This section of the Great North Walk starts from the Charleston Park track head and winds through the streets and the bush to the Glenrock State Conservation Area. Following a section of the Yuelarbah management trail, this walk also heads to the coast and down to the beaches. From near Glenrock Lagoon, the walk heads north along the beaches passing Merewether baths, and all the way up Shepherds hill and down to Newcastle Station. This track also offers an alternate route through Glenrock, winding down through the scout training camp and out to the beaches.
(open in app)
There are Closed areas in Glenrock State Conservation Area Today's Fire rating LOW MODERATE (No fire ban)
Bushwalking track notes photographs, maps and camping spots for Charlestown Park trackhead to Newcastle station
Cross sectional view of the Charlestown Park trackhead to Newcastle station bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Charlestown Park trackhead to Newcastle station 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
12km
Time
5 hrs 30 mins
.
Grade 4/6
Track: Hard
AS 2156.1
Gradient
Short steep hills (3/6)
Quality of track
Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
Signs
Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Experience Required
Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
Weather
Forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather may impact on navigation and safety (4/6)
Infrastructure
Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
*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
6km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 3km is flat with no steps. The remaining (2.7km) has short steep hills.
Quality of track
6km of this walk follows a smooth and hardened path and another 3.5km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. Whilst another 2km follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely and the remaining 170m follows a clear and well formed track or trail.
Signs
Around 8km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 4.6km has directional signs at most intersection.
Experience Required
10km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience and another 1.4km requires some bushwalking experience. The remaining (1km) requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience.
Weather
Around 11km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 1km is affected by forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather events that may impact on navigation and safety.
Infrastructure
Around 10km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 2.4km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).
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'Charlestown Park'[1], by the Pacific Highway in Charlestown, offers a picnic table[2], shelter[3], barbeque[4] and war memorial[5]. Charlestown Park is also known and signposted as 'Anniversary Grove'[6].
(0 km)
Charlestown Park
to
End of Milson Street Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - road
Length = 751 m
Time = 13 mins
Climb = 6 m
Descent = -20 m
From Charlestown Park[7], this walk follows the 'Newcastle' sign[8] across the Pacific Highway at the traffic lights[9]. The walk then turns left to cross 'Dudley Road' and follow the GNW arrow post along the foot path towards the service station on the Pacific Highway. Just before the service station, this walk turns right to following Charles Street[10] gently downhill for about 100m, then takes the first right onto Smith Street[11], and then immediately turns left into Mulbinga Street[12]. The walk follows Mulbinga St gently downhill[13] for about 300m, turning left onto Moto St[14] heading gently uphill[15] for about 100m before turning right onto Milson Street[16]. This walk follows Milson St gently downhill for about 40m, until coming to the end of the street.[17] where there is a small timber footbridge[18] (on the left).
(0.75 km)
End of Milson Street
to
Int of Flaggy Creek track & Guna Street Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 707 m
Time = 12 mins
Climb = 2 m
Descent = -15 m
Veer left: From the end of Milson Street[19], this walk follows the GNW arrow post[20] down over the grass and across the timber footbridge[21]. The walk continues through the forest, and over the next 150m, heads along a few sections of timber boardwalk[22] and crosses a small bridge with a handrail[23], to then cross Flaggy Creek[24] at a metal bridge with handrails[25]. Just after crossing the bridge, this walk turns left, following the GNW arrow post at the three-way intersection[26]. This walk follows the track, keeping Flaggy Creek to the left for about 500m, until coming to an intersection [27] with Guna Street[28].
(1.46 km)
Int of Flaggy Creek track & Guna Street
to
Yuelarbah carpark Track: Moderate - bushtrack,footpath,footpath
Length = 1.73 km
Time = 31 mins
Climb = 31 m
Descent = -42 m
Continue straight: From the intersection[29], this follows the GNW arrow post across Guna Road then follows the track east, back into the bush. The walk follows the track for about 200m then crosses the usually small creek[30]. The track continues for another 160m and then crosses the now-a-bit-wider creek[31]. The wide track gently winds through forest for about 600m before crossing the creek again on the timber boardwalk and bridge with handrails[32]. The walk then continues to follow the track for a further 170m, to head up the timbers steps and cross a smaller timber bridge[33]. The track continues gently uphill[34] for another 170m, until coming to a T-intersection[35] with the sealed shared Fernleigh Track[36]. Turn left: From the intersection[37], this walk follows the shared Fernleigh Track footpath gently uphill[38], initially keeping the railing on your right[39]. The walk follows the sealed path for about 110m to find Burwood Rd[40] and a pedestrian crossing with traffic lights[41]. Here the walk crosses Burwood Rd and comes to an intersection[42], marked with a 'Great North Walk' sign[43]. Turn right: From the intersection[44], this walk follows the 'Great North Walk - Newcastle' sign[45] gently downhill along the footpath[46], keeping the safety barrier and Burwood Rd to your right. After about 70m, the path leads across a bridge[47] (over Flaggy Creek) and then after another 30m, the walk turns left into the signposted 'Yuelarbah car park'[48].
Yuelarbah car park
Alt = 63 m
Yuelarbah car park[49] on Burwood Rd, Kahibah is the starting point to a number of walking and MTB tracks within the Glenrock State Conservation Area. There is a sheltered information sign[50] with historical and natural heritage information. There are about 25 parking bays, and a mobility parking bay[fac=8225].
(3.19 km)
Yuelarbah car park
to
Int of Yuelarbah track AND Glenrock scoutcamp track Walk: Easy - footpath
Length = 580 m
Time = 12 mins
Climb = 13 m
Descent = -33 m
Veer left: From the Yuelarbah car park[51], this walk follows the 'Yuelarbah walking track' sign[52] down along the sealed footpath, between the timber bollards[fac=8226]. The footpath has a handrail on each side and initally zig zags[53] downhill before joining the timber boardwalk[54]. The elevated boardwalk[55] has (1m high) handrails[56] and leads through the bush for just shy of 100m, where there is a small step down[fac=8227] on to the gravel track. The walk continues gently downhill along the wide gravel track for 100m to pass a faint rough track (on the left, that leads to a picnic table [57][fac=8228]). This walk stays on the main wide path as is gently undulates mostly dowhill for another 400m, then coming to a 3-way intersection[58], marked with a 'Yuelarbah Track' sign[59] (and track[60] on the right) just before a large foot bridge[61].
(3.77 km)
Int of Yuelarbah track & Glenrock scoutcamp track
to
Glenrock Beach (north of lagoon) Alternate Route:
Track: Hard - bushtrack,road,bushtrack,beach
( Show detail)
Length = 1.94 km
Time = 37 mins
Climb = 42 m
Descent = -78 m
Turn right: From the intersection[62], this walk follows the track, while keeping the 'Yuelarbah Track' sign[63] and creek[64] on your left. The walk follows the track (initially level) gently downhill[65] and after about 160m, finds an open creek[66] with overhead power lines[67] (on the left). Then the walk continues (undulating gently[68]) for about 600m, to find views (on the left) of a lagoon[69] and grassed area[70]. The walk continues around a moderately steep gully[71] and after about 250m comes to a three-way intersection[72], with a faint track[73] on the left. The walk turns left and heads moderately steeply downhill[74] (on the left) for about 10m, until coming to a T-intersection[75], with the sealed Scout Camp Rd[76]. Turn sharp left: From the intersection[77], this walk follows the road moderately steeply downhill[78], while keeping the eroded track[79] on your left (heading towards the bright yellow sign[80] on the road). The walk continues for about 130m (turning sharply[81] to the right) to find a locked gate[82] and 'Please Shut Gate' sign[83]. The walk passes around the gate and continues gently downhill for about 70m, to find a three-way intersection[84] with a 'Scouting Centenary 1908-2008' sign[85]. The walk turns left, gently downhill (towards lower buildings) for about 15m, until coming to a locked chained gate[86] and 'Emergency Assembly Point' sign[87] (on the right) and Glenrock Scout Camp. Turn right: From the locked chain gate[88] and 'Emergency Assembly Point' sign[89], this walk passes over the gate, heading towards the ocean. The walk continues gently downhill over a large grassed area[90], towards the lagoon[91], passing the camping area and camp kitchen[92] after about 150m. The walk continues across the grassy area for 100m, past the 'This is Scout property' sign[93], to then follow the sandy track[94] over the sand dune for about 280m, until coming to Glenrock Beach[95] (with the end of the lagoon on your left[96]). Veer left: From Glenrock Beach[97] (south of the lagoon), this walk follows the beach north[98] (keeping the ocean on your right) for about 70m. There is a possibility of getting wet feet when crossing the lagoon outlet stream[99], depending on conditions. Once past the lagoon, this walk heads up to the intersection marked with a GNW arrow post[100] at the bottom of the vegetated bank[101]. Continue straight to rejoin the main walk, following the notes from 5.51km 'Glenrock Beach (north of lagoon)'.
Glenrock Scout Camp
Alt = 16 m
Glenrock Scout Camp, off Burwood road and within the Glenrock State Conservation Area is owned and operated by the Scouting Association of Australia. The scout camp is located by a beautiful lagoon[102] and is close to the ocean[103]. The scout camp is a great place to stop and relax, with self guided walks and nature trails available close by. At the scout camp there is a public telephone[104], locked toilets (available upon request), water[105] and sheltered picnic tables[106]. The scout camp has indoor accommodation available. The Overman's Cottage is a large simple cottage, with sleeping on mattress's on the floor and costs $80/day plus $8/person. Also available is the Mac Crumb Room, which is for adults only, has 8 bunks and has a self contained kitchen and toilet. The Mac Crumb Room costs $80/day plus $10/person. Camping is for Scouts only. Please contact the Hunter and Coastal Regional Office (02 4929 1760) for information and to make a booking. The on site resident is also available (02 49447303). [107]. ' >More info
(3.77 km)
Int of Yuelarbah track & Glenrock scoutcamp track
to
Int of Yuelarbah track AND powerlines Walk: Easy - footpath
Length = 200 m
Time = 4 mins
Climb = 6 m
Descent = -14 m
Continue straight: From the intersection[108], this walk follows the 'Yuelarbah Track' sign[109] down and across the large foot suspension bridge, over Flaggy Creek[110]. On the other side of the bridge, this walk leads gently up to a T-intersection[111] with a wide track[112]. Turn right: From the intersection[113], this walk follows the track gently downhill[114], initially keeping the bridge[115] and Flaggy Creek[116] on your right. The walk heads down along the footpath[117], past the bench seat[118] and down a few timber steps[119] for about 150m, until coming to an intersection under the power lines[120], just past the 'Yuelarbah Track' sign[121].
(3.97 km)
Int of Yuelarbah AND powerline tracks
to
Leichhardts Lookout Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 289 m
Time = 6 mins
Climb = 9 m
Descent = -12 m
Continue straight: From the intersection[122], this walk follows the 'Yuelarbah Track' sign[123] under the power lines and down the timber steps[124], while keeping the creek[125] on your right. The walk heads past the NPWS post[126] and follows the track for about 60m, to then follow a section of timber railing[127] with views over the waterfall[128] (on the right). Then the walk continues gently downhill[129] for about 130m, until coming to a three-way intersection with a track[130], marked with another 'Yuelarbah Track' sign[131] (and a bridge[132] visible on the right). Turn right: From the intersection[133], this walk follows the rocky track[134] moderately steeply downhill, towards the timber bridge[135]. At the bottom of the timber steps[136], this walk crosses the timber bridge[137] over Little Flaggy Creek[138]. Here the walk leads up some timber steps[139] then winds moderately steeply up along the track for about 70m, coming to a three-way intersection beside the raised timber platform[140], signposted as 'Leichhardts Lookout'[141].
Leichhardts Lookout
Alt = 32 m
Leichhardts Lookout is within the Glenrock State Conservation Area. This lookout is a timber platform, looking east[142] across Glenrock Lagoon and out to the ocean[143]. Leichhardts Lookout is named after Ludwig Leichhardt a Prussian naturalist and explorer who, in 1842, described the view down into Glenrock Lagoon[144] as well as other important geological sightings in the area. More info
(4.26 km)
Leichhardts Lookout
to
Int of Yuelarbah AND Glenrock Beach Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 1.26 km
Time = 27 mins
Climb = 47 m
Descent = -75 m
Continue straight: From 'Leichhardts Lookout'[145], this walk follows the track east from the beside the lookout[146], whilst keeping the valley to your right. The track leads quite steeply down[147] the timber steps[148] and soon passes down between the cleft in the rocks[149]. The walk continues down the steep steps beside the rock face[150] then down the staircase with a handrail[151]. From here, the track continues down the steps for another 150m, crossing two small timber bridges[152][153] to where the track begins to flatten out. Here the track leads more gently along the side of the hill, crossing 5 more small timber bridges[154][155][156][157][158] over the next 900m before leaving the dense forest and getting a view of the beach beside the large 'Great North walk' sign[159][160]. The walk now follows the GNW arrow post gently downhill[161] for about 80m to the large sandy beach[162], just beside Glenrock Lagoon[163] (on the right), to find a GNW arrow post at the bottom of the vegetated bank[164] (on the left).
(5.51 km)
Glenrock Beach (north of lagoon)
to
Merewether Baths Track: Hard - beach
Length = 2.04 km
Time = 40 mins
Climb = 64 m
Descent = -61 m
Veer left: From the GNW arrow marker[165], this walk follows the wide beach north, keeping the ocean on your right. This walk follows the beach past attractive cliffs[166] and historical remnants of the coal mine[167] (on the left), then several side tracks, over about 800m to come to an intersection[168] with a timber formed track[169] and information signs[170](on the left). The walk continues straight along the beach for another 230m until coming to another intersection[171] with a track, beside the sheltered information sign[172] (up the hill to the left). Continue straight: From the intersection[173] (below the information shelter[174]), this walk follows the beach north[175], while keeping the ocean on your right. The walk soon heads over a series of attractive rock platforms[176] at the base of a large cliff and headland, and after about 1km, comes to the Merewether Ocean Baths[177][178]. If there is a light to moderate onshore breeze, then you might also enjoy the view of some hanggliders and paragliders flying above. Take care along the rock platforms, especially during high tides and high seas - during particularly high tides this section may become unsafe to pass.
(7.56 km)
Merewether Baths
to
Merewether SLSC Walk: Easy - footpath
Length = 372 m
Time = 6 mins
Climb = 5 m
Descent = -6 m
Continue straight: From the 'Merewether Ocean Baths'[179], this walk follows the slightly elevated footpath gently uphill[180], keeping the ocean and beach to your right. The walk continues to follow the footpath[181] for about 300m, passing a large picnic shelter[182] and some bench seats[183] until coming to Swell cafe[184], under the Merewether Surf Life Saving Club building, just near the intersection of John and Henderson Parades.
(7.93 km)
Swell Cafe
to
Bar Beach car park Walk: Easy - footpath
(9.38 km)
Bar Beach car park
to
Strzelecki Lookout Track: Moderate - footpath
Length = 947 m
Time = 20 mins
Climb = 58 m
Descent = -4 m
Continue straight: From the large Bar Beach car park[201] (opposite the end of Parkway Ave), this walk heads moderately steeply uphill[202] across the car park then up the footpath beside Memorial Dr, keeping the ocean on your right. 200m past the car park, this walk comes to an intersection with a set of stairs (on your right) at a gap in the fence (these stairs lead up to an old trig point[203] and stunning coastal views[204]). Here, the walk continues up along the footpath beside Memorial Dr for almost 500m (past a picnic shelter and bubbler) to an intersection with High St. 'Strzelecki Lookout'[205] is a short distance to your right, on the other side of the car park.
Strzelecki Lookout
Alt = 68 m
Strzelecki Lookout, atop the hill, is named in honor of the Polish geologist and explorer[206] whose chemical analyses and research into coal deposits from 1839-45 influenced the development of the region[207]. Wonderful views of the coastline south are available here and if you are lucky, you will see a hanglider taking off. More info
(10.32 km)
Strzelecki Lookout
to
King Edward Park (southern entrance) Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath
Length = 160 m
Time = 3 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = -1 m
Continue straight: From the intersection (near Strzelecki Lookout), this walk follows the GNW arrow post across High St[208] then gently uphill alongside 'Cliff St'. After passing a few houses, the road bends, becoming 'The Terrace'[209] (with views to the right). The walk follows 'The Terrace' for about 60m, past 'Shepherds Hill'[210] (and the Marine Rescue Building) gently downhill to the signposted southern entrance of 'King Edward Park'[211].
(10.48 km)
King Edward Park (southern entrance)
to
Int of Reserve Road AND The Terrace Track: Moderate - footpath
Length = 373 m
Time = 7 mins
Climb = 6 m
Descent = -25 m
Veer right: From the southern entrance of 'King Edward Park'[212], this walk enters the park following the driveway (York Dr) through the usually open gate. The driveway leads downhill[213], alongside a car park for about 80m, to veer left onto a footpath marked with a GNW arrow post[214]. This walk follows this footpath moderately steeply downhill[215] for about 150m, among the large pine trees, down some concrete stairs[216], past the toilet block[217] to find the barbeque area[218] beside York Dr and the 'King Edward Park Fountain'[219]. Turn left: From the barbeque area[220], this walk follows the GNW arrow post[221] up along the footpath heading between the BBQ[222] and fountain[223], away from York Dr. The footpath leads up among the large pine trees[224] for 80m, to Reserve Rd[225]. Here the walk follows the GNW arrow post[226] across the road at the safety island[227] to the footpath on the other side, beside the intersection of 'Reserve Rd' and 'The Terrace'.[228]
(10.86 km)
Int of Reserve Road AND The Terrace
to
The Obelisk Walk: Easy - footpath
Length = 241 m
Time = 4 mins
Climb = 9 m
Descent = -1 m
Turn right: From the intersection[229], this walk follows the GNW arrow post along the footpath beside 'Reserve Rd' keeping the white timber fence[230] on your left. After 30m this walk turns left into 'Wolfe St'[231] then after about 110m, this walk crosses 'Wolfe St'[232], just before 'Ordnance St' to come to a set of concrete steps[233] marked with a GNW arrow post[234]. Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[235] up the concrete stairs[236] with metal hand railing[237]. At the top of the stairs this walk follows the sealed footpath[238] for about 25m to the tall white stone Obelisk[239] and monument[240].
The Obelisk
Alt = 60 m
This white stone monument[241] sits above the city of Newcastle, on a green grassy knoll. The Obelisk Park is popular and gives views across the Lower Hunter Plains. The Obelisk was first erected in 1850, to replace the windmill that had stood there before it. The Obelisk was erected to act as a navigational aid for ships. On the grassy knoll[242] is a water fountain[243] and a large sundial[244].
(11.1 km)
The Obelisk
to
Newcastle Train Station Track: Moderate - footpath
Length = 1.04 km
Time = 18 mins
Climb = 3 m
Descent = -54 m
Turn right: From the Obelisk[245], this walk heads across the grass to follows the GNW arrow post[246] east down the gravel footpath[247] towards the clear ocean views. This walk soon leads down the series of concrete stairs[248] for about 120m, to find the intersection[249] of 'Ordnance' and 'Newcomen' streets. Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the Great North Walk marker down Newcomen Street. The walk takes the first right down Church Street, passing the Grand Hotel and Police Station, then turning left onto Watt Street. The walk continues down Watt St until reaching the intersection with Scott St, where the walk reaches Newcastle railway station.
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 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.
Region: Hunter & Mid North Coast Park feesCamping Current Park Closure information for Glenrock State Conservation Area Closure information last downloaded Sunday 27th of September 2015 07:00 AM Closed areas: Yuelarbah track is closed from the lookout to the beach until further notice Yuelarbah track is closed from the lookout to the beach until further notice. The bridge midway along the track is deemed unsafe and will remain closed until a replacement of the bridge is completed. Access to the beach may still occur via the management trail and/or the Burwood track and Leggy Point Loop. For more information, please contact NPWS Lower Hunter area office on (02) 4946 4100 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.
Hiking near Sydney 
Track: Hard
5 km
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times.
There is free parking available.
Check out the facilities at 
not too much longer now :)