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Lookout Road Car Park in Blackbutt Reserve +
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Sign and large tree in Lookout Road Car Park in Blackbutt Reserve +
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Open gate at Lookout Road Car Park in Blackbutt Reserve +
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Closed Toilet at Lookout Road Car Park in Blackbutt Reserve +
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Road down to the end of Lookout Road in Blackbutt Reserve +
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Seat next to Lookout Road in Blackbutt Reserve +
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Small picnic area in Blackbutt Reserve +
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Track to Rain Forest in Blackbutt Reserve +
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Beautiful large tree at the end of Lookout Rd in the Blackbutt Reserve +
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A clearing under a large tree near Lookout Rd in the Blackbutt Reserve +
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Track to Rain Forest in Blackbutt Reserve +
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Timber sign in Blackbutt Reserve +
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Timber fence over Rain Forest Creek in Blackbutt Reserve +
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Timber fencing over Rain Forest Creek in Blackbutt Reserve +
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Timber fence by bridge over Rain Forest Creek in Blackbutt Reserve +
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Sign and trail at the Rain Forest Picnic Area in the Blackbutt Reserve +
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Trail at Blackbutt Reserve +
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Flying Foxes nesting in trees at the Rain Forest Picnic Area in Blackbutt Reserve +
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The Rain Forest Picnic Area at Blackbutt Reserve +
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Views of the sky through trees in the Blackbutt Reserve +
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Forest trail in Blackbutt Reserve +
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Tall Rain Forest in Blackbutt Reserve +
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Dense forest close to the Rain Forest Picnic Area in Blackbutt Reserve +
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A minor intersection in Blackbutt Reserve +
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A small picnic area at the Blackbutt Reserve +
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A small pond and picnic area at the Blackbutt Reserve +
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Small picnic area in the Blackbutt Reserve +
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Closed toilet block in the Blackbutt Reserve +
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Sealed trail in the Blackbutt Reserve +
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Old picnic area in the Blackbutt Reserve +
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Sealed Trail upto the ridge in Blackbutt Reserve +
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Sealed trail looking towards Lookout Road in Blackbutt Reserve +
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Old brick building at the end of Lookout Road in Blackbutt Reserve +
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Old brick building in Blackbutt Reserve +
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Shelter at Lookout Road Picnic Area in Blackbutt Reserve +
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Lookout Road turning vehicle turning circle in Blackbutt Reserve +
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Cross sectional view of the Rod Earp Rain Forest Circuit (from Lookout Rd) bushwalking track  Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Rod Earp Rain Forest Circuit (from Lookout Rd) 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 |
1.9km |
| Time |
1 Hr |
| . |
|
Grade 3/6
Track: Moderate |
AS 2156.1 |
Gradient |
Short steep hills (3/6) |
| 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
1km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 650m has short steep hills. The remaining (270m) is flat with no steps.
Quality of track
Around 980m of this walk follows a smooth and hardened path, whilst the remaining 960m follows a clear and well formed track or trail.
Signs
Around 1.7km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 270m has directional signs at most intersection.
Experience Required
This whole walk, 1.9km requires no previous bushwalking experience.
Weather
This whole walk, 1.9km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).
Infrastructure
This whole walk, 1.9km 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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Lookout Road Recreation Area
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Alt = 134 m |
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The Lookout Road Recreation Area in Blackbutt Reserve has picnic tables[7], a drinking fountain[8], shelter[9], picnic tables and car parking[10]. There is ample, free car parking. 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)
Lookout Road Recreation Area
to
Int of Rain Forest Walk & Lookout Road
Track: Moderate - road |
Length = 326 m |
Time = 9 mins |
| Climb = 0 m |
Descent = -36 m |
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From the Lookout Road Recreation Area[11][12][13](off Lookout Rd, New Lambton Heights), this walk passes through metal gates[14][15] and follows the 'Lower Carpark' sign[16] and road[17] moderately steeply downhill, while leaving the picnic area behind and to the right. This walk continues for about 300m, becoming gently downhill, until coming to a three-way intersection[18][19], with a trail and 'Sensory Trail (return)' sign[20] on the right.
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(0.33 km)
Int of Rain Forest Walk AND Lookout Road
to
Int of Lookout Trail AND Rain Forest Walk
Walk: Easy - bushtrack |
Length = 305 m |
Time = 7 mins |
| Climb = 12 m |
Descent = -17 m |
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Turn right: From the intersection[21], this walk follows the 'Sensory Trail (return)' sign[22] and trail gently downhill. This walk continues through forest for about 140m, to pass a 'Rain Forest Area/Picnic Park' sign[23] (on the right). Then this walk continues for about 170m, passing the 'Senses Track 150m' sign[24][25] (on the left), until crossing a bridge[26] with a timber fence and coming to a three-way intersection, with a 'Lookout Rd 420m' sign[27] ahead.
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(0.63 km)
Int of Lookout Trail & Rain Forest Walk
to
Int of Rain Forest Walk & Lookout Trail
Track: Moderate - bushtrack |
Length = 120 m |
Time = 3 mins |
| Climb = 5 m |
Descent = -8 m |
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Turn left: From the intersection[28], this walk follows the trail[29] gently uphill, while initially leaving the bridge[30] on the left and passing the 'Lookout Rd 420m' sign[31] on the right. This walk continues through rainforest for about 130m, passing a 'Rainforest Restoration Project' sign[32][33] (on the right), until coming to a three-way intersection[34], with a gently uphill trail on the right and a gently downhill trail on the left.
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Rod Earp Rainforest Picnic Area
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Alt = 99 m |
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This secluded, dense rainforest within Blackbutt Reserve has bench seats[35] and a picnic table[36]. The forest in this area hosts a large population of grey-headed flying foxes[37]. These large bats[38] 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.
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(0.75 km)
Int of Rain Forest Walk & Link Track
to
Main Ridge & Rain Forest Walks
Walk: Easy - bushtrack |
Length = 530 m |
Time = 13 mins |
| Climb = 14 m |
Descent = -44 m |
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Continue straight: From the intersection[39], this walk follows the gravel trail[40] gently downhill, while initially keeping the gently downhill trail[41] behind you on your left and keeping the valley on your left. This walk continues (passing a 'Rainforest Picnic Area' sign[42] on your right) through dense rainforest for about 400m, until coming to a three-way intersection[43][44], with a sealed road and 'Rainforest Walk' sign[45][46] (on the right). Then this walk turns left onto the gently downhill sealed road[47] and after about 30m, crosses a bridge[48] at the Rainforest picnic area[49]. This walk then follows the road gently uphill, passing a closed toilet block[50] (on the right) for about 110m, until coming to a three-way intersection[51] with a sealed road (on the left) and a 'Wildlife Exhibit' sign[52] (on the right).
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(1.28 km)
Main Ridge & Rain Forest Walks
to
Int of Lookout Road & Main Ridge Trail
Walk: Easy - road |
Length = 155 m |
Time = 4 mins |
| Climb = 27 m |
Descent = 0 m |
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Turn left: From the intersection[53], this walk follows the sealed road gently uphill, while leaving the 'Rainforest Walk to Lookout Rd Carpark' sign[54] directly behind you and initially passing a small picnic area[55] on your right. This walk continues through dense forest[56] for about 170m until coming to a level three-way intersection[57], with a picnic area[58] directly ahead and 'Rainforest Walk' sign[59] on the right.
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(1.44 km)
Int of Lookout Road & Main Ridge Trail
to
Lookout Road Recreation Area
Track: Moderate - road |
Length = 495 m |
Time = 12 mins |
| Climb = 46 m |
Descent = 0 m |
Turn left: From the intersection[60][61], this walk follows the sealed road[62] gently uphill, while moving directly away from the face of the 'Rainforest Walk' sign[63]. This walk continues, heading through a picnic area for about 160m, passing two square brick buildings[64], and then coming to a three-way intersection[65] with a gently downhill sealed road[66] (on the right) and a gently uphill sealed car park[67], past yellow metal posts (directly ahead).
Continue straight: From the intersection[68], this walk passes through the yellow metal posts and crosses the car park gently uphill[69], while initially passing the 'Main Ridge Walk (loop) sign[70] on the right. This walk continues for about 25m, until coming to a three-way intersection[71][72] with a trail and 'Sensory Trail (return)' sign[73] on the left.
Continue straight: From the intersection[74][75], this walk follows the road[76] gently uphill, while initially passing the 'Sensory Trail (return)' sign[77] on your left. This walk continues, becoming moderately steeply uphill for about 300m, to pass through a metal gate[78] and into the Lookout Road Recreation Area[79][80][81].
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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 | 1.9 km | Aussie Disposal Newcastle | 4/ 14 Northcott Drv, Kotara | (02) 4965 5500 | 2 km | Boots Great Outdoors | 27 Lambton Rd , Broadmeadow | (02) 4969 4655 | 4.2 km | Wallsend Army Disposal Store | Cnr Tyrrell & Council Sts, Wallsend | (02) 4951 5725 | 4.2 km | Camping World | 3/ 276 Macquarie Rd , Warners Bay | (02) 4956 6183 | 4.3 km |
A list of the nearest UHF CB repeaters I found to Rod Earp Rain Forest Circuit (from Lookout Rd).
| Channel |
Call sign
(more info) |
Site |
Distance and dir from Rod Earp Rain Forest Circuit (from Lookout Rd)
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) | |
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 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 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 
500 meters
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times.
There is free parking available.
not too much longer now :)