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Home arrow Hiking near Sydney arrow Merewether to Queens Wharf     

Bushwalking track notes, photographs, maps and more for Merewether to Queens Wharf are found in each of the tabs below
Merewether to Queens Wharf
Time: 1 hr 30 mins Walking time
Please allow extra time to rest and to explore
3.6 km S of Newcastle
Length: 4.4 km Walk Length
As this is a One Way walk, the 4.4 km only includes the walking distance from the start to the end point
Newcastle(LGA)
Climb: 104 m Total Climbing
This walk has a total cumulative climb of 104 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 There is a ferry stop near the start of this walk
Style: One way
Track: Moderate

Starting from Merewether, you will mostly follow the coast line to Queens Wharf. After exploring some of Newcastle's (and arguably Australia's) best beaches, the grand views from Strzelecki Lookout, you then wander through King Edward Park where you can take the optional side trip to the intriguing Bogey Hole. The walk then takes you up to more panoramic views from the The Obelisk, before you stroll through Newcastle CBD and mall to Queens Wharf. There are a few long hills, just take you time and enjoy the salt air. (open in app)


Today's Fire rating
LOW MODERATE (No fire ban)
  Bushwalking track notes photographs, maps and camping spots for Merewether to Queens Wharf

Map of Walk

Location

                Sponsor of Merewether to Queens Wharf bushwalking tracknotes
Map of Merewether to Queens Wharf
Problem loading PDF Try here
Map Controls - Show Contours | Hide Path | Hide Distances | Hide Names
Map Scale 1 km
Swell Cafe
Dixon Park SLSC
Bar Beach car park
Strzelecki Lookout
King Edward Park (southern entrance)
King Edward Park barbeque area
Int of Bogey Hole Rd & Bogey Hole track
King Edward Park barbeque area
Int of Reserve Road AND The Terrace
Int of Wolfe Street AND the Obelisk steps
The Obelisk
Int of Newcomen AND Ordnance Streets
Int of Hunter AND Bolton Streets
Int of Hunter AND Market Streets
Starting point for this hiking track: Swell Cafe

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
 Newcastle 1:25 000 Map Series NSW-92322S 
 Newcastle 1:100 000 Map Series 9232 

Photo Gallery

 
Swells cafe
 
Swells cafe +
 
Looking north towards Merewether Beach
 
Looking north towards Merewether Beach +
 
Dixon Park, Merewether
 
Dixon Park, Merewether +

 
View From Dixon Park
 
View From Dixon Park +
 
Looking over Bar Beach
 
Looking over Bar Beach +
 
Looking over Susan Gilmore Beach
 
Looking over Susan Gilmore Beach +

 
Wildflowers on Memorial Drive
 
Wildflowers on Memorial Drive +
 
Back of Strzelecki Lookout
 
Back of Strzelecki Lookout +
 
Looking at the ocean from Cliff Street
 
Looking at the ocean from Cliff Street +

 
Looking towards Shepherds Hill
 
Looking towards Shepherds Hill +
 
View from York Drive
 
View from York Drive +
 
Looking into King Edward Park
 
Looking into King Edward Park +

 
King Edward Park
 
King Edward Park +
 
York Drive
 
York Drive +
 
Road near Bogey Hole
 
Road near Bogey Hole +

 
View from above the Bogey Hole
 
View from above the Bogey Hole +
 
Waves crashing against rocks at Bogey Hole
 
Waves crashing against rocks at Bogey Hole +
 
Dangerous rock pools at Bogey Hole
 
Dangerous rock pools at Bogey Hole +

 
Staircase at Bogey Hole
 
Staircase at Bogey Hole +
 
Fig tree near King Edward Park barbecue
 
Fig tree near King Edward Park barbecue +
 
Steps up to the Obelisk
 
Steps up to the Obelisk +

 
The Obelisk
 
The Obelisk +
 
The Obelisk
 
The Obelisk +
 
View from Newcastle Obelisk
 
View from Newcastle Obelisk +

 
Looking up towards the Obelisk
 
Looking up towards the Obelisk +
 
The Grand Hotel in the Hill
 
The Grand Hotel in the Hill +
 
The Grand Hotel, Newcastle
 
The Grand Hotel, Newcastle +

 
Intersection of King and Bolton Streets
 
Intersection of King and Bolton Streets +
 
Queens Wharf
 
Queens Wharf +
 
Yuelarbah Track Plaque
 
Yuelarbah Track Plaque +

Terrain

Cross sectional view of the Merewether to Queens Wharf bushwalking track

Cross Section of the Merewether to Queens Wharf bushwalking track



Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Merewether to Queens Wharf bushwalking track

Summary of the gradients over the the lenght of the Merewether to Queens Wharf 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 4.4km
Time 1 hr 30 mins
.


Grade 3/6

Track: Moderate
AS 2156.1 Gradient Short steep hills (3/6)
Quality of track Smooth and hardened path (1/6)
Signs Clearly signposted (1/6)
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
1.8km of this walk is flat with no steps and another 1.4km has short steep hills. The remaining (1.2km) has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track
This whole walk, 4.4km follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs
This whole walk, 4.4km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required
This whole walk, 4.4km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

Weather
This whole walk, 4.4km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure
This whole walk, 4.4km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Track Notes


Catch the bus to Swell Cafe
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 Swell Cafe
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|

Swell Cafe Alt = 8 m
Swell cafe is located right on the beach[1] (with the Merewether Surf Lifesaving Club[2] above it) and just off John Parade in Merewether. Swell cafe offers fresh juices, cafe food, a toilet[3] and water. More info

(0 km) Swell Cafe to Dixon Park SLSC
Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath
Length = 564 m Time = 10 mins
Climb = 8 m Descent = -6 m
From the Swell café[4], this walk heads up to 'John Pde' and turns right. The walk follows the footpath alongside 'John Parade'[5] (keeping the beach to your right) for 300m to continue straght into 'Dixon Park'[6]. Contune up past the 'Bathers Way' sign[7] along the footpath for another 200m (to pass alongside the carpark[8]) and come to the picnic shelter[9] outside the 'Dixon Park SLSC'[10].

Dixon Park and Dixon Park SLSC Alt = 9 m
Dixon Park and the Dixon Park SLSC are located in the middle of Bar beach in Merewether. Dixon Park has a large open grassed area[11], sheltered picnic tables[12], barbeques, a children's playground[13], toilets[14] and tap water. The open space of Dixon Park is often used for hangliding or kite flying. More info

(0.56 km) Dixon Park SLSC to Bar Beach car park
Walk: Easy - footpath
Length = 883 m Time = 16 mins
Climb = 21 m Descent = -15 m
Continue straight: From 'Dixon Park SLSC'[15], this walk follows the footpath moderately steeply uphill[16], keeping the ocean on your right for just over 100m to find Ocean St. Here the walk turns right and continues beyond the end of Ocean St heading downhill[17] for 160m past the end of 'Kilgour Ave' to a small car park[18]. The walk veers left across the car park and follows the footpath, past the playing fields (on the left) and alongside the beach for 350m to the 'Cooks Hill SLSC' building[19] (on the right). The walk continues straight, beside the road and car park[20] before climbing up some concrete stairs[21], to find the large Bar Beach car park[22] (opposite the end of Parkway Ave). There are wide ocean views at the end of the car park, on your right[23] .

(1.45 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[24] (opposite the end of Parkway Ave), this walk heads moderately steeply uphill[25] 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[26] and stunning coastal views[27]). 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'[28] 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[29] whose chemical analyses and research into coal deposits from 1839-45 influenced the development of the region[30]. Wonderful views of the coastline south are available here and if you are lucky, you will see a hanglider taking off. More info

(2.39 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[31] then gently uphill alongside 'Cliff St'. After passing a few houses, the road bends, becoming 'The Terrace'[32] (with views to the right). The walk follows 'The Terrace' for about 60m, past 'Shepherds Hill'[33] (and the Marine Rescue Building) gently downhill to the signposted southern entrance of 'King Edward Park'[34].

Shepherds Hill Alt = 67 m
Shepherds Hill is located just south of King Edward Park (off The Terrace in Newcastle). Shepherds Hill is an exposed headland with wonderful views along the coastline[35]. During World War Two, Shepherds Hill was home to gun emplacements, pits[36], a 100 metre-long tunnel and observation posts[37]. The gun was designed to be a discrete, hard-to-spot weapon which would contract downwards, below its parapet to be reloaded. Shepherds Hill also housed a World War Two radar station[38][39]. Shepherds Hill is named after a survey report that called it ‘Sheep Pasture Hill’ after its resemblance to English countryside[40]. Hang-gliding[41] is also very common from the hilltop[42]. More info

(2.55 km) King Edward Park (southern entrance) to King Edward Park barbeque area
Track: Moderate - footpath
Length = 259 m Time = 5 mins
Climb = 1 m Descent = -24 m
Veer right: From the southern entrance of 'King Edward Park'[43], this walk enters the park following the driveway (York Dr) through the usually open gate. The driveway leads downhill[44], alongside a car park for about 80m, to veer left onto a footpath marked with a GNW arrow post[45]. This walk follows this footpath moderately steeply downhill[46] for about 150m, among the large pine trees, down some concrete stairs[47], past the toilet block[48] to find the barbeque area[49] beside York Dr and the 'King Edward Park Fountain'[50].

King Edward Park Alt = 47 m
King Edward Park is a large hilly park with established trees[51], abutting the ocean[52] just 500m from the centre of Newcastle. King Edward Park has toilets[53], barbeques[54], a children’s playground[55], an historic water fountain[56] and flower gardens. King Edward Park was once referred to as the ‘lungs of Newcastle’ as it supplied a natural parkland in contrast to the increasing urbanization of the nineteenth century[57]. More info

(2.81 km) King Edward Park barbeque area to Bogey Hole
Optional sidetrip: Walk: Easy - road
Length = 462 m Time = 9 mins
Climb = 1 m Descent = -44 m
Turn sharp right: From the King Edward Park barbeque area[58], this walk follows York Drive gently downhill[59], while keeping toilets[60] on your right. The walk follows York Drive for about 100m, to turn left moderately steeply downhill[61] to Shortland Esplanade. Then the walk follows Shortland Esplanade[62] gently downhill for about 240m, to come to a three-way intersection[63] with Bogie Hole Rd (on the right). The walk turns right at Bogey Hole Rd and continues gently downhill[64] for about 60m, until coming to a three-way intersection[65], with a track[66] (on the right).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows Bogey Hole Rd[67] gently downhill, while keeping Bogey Hole track on your right and the ocean on your left. The walk continues for about 60m, until coming to concrete steps[68] and the Bogey Hole[69].
(Retrace your steps back to the main track, then veer left to continue along this walk.)

Bogey Hole Alt = 3 m
The Bogey Hole on Shortland Esplanade is a bathing pool that is open to the ocean[70]. The Bogey Hole was built by convict labour for the personal pleasure of Major James T. Morriset, the military commandant from 1819-1822 who did much to improve the breakwater, roads and barracks in the settlement. Over the years, the Bogey Hole was enlarged to its present size[71]. The name "Bogey Hole" came from the Aboriginal word meaning "to bathe"[72]. The Bogey Hole can be dangerous during high tides or times of rough seas[73]. For more information, contact the City of Newcastle on 02 4974 2000. More info

(2.81 km) King Edward Park barbeque area to Int of Wolfe Street AND the Obelisk steps
Walk: Easy - footpath
Length = 286 m Time = 5 mins
Climb = 12 m Descent = -2 m
Turn left: From the barbeque area[74], this walk follows the GNW arrow post[75] up along the footpath heading between the BBQ[76] and fountain[77], away from York Dr. The footpath leads up among the large pine trees[78] for 80m, to Reserve Rd[79]. Here the walk follows the GNW arrow post[80] across the road at the safety island[81] to the footpath on the other side, beside the intersection of 'Reserve Rd' and 'The Terrace'.[82]
Turn right: From the intersection[83], this walk follows the GNW arrow post along the footpath beside 'Reserve Rd' keeping the white timber fence[84] on your left. After 30m this walk turns left into 'Wolfe St'[85] then after about 110m, this walk crosses 'Wolfe St'[86], just before 'Ordnance St' to come to a set of concrete steps[87] marked with a GNW arrow post[88].

(3.1 km) Int of Wolfe Street AND the Obelisk steps to The Obelisk
Walk: Easy - footpath
Length = 69 m Time = 1 mins
Climb = 2 m Descent = 0 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[89] up the concrete stairs[90] with metal hand railing[91]. At the top of the stairs this walk follows the sealed footpath[92] for about 25m to the tall white stone Obelisk[93] and monument[94].

The Obelisk Alt = 60 m
This white stone monument[95] 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[96] is a water fountain[97] and a large sundial[98].

(3.17 km) The Obelisk to Int of Newcomen AND Ordnance Streets
Track: Moderate - footpath
Length = 154 m Time = 3 mins
Climb = 0 m Descent = -15 m
Turn right: From the Obelisk[99], this walk heads across the grass to follows the GNW arrow post[100] east down the gravel footpath[101] towards the clear ocean views. This walk soon leads down the series of concrete stairs[102] for about 120m, to find the intersection[103] of 'Ordnance' and 'Newcomen' streets.

(3.32 km) Int of Newcomen AND Ordnance Streets to Int of Hunter AND Bolton Streets
Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath
Length = 688 m Time = 12 mins
Climb = 0 m Descent = -37 m
Veer left: From the intersection[104], this walk follows the GNW arrow post, across 'Ordinance St' then gently downhill along the footpath beside 'Newcomen St'[105]. After about 250m, this walk turn right, crossing the road using the pedestrian crossing[106] to then follow 'Church St'[107] gently downhill[108] for another 110m, to use cross the road using another pediestian crossing turning left into 'Bolton St'[109]. Here the walk follows the footpath beside 'Bolton St' (past 'The Grand Hotel'[110]) and continues gently downhill[111] for just over 250m, crossing 'King St'[112] then 'Hunter St'[113] (both with pedestrian crossings). Here the walk comes to the intersection of 'Bolton' and 'Hunter' streets[114], marked with a GNW arrow post[115].

Hunter Street Mall Alt = 8 m
The Hunter Street Mall offers an open air shopping experience[116], with a variety of shops, cafés[117] and services. Trading hours are Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri: 9am-5.30pm, Thurs:9am-9pm, Sat:9am-4pm, Sun:10am-4pm. For further information please contact the Hunter Street Mall Office on 02 4926 3477. More info

(4.01 km) Int of Hunter AND Bolton Streets to Int of Hunter AND Market Streets
Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath
Length = 217 m Time = 3 mins
Climb = 1 m Descent = -2 m
Turn left: From the intersection[118], this walk crosses 'Bolton St' (using the crossing) and follows the footpath[119] beside 'Hunter St' past the 'ANZ' bank building. The walk continues for 100m, to cross 'Newcomen St' then walk through the Hunter St pedestrian mall[120] for another 100m to an intersection[121] in the middle of the mall, just past the 'Sanity' store[122], marked with a GNW arrow post and a yellow pedestrian bridge[123] (on the right).

(4.23 km) Int of Hunter AND Market Streets to Queens Wharf
Walk: Easy - footpath
Length = 177 m Time = 3 mins
Climb = 0 m Descent = -5 m
Turn right: From the intersection[124], this walk leaves the main mall and heads north up the yellow pedestrian footbridge[125]. The walk crosses the 130m long footbridge (passing over Scott St, the train line then Wharf St), before heading down the metal spiral staircase[126] and coming to 'The Great North Walk - Queens Wharf Trackhead' sign[127] on a large concrete pillar[128], at Queens Wharf[129].

Queens Wharf Alt = 2 m
Queens Wharf is on the Newcastle harbour, just minutes from the centre of Newcastle. The Queens Wharf Tower[130] is over 40m in height and open to the public. From the top of the tower, you are able to see up to 20km in all directions, particularly up and down the coastline (Note that the tower is closed in bad weather). Queens Wharf Tower, was built in 1988 and opened by Queen Elizabeth II to mark the Australian Bicentenary[131]. The Tower was built to mark the spot where the city meets the park and the sea. Queens Wharf is home to a number of restaurants and a bar, and there is a raised pedestrian footbridge from the tower into Hunter Street Mall shops. There is a ferry service across the harbour to Stockton, which gives good views back to across the water to Newcastle City. For more information contact the Newcastle Visitor Information Centre on 02 4974 2999. More info

Catch the ferry to Queens Wharf
Public transport (ferry) available to this Bushwalk You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for upto date running time info
Use these links to plan your Ferry (and train) trip to the end of this walk.

Plan your trip from --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|
Catch the bus from Queens Wharf
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 Queens Wharf
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
Map Car Shuffle
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)
Mountain Designs Cnr King & National Park Sts, Newcastle West (02) 4962 3311 2.4 km
Castle Canvas Pty Ltd 754 Hunter St , Newcastle West (02) 4961 6222 2.5 km
Boots Great Outdoors 27 Lambton Rd , Broadmeadow (02) 4969 4655 3.3 km
Aussie Disposal Newcastle 4/ 14 Northcott Drv, Kotara (02) 4965 5500 4.4 km
Kathmandu 6 Northcott Drv, Kotara (02) 4952 1233 4.4 km


A list of the nearest UHF CB repeaters I found to Merewether to Queens Wharf.
Channel Call sign
(more info)
Site Distance and dir from Merewether to Queens Wharf
Click to re-center search
1 CHT01 Our Town Repeater Group 244 Pacific Highway CHARLESTOWN 6 km (to the WSW)
5 CHN05 Our Town Repeater Group 244 Pacific Highway CHARLESTOWN
Emergency use only
6 km (to the WSW)
6 NEW06 Gencom Site 1 Sugarloaf Range via NEWCASTLE 23 km (to the W)
2 VMB4 Auzcom Communications Site 1 Sugarloaf Range Via NEWCASTLE 23 km (to the W)
4 BOR04 Redgums Property 331 Lowes Lane BOORAL 53 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 9 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 )
A graph displaying the average daily temperature range for the year

Walker Feedback

Comments
Add NewSearch
alanm - The end of the Great North Wal IP:101.171.170.xxx | 2014-01-25 02:15:41
Finished at last!

What a great experience. This walk is rather different to being up in the mountains, but has its own character.

Love the ocean and surf views.

Video at
http://youtu.be/ZAEuXFNqRVY
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Loading the images not too much longer now :)


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