Main Ridge Circuit Walk

Download & Print Map and Notes

1 Hr

2.5 km Circuit

92 m

Moderate track

This walk follows a wide trail along eucalyptus lined broad ridges as it circumnavigates Black Duck Creek. This walk starts and finishes at Carnley Reserve and while there, why not enjoy a picnic and/or visit to the Wildlife Exhibits. Combined with the excellent facilities at Carnley Reserve, this walk is recommended for everybody, on all but the hottest days of summer.

Intersection in Carnley Reserve at Blackbutt Reserve

Wildlife Exhibit boardwalk entrance at Carnley Ave Reserve in Blackbutt Reserve

Sealed trail towards the rainforest in Blackbutt Reserve

Intersection and sign in the Blackbutt Reserve

Sealed Trail upto the ridge in Blackbutt Reserve

Sealed trail looking towards Lookout Road in Blackbutt Reserve

Old brick building at the end of Lookout Road in Blackbutt Reserve

An intersection at the end of Lookout Rd in the Blackbutt Reserve

Trail down into forest in from Main Ridge in Blackbutt Reserve

Trail on the Main Ridge Walk in Blackbutt Reserve

Attractive plants on the Main Ridge Walk in Blackbutt Reserve

Trail with shadows on the Main Ridge Walk in Blackbutt Reserve

Sign on the Main Ridge Walk in the Blackbutt Reserve

Graffiti on a tree in the Blackbutt Reserve

Views through the forest in the Blackbutt Reserve

Sealed trail through forest in the Blackbutt Reserve

Eucalyptus forest in the Blackbutt Reserve

Wide sealed trail in the Blackbutt Reserve

Tall trees beside a trail in the Blackbutt Reserve

Sign and trail on a sunny day in the Blackbutt Reserve

Metal ring fence and intersection ahead on a trail in the Blackbutt Reserve

Metal ring fence beside a sealed trail in the Blackbutt Reserve

Sign and trail going downhill close to Carnley Reserve in the Blackbutt Reserve

Trail into the forest on the Blueberry Ash Trail in the Blackbutt Reserve

Intersection near Carnley Reserve in the Blackbutt Reserve

Trail beside metal ring fence down towards Carnley Reserve in the Blackbutt Reserve

Black Duck pond in the Carnley Reserve in the Blackbutt Reserve

Trail next to Black Duck pond in Carnley Reserve in the Blackbutt Reserve

Information centre at Carnley Reserve in the Blackbutt Reserve

Sealed trail and information centre at Carnley Reserve in the Blackbutt Reserve

An entrance to the Wildlife Exhibits at Carnley Reserve in the Blackbutt Reserve

Level trail at Carnley Reserve in the Blackbutt Reserve

A level trail amongst forest in the Carnley Reserve

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.

Carnley Ave Reserve

The Carnley Avenue Reserve, within Blackbutt Reserve, is wheelchair accessible and has toilets[7], drinking fountains[8], gas/electric barbeques[9], sheltered picnic tables[10], a children's playground[11], fenced displays of kangaroos and emu[12], a large black duck pond[13] and an information centre[14] 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[15] 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.

(0km) Int of Boardwalk & Main Ridge Trail → Main Ridge & Rain Forest Walks

380 m

8 mins

24m

-6m Moderate track

From the intersection[16], this walk follows the sealed road[17] gently uphill, while initially keeping the timber fenced boardwalk[18] to the Wildlife Exhibits on your right. This walk continues through forest[19] for about 140m until coming to a three-way intersection[20], with a 'Lookout Road Carpark 400m' sign[21] (on the right).
Continue straight: From the intersection[22], this walk follows the 'Rainforest Walk' sign[23] and sealed road gently downhill. This walk continues undulating for about 260m until coming to a three-way intersection[24], with a sealed road (on the right) and a 'Rainforest Walk to Lookout Rd Carpark' sign[25] (on the left).

(0km) Main Ridge & Rain Forest Walks → Int of Lookout Road & Main Ridge Trail

160 m

4 mins

27m

0m Easy track

Continue straight: From the intersection[26], this walk follows the sealed road gently uphill, while leaving the 'Rainforest Walk to Lookout Rd Carpark' sign[27] directly behind you and initially passing a small picnic area[28] on your right. This walk continues through dense forest[29] for about 170m until coming to a level three-way intersection[30], with a picnic area[31] directly ahead and 'Rainforest Walk' sign[32] on the right.

(1km) Int of Lookout Road & Main Ridge Trail → Rain Forest Walk & Main Ridge Walk

150 m

3 mins

0m Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection[33][34], this walk follows the sealed road[35] gently uphill, while moving directly away from the face of the 'Rainforest Walk' sign[36]. This walk continues, heading through a picnic area for about 160m, passing two square brick buildings[37], and then coming to a three-way intersection[38] with a gently downhill sealed road[39] (on the right) and a gently uphill sealed car park[40], past yellow metal posts (directly ahead).

(1km) Int of Rain Forest Walk and Lookout Road → Int of Main Ridge & Tall Trees Walks

580 m

12 mins

25m

-24m Easy track

Veer right: From the intersection[41], this walk follows the 'Main Ridge Walk (loop)' sign[42] and sealed road[43] gently downhill, initially keeping the sign on your left and the valley on your right. This walk continues, undulating through attractive forest[44][45] for about 400m until coming to a three-way intersection[46] with a trail[47] (on the right) and a 'Tall Trees Walk' sign[48] (on the left).
Continue straight: From the intersection[49], this walk follows the 'Main Ridge Walk to Carnley Ave Carpark' sign[50] and sealed trail gently uphill, while leaving the gently downhill trail[51] behind on your right. This walk continues through dense forest for about 170m until coming to a level T-intersection[52], with a 'Main Ridge Walk to Carnley Carpark' sign[53] directly ahead.

(1km) Int of Main Ridge & Tall Trees Walks → Main Ridge & Carnley Trails

880 m

18 mins

-49m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection[54][55], this walk follows the 'Main Ridge Walk to Carnley Ave Carpark' sign[56] 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[57][58] (on the left). Then this walk continues straight ahead, undulating for about 600m, until coming to a four-way intersection[59][60], with a 'Main Ridge Walk (loop)' sign[61] (on the left).
Turn right: From the intersection[62][63], this walk follows the trail gently downhill[64], while moving directly away from the face of the 'Richley Car Park' sign[65] and keeping the valley on the left. This walk continues, undulating for about 170m until coming to a three-way intersection[66], with a trail and metal ring fence[67] (on the left).

(2km) Main Ridge & Carnley Trails → Int of Carnley Trail & Blueberry Ash Walk

140 m

2 mins

-3m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection[68][69], this walk follows the trail gently downhill, while initially passing the trail (next to the metal ring fence) on the left and keeping the fence on your left. This walk continues through forest for about 170m, until coming to a three-way intersection[70][71], with a trail and 'Main Ridge Walk (loop)' sign[72] on the right and the metal ring fence[73] on the left.

(2km) Int of Blueberry Ash Walk & Carnley Trail → Carnley Avenue Reserve

130 m

2 mins

-9m Easy track

Veer left: From the intersection[74], this walk follows the 'Black Duck' sign[75] and sealed road[76] gently downhill, while keeping the metal ring fence[77] on your left. This walk continues for about 150m, passing a sheltered picnic area[78] and children's playground (on the left), until passing Black Duck Pond[79] (on your right) and coming to a four-way intersection[80], with a replica pioneering cottage[81] directly ahead.

(2km) Carnley Avenue Reserve → Int of Boardwalk & Main Ridge Trail

110 m

2 mins

-2m Very easy

Continue straight: From the intersection[82], this walk follows the 'Animal' sign[83] and sealed trail gently uphill, while initially passing the replica pioneering cottage[84][85] on the right. This walk continues for about 20m until coming to a three-way intersection[86], with a large timber fenced gate[87] (on the right).
Turn left: From the intersection[88][89], this walk follows the sealed trail gently uphill, while initially passing the large timber fenced gate[90] on the right and keeping the valley on the left. This walk continues for about 90m, passing an 'Animals' sign[91] and 'Information' sign (on the right) and concrete stairs (on the left), until coming to a four-way intersection[92], with an 'Animals' sign and elevated boardwalk[93] (on the right) and disabled parking[94] and general car parking (on the left).

Blackbutt Wildlife Exhibits

This boardwalk in the Blackbutt Reserve offers wildlife exhibits[95] on an elevated timber boardwalk which is wheelchair accessible. Some of the wildlife that you are likely to encounter are kangaroos, koalas[96], wombats[97], Lace monitors[98], Wonga Pigeons, Red-winged Parrots, Black-winged Stilt[99], Buff-banded Rail, Herons[100], Eastern long-necked Turtle, Kingfishers[101], Turquoise Parrot, Banded Plover, Peaceful Dove[102], Cockatoos, Lorikeets, True Parrots, Major Mitchell Cockatoo, Bush Stone Curlew, Long-tailed Finch and Barking Owls[103]. 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[104] are available at 2pm daily and cost $3.50/person. For further information, phone: 02 4904 3344. More info.

Maps for the Main Ridge Circuit Walk 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 Main Ridge Circuit Walk bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Main Ridge Circuit Walk

Altitude analysis for Main Ridge Circuit Walk

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	2.5 km
		Time	1 Hr
		.
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 1.8km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps, whilst the remaining 700m is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

Around 1.4km of this walk follows a smooth and hardened path, whilst the remaining 1.1km follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

Around 1.9km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 590m has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 2.5km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 2.5km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 2.5km 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 Main Ridge Circuit Walk walk.

Blackbutt Wildlife Exhibit

480 m Circuit, 15 mins

A must do at Blackbutt Reserve. This wheelchair accessible elevated boardwalk gets you in amongst the trees, as you amble through enclosure after enclosure of native flora and fauna. There are even close encounters with Koalas!. This free walk is open 9am to 5pm every day (closed Christmas Day, G

Total climbing: 14m

Very easy

Rod Earp Rain Forest Circuit (from Lookout Rd)

1.9 km Circuit, 1 Hr

This quiet and secluded walk is an easy amble through attractive rainforest. This walk circumnavigates Rainforest Creek and takes the walker into cool dense forest. You are likely to see flying foxes in the trees and if you are lucky, a Powerful Owl. Accessed from the quieter Lookout Road car par

Total climbing: 104m

Moderate track

Rod Earp Rainforest Circuit (from Carnley Ave)

2 km Circuit, 1 Hr

This walk takes the walker into a dense cool rainforest that seems a world away from the hustle and bustle of Newcastle city. You're likely to see flying foxes in the trees and, if you're lucky, a Powerful Owl. Starting and finishing at the Carnley Ave Reserve, this walk can easily be combined wit

Total climbing: 99m

Moderate track

Black Duck Creek Circuit Walk

2.1 km Circuit, 1 Hr

This walk circumnavigates Black Duck Creek by following the shady Blueberry Ash trail. The walk then returns to Carnley Reserve using the Main Ridge Walking Trail. This relatively short walk has a good combination of shady moist forest and more exposed ridge forest. Make sure you visit the Wildli

Total climbing: 89m

Moderate track

Tall Trees Circuit Walk

2.8 km Circuit, 1 hr 15 mins

This walk circumnavigates Coal Mine Creek on good trails. The walk starts and finishes at Richley Reserve, which has excellent picnic facilities combined with a lovely outlook over large ponds. The well established eucalyptus forest that this walk travels through surrounds you as you walk along th

Total climbing: 90m

Moderate track

Richley Reserve to Carnley Reserve Circuit

2.9 km Circuit, 1 hr 15 mins

A great family length walk that takes in both of the large reserves in the Blackbutt Park. This walk starts at Richley Reserve and travels to Carnley Reserve and the Wildlife Exhibits before returning a different way to Richley Reserve. Never far from facilities, this walk suits families or those wh

Total climbing: 96m

Moderate track

Blackbutt Explorer

6 km Circuit, 2 hrs 30 mins

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 a

Total climbing: 225m

Moderate track

Blackbutt Circuit Walk

6.5 km Circuit, 2 hrs 30 mins

This walk is a good longer option walking experience at Blackbutt Reserve. This walk visits the two larger picnic areas of Richley Reserve and Carnley Reserve, as well as the Lily pond and Rain Forest picnic areas. A highlight to this walk is the throughly recommended side trip to the Wildlife Exh

Total climbing: 245m

Moderate track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Main Ridge Circuit Walk walk.

Richley Reserve Circuit

731 m Circuit, 30 mins

This easy walk, which is wheelchair accessible, travels through open grasslands that are surrounded by healthy eucalyptus forest. The grasslands have two large ponds, with two black swans on the lower pond. Do beware of the swans defending their territory. Richley Reserve is well maintained and

Total climbing: 21m

Very easy

Forestway Circuit Walk

2.7 km Circuit, 1 Hr

This is a good walk, a highlight being the delightful Lily Pond picnic area, with its lush vegetation and attractive flowers. This walk travels through eucalyptus forest as well as one section of road walking through a quiet suburban street. The side trip to Richley Park is worthwhile to access th

Total climbing: 91m

Moderate track

Charlestown Park track head to Merewether

7.9 km One way, 2 hrs 45 mins

Starting from a small park in Charlestown you will follow the Great North Walk through a few reserves and along a Burwood Beach, past the heads to Merewether Beach. Exploring bush around Glenrock lagoon on the Yuelarbah Track, including the Leichhardt’s Lookout are highlights. From this lookout th

Total climbing: 183m

Hard track

Charlestown Park trackhead to Newcastle station

12.1 km One way, 5 hrs 30 mins

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 La

Total climbing: 289m

Hard track

Yuelarbah walking track to Flaggy Creek

1.3 km Return, 40 mins

A great way to explore the tree canopy and valley in one easy walk. From the car park, you will be lead along a 100m long elevated timber boardwalk that brings you eye level with the tree canopy. Continue into the valley following the gently undulating wide track to cross Flaggy Creek using a solid

Total climbing: 52m

Easy track

Merewether to Queens Wharf

4.4 km One way, 1 hr 30 mins

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

Total climbing: 104m

Moderate track

Teralba to Charlestown Park track head

13.3 km One way, 4 hrs 30 mins

This section of the Great North Walk starts from the Teralba train station and winds down and around the edge of Lake Macquarie. The walk passes through the Cockle reserve, and continues to Warners bay and up along the roads, before cutting through the bush to Charlestown, where it winds around the

Total climbing: 220m

Moderate track

Teralba to Newcastle via Glenrock Scout Camp

25.7 km One way, 2 Days

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 al

Total climbing: 489m

Hard track

Awabakal Coastal Walk

1.9 km One way, 45 mins

This walk traverses the Awabakal Nature Reserve. Starting from Dudley in the north, this walk travels south through coastal heath and forest, until coming to Redhead. The vegetation throughout this walk is particularly attractive during the wildflower season of July to October. The side trip out

Total climbing: 21m

Hard track

Awabakal Viewpoint Walk

948 m Return, 30 mins

This short walk from the Awabakal car park out to the Awabakal Viewpoint offers a relaxing walk through native forest, with a quiet and secluded viewpoint at the end. The native heath throughout this walk is particularly attractive when in flower (July to October). Why not take a blanket and enjoy

Total climbing: 10m

Hard track

Northern Redhead Beach Walk

1.2 km Circuit, 30 mins

This circuit walk starts at Webb Park and briefly travels on the Owens Walkway, before walking along the beautiful Redhead Beach to the Redhead SLSC. The rock cliffs at the northern end of Redhead Beach are inspiring and attractive to walk underneath. The walk returns to Webb Park via the SLSC car

Total climbing: 15m

Hard track

The Ken and Audrey Owens Walkway

2.4 km Return, 1 Hr

This walk follows a series of concrete and timber footpaths through the pleasant coastal area. This walk starts and finishes at the Webb Park Picnic Area, which has good facilities and shops nearby. The Owens Walkway has been made in conjunction with the Redhead Landcare group. This walk is great

Total climbing: 20m

Very easy