Blackbutt Explorer
Download & Print Map and Notes
2 hrs 30 mins
6 km Circuit
225 m
Moderate track
A meandering walk that takes in much of what Blackbutt Reserve has to offer. This walk completes a figure 8 while following the trails around Blackbutt Reserve. The side trip to the Wildlife Exhibits is considered a must see. There are many opportunities to stop along this walk, be it at a seat along the way or at one of the established picnic areas. A recommended classic.
Blackbutt Reserve
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.
Richley Reserve
The Richley Reserve, within Blackbutt Reserve, has a park office[7], large pond areas[8] with swans (beware the swans[9] as they defend their territory), sheltered picnic tables[10], water taps[11], toilets[12], open grassed areas[13], a children's playground[14], electric barbecues[15] and a car park[16]. The Richley Reserve car park has disability friendly parking and is open from 7am to 5pm or 7am to 7pm during daylight savings. For further information phone 02 4904 3344.
(0km) Richley Reserve (car park) → Richley Reserve (Ponds end)
260 m
4 mins
10m
-2m
Very easyFrom the Richley Reserve car park[17] (next to the 'Tall Tree Ridge Walk' sign[18]), this walk follows the footpath[19], while keeping the sign[20] and pond[21] on your right. This walk continues with the pond on your right for about 180m, until the footpath becomes gently uphill and comes to a four-way intersection[22], with a timber footbridge[23] on the right and a children's playground[24] on the left.
Turn right: From the intersection[25][26], this walk follows the sealed trail over a timber footbridge[27], while leaving the children's playground[28] behind you (on the right). This walk continues, leaving the pond behind after about 80m, then comes to a four-way intersection[29][30] with a gently uphill trail[31] into forest and a timber post[32] with chain attached directly ahead.
Turn right: From the intersection[25][26], this walk follows the sealed trail over a timber footbridge[27], while leaving the children's playground[28] behind you (on the right). This walk continues, leaving the pond behind after about 80m, then comes to a four-way intersection[29][30] with a gently uphill trail[31] into forest and a timber post[32] with chain attached directly ahead.
(0km) Richley Reserve (Ponds end) → Int of Tall Trees and Forest Way Walks
650 m
13 mins
35m
-1m
Moderate trackContinue straight: From the intersection[33][34], this walk follows the sealed trail gently uphill, while initially keeping the timber post with chain[35] attached on your right and keeping the large pond[36] directly behind. This walk continues through attractive forest[37] (ignoring side tracks[38]) for about 300m, until coming to a level T-intersection[39][40], with a 'Richley Carpark' sign[41] directly ahead.
Veer left: From the intersection[42], this walk follows the 'Tall Trees Walk to Carnley Ave Carpark' sign[43] and sealed trail gently uphill. This walk continues through forest for about 300m until coming to a three-way intersection[44], with a 'Tall Tree Ridge Walk' sign[45] directly ahead.
Veer left: From the intersection[42], this walk follows the 'Tall Trees Walk to Carnley Ave Carpark' sign[43] and sealed trail gently uphill. This walk continues through forest for about 300m until coming to a three-way intersection[44], with a 'Tall Tree Ridge Walk' sign[45] directly ahead.
(1km) Tall Trees & Forest Way Walks → Int of Main Ridge & Tall Trees Walks
640 m
13 mins
33m
-16m
Easy trackContinue straight: From the intersection[46], this walk follows the 'Tall Tree Ridge Walk' sign[47] and sealed trail gently downhill, while keeping the valley on the left. This walk continues, undulating through thick forest[48] for about 290m until coming to a three-way intersection[49], with a 'Tall Trees Walk to Richley Carpark' sign[50] directly ahead.
Turn left: From the intersection[51], this walk follows the 'Tall Trees Walk to Carnley Ave Carpark' sign[52] gently downhill, while keeping the valley on your right. This walk continues, undulating through forest for about 400m until coming to a level three-way intersection[53][54], with a 'Tall Trees Walk to Richley Carpark' sign[55] (on the left) and a sealed trail (on the right).
Turn left: From the intersection[51], this walk follows the 'Tall Trees Walk to Carnley Ave Carpark' sign[52] gently downhill, while keeping the valley on your right. This walk continues, undulating through forest for about 400m until coming to a level three-way intersection[53][54], with a 'Tall Trees Walk to Richley Carpark' sign[55] (on the left) and a sealed trail (on the right).
(2km) Int of Main Ridge & Tall Trees Walks → Int of Blueberry Ash Walk and Carnley Trail
920 m
18 mins
10m
-58m
Easy trackTurn right: From the intersection[56], this walk follows the sealed trail[57] gently downhill, while walking directly away from the 'Main Ridge Walk to Carnley Carpark' sign[58] and keeping the valley on the left. This walk continues through dense forest for about 170m until coming to a three-way intersection[59], with a 'To Tall Trees Walk' sign[60] (on the right) and a gently downhill trail[61] (on the left).
Turn left: From the intersection[62], this walk follows the gravel trail[63] and 'Blueberry Ash Walk to Carnley Ave Carpark' sign[64] gently downhill, while walking directly away from the 'Tall Trees Walk' sign[65]. This walk continues through mature forest for about 800m, with Black Duck Creek visible (on the right), until coming to a three-way intersection[66], with a metal ring fence directly ahead and a 'Black Duck' sign[67] (on the right).
Turn left: From the intersection[62], this walk follows the gravel trail[63] and 'Blueberry Ash Walk to Carnley Ave Carpark' sign[64] gently downhill, while walking directly away from the 'Tall Trees Walk' sign[65]. This walk continues through mature forest for about 800m, with Black Duck Creek visible (on the right), until coming to a three-way intersection[66], with a metal ring fence directly ahead and a 'Black Duck' sign[67] (on the right).
(2km) Int of Blueberry Ash Walk & Carnley Trail → Carnley Avenue Reserve
130 m
2 mins
1m
-9m
Easy trackTurn sharp right: From the intersection[68], this walk follows the 'Black Duck' sign[69] and sealed road[70] gently downhill, while keeping the metal ring fence[71] on your left. This walk continues for about 150m, passing a sheltered picnic area[72] and children's playground (on the left), until passing Black Duck Pond[73] (on your right) and coming to a four-way intersection[74], with a replica pioneering cottage[75] directly ahead.
Carnley Ave Reserve
The Carnley Avenue Reserve, within Blackbutt Reserve, is wheelchair accessible and has toilets[76], drinking fountains[77], gas/electric barbeques[78], sheltered picnic tables[79], a children's playground[80], fenced displays of kangaroos and emu[81], a large black duck pond[82] and an information centre[83] that is housed within a replica pioneering cottage. The information cottage has a range of souvenirs, focusing on quality and affordable products. A fee of $4 per vehicle can be paid from the automatic machines[84] in the car park. The information centre is open 7am to 5pm, or 7am to 7pm during daylight savings. For further information phone: 02 4904 3344.
(3km) Carnley Avenue Reserve → Int of Boardwalk & Main Ridge Trail
110 m
2 mins
4m
-2m
Very easyContinue straight: From the intersection[85], this walk follows the 'Animal' sign[86] and sealed trail gently uphill, while initially passing the replica pioneering cottage[87][88] on the right. This walk continues for about 20m until coming to a three-way intersection[89], with a large timber fenced gate[90] (on the right).
Turn left: From the intersection[91][92], this walk follows the sealed trail gently uphill, while initially passing the large timber fenced gate[93] on the right and keeping the valley on the left. This walk continues for about 90m, passing an 'Animals' sign[94] and 'Information' sign (on the right) and concrete stairs (on the left), until coming to a four-way intersection[95], with an 'Animals' sign and elevated boardwalk[96] (on the right) and disabled parking[97] and general car parking (on the left).
Turn left: From the intersection[91][92], this walk follows the sealed trail gently uphill, while initially passing the large timber fenced gate[93] on the right and keeping the valley on the left. This walk continues for about 90m, passing an 'Animals' sign[94] and 'Information' sign (on the right) and concrete stairs (on the left), until coming to a four-way intersection[95], with an 'Animals' sign and elevated boardwalk[96] (on the right) and disabled parking[97] and general car parking (on the left).
Blackbutt Wildlife Exhibits
This boardwalk in the Blackbutt Reserve offers wildlife exhibits[98] on an elevated timber boardwalk which is wheelchair accessible. Some of the wildlife that you are likely to encounter are kangaroos, koalas[99], wombats[100], Lace monitors[101], Wonga Pigeons, Red-winged Parrots, Black-winged Stilt[102], Buff-banded Rail, Herons[103], Eastern long-necked Turtle, Kingfishers[104], Turquoise Parrot, Banded Plover, Peaceful Dove[105], Cockatoos, Lorikeets, True Parrots, Major Mitchell Cockatoo, Bush Stone Curlew, Long-tailed Finch and Barking Owls[106]. Entry is free and the exhibit is open from 9.00am to 5.00pm every day (closed Christmas Day, Good Friday and until 1pm ANZAC Day). Personal koala encounters[107] are available at 2pm daily and cost $3.50/person. For further information, phone: 02 4904 3344. More info.
(3km) Int of Boardwalk & Main Ridge Trail → Int of Boardwalk & Main Ridge Trail
480 m
10 mins
14m
-15m
Very easyTurn right: From the intersection[108][109][110], this walk follows the 'Animals' sign[111] and timber boardwalk gently uphill, while initially keeping the car park[112] on the right. This walk continues, undulating for about 300m on an elevated boardwalk[113] through large and small animal enclosures[114][115], with a fascinating selection of native animals[116][117] and birds[118][119][120]. Then this walk continues on a sealed footpath for about 70m, until passing through a high timber fenced gate and coming to a three-way intersection, with a sealed trail[121] (on the left towards the pond[122]) and a trail[123] directly ahead.
Continue straight: From the intersection[124][125], this walk follows the sealed trail gently uphill, while initially passing the large timber fenced gate[126] on the right and keeping the valley on the left. This walk continues for about 90m, passing an 'Animals' sign[127] and 'Information' sign (on the right) and concrete stairs (on the left), until coming to a four-way intersection[128], with an 'Animals' sign and elevated boardwalk[129] (on the right) and disabled parking[130] and general car parking (on the left). At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.
Continue straight: From the intersection[124][125], this walk follows the sealed trail gently uphill, while initially passing the large timber fenced gate[126] on the right and keeping the valley on the left. This walk continues for about 90m, passing an 'Animals' sign[127] and 'Information' sign (on the right) and concrete stairs (on the left), until coming to a four-way intersection[128], with an 'Animals' sign and elevated boardwalk[129] (on the right) and disabled parking[130] and general car parking (on the left). At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.
(3km) Int of Boardwalk & Main Ridge Trail → Main Ridge & Rain Forest Walks
380 m
8 mins
24m
-6m
Moderate trackVeer right: From the intersection[131], this walk follows the sealed road[132] gently uphill, while initially keeping the timber fenced boardwalk[133] to the Wildlife Exhibits on your right. This walk continues through forest[134] for about 140m until coming to a three-way intersection[135], with a 'Lookout Road Carpark 400m' sign[136] (on the right).
Continue straight: From the intersection[137], this walk follows the 'Rainforest Walk' sign[138] and sealed road gently downhill. This walk continues undulating for about 260m until coming to a three-way intersection[139], with a sealed road (on the right) and a 'Rainforest Walk to Lookout Rd Carpark' sign[140] (on the left).
Continue straight: From the intersection[137], this walk follows the 'Rainforest Walk' sign[138] and sealed road gently downhill. This walk continues undulating for about 260m until coming to a three-way intersection[139], with a sealed road (on the right) and a 'Rainforest Walk to Lookout Rd Carpark' sign[140] (on the left).
(3km) Main Ridge & Rain Forest Walks → Int of Rain Forest Walk & Link Track
530 m
13 mins
44m
-14m
Easy trackTurn left: From the intersection[141], this walk follows the 'Rainforest Walk to Lookout Rd Carpark' sign[142] and sealed road gently downhill, while keeping the valley on the left. This walk continues for about 110m, passing a closed toilet block[143] (on the left), until crossing over a bridge at the Rainforest picnic area[144]. Then this walk continues gently uphill for about 30m, until coming to a three-way intersection[145][146] with a gravel trail[147] (on the right). This walk then turns right, following the 'Rainforest Walk' sign[148][149] on the gravel trail for about 400m through dense rainforest[150] (passing a 'Rainforest Picnic Area' sign[151] on the left), until coming to a three-way intersection[152] with a gently downhill trail (on the right) and a gently uphill trail[153] (on the left).
Rod Earp Rainforest Picnic Area
This secluded, dense rainforest within Blackbutt Reserve has bench seats[154] and a picnic table[155]. The forest in this area hosts a large population of grey-headed flying foxes. These large bats[157] 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.
(4km) Int of Rain Forest Walk & Lookout Trail → Int of Lookout Trail & Rain Forest Walk
120 m
3 mins
8m
-5m
Moderate trackContinue straight: From the intersection[158][159], this walk follows the trail gently downhill, while keeping the gently uphill trail[160] on your left and the valley on your right. This walk continues through rainforest for about 130m, passing a 'Rainforest Restoration Project' sign[161] (on the left), until coming to a three-way intersection[162], with a trail and bridge[163] on the right, and a 'Lookout Rd 420m' sign[164] on the left.
(4km) Int of Lookout Trail AND Rain Forest Walk → Int of Rain Forest Walk AND Lookout Road
310 m
7 mins
17m
-12m
Easy trackTurn right: From the intersection[165][166], this walk crosses the bridge and follows the trail moderately steeply uphill[167], while leaving the face of the 'Lookout Rd 420m' sign directly behind. This walk continues, passing the 'Senses Track 150m' sign[168] (on the right) and becoming gently uphill through forest for about 170m to pass a 'Rain Forest Area/Picnic Park' sign[169] (on the left). Then this walk continues for about 140m, until coming to a car park[170][171] and sealed road, with a 'Sensory Trail (return)' sign[172] on the left.
(4km) Int of Rain Forest Walk & Lookout Road → Int of Main Ridge and Blueberry Ash Walks
450 m
9 mins
17m
-23m
Easy trackTurn right: From the intersection[173][174], this walk follows the road gently downhill and across the car park, while initially leaving the 'Sensory Trail (return)' sign[175] on your right. This walk continues for about 25m, until passing through yellow metal posts[176] and coming to a three-way intersection, with a 'Main Ridge Walk (loop)' sign[177][178] and trail[179] (on the left) and square brick buildings[180] (on the right).
Turn left : From the intersection[181], this walk follows the 'Main Ridge Walk (loop)' sign[182] and sealed road[183] gently downhill, initially keeping the sign on your left and the valley on your right. This walk continues, undulating through attractive forest[184][185] for about 400m until coming to a three-way intersection[186] with a trail[187] (on the right) and a 'Tall Trees Walk' sign[188] (on the left).
Turn left : From the intersection[181], this walk follows the 'Main Ridge Walk (loop)' sign[182] and sealed road[183] gently downhill, initially keeping the sign on your left and the valley on your right. This walk continues, undulating through attractive forest[184][185] for about 400m until coming to a three-way intersection[186] with a trail[187] (on the right) and a 'Tall Trees Walk' sign[188] (on the left).
(4km) Int of Main Ridge & Blueberry Ash Walks → Int of Carnley & Tall Trees Trails
870 m
17 mins
10m
-36m
Easy trackContinue straight: From the intersection[189], this walk follows the 'Main Ridge Walk to Carnley Ave Carpark' sign[190] and sealed trail gently uphill, while leaving the gently downhill trail[191] behind on your right. This walk continues through dense forest for about 170m until coming to a level T-intersection[192], with a 'Main Ridge Walk to Carnley Carpark' sign[193] directly ahead.
Turn right: From the intersection[194][195], this walk follows the 'Main Ridge Walk to Carnley Ave Carpark' sign[196] and sealed trail gently uphill, while keeping the sealed gently downhill trail on your right. This walk continues through forest on a ridge for about 70m, to find an open gravel area[197][198] (on the left). Then this walk continues straight ahead, undulating for about 600m, until coming to a four-way intersection[199][200], with a 'Main Ridge Walk (loop)' sign[201] (on the left).
Turn right: From the intersection[194][195], this walk follows the 'Main Ridge Walk to Carnley Ave Carpark' sign[196] and sealed trail gently uphill, while keeping the sealed gently downhill trail on your right. This walk continues through forest on a ridge for about 70m, to find an open gravel area[197][198] (on the left). Then this walk continues straight ahead, undulating for about 600m, until coming to a four-way intersection[199][200], with a 'Main Ridge Walk (loop)' sign[201] (on the left).
(5km) Int of Main Ridge & Tall Trees Walks → Richley Reserve (Short Cut Intersection)
190 m
4 mins
0m
-25m
Moderate trackTurn left : From the intersection[202], this walk passes around a metal post[203] and follows the 'Richley Carpark 400m' sign[204] and sealed footpath gently downhill, while leaving the bench seat[205] directly behind. This walk continues through forest for about 140m, to pass around a metal post[206] and find a large grassy picnic area[207][208]. Then this walk continues straight ahead over grass and through some trees for about 70m, until coming to a sealed trail[209][210][211] (with the valley beyond).
(6km) Richley Reserve (Short Cut Intersection) → Richley Reserve (Car Park)
290 m
6 mins
6m
-9m
Very easyTurn right: From the trail[212][213] below the large elevated grassed picnic area[214], this walk follows the trail gently downhill, while keeping the valley on your left. This walk continues through grassed parkland[215] for about 120m, until coming to a three-way intersection[216] with a sealed trail and a 'Tall Tree Walk (loop)' sign[217] (on the right).
Turn left: From the intersection[218][219], this walk follows the sealed trail gently downhill, keeping the 'Tall Tree Walk (loop)' sign[220] directly behind you while walking towards the road and car park. This walk continues for about 45m, passing through a metal gate[221] to find a three-way intersection, with a road[222] on the right and the car park[223] on the left. Then this walk turns left and follows the car park gently uphill for about 150m, until coming to a 'Tall Tree Ridge Walk' sign[224] and sheltered picnic tables[225][226] ahead.
Turn left: From the intersection[218][219], this walk follows the sealed trail gently downhill, keeping the 'Tall Tree Walk (loop)' sign[220] directly behind you while walking towards the road and car park. This walk continues for about 45m, passing through a metal gate[221] to find a three-way intersection, with a road[222] on the right and the car park[223] on the left. Then this walk turns left and follows the car park gently uphill for about 150m, until coming to a 'Tall Tree Ridge Walk' sign[224] and sheltered picnic tables[225][226] ahead.
(6km) Richley Reserve (Short Cut Intersection) → Richley Reserve (car park)
440 m
8 mins
12m
-15m
Very easyTurn left: From the trail[227][228] below the large elevated grassed picnic area, this walk follows the gently downhill trail west, while keeping the valley on your right. This walk continues for about 120m to find a sheltered picnic area[229] (on the right). Then this walk continues straight ahead and gently uphill for about 160m, becoming gently downhill and passing timber steps[230] (on the left) and a toilet block (on the right), until coming to a four-way intersection[231], with a playground[232] on the right and a timber footbridge[233] directly ahead.
Turn right: From the intersection[234], this walk follows the footpath[235] gently downhill, while initially keeping the timber footbridge[236] on your left. This walk continues for about 180m, beside a pond[237] (on your left), until coming to a car park[238] with a sheltered picnic table[239] and 'Tall Tree Ridge Walk' sign[240] (on the left).
Turn right: From the intersection[234], this walk follows the footpath[235] gently downhill, while initially keeping the timber footbridge[236] on your left. This walk continues for about 180m, beside a pond[237] (on your left), until coming to a car park[238] with a sheltered picnic table[239] and 'Tall Tree Ridge Walk' sign[240] (on the left).
Maps for the Blackbutt Explorer walk
You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.
| Wallsend | 1:25 000 Map Series | 92323S WALLSEND | NSW-92323S |
| Newcastle | 1:100 000 Map Series | 9232 NEWCASTLE | 9232 |
Cross sectional view of the Blackbutt Explorer bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Blackbutt Explorer
Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001
Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.
| Length | 6 km | ||
| Time | 2 hrs 30 mins | ||
| . | |||
Grade 3/6 Moderate track | AS 2156.1 | Gradient | Gentle hills with occasional steps (2/6) |
| Quality of track | Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6) | ||
| Signs | Directional signs along the way (3/6) | ||
| Experience Required | No experience required (1/6) | ||
| Weather | Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6) | ||
| Infrastructure | Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6) |
Some more details of this walks Grading
Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk
Gradient
Around 4.1km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps, whilst the remaining 1.9km is flat with no steps.
Quality of track
Around 3.1km of this walk follows a smooth and hardened path, whilst the remaining 2.9km follows a clear and well formed track or trail.
Signs
Around 5km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 780m has directional signs at most intersection.
Experience Required
This whole walk, 6km requires no previous bushwalking experience.
weather
This whole walk, 6km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).
Infrastructure
This whole walk, 6km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).
Similar walks
A list of walks that share part of the track with the Blackbutt Explorer walk.
Blackbutt Wildlife Exhibit
480 m Circuit, 15 mins
Very easy
Richley Reserve Circuit
731 m Circuit, 30 mins
Very easy
Rod Earp Rain Forest Circuit (from Lookout Rd)
1.9 km Circuit, 1 Hr
Moderate track
Rod Earp Rainforest Circuit (from Carnley Ave)
2 km Circuit, 1 Hr
Moderate track
Black Duck Creek Circuit Walk
2.1 km Circuit, 1 Hr
Moderate track
Main Ridge Circuit Walk
2.5 km Circuit, 1 Hr
Moderate track
Forestway Circuit Walk
2.7 km Circuit, 1 Hr
Moderate track
Tall Trees Circuit Walk
2.8 km Circuit, 1 hr 15 mins
Moderate track
Richley Reserve to Carnley Reserve Circuit
2.9 km Circuit, 1 hr 15 mins
Moderate track
Blackbutt Circuit Walk
6.5 km Circuit, 2 hrs 30 mins
Moderate track
Other Nearby walks
A list of walks that start near the Blackbutt Explorer walk.
Charlestown Park track head to Merewether
7.9 km One way, 2 hrs 45 mins
Hard track
Charlestown Park trackhead to Newcastle station
12.1 km One way, 5 hrs 30 mins
Hard track
Yuelarbah walking track to Flaggy Creek
1.3 km Return, 40 mins
Easy track
Merewether to Queens Wharf
4.4 km One way, 1 hr 30 mins
Moderate track
Awabakal Coastal Walk
1.9 km One way, 45 mins
Hard track
Awabakal Viewpoint Walk
948 m Return, 30 mins
Hard track
Teralba to Charlestown Park track head
13.3 km One way, 4 hrs 30 mins
Moderate track
Teralba to Newcastle via Glenrock Scout Camp
25.7 km One way, 2 Days
Hard track
Northern Redhead Beach Walk
1.2 km Circuit, 30 mins
Hard track
The Ken and Audrey Owens Walkway
2.4 km Return, 1 Hr
Very easy
Mangrove Boardwalk to Schoolmasters House
1.2 km Return, 30 mins
Very easy
The Welcome walk
945 m One way, 30 mins
Easy track
Plan your trip to and from the walk here
The Blackbutt Explorer walk starts and ends at the Richley Reserve (car park) (gps: -32.932403, 151.70000)
Comments
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