This walk follows the most northern section of the Great North Walk, from the Teralba station along Macquarie lake, to Warners Bay. Most of the walking is along footpaths, through park land, or along the road side. After Charlestown, the walk heads through the bush to the old Belmont railway and along Flaggy creek to the Glenrock Scout Camp. On day two, the walk heads along the beaches past Merewether baths, and up to the top of Shephards hill, through King Edwards park to the obelisk and down to the cities train station.
(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 Teralba to Newcastle via Glenrock Scout Camp
Cross sectional view of the Teralba to Newcastle via Glenrock Scout Camp bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Teralba to Newcastle via Glenrock Scout Camp 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
26km
Time
2 Days
.
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
Minimal directional signs (4/6)
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
12km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 11km is flat with no steps. The remaining (2.7km) has short steep hills.
Quality of track
15km of this walk follows a smooth and hardened path and another 8km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. Whilst another 2.2km follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely and the remaining 1.1km follows a clear and well formed track or trail.
Signs
16km of this walk is clearly signposted and another 8km has directional signs at most intersection. The remaining (1.2km) has minimal directional signs.
Experience Required
22km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience and another 2.5km requires some bushwalking experience. The remaining (1km) requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience.
Weather
Around 24km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 1.2km is affected by forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather events that may impact on navigation and safety.
Infrastructure
Around 22km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 3.2km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).
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(0 km)
Teralba Train Station
to
Int of William Street and Anzac Parade Walk: Easy - footpath
Length = 76 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -4 m
From Teralba station[1] (at the top of the overpass steps), this walk follows the railway bridge steps[2] south, initially keeping the station building on your right. This walk follows the steps down and heads along the footpath for about 30m, to find a 'Great North Walk' sign[3]. This walk then follows the 'Newcastle' arrow[4] across William St[5], coming to a GNW arrow post on the intersection of William St and Anzac Parade, opposite the 'The Great Northern Hotel'[6].
(0.08 km)
Int of William Street & Anzac Parade
to
Teralba Lakeside Caravan Park on Anzac Parade Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath
Length = 288 m
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -6 m
Continue straight: From the intersection[7], this walk follows the footpath alongside Anzac Parade gently downhill, past 'Teralba Fire Station'[8] (on your left). The walk follows the footpath for about 80m to pass 'Anzac Park'[9] (and toilets[10] opposite the road on your right), then continues straight ahead for about 200m crossing York and Margaret St, to come beside 'Teralba Lakeside Caravan Park'[11] (on your left).
Teralba Lakeside Caravan Park on Anzac Parade
Alt = 4 m
Teralba Lakeside Caravan Park at 21 Anzac Parade, Teralba has unpowered tent sites ($20/night), standard cabins ($90 for 5 people) and deluxe cabins ($125 for 7 people). The manager is available from 8am till 8.30pm. For more information, phone (02)49585370. You can grab a meal or beverage from the 'Great Northern Hotel'[12] or grab a snack from the local servo, just up the road.
(0.36 km)
Teralba Lakeside Caravan Park on Anzac Parade
to
End of Lake Crescent Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - road
Length = 331 m
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -2 m
Continue straight: From the 'Teralba Lakeside Caravan Park', this walk follows Anzac Parade gently downhill[13], initially keeping the caravan park on your left. After 160m this walk then turns left (following the GNW arrow post[14]) into 'Lake Crescent'[15] (just before the larger Five Islands Road[16]). This walk follows 'Lake Crescent'[17] for 130m, until coming to the end of the road[18] and a shared footpath/cycleway[19].
(0.7 km)
End of Lake Crescent
to
Int of Warners Bay footpath & The Esplanade footpath Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath
Length = 5.23 km
Time = 1 hr 25 mins
Climb = 37 m
Descent = -37 m
Continue straight: From the end of Lake Crescent[20], this walk follows the footpath[21], keeping the large Five Islands Rd[22] up to your right. The walk follows the footpath for about 250m, until coming to a T-intersection[23] with another footpath (beside the 'Raymond Smith' concrete monument[24]). Turn right: From the intersection[25], this walk follows the GNW arrow post along the footpath and through the underpass[26]. Just after the underpass, this walk heads gently up the ramp to come beside[27] Five Islands Rd. Here, the walk turns right[28] to follow a footpath for about 900m, crossing over a two bridges[29] and an island (two arms of Cockle Creek[30]). On the far side the second bridge (Watkins Bridge[31]), this walk comes to the intersection[32] with another footpath, marked by a GNW arrow post[33]. Turn right: From the intersection[34], this walk follows the GNW arrow post gently downhill along the footpath[35] towards the water, while keeping the playing fields[36] on the left. The walk continues on the footpath (beside the bridge), to then bend left and lead along side a small road and Cockle Creek[37] (on your right), until coming to a road crossing[38] with Creek Reserve Rd, on the far side of 'Macquarie Field'. Continue straight: From the intersection[39], this walk follow the GNW arrow post[40] across Creek Reserve Rd and follows the footpath through Speers Point Park[41] passing the 'Walk Safe' sign[42] (on your right). The walk continues through Speers Point Park for about 500m, past picnic shelters[43], a stage[44], a wharf[45] to then cross the road beside 'Speers Point Swimming Pool'[46]. The walk continues on the footpath, with the water on the right[47] for about 300m to pass the War Memorial[48]. Here the walk continues along the waters edge for 2.5km to pass a car park then cross 'North Creek'[49] on the road bridge[50]. Continue for another 100m, through the park, then just past the toilet block the footpath leads to a large 'Great North Walk - Warners Bay Trackhead' sign, beside the traffic lights.
Warners Bay
Alt = 3 m
Warners Bay is a large, open bay[51] on Lake Macquarie, with a public park[52] and small shopping centre[53] nearby. There are cafes and restaurants with alfresco dining, the 'Centro' shopping centre, specialty shops, boutiques and a post office[54]. The public park on the lakeshore has a shared bike/walking path[55], picnic tables, barbeques[56], toilets[57] and water. A-must-stop ice cream shop on the Esplanade is Dippin Dots[58], they have a unique ice cream that has been made using super-cold freezing methods to make little beads[59] of ice cream[60].
(5.93 km)
Int of Warners Bay footpath AND The Esplanade footpath
to
Int of The Esplanade AND King Street Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath
Length = 151 m
Time = 3 mins
Climb = 3 m
Descent = 0 m
Turn left : From the intersection[61], near the toilet block this walk follows the 'Charlestown Park' sign[62] across The Esplanade[63] using the pedestrian crossing[64]. On the other side this walk turns right[65] and follows the footpath[66] for about 160m (past 'Dippin Dots' ice cream shop[67]) until coming to the intersection of The Esplanade and King Street[68](at the large roundabout[69]).
(6.08 km)
Int of The Esplanade AND King Street
to
End of Vermont Place Walk: Easy - footpath,road,footpath
Length = 1.97 km
Time = 34 mins
Climb = 26 m
Descent = -12 m
Turn left: From the intersection[70], this walk follows the footpath gently uphill[71] alongside 'King St', heading directly away from the water[72]. The walk follows King St (passing traffic lights[73] and a roundabout[74]) and heads towards Cardiff for about 300m, to find a set of traffic lights[75], at the Caltex Servo. Here the walk crosses King St (using the pedestrian lights[76]) and follows the footpath through the nature strip to find Queen St[77] and a GNW arrow post[78] (Queen St is a minor street running parallel to King St) . Turn left: From the intersection, (near the King Street crossing[79]), this walk follows the footpath beside Queen Street[80], past the fruit store [81], keeping King St to your left. The walk continues along Queen St for about 500m, crossing 'Pring St'[82] to the grassy area at the end of road. From here the walk follows GNW arrow post along the footpath[83], along the grassy verge to come to the northern section of 'Queen St'[84]. The walk follows 'Queen St' for another 170m, to turn right and follow 'Myles Ave'[85] for about 80m, until coming to a three-way intersection[86] with Yorston St[87] (on the right). Continue straight: From the intersection[88], this walk follows the grassy verge beside Myles Rd gently uphill[89], initially keeping Yorston St on your right. This walk continues to follow Myles Rd and GNW arrow posts[90] for about 700m, first crossing 'Bonarius St', then crossing a few few more side streets until coming to an intersection[91], with 'Vermont Place' (on the right). Turn right: From the intersection[92], this walk the footpath down a small dip then gently uphill alongside 'Vermont Place'[93] for about 100m, until coming to the end of the street[94] on the edge of of a grassy park[95].
Vermont Place Park
Alt = 21 m
Vermont Place Park, at the end of Vermont Place in Warners Bay, is an open grassed park[96] surrounded by native forest. The park has a children's playground[97], picnic table[98], a shelter and water fountain[99] (water may not be available).
(8.05 km)
End of Vermont place
to
GNW Management Trail (near Vermont Oval) Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath
Length = 174 m
Time = 3 mins
Climb = 4 m
Descent = -1 m
Continue straight: From the end of Vermont Place[100], this walk follows the GNW arrow post, along the footpath[101] through the gate[102] and into the park. The footpath leads around the edge of the park, past a playground[103] then continues around the back of the oval[104] for another 80m, to an intersection[105] with a management trail, marked with a gate[106] and a 'Great North Walk' sign[107].
(8.23 km)
GNW Management Trail (near Vermont Oval)
to
Int of GNW Track AND Management Trail Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 347 m
Time = 6 mins
Climb = 15 m
Descent = -1 m
Turn right: From the edge of the park[108], this walk follows the 'The Great North Walk' sign[109] through the locked gate[110] heading moderately steeply uphill[111] along the management trail, through forest. The walk follows GNW arrow markers[112] (ignoring side tracks) for about 350m, to an intersection[113], with a track[114] on the right.
(8.57 km)
Int of GNW Track AND Management Trail
to
Int of Charlestown Golf Course Track & E K Ave Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 2.88 km
Time = 52 mins
Climb = 53 m
Descent = -57 m
Turn right: From the intersection[115], this walk follows the GNW arrow post east gently uphill[116] along the eroded track. The walk continues for about 220m, to find an open area[117] with overhead power lines[118]. This walk then crosses underneath the power lines (following the GNW arrow markers) and leads gently downhill[119] for about 500m, until coming to an intersection[120], with a track on the left (about 10m after a deeply eroded section of track[121]). Continue straight: From the intersection[122], this walk follows the GNW arrow post south, gently downhill[123] along the narrow track[124]. This walk continues to follow the track for about 250m, passing views of the golf course[125] (on the left), to cross a timber footbridge[126]. Here the walk continues alongside the golf course for about 1.3km, to then lead down through the West Charlestown Bypass underpass[127]. On the other side of this road the walk continues gently uphill[128] for about 500m, to an intersection[129], with E K Ave[130].
(11.46 km)
Int of Charlestown golf course track AND E K Avenue
to
Int of E K Avenue AND Winding Creek Track Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath
Length = 68 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = -1 m
Turn left: From the intersection[131], this walk follows the GNW arrow post gently downhill[132] along the concrete footpath, beside E K Avenue. After about 70m this walk comes to GNW arrow post[133] at the signposted bus stop[134]).
(11.52 km)
Int of E K Avenue AND Winding Creek Track
to
End of Park Street Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 435 m
Time = 7 mins
Climb = 9 m
Descent = -1 m
Turn right: From the bus stop, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[135], across E K Ave[136] to then follow the indistinct track[137] alongside a new development[138] (on your left). The walk follows the forested creek[139] (on your right) and the edge of the development for about 160m, to veer right at an intersection[140] marked with a GNW arrow post[141]. The walk follows this track gently downhill for about 120m, to cross a timber footbridge[142], then continues alongside the creek[143] for almost 200m, to find the end of Park St[144].
(11.96 km)
End of Park Street
to
Int of Park Street and GNW Arrow Post Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath
Length = 68 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 4 m
Descent = 0 m
Continue straight: From the end of Park St[145], this walk follows the footpath gently uphill[146] for about 70m, past three houses to come to an intersection with a track[147] (between the houses), on your right, marked with a GNW arrow post[148].
(12.03 km)
Int of Park Street & GNW Arrow Marker
to
Int of Anjon St & GNW Arrow Post Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 754 m
Time = 17 mins
Climb = 49 m
Descent = -10 m
Turn right: From no. 72 Park St, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[149] between the house following the grassy track gently downhill[150]. The track leads down timber steps[151] through dense forest[152] for about 130m, to cross an flat concrete footbridge[153]. The track then leads up the moderately steep hill[154] (with the creek on your left) for about 150m, then leads more gently uphill[155] for a further 250m, to cross the creek at an flat timber footbridge[156]. The walk continues (with the creek now on the right) for about 170m, to come to grass clearing behind some houses[157]. Here the walk turn right, following the GNW arrow post[158] gently uphill for about 80m, until coming to a T-intersection[159], with Anjon St[160].
(12.78 km)
Int of Anjon St & GNW Arrow Post
to
Charelstown Park Walk: Easy - footpath
Length = 549 m
Time = 10 mins
Climb = 19 m
Descent = -2 m
Turn right: From the dip in Anjon St[161], this walk follows the GNW arrow post[162] south along the grassy verge beside the street, initially keeping the bush reserve to your right. At the top of the hill, this walk crosses 'Patricia Ave'[163] and turns left to follow the footpath for about 250m, to turn then right at a roundabout[164] into 'Lincoln St'. This walk continues uphill along side 'Lincoln St'[165] for about 170m, over a rise and crosses 'Carl Cl' to head gently downhill[166] for about 50m, until coming to an intersection[167], with traffic lights at 'Pacific Highway', [168] beside 'Charlestown Park'.
Charlestown Park
Alt = 103 m
'Charlestown Park'[169], by the Pacific Highway in Charlestown, offers a picnic table[170], shelter[171], barbeque[172] and war memorial[173]. Charlestown Park is also known and signposted as 'Anniversary Grove'[174].
(13.33 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
Veer left: From Charlestown Park[175], this walk follows the 'Newcastle' sign[176] across the Pacific Highway at the traffic lights[177]. 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[178] gently downhill for about 100m, then takes the first right onto Smith Street[179], and then immediately turns left into Mulbinga Street[180]. The walk follows Mulbinga St gently downhill[181] for about 300m, turning left onto Moto St[182] heading gently uphill[183] for about 100m before turning right onto Milson Street[184]. This walk follows Milson St gently downhill for about 40m, until coming to the end of the street.[185] where there is a small timber footbridge[186] (on the left).
(14.08 km)
End of Milson Street
to
Int of Flaggy Creek track & Fernleigh Track Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 2.16 km
Time = 37 mins
Climb = 18 m
Descent = -47 m
Veer left: From the end of Milson Street[187], this walk follows the GNW arrow post[188] down over the grass and across the timber footbridge[189]. The walk continues through the forest, and over the next 150m, heads along a few sections of timber boardwalk[190] and crosses a small bridge with a handrail[191], to then cross Flaggy Creek[192] at a metal bridge with handrails[193]. Just after crossing the bridge, this walk turns left, following the GNW arrow post at the three-way intersection[194]. This walk follows the track, keeping Flaggy Creek to the left for about 500m, until coming to an intersection [195] with Guna Street[196]. Continue straight: From the intersection[197], 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[198]. The track continues for another 160m and then crosses the now-a-bit-wider creek[199]. The wide track gently winds through forest for about 600m before crossing the creek again on the timber boardwalk and bridge with handrails[200]. The walk then continues to follow the track for a further 170m, to head up the timbers steps and cross a smaller timber bridge[201]. The track continues gently uphill[202] for another 170m, until coming to a T-intersection[203] with the sealed shared Fernleigh Track[204].
(16.24 km)
Int of Flaggy Creek track & Fernleigh Track
to
Int of the Fernleigh Track & Burwood Road Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath
Length = 124 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 4 m
Descent = 0 m
Turn left: From the intersection[205], this walk follows the shared Fernleigh Track footpath gently uphill[206], initially keeping the railing on your right[207]. The walk follows the sealed path for about 110m to find Burwood Rd[208] and a pedestrian crossing with traffic lights[209]. Here the walk crosses Burwood Rd and comes to an intersection[210], marked with a 'Great North Walk' sign[211].
(16.36 km)
Int of the Fernleigh Track & Burwood Road
to
Yuelarbah carpark Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath
Length = 154 m
Time = 4 mins
Climb = 11 m
Descent = -10 m
Turn right: From the intersection[212], this walk follows the 'Great North Walk - Newcastle' sign[213] gently downhill along the footpath[214], keeping the safety barrier and Burwood Rd to your right. After about 70m, the path leads across a bridge[215] (over Flaggy Creek) and then after another 30m, the walk turns left into the signposted 'Yuelarbah car park'[216].
Yuelarbah car park
Alt = 63 m
Yuelarbah car park[217] 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[218] with historical and natural heritage information. There are about 25 parking bays, and a mobility parking bay[fac=8225].
(16.52 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[219], this walk follows the 'Yuelarbah walking track' sign[220] down along the sealed footpath, between the timber bollards[fac=8226]. The footpath has a handrail on each side and initally zig zags[221] downhill before joining the timber boardwalk[222]. The elevated boardwalk[223] has (1m high) handrails[224] 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 [225][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[226], marked with a 'Yuelarbah Track' sign[227] (and track[228] on the right) just before a large foot bridge[229].
(17.1 km)
Int of Yuelarbah track & Glenrock scoutcamp track
to
Int of Glenrock scoutcamp track & Scout Camp Road Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 1.02 km
Time = 21 mins
Climb = 32 m
Descent = -47 m
Turn right: From the intersection[230], this walk follows the track, while keeping the 'Yuelarbah Track' sign[231] and creek[232] on your left. The walk follows the track (initially level) gently downhill[233] and after about 160m, finds an open creek[234] with overhead power lines[235] (on the left). Then the walk continues (undulating gently[236]) for about 600m, to find views (on the left) of a lagoon[237] and grassed area[238]. The walk continues around a moderately steep gully[239] and after about 250m comes to a three-way intersection[240], with a faint track[241] on the left. The walk turns left and heads moderately steeply downhill[242] (on the left) for about 10m, until coming to a T-intersection[243], with the sealed Scout Camp Rd[244].
(18.12 km)
Int of Glenrock scoutcamp track AND Scout Camp Road
to
Glenrock Scout Camp Track: Moderate - road
Length = 208 m
Time = 4 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = -16 m
Turn sharp left: From the intersection[245], this walk follows the road moderately steeply downhill[246], while keeping the eroded track[247] on your left (heading towards the bright yellow sign[248] on the road). The walk continues for about 130m (turning sharply[249] to the right) to find a locked gate[250] and 'Please Shut Gate' sign[251]. The walk passes around the gate and continues gently downhill for about 70m, to find a three-way intersection[252] with a 'Scouting Centenary 1908-2008' sign[253]. The walk turns left, gently downhill (towards lower buildings) for about 15m, until coming to a locked chained gate[254] and 'Emergency Assembly Point' sign[255] (on the right) and Glenrock Scout Camp.
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[256] and is close to the ocean[257]. 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[258], locked toilets (available upon request), water[259] and sheltered picnic tables[260]. 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). [261]. ' >More info
(18.33 km)
Glenrock Scout Camp
to
Glenrock Beach (south of lagoon) Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 524 m
Time = 9 mins
Climb = 5 m
Descent = -14 m
Turn right: From the locked chain gate[262] and 'Emergency Assembly Point' sign[263], this walk passes over the gate, heading towards the ocean. The walk continues gently downhill over a large grassed area[264], towards the lagoon[265], passing the camping area and camp kitchen[266] after about 150m. The walk continues across the grassy area for 100m, past the 'This is Scout property' sign[267], to then follow the sandy track[268] over the sand dune for about 280m, until coming to Glenrock Beach[269] (with the end of the lagoon on your left[270]).
(18.85 km)
Glenrock Beach (south of lagoon)
to
Int of Burwood Beach & Hickson St track Track: Hard - beach
Length = 1.18 km
Time = 21 mins
Climb = 25 m
Descent = -23 m
Veer left: From Glenrock Beach[271] (south of the lagoon), this walk follows the beach north[272] (keeping the ocean on your right) for about 70m. There is a possibility of getting wet feet when crossing the lagoon outlet stream[273], depending on conditions. Once past the lagoon, this walk heads up to the intersection marked with a GNW arrow post[274] at the bottom of the vegetated bank[275]. Continue straight: From the GNW arrow marker[276], this walk follows the wide beach north, keeping the ocean on your right. This walk follows the beach past attractive cliffs[277] and historical remnants of the coal mine[278] (on the left), then several side tracks, over about 800m to come to an intersection[279] with a timber formed track[280] and information signs[281](on the left). The walk continues straight along the beach for another 230m until coming to another intersection[282] with a track, beside the sheltered information sign[283] (up the hill to the left).
Glenrock Lagoon & Reserve
Alt = 5 m
The Glenrock Lagoon is within the Glenrock State Conservation Area and has a rich history. It was named for 'Glen' meaning narrow valley and 'rock' because of the rocky nature of the valley. The site was first occupied by the local aboriginals of the Awabakal Tribe, who were known to roam and hunt in the Glenrock Lagoon, with evidence near the mouth of the lagoon. The Awabakal Tribe had a large sacred cave, which was filled with paintings, however, these paintings are now gone. Glenrock was the site of the first coal deposits found in Australia. Deep in the valley, there are remnants of the early Colliery. Coal was mined at Glenrock for over 100 years - a good example of this is Smelters Beach, just north of the lagoon exit, which contains historic rail tracks in the cliff side. The Scout camp was established here in 1932, with a 99 year lease and continues today.[284]
(20.04 km)
Int of Burwood Beach & the Hickson Street track
to
Merewether Baths Track: Hard - beach
Length = 1.05 km
Time = 22 mins
Climb = 43 m
Descent = -39 m
Continue straight: From the intersection[285] (below the information shelter[286]), this walk follows the beach north[287], while keeping the ocean on your right. The walk soon heads over a series of attractive rock platforms[288] at the base of a large cliff and headland, and after about 1km, comes to the Merewether Ocean Baths[289][290]. 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.
(21.08 km)
Merewether Baths
to
Bar Beach car park Walk: Easy - footpath
(22.9 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[313] (opposite the end of Parkway Ave), this walk heads moderately steeply uphill[314] 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[315] and stunning coastal views[316]). 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'[317] 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[318] whose chemical analyses and research into coal deposits from 1839-45 influenced the development of the region[319]. Wonderful views of the coastline south are available here and if you are lucky, you will see a hanglider taking off. More info
(23.85 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[320] then gently uphill alongside 'Cliff St'. After passing a few houses, the road bends, becoming 'The Terrace'[321] (with views to the right). The walk follows 'The Terrace' for about 60m, past 'Shepherds Hill'[322] (and the Marine Rescue Building) gently downhill to the signposted southern entrance of 'King Edward Park'[323].
(24.01 km)
King Edward Park (southern entrance)
to
The Obelisk Track: Moderate - footpath
Length = 614 m
Time = 11 mins
Climb = 15 m
Descent = -26 m
Veer right: From the southern entrance of 'King Edward Park'[324], this walk enters the park following the driveway (York Dr) through the usually open gate. The driveway leads downhill[325], alongside a car park for about 80m, to veer left onto a footpath marked with a GNW arrow post[326]. This walk follows this footpath moderately steeply downhill[327] for about 150m, among the large pine trees, down some concrete stairs[328], past the toilet block[329] to find the barbeque area[330] beside York Dr and the 'King Edward Park Fountain'[331]. Turn left: From the barbeque area[332], this walk follows the GNW arrow post[333] up along the footpath heading between the BBQ[334] and fountain[335], away from York Dr. The footpath leads up among the large pine trees[336] for 80m, to Reserve Rd[337]. Here the walk follows the GNW arrow post[338] across the road at the safety island[339] to the footpath on the other side, beside the intersection of 'Reserve Rd' and 'The Terrace'.[340] Turn right: From the intersection[341], this walk follows the GNW arrow post along the footpath beside 'Reserve Rd' keeping the white timber fence[342] on your left. After 30m this walk turns left into 'Wolfe St'[343] then after about 110m, this walk crosses 'Wolfe St'[344], just before 'Ordnance St' to come to a set of concrete steps[345] marked with a GNW arrow post[346]. Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[347] up the concrete stairs[348] with metal hand railing[349]. At the top of the stairs this walk follows the sealed footpath[350] for about 25m to the tall white stone Obelisk[351] and monument[352].
The Obelisk
Alt = 60 m
This white stone monument[353] 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[354] is a water fountain[355] and a large sundial[356].
(24.62 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[357], this walk heads across the grass to follows the GNW arrow post[358] east down the gravel footpath[359] towards the clear ocean views. This walk soon leads down the series of concrete stairs[360] for about 120m, to find the intersection[361] 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.
I did this walk in the last two days. It was lovely walking around the shores of Lake Macquarie and then into the bush. I stayed at Charlestown (Newcastle Heights Motel - about 15 minutes off the track) and then to Newcastle the next day. The walk through Glenrock State Recreation Area is incredibly lovely. Because I wasn't staying at the scout camp I just followed the GNW signs to skirt the north shore of the lagoon and onto the beach. Then up the coast to Newcastle. There is a bit of a steep climb after Bar Beach and then down to the station.
I love these Wild Walks track notes but the Great North Walk is so well sign posted that I would defy anyone to lose their way.
Maurice - Thanks for the tip
IP:203.206.231.xxx | 2011-08-29 21:52:09
Thanks Merylee, for the tip on staying at the motel instead of the scout camp. The thought of staying at the latter was a little intimidating.
Melissa
IP:110.20.231.xxx | 2014-09-03 06:36:42
Seems the motel option is a good one. I phoned the scout camp to enquire about staying in the dorm accomodation mentioned in the tracknotes. With my son being in cubs and scouts for the last 7 years, I've camped in quite a few scout camps, albeit it with his Group. The lady I spoke to seemed quite amazed that I was asking about staying there, and said that there always no way members of the public could stay there...
Hiking near Sydney 
Track: Hard
10 km
Check out the facilities at 
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times.
There is free parking available.
not too much longer now :)