Charlestown Park track head to Merewether

Download & Print Map and Notes

2 hrs 45 mins

7.9 km One way

183 m

Hard track

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 the track leads down past the edge of the lagoon then along the sandy beach, past Merewether ocean pools. This walk describes a side trip to the scout campsite beside the lagoon for those who have organised to camp there.

Bridge and boardwalk near the junction of Flaggy and Tin Hate Creeks

A black Land Mullet on the Great North Walk

Nice picnic area beside Yuelarbah Walking Track

Flaggy Creek from Yuelarbah Walking Track

Nice place to rest beside Flaggy Creek on the Yuelarbah Walking Track

Nice rocks formations on the Yuelarbah Walking Track

Bridge over Little Flaggy Creek on the Yuelarbah Walking Track

One of several bridges on the GNW beside Glenrock Lagoon

Looing towards Dudley from Glenrock Lagoon

Walking below the headland at Merewether

Looking north from near Merewether Baths

Charlestown Park

'Charlestown Park'[1], by the Pacific Highway in Charlestown, offers a picnic table[2], shelter[3], barbeque[4] and war memorial[5]. Charlestown Park is also known and signposted as 'Anniversary Grove'[6].

(0km) Charlestown Park → End of Milson Street

750 m

13 mins

-20m Very easy

From Charlestown Park[7], this walk follows the 'Newcastle' sign[8] across the Pacific Highway at the traffic lights[9]. The walk then turns left to cross 'Dudley Road' and follow the GNW arrow post along the foot path towards the service station on the Pacific Highway. Just before the service station, this walk turns right to following Charles Street[10] gently downhill for about 100m, then takes the first right onto Smith Street[11], and then immediately turns left into Mulbinga Street[12]. The walk follows Mulbinga St gently downhill[13] for about 300m, turning left onto Moto St[14] heading gently uphill[15] for about 100m before turning right onto Milson Street[16]. This walk follows Milson St gently downhill for about 40m, until coming to the end of the street.[17] where there is a small timber footbridge[18] (on the left).

(1km) End of Milson Street → Int of Flaggy Creek track & Guna Street

710 m

12 mins

-15m Moderate track

Veer left: From the end of Milson Street[19], this walk follows the GNW arrow post[20] down over the grass and across the timber footbridge[21]. The walk continues through the forest, and over the next 150m, heads along a few sections of timber boardwalk[22] and crosses a small bridge with a handrail[23], to then cross Flaggy Creek[24] at a metal bridge with handrails[25]. Just after crossing the bridge, this walk turns left, following the GNW arrow post at the three-way intersection[26]. This walk follows the track, keeping Flaggy Creek to the left for about 500m, until coming to an intersection [27] with Guna Street[28].

(1km) Int of Flaggy Creek track & Guna Street → Yuelarbah carpark

1.7 km

31 mins

31m

-42m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection[29], this follows the GNW arrow post across Guna Road then follows the track east, back into the bush. The walk follows the track for about 200m then crosses the usually small creek[30]. The track continues for another 160m and then crosses the now-a-bit-wider creek[31]. The wide track gently winds through forest for about 600m before crossing the creek again on the timber boardwalk and bridge with handrails[32]. The walk then continues to follow the track for a further 170m, to head up the timbers steps and cross a smaller timber bridge[33]. The track continues gently uphill[34] for another 170m, until coming to a T-intersection[35] with the sealed shared Fernleigh Track[36].
Turn left: From the intersection[37], this walk follows the shared Fernleigh Track footpath gently uphill[38], initially keeping the railing on your right[39]. The walk follows the sealed path for about 110m to find Burwood Rd[40] and a pedestrian crossing with traffic lights[41]. Here the walk crosses Burwood Rd and comes to an intersection[42], marked with a 'Great North Walk' sign[43].
Turn right: From the intersection[44], this walk follows the 'Great North Walk - Newcastle' sign[45] gently downhill along the footpath[46], keeping the safety barrier and Burwood Rd to your right. After about 70m, the path leads across a bridge[47] (over Flaggy Creek) and then after another 30m, the walk turns left into the signposted 'Yuelarbah car park'[48].

Yuelarbah car park

Yuelarbah car park[49] on Burwood Rd, Kahibah is the starting point to a number of walking and MTB tracks within the Glenrock State Conservation Area. There is a sheltered information sign[50] with historical and natural heritage information. There are about 25 parking bays, and a mobility parking bay

[Parking Accessible]

(3km) Yuelarbah car park → Int of Yuelarbah track AND Glenrock scoutcamp track

580 m

12 mins

13m

-33m Easy track

Veer left: From the Yuelarbah car park[51], this walk follows the 'Yuelarbah walking track' sign[52] down along the sealed footpath, between the timber bollards

[Pinch Point]

. The footpath has a handrail on each side and initally zig zags[53] downhill before joining the timber boardwalk[54]. The elevated boardwalk[55] has (1m high) handrails[56] and leads through the bush for just shy of 100m, where there is a small step down

[Trip Hazard]

on to the gravel track. The walk continues gently downhill along the wide gravel track for 100m to pass a faint rough track (on the left, that leads to a picnic table [57]

[Picnic Table]

). This walk stays on the main wide path as is gently undulates mostly dowhill for another 400m, then coming to a 3-way intersection[58], marked with a 'Yuelarbah Track' sign[59] (and track[60] on the right) just before a large foot bridge[61].

(4km) Int of Yuelarbah track & Glenrock scoutcamp track → Int of Yuelarbah track AND powerlines

200 m

4 mins

-14m Easy track

Continue straight: From the intersection[62], this walk follows the 'Yuelarbah Track' sign[63] down and across the large foot suspension bridge, over Flaggy Creek[64]. On the other side of the bridge, this walk leads gently up to a T-intersection[65] with a wide track[66].
Turn right: From the intersection[67], this walk follows the track gently downhill[68], initially keeping the bridge[69] and Flaggy Creek[70] on your right. The walk heads down along the footpath[71], past the bench seat[72] and down a few timber steps[73] for about 150m, until coming to an intersection under the power lines[74], just past the 'Yuelarbah Track' sign[75].

(4km) Int of Yuelarbah AND powerline tracks → Leichhardts Lookout

290 m

6 mins

-12m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection[76], this walk follows the 'Yuelarbah Track' sign[77] under the power lines and down the timber steps[78], while keeping the creek[79] on your right. The walk heads past the NPWS post[80] and follows the track for about 60m, to then follow a section of timber railing[81] with views over the waterfall[82] (on the right). Then the walk continues gently downhill[83] for about 130m, until coming to a three-way intersection with a track[84], marked with another 'Yuelarbah Track' sign[85] (and a bridge[86] visible on the right).
Turn right: From the intersection[87], this walk follows the rocky track[88] moderately steeply downhill, towards the timber bridge[89]. At the bottom of the timber steps[90], this walk crosses the timber bridge[91] over Little Flaggy Creek[92]. Here the walk leads up some timber steps[93] then winds moderately steeply up along the track for about 70m, coming to a three-way intersection beside the raised timber platform[94], signposted as 'Leichhardts Lookout'[95].

Leichhardts Lookout

Leichhardts Lookout is within the Glenrock State Conservation Area. This lookout is a timber platform, looking east[96] across Glenrock Lagoon and out to the ocean[97]. Leichhardts Lookout is named after Ludwig Leichhardt a Prussian naturalist and explorer who, in 1842, described the view down into Glenrock Lagoon as well as other important geological sightings in the area. More info.

(4km) Leichhardts Lookout → Int of Yuelarbah AND Glenrock Beach

1.3 km

27 mins

47m

-75m Moderate track

Continue straight: From 'Leichhardts Lookout'[99], this walk follows the track east from the beside the lookout[100], whilst keeping the valley to your right. The track leads quite steeply down[101] the timber steps[102] and soon passes down between the cleft in the rocks[103]. The walk continues down the steep steps beside the rock face[104] then down the staircase with a handrail[105]. From here, the track continues down the steps for another 150m, crossing two small timber bridges[106][107] to where the track begins to flatten out. Here the track leads more gently along the side of the hill, crossing 5 more small timber bridges[108][109][110][111][112] over the next 900m before leaving the dense forest and getting a view of the beach beside the large 'Great North walk' sign[113][114]. The walk now follows the GNW arrow post gently downhill[115] for about 80m to the large sandy beach[116], just beside Glenrock Lagoon[117] (on the right), to find a GNW arrow post at the bottom of the vegetated bank[118] (on the left).

Glenrock Lagoon & Reserve

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.

(6km) Glenrock Beach (north of lagoon) → Glenrock Scout Camp

710 m

12 mins

15m

-9m Hard track

Turn sharp right: From the GNW arrow post[120], this walk follows the main beach south[121] (while keeping the ocean to your left) for about 70m. There is a possibility of getting wet feet when crossing the lagoon outlet stream[122], depending on conditions. Once past the lagoon (on the south side), this walk comes to a faint intersection with the scout camp access track (on your right)[123].
Veer right: From Glenrock Beach[124], this walk follows the sandy track inland, keeping the lagoon[125] on your right. After about 280m, this walk passes the 'This is Scout property' sign[126] and then walks over the large grassed area[127] for about 100m to the camping area beside the camp kitchen[128]. From here, the walk continues gently uphill over the large grassed area (towards the cluster of buildings[129]) for about 150m, until passing around a locked chain gate[130] with an 'Emergency Assembly Point' sign[131], just beside the caretaker's house (on your left). At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Continue straight.

Glenrock Scout Camp

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[132] and is close to the ocean[133]. 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[134], locked toilets (available upon request), water[135] and sheltered picnic tables[136]. 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). More info.

(6km) Glenrock Beach (north of lagoon) → Int of Burwood Beach & Hickson St track

1 km

18 mins

21m

-22m Hard track

Veer left: From the GNW arrow marker[137], this walk follows the wide beach north, keeping the ocean on your right. This walk follows the beach past attractive cliffs[138] and historical remnants of the coal mine[139] (on the left), then several side tracks, over about 800m to come to an intersection[140] with a timber formed track[141] and information signs[142](on the left). The walk continues straight along the beach for another 230m until coming to another intersection[143] with a track, beside the sheltered information sign[144] (up the hill to the left).

(7km) Int of Burwood Beach & the Hickson Street track → Merewether Baths

1 km

22 mins

43m

-39m Hard track

Continue straight: From the intersection[145] (below the information shelter[146]), this walk follows the beach north[147], while keeping the ocean on your right. The walk soon heads over a series of attractive rock platforms[148] at the base of a large cliff and headland, and after about 1km, comes to the Merewether Ocean Baths[149][150]. 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.

Merewether Baths

Merewether Baths, located off Henderson Parade in Merewether, have a long history of swimming for the people of Newcastle. The baths are open to the ocean[151] and therefore conditions will be variable. There are toilets[152], some shelter[153] and seats available here. The baths are open year round (subject to maintenance and cleaning) and are patrolled from 9am to 5pm from 25 September 2010 to 25 April 2011. The current baths were opened in 1935 , to replace the original baths just to the north. Both the original and newer baths are used year round. More info.

(8km) Merewether Baths → Merewether SLSC

370 m

6 mins

-6m Easy track

Continue straight: From the 'Merewether Ocean Baths'[156], this walk follows the slightly elevated footpath gently uphill[157], keeping the ocean and beach to your right. The walk continues to follow the footpath[158] for about 300m, passing a large picnic shelter[159] and some bench seats[160] until coming to Swell cafe[161], under the Merewether Surf Life Saving Club building, just near the intersection of John and Henderson Parades.

Swell Cafe

Swell cafe is located right on the beach[162] (with the Merewether Surf Lifesaving Club[163] above it) and just off John Parade in Merewether. Swell cafe offers fresh juices, cafe food, a toilet[164] and water. More info.

Maps for the Charlestown Park track head to Merewether 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	1:25 000 Map Series	92322S NEWCASTLE	NSW-92322S
Newcastle	1:100 000 Map Series	9232 NEWCASTLE	9232

Cross sectional view of the Charlestown Park track head to Merewether bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Charlestown Park track head to Merewether

Altitude analysis for Charlestown Park track head to Merewether

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	7.9 km
		Time	2 hrs 45 mins
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
		Weather	Forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather may impact on navigation and safety (4/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

4.5km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 2.1km is flat with no steps. The remaining (1.4km) has short steep hills.

Quality of track

3.5km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 2.2km follows a smooth and hardened path. Whilst another 2km follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely and the remaining 170m follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

Around 4.6km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 3.3km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

6km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience and another 1.4km requires some bushwalking experience. The remaining (1km) requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 7km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 1km is affected by forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather events that may impact on navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

Around 6km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 2.4km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Charlestown Park track head to Merewether walk.

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

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

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

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Charlestown Park track head to Merewether 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

Main Ridge Circuit Walk

2.5 km Circuit, 1 Hr

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, thi

Total climbing: 92m

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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