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Mahognay picnic area locked gate in Blackbutt Reserve +
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Toliets at Mahognay picnic area in Blackbutt Reserve +
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Trail near Mahognay picnic area in Blackbutt Reserve +
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Picnic table at Mahognay Picnic Area in Blackbutt Reserve +
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Trail near Mahognay Picnic Area in Blackbutt Reserve +
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Forested trail near Mahognay Picnic Area in Blackbutt Reserve +
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Lily Pond Picnic Area in the middle of Blackbutt Reserve +
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Lily Pond Picnic Area in Blackbutt Reserve +
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Seating bench at Lily Pond Picnic Area in Blackbutt Reserve +
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Bench with Lily Pond beyond at Lily Pond Picnic Area in Blackbutt Reserve +
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Sign at Lily Pond Picnic Area in Blackbutt Reserve +
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Seating bench beside Lily Pond in Blackbutt Reserve +
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Barbecue and picnic table at Lily Pond Picnic Area in Blackbutt Reserve +
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Nymphaea flower on Lily Pond at Lily Pond Picnic Area in Blackbutt Reserve +
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Lush leaves and flowers of the Nymphaea Lily at Lily Pond Picnic Area in Blackbutt Reserve +
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Picnic table at Lily Pond Picnic Area in Blackbutt Reserve +
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Forested trail with Lily Pond Picnic Area in the distance in Blackbutt Reserve +
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Forested trail near Lily Pond Picnic Area in Blackbutt Reserve +
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Trail through forest in Blackbutt Reserve +
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Forested trail near Lily Pond Picnic Area in Blackbutt Reserve +
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Dry creek bed with bridge in Blackbutt Reserve +
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Rocky dry creek bed with bridge in Lily Pond Picnic Area in Blackbutt Reserve +
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Trail near houses in Blackbutt Reserve +
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Trail with house visible in Blackbutt Reserve +
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Green metal posted near Bower Bird Creek in Blackbutt Reserve +
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Trail intersection near Bower Bird Creek in Blackbutt Reserve +
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Locked gate at the end of Ridgeway Road in Blackbutt Reserve +
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The end of Ridgeway Road and a locked gate near Blackbutt Reserve +
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Ridgeway Road in New Lambton Heights near Blackbutt Reserve +
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Road in New Lambton Heights near Blackbutt Reserve +
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Ridgeway Road in New Lambton Heights which is close to Blackbutt Reserve +
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Road intersection on Ridgeway Road in New Lambton Heights +
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Ridgeway Road in New Lambton Heights +
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Top of Ridgeway Road in New Lambton Heights +
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The top of Ridgeway Road in New Lambton Heights +
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Sign post for Ridgeway Road in New Lambton Heights +
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Water tank and picnic area on Ridgeway Road in Blackbutt Reserve +
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Lookout Road and footpath near Blackbutt Reserve +
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Locked gate and Blackbutt Reserve sign near Lookout Road +
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Trail into Blackbutt Reserve, and near Lookout Road +
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Trail in Blackbutt Reserve near Lookout Road +
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Trail through forest in Blackbutt Reserve near Lookout Road +
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Trail intersection and sign in Blackbutt Reserve +
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Wide trail through forest in Blackbutt Reserve +
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Trail and sign in Blackbutt Reserve +
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Flower in forest in Blackbutt Reserve +
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Forested trail near Lookout Road in Blackbutt Reserve +
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Sealed trail in Blackbutt Reserve +
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Trail through fores in Blackbutt Reserve +
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Richley Reserve pond with ducks in Blackbutt Reserve +
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Wide forested trail in Blackbutt Reserve +
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Wide trails near Mahognay Picnic Area in Blackbutt Reserve +
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Trail near Mahognay Picnic Area in Blackbutt Reserve +
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Mahognay Picnic Area in Blackbutt Reserve +
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Cross sectional view of the Forestway Circuit Walk bushwalking track  Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Forestway Circuit Walk 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.
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Length |
2.7km |
| Time |
1 Hr |
| . |
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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 2.1km of this walk is flat with no steps, whilst the remaining 560m has gentle hills with occasional steps.
Quality of track
Around 2.2km of this walk follows a smooth and hardened path, whilst the remaining 500m follows a clear and well formed track or trail.
Signs
Around 1.8km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 930m is clearly signposted.
Experience Required
This whole walk, 2.7km requires no previous bushwalking experience.
Weather
This whole walk, 2.7km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).
Infrastructure
This whole walk, 2.7km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).
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Blackbutt Reserve
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Alt = 73 m |
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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.
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Mahognay Picnic Area (Queens St)
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Alt = 53 m |
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The Mahogany Drive picnic area in Blackbutt Reserve has toilets[7], picnic tables[8], a water tap[9], an elevated timber barbecue and car parking[10]. The car park is open from 7am to 5pm or 7am to 7pm during daylight savings. For further information phone: 02 4904 3344.
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(0 km)
Mahognay Picnic Area (Queens St)
to
Int of Forest Way Walk & Mahogany Drive Trail
Track: Moderate - servicetrail |
Length = 72 m |
Time = 1 mins |
| Climb = 3 m |
Descent = -1 m |
|
From the Mahogany Picnic Area[11][12] (on Queens Rd, New Lambton), this walk passes around the locked gate[13] and follows the gently uphill trail for about 70m (with picnic tables on the right), until coming to toilets[14] (on the left) and a three-way intersection[15][16], with two 'Forest Way Walk' signs directly ahead.
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(0.07 km)
Int of Forest Way Walk & Mahogany Drive Trail
to
Lily Pond Picnic Area
Track: Moderate - servicetrail |
Length = 299 m |
Time = 6 mins |
| Climb = 1 m |
Descent = -14 m |
|
Turn right: From the intersection[17][18], this walk follows the 'Forest Way Walk' sign[19] and trail gently downhill, while initially keeping the toilets[20] on your right and the sign on your left. This walk continues for about 45m to find a picnic table[21] (on the right). Then this walk continues through forest[22][23] for about 260m, until coming to Lily Pond Picnic Area[24][25][26][27].
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Lily Pond Picnic Area
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Alt = 44 m |
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The Lily Pond picnic area in Blackbutt Reserve feels like a small, watery oasis surrounded by eucalyptus forest[28]. There is an attractive tropical water lily pond[29] with a healthy cover of Nymphaea[30], which is particularly beautiful when flowering. Also at this picnic area are bench seats[31], picnic tables[32], small grassed areas[33] and an elevated timber barbecue[34].
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(0.37 km)
Lily Pond Picnic Area
to
Int of Forest Way & Bower Bird Creek Trails
Track: Moderate - servicetrail |
Length = 497 m |
Time = 10 mins |
| Climb = 26 m |
Descent = -8 m |
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Continue straight: From the Lily Pond Picnic Area[35][36][37], this walk follows the trail gently uphill, while initially keeping the 'Lily Pond Picnic Area' sign on your left. This walk continues for about 170m, to find a three-way intersection[38] with a faint track (on the left) and a 'Forest Way Walk' sign[39] (on the right). Then this walk continues straight ahead through forest for about 30m to cross a bridge over a dry rocky creek[40][41]. This walk then continues for about 280m, with houses visible[42] on the left, until coming to a T-intersection[43][44] with a level trail and two green metal posts[45] directly ahead.
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(0.87 km)
Int of Forest Way & Bower Bird Creek Trails
to
End of Ridgeway Road (New Hampton Heights)
Track: Moderate - servicetrail |
Length = 67 m |
Time = 1 mins |
| Climb = 7 m |
Descent = 0 m |
|
Turn sharp left: From the intersection[46], this walk follows the trail gently uphill, while initially keeping the two green metal posts[47] on your right. This walk continues through forest for about 60m, until passing around a locked metal gate[48] and coming to the end of Ridgeway Road[49][50] (amongst houses).
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(0.94 km)
End of Ridgeway Road
to
Int of Lookout Road & Forest Way
Track: Moderate - footpath |
Length = 758 m |
Time = 14 mins |
| Climb = 45 m |
Descent = -3 m |
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Continue straight: From the end of Ridgeway Rd[51][52] (in New Lampton Heights), this walk follows Ridgeway Rd gently uphill, while leaving the locked gate[53] and 'Blackbutt Reserve - Ridgeway Rd Entrance' sign directly behind. This walk continues for about 250m, beside houses[54], to find a four-way intersection[55], with Croudace Rd. Then this walk continues straight ahead for about 400m, until coming to a level section of road as Ridgeway Road[56][57] bends sharply right[58] (there is a water tower[59] in a park on the left). This walk turns left and follows the footpath (while keeping the water tank on your left) next to Lookout Rd for about 100m, until coming to a three-way intersection[60][61] with a wide track and 'Blackbutt Reserve - Ridgeway Rd Entrance' sign[62] on the left.
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(1.69 km)
Int of Lookout Road AND Forest Way
to
Int of Tall Trees AND Forest Way Walks
Walk: Easy - servicetrail |
Length = 247 m |
Time = 6 mins |
| Climb = 0 m |
Descent = -26 m |
|
Veer left: From the intersection[63][64](Lookout Rd, New Lambton Heights), this walk follows the track gently downhill, while passing the 'Blackbutt Reserve - Forest Way Entrance' sign[65] (on your left) and keeping Lookout Road on your right. After about 20m, the walk passes around a locked metal gate[66]. Then this walk continues through forest for about 240m, with houses[67] visible on the right, until coming to a three-way intersection[68] with a trail and 'Forest Way Walk' sign[69][70] on the right.
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(1.94 km)
Int of Tall Trees and Forest Way Walks
to
Int of Forest Way & Tall Trees Walks
Walk: Easy - servicetrail |
Length = 309 m |
Time = 7 mins |
| Climb = 0 m |
Descent = -21 m |
|
Turn left: From the intersection[71], this walk follows the 'Tall Trees Walk to Richley Carpark' sign[72] gently downhill, while keeping the gently uphill trail on the left. This walk continues through forest for about 300m until coming to a three-way intersection[73], with a 'Tall Trees Walk to Carnley Ave Carpark' sign[74] (on the left) and a trail (on the right).
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(2.25 km)
Int of Forest Way AND Tall Trees Walks
to
Richley Reserve (Four Way Intersection)
Optional sidetrip: Track: Moderate - servicetrail |
Length = 416 m |
Time = 7 mins |
| Climb = 1 m |
Descent = -17 m |
Veer right: From the intersection[75], this walk follows the 'Richley Carpark' sign[76] and sealed trail gently downhill, while keeping the sign directly behind you. This walk continues through attractive forest[77] (ignoring side tracks[78]) for about 300m, until coming to a four-way intersection[79][80], with a large attractive pond[81] directly ahead.
Continue straight: From the intersection[82][83], this walk follows the trail gently downhill between the two large ponds[84], while keeping the timber post with chain[85] attached directly behind you. This walk follows the trail for about 80m, crossing a timber footbridge[86], until coming to a four-way intersection[87], with a children's playground[88] ahead (on the left).
(Retrace your steps back to the main track, then turn right to continue along this walk.)
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Richley Reserve
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Alt = 38 m |
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The Richley Reserve, within Blackbutt Reserve, has a park office[89], large pond areas[90] with swans (beware the swans[91] as they defend their territory), sheltered picnic tables[92], water taps[93], toilets[94], open grassed areas[95], a children's playground[96], electric barbecues[97] and a car park[98]. 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.
|
(2.25 km)
Int of Forest Way & Tall Trees Walks
to
Int of Forest Way Walk & Mahogany Drive Trail
Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - servicetrail |
Length = 376 m |
Time = 7 mins |
| Climb = 8 m |
Descent = -14 m |
|
Continue straight: From the intersection[99], this walk follows the sealed trail gently downhill, while initially keeping the 'Tall Trees Walk to Carnley Ave Carpark' sign[100] on your left. This walk continues through forest for about 180m, to find an open picnic area[101] (on the right). Then this walk continues straight ahead for about 210m until coming to a three-way intersection[102][103], with a 'Forest Way Walk' sign (on the left) and a toilet[104] (on the right ahead).
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(2.63 km)
Int of Forest Way Walk & Mahogany Drive Trail
to
Mahognay Picnic Area (Queens St)
Track: Moderate - servicetrail |
Length = 72 m |
Time = 1 mins |
| Climb = 1 m |
Descent = -3 m |
|
Continue straight: From the intersection[105][106], this walk follows the trail gently downhill, while moving directly away from both 'Forest Way Walk' signs[107] and initially keeping the toilets[108][109] on your right. This walk continues for about 70m, (with picnic tables[110] on the left), until passing around a locked gate[111] and coming to the Mahogany Car Park and Picnic Area[112].
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Plan your trip to the start of the walk and back from the end of the walk
Public Transport links currently not working, sorry
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 km | Aussie Disposal Newcastle | 4/ 14 Northcott Drv, Kotara | (02) 4965 5500 | 1.1 km | Boots Great Outdoors | 27 Lambton Rd , Broadmeadow | (02) 4969 4655 | 2.9 km | Mountain Designs | Cnr King & National Park Sts, Newcastle West | (02) 4962 3311 | 5.3 km | Castle Canvas Pty Ltd | 754 Hunter St , Newcastle West | (02) 4961 6222 | 5.4 km |
A list of the nearest UHF CB repeaters I found to Forestway Circuit Walk.
Fire DangerThis 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 7 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 ClimateWeather 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. | | | Thu | 21°|25° | Possible shower. | | | Fri | 20°|30° | Becoming windy. Partly cloudy. | | | Sat | 19°|24° | Possible late shower. | |
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Hiking near Sydney 
1 km
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times.
There is free parking available.
not too much longer now :)