[61] (on the left).
Turn left: From the intersection[62], this walk follows the gravel trail[63] and 'Blueberry Ash Walk to Carnley Ave Carpark' sign[64] gently downhill, while walking directly away from the 'Tall Trees Walk' sign[65]. This walk continues through mature forest for about 800m, with Black Duck Creek visible (on the right), until coming to a three-way intersection[66], with a metal ring fence directly ahead and a 'Black Duck' sign[67] (on the right).

(2.46 km) Int of Blueberry Ash Walk & Carnley Trail to Carnley Avenue Reserve
Walk: Easy - road
Length = 131 m Time = 2 mins
Climb = 1 m Descent = -9 m
Turn sharp right: From the intersection[68], this walk follows the 'Black Duck' sign[69] and sealed road[70] gently downhill, while keeping the metal ring fence[71] on your left. This walk continues for about 150m, passing a sheltered picnic area[72] and children's playground (on the left), until passing Black Duck Pond[73] (on your right) and coming to a four-way intersection[74], with a replica pioneering cottage[75] directly ahead.

Carnley Ave Reserve Alt = 39 m
The Carnley Avenue Reserve, within Blackbutt Reserve, is wheelchair accessible and has toilets[76], drinking fountains[77], gas/electric barbeques[78], sheltered picnic tables[79], a children's playground[80], fenced displays of kangaroos and emu[81], a large black duck pond[82] and an information centre[83] that is housed within a replica pioneering cottage. The information cottage has a range of souvenirs, focusing on quality and affordable products. A fee of $4 per vehicle can be paid from the automatic machines[84] in the car park. The information centre is open 7am to 5pm, or 7am to 7pm during daylight savings. For further information phone: 02 4904 3344.

(2.59 km) Carnley Avenue Reserve to Int of Boardwalk & Main Ridge Trail
Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - road,servicetrail
Length = 113 m Time = 2 mins
Climb = 4 m Descent = -2 m
Continue straight: From the intersection[85], this walk follows the 'Animal' sign[86] and sealed trail gently uphill, while initially passing the replica pioneering cottage[87][88] on the right. This walk continues for about 20m until coming to a three-way intersection[89], with a large timber fenced gate[90] (on the right).
Turn left: From the intersection[91][92], this walk follows the sealed trail gently uphill, while initially passing the large timber fenced gate[93] on the right and keeping the valley on the left. This walk continues for about 90m, passing an 'Animals' sign[94] and 'Information' sign (on the right) and concrete stairs (on the left), until coming to a four-way intersection[95], with an 'Animals' sign and elevated boardwalk[96] (on the right) and disabled parking[97] and general car parking (on the left).

Blackbutt Wildlife Exhibits Alt = 47 m
This boardwalk in the Blackbutt Reserve offers wildlife exhibits[98] on an elevated timber boardwalk which is wheelchair accessible. Some of the wildlife that you are likely to encounter are kangaroos, koalas[99], wombats[100], Lace monitors[101], Wonga Pigeons, Red-winged Parrots, Black-winged Stilt[102], Buff-banded Rail, Herons[103], Eastern long-necked Turtle, Kingfishers[104], Turquoise Parrot, Banded Plover, Peaceful Dove[105], Cockatoos, Lorikeets, True Parrots, Major Mitchell Cockatoo, Bush Stone Curlew, Long-tailed Finch and Barking Owls[106]. Entry is free and the exhibit is open from 9.00am to 5.00pm every day (closed Christmas Day, Good Friday and until 1pm ANZAC Day). Personal koala encounters[107] are available at 2pm daily and cost $3.50/person. For further information, phone: 02 4904 3344. More info

(2.71 km) Int of Boardwalk & Main Ridge Trail to Int of Boardwalk & Main Ridge Trail
Optional sidetrip: Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - duckboard,servicetrail
Length = 480 m Time = 10 mins
Climb = 14 m Descent = -15 m
Turn right: From the intersection[108][109][110], this walk follows the 'Animals' sign[111] and timber boardwalk gently uphill, while initially keeping the car park[112] on the right. This walk continues, undulating for about 300m on an elevated boardwalk[113] through large and small animal enclosures[114][115], with a fascinating selection of native animals[116][117] and birds[118][119][120]. Then this walk continues on a sealed footpath for about 70m, until passing through a high timber fenced gate and coming to a three-way intersection, with a sealed trail[121] (on the left towards the pond[122]) and a trail[123] directly ahead.
Continue straight: From the intersection[124][125], this walk follows the sealed trail gently uphill, while initially passing the large timber fenced gate[126] on the right and keeping the valley on the left. This walk continues for about 90m, passing an 'Animals' sign[127] and 'Information' sign (on the right) and concrete stairs (on the left), until coming to a four-way intersection[128], with an 'Animals' sign and elevated boardwalk[129] (on the right) and disabled parking[130] and general car parking (on the left).
(Retrace your steps back to the main track, then turn right to continue along this walk.)

(2.71 km) Int of Boardwalk & Main Ridge Trail to Main Ridge & Rain Forest Walks
Track: Moderate - road
Length = 383 m Time = 8 mins
Climb = 24 m Descent = -6 m
Veer right: From the intersection[131], this walk follows the sealed road[132] gently uphill, while initially keeping the timber fenced boardwalk[133] to the Wildlife Exhibits on your right. This walk continues through forest[134] for about 140m until coming to a three-way intersection[135], with a 'Lookout Road Carpark 400m' sign[136] (on the right).
Continue straight: From the intersection[137], this walk follows the 'Rainforest Walk' sign[138] and sealed road gently downhill. This walk continues undulating for about 260m until coming to a three-way intersection[139], with a sealed road (on the right) and a 'Rainforest Walk to Lookout Rd Carpark' sign[140] (on the left).

(3.09 km) Main Ridge & Rain Forest Walks to Int of Rain Forest Walk & Link Track
Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 530 m Time = 13 mins
Climb = 44 m Descent = -14 m
Turn left: From the intersection[141], this walk follows the 'Rainforest Walk to Lookout Rd Carpark' sign[142] and sealed road gently downhill, while keeping the valley on the left. This walk continues for about 110m, passing a closed toilet block[143] (on the left), until crossing over a bridge at the Rainforest picnic area[144]. Then this walk continues gently uphill for about 30m, until coming to a three-way intersection[145][146] with a gravel trail[147] (on the right). This walk then turns right, following the 'Rainforest Walk' sign[148][149] on the gravel trail for about 400m through dense rainforest[150] (passing a 'Rainforest Picnic Area' sign[151] on the left), until coming to a three-way intersection[152] with a gently downhill trail (on the right) and a gently uphill trail[153] (on the left).

Rod Earp Rainforest Picnic Area Alt = 99 m
This secluded, dense rainforest within Blackbutt Reserve has bench seats[154] and a picnic table[155]. The forest in this area hosts a large population of grey-headed flying foxes[156]. These large bats[157] migrate for food and then return to roost during the day. Watch out for the bat guano the ground. This picnic area feels a world away from downtown Newcastle.

(3.62 km) Int of Rain Forest Walk & Lookout Trail to Int of Lookout Trail & Rain Forest Walk
Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 120 m Time = 3 mins
Climb = 8 m Descent = -5 m
Continue straight: From the intersection[158][159], this walk follows the trail gently downhill, while keeping the gently uphill trail[160] on your left and the valley on your right. This walk continues through rainforest for about 130m, passing a 'Rainforest Restoration Project' sign[161] (on the left), until coming to a three-way intersection[162], with a trail and bridge[163] on the right, and a 'Lookout Rd 420m' sign[164] on the left.

(3.74 km) Int of Lookout Trail AND Rain Forest Walk to Int of Rain Forest Walk AND Lookout Road
Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 305 m Time = 7 mins
Climb = 17 m Descent = -12 m
Turn right: From the intersection[165][166], this walk crosses the bridge and follows the trail moderately steeply uphill[167], while leaving the face of the 'Lookout Rd 420m' sign directly behind. This walk continues, passing the 'Senses Track 150m' sign[168] (on the right) and becoming gently uphill through forest for about 170m to pass a 'Rain Forest Area/Picnic Park' sign[169] (on the left). Then this walk continues for about 140m, until coming to a car park[170][171] and sealed road, with a 'Sensory Trail (return)' sign[172] on the left.

(4.05 km) Int of Rain Forest Walk & Lookout Road to Int of Main Ridge and Blueberry Ash Walks
Walk: Easy - road
Length = 445 m Time = 9 mins
Climb = 17 m Descent = -23 m
Turn right: From the intersection[173][174], this walk follows the road gently downhill and across the car park, while initially leaving the 'Sensory Trail (return)' sign[175] on your right. This walk continues for about 25m, until passing through yellow metal posts[176] and coming to a three-way intersection, with a 'Main Ridge Walk (loop)' sign[177][178] and trail[179] (on the left) and square brick buildings[180] (on the right).
Turn left : From the intersection[181], this walk follows the 'Main Ridge Walk (loop)' sign[182] and sealed road[183] gently downhill, initially keeping the sign on your left and the valley on your right. This walk continues, undulating through attractive forest[184][185] for about 400m until coming to a three-way intersection[186] with a trail[187] (on the right) and a 'Tall Trees Walk' sign[188] (on the left).

(4.49 km) Int of Main Ridge & Blueberry Ash Walks to Int of Carnley & Tall Trees Trails
Walk: Easy - servicetrail
Length = 868 m Time = 17 mins
Climb = 10 m Descent = -36 m
Continue straight: From the intersection[189], this walk follows the 'Main Ridge Walk to Carnley Ave Carpark' sign[190] and sealed trail gently uphill, while leaving the gently downhill trail[191] behind on your right. This walk continues through dense forest for about 170m until coming to a level T-intersection[192], with a 'Main Ridge Walk to Carnley Carpark' sign[193] directly ahead.
Turn right: From the intersection[194][195], this walk follows the 'Main Ridge Walk to Carnley Ave Carpark' sign[196] and sealed trail gently uphill, while keeping the sealed gently downhill trail on your right. This walk continues through forest on a ridge for about 70m, to find an open gravel area[197][198] (on the left). Then this walk continues straight ahead, undulating for about 600m, until coming to a four-way intersection[199][200], with a 'Main Ridge Walk (loop)' sign[201] (on the left).

(5.36 km) Int of Main Ridge & Tall Trees Walks to Richley Reserve (Short Cut Intersection)
Track: Moderate - footpath
Length = 191 m Time = 4 mins
Climb = 0 m Descent = -25 m
Turn left : From the intersection[202], this walk passes around a metal post[203] and follows the 'Richley Carpark 400m' sign[204] and sealed footpath gently downhill, while leaving the bench seat[205] directly behind. This walk continues through forest for about 140m, to pass around a metal post[206] and find a large grassy picnic area[207][208]. Then this walk continues straight ahead over grass and through some trees for about 70m, until coming to a sealed trail[209][210][211] (with the valley beyond).

(5.55 km) Richley Reserve (Short Cut Intersection) to Richley Reserve (Car Park)
Alternate Exit: Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - servicetrail,road ( Show detail)
Length = 290 m Time = 6 mins
Climb = 6 m Descent = -9 m
Turn right: From the trail[212][213] below the large elevated grassed picnic area[214], this walk follows the trail gently downhill, while keeping the valley on your left. This walk continues through grassed parkland[215] for about 120m, until coming to a three-way intersection[216] with a sealed trail and a 'Tall Tree Walk (loop)' sign[217] (on the right).
Turn left: From the intersection[218][219], this walk follows the sealed trail gently downhill, keeping the 'Tall Tree Walk (loop)' sign[220] directly behind you while walking towards the road and car park. This walk continues for about 45m, passing through a metal gate[221] to find a three-way intersection, with a road[222] on the right and the car park[223] on the left. Then this walk turns left and follows the car park gently uphill for about 150m, until coming to a 'Tall Tree Ridge Walk' sign[224] and sheltered picnic tables[225][226] ahead. (End of the alternative exit track)

(5.55 km) Richley Reserve (Short Cut Intersection) to Richley Reserve (car park)
Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - servicetrail,footpath
Length = 441 m Time = 8 mins
Climb = 12 m Descent = -15 m
Turn left: From the trail[227][228] below the large elevated grassed picnic area, this walk follows the gently downhill trail west, while keeping the valley on your right. This walk continues for about 120m to find a sheltered picnic area[229] (on the right). Then this walk continues straight ahead and gently uphill for about 160m, becoming gently downhill and passing timber steps[230] (on the left) and a toilet block (on the right), until coming to a four-way intersection[231], with a playground[232] on the right and a timber footbridge[233] directly ahead.
Turn right: From the intersection[234], this walk follows the footpath[235] gently downhill, while initially keeping the timber footbridge[236] on your left. This walk continues for about 180m, beside a pond[237] (on your left), until coming to a car park[238] with a sheltered picnic table[239] and 'Tall Tree Ridge Walk' sign[240] (on the left).

Catch the bus from Richley Reserve (car park)
Public transport (bus) available from this Bushwalk You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times.
Use these links to plan your Bus (and train) trip from the end of this walk.
(Links currently not working sorry)
Plan your trip to --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|
Drive from Richley Reserve (car park)
You can drive or ride from this end of this Bushwalk There is free parking available.
You can drive or ride from the end of this walk
Use these links to plan your trip from the end of this walk.
Plan your trip to --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|

Getting there

Plan your trip to the start of the walk and back from the end of the walk

Public Transport links currently not working, sorry
Public Transport Timetables

To the start of the walk

From
Castle Hill
Chatswood
Dural
Epping
Gosford
Hornsby
Katoomba
Manly
Parramatta
Penrith
Strathfield
Sutherland
Sydney
From the end of the walk

To
Castle Hill
Chatswood
Dural
Epping
Gosford
Hornsby
Katoomba
Manly
Parramatta
Penrith
Strathfield
Sutherland
Sydney

Driving Directions
To the start of the walk

Drive from:
From the end of the walk

Drive to:


Near by



Nearest know Outdoor Stores near the start of this walk
Store Address Phone Distance (straight line)
Kathmandu 6 Northcott Drv, Kotara (02) 4952 1233 1.2 km
Aussie Disposal Newcastle 4/ 14 Northcott Drv, Kotara (02) 4965 5500 1.2 km
Boots Great Outdoors 27 Lambton Rd , Broadmeadow (02) 4969 4655 3.3 km
Wallsend Army Disposal Store Cnr Tyrrell & Council Sts, Wallsend (02) 4951 5725 4.5 km
Mountain Designs Cnr King & National Park Sts, Newcastle West (02) 4962 3311 5.7 km


A list of the nearest UHF CB repeaters I found to Blackbutt Explorer.
Channel Call sign
(more info)
Site Distance and dir from Blackbutt Explorer
Click to re-center search
1 CHT01 Our Town Repeater Group 244 Pacific Highway CHARLESTOWN 3 km (to the S)
5 CHN05 Our Town Repeater Group 244 Pacific Highway CHARLESTOWN
Emergency use only
3 km (to the S)
6 NEW06 Gencom Site 1 Sugarloaf Range via NEWCASTLE 17 km (to the W)
2 VMB4 Auzcom Communications Site 1 Sugarloaf Range Via NEWCASTLE 17 km (to the W)
4 BOR04 Redgums Property 331 Lowes Lane BOORAL 54 km (to the NNE)

Weather and Park info

Fire Danger
This walk passes Greater Hunter fire area which currently has a LOW MODERATE rating and No fire ban in place.
(Tomorrow the Fire Danger Rating is LOW MODERATE, No fire ban.) (Downloaded 8 years ago)
Please Note: Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather and Climate
Weather and Climate summary detailed weather and climate information here
°C (feels like °)
km/h from the
% humidity     (as at )
Wed      27°Showers. Likely storm developing.
Thu21°|25°Possible shower.
Fri20°|30°Becoming windy. Partly cloudy.
Sat19°|24°Possible late shower.
A graph displaying the average daily temperature range for the year

Walker Feedback

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Loading the images not too much longer now :)


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