Congewai East Track Head to Watagan Forest Motel via Forestry HQ Campsite

Download & Print Map and Notes

Tap again to allow map panning

Time 2 Days
One way 29.7 km One way
Climb 1702 m
Grade 4 Hard track
Car
no_pets
This section of the Great North Walk starts from the Congewai Valley east track head and heads north up into the Watagan National Park, climbing up to the ridgeline and following the management trails and bush tracks heading east all the way to the Forestry HQ campsite. On day two, the walk continues east, winding all the way around the ridge and past some great lookouts to the Heaton communications tower and down the steep ridgeline to Freemans Drive and the Watagan Forest Motel.

(0km) Congewai Valley east trackhead → Property Gate

distance 760 m time 17 mins climb 54m descent -12m Hard track
From the Congewai Valley east trackhead[1], this walk follows the 'Newcastle' sign[2] over the stile[3]. Here the walk follows the track gently uphill[4] through the open forest, leaving the Congewai Valley Road behind. After about 500m, this walk comes to a stile[5] (with farmland[6] and a fence on the left).
Continue straight: From here[7], this walk climbs over the fence using the stile and follows the track gently uphill[8], keeping the more open farmland[9] on your left. The walk continues for about 300m to an intersection with a wide dirt trail, just before a vehicular gate[10], marked with a GNW arrow post.

(1km) Property Gate → Int on GNW bushtrack

distance 1.2 km time 31 mins climb 125m descent -1m Hard track
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the wide trail gently downhill and through the gate[11], and into the signposted 'Edwin Crawford Conservation Area'. The trail bends right, then starts to lead gently uphill[12] for about 1.2km, until coming to a faint three-way intersection[13] with a track[14] (on the right), marked with a couple of GNW arrow posts[15].

(2km) Int on GNW bushtrack → Int of Georges Rd & GNW bushtrack

distance 1.7 km time 52 mins climb 239m descent -36m Hard track
Turn left: From the intersection[16], this walk follows the GNW arrow post uphill[17][18]. After about 700m, the track becomes narrower and much steeper as it climbs up to, then follows, the main ridge line. After about 600m of mostly steep climbing, the track then leads more gently uphill[19], enjoying the views through trees (on the right). The walk continues gently up this section for another 400m, then heads over a small rise and comes down to a T-intersection[20] with the dirt Georges Road marked with a 'Great North Walk' sign.

(4km) Int of Georges Rd AND GNW track → Old Loggers Hut

distance 130 m time 2 mins climb 0m descent -8m Moderate track
Turn right: From the intersection[21], this walk follows the GNW arrow marker gently downhill[22] along the dirt road. After 80m, this walk passes a small dam[23] and comes to an old tin hut[24] (on the left).

Old Loggers Hut

Old Loggers Hut
This Old Hut found beside Georges Rd, is in a state of disrepair. The corrugated iron[25] and wooden[26] hut has a dirt floor[27] and a simple fire place. The hut's condition is poor and would not provide suitable shelter. Just south of the hut is a small dam[28]. The hut was once used by loggers harvesting timber from these hills

(4km) Old Loggers Hut → Georges Rd rest area

distance 300 m time 5 mins climb 2m descent -2m Moderate track
Continue straight: From the old loggers hut[30], this walk follows the dirt road north-east along the top of the ridge, initially keeping the hut to your left. After about 300m, the trail leads to a large clearing with great views on the left, Georges Road rest area[31][32].

Georges Road Rest Area

Georges Road Rest Area
This campsite is located above Wallaby Gully, off Georges Road. The clearing has a scattering of trees[33], and has awesome views of Wallaby Gully[34]. There is room for a few tents and small campfire[35].

(4km) Georges Rd rest area → Barraba Campsite

distance 320 m time 6 mins climb 13m descent -3m Moderate track
Continue straight: From Georges Road rest area[36], this walk follows the dirt road gently uphill[37], initially keeping the rest area on your left. The walk continues for about 200m until coming to a three-way intersection[38], marked with a GNW arrow marker.
Continue straight: From the intersection[39], this walk follows the 'Barraba Trig Rest Area' sign[40] north-east, gently uphill along the trail[41]. Following a few GNW arrow markers over about 90m, this trail then comes to a large flat clearing[42][43] signposted as 'Barraba campsite'[44], with some lovely large grass trees[45].

Barraba Campsite

Barraba Campsite
Barraba campsite[46], near Georges Road on the Great North Walk, is quiet rest area where campers can stay the night and set up a campfire[47]. The small, semi-secluded campsite is surrounded by lovely large grass trees[48]. The campsite has a 'Walker register' book so you can note your intentions. The campsite has no facilities or water.

(4km) Barraba Campsite → Saddle Rest Area

distance 1.8 km time 43 mins climb 78m descent -164m Hard track
Continue straight: From the Barraba campsite, this walk follows the 'Newcastle' sign[49] east, downhill along the grassy trail. After about 220m, the walk heads past the 'Barraba Trig Rest Area' sign[50] (pointing back uphill) to then climb the fence using the stile[51] (beside the gate[52]).
Continue straight: From the locked gate[53], this walk heads downhill along the wide dirt trail, directly away from the 'Barraba Trig' sign[54]. The trail leads down for about 400m, moderately steeply for a while. As the trail mostly flattens out, the walk climbs over another fence beside a locked gate[55] using the stile[56]. The walk continues down along this trail for almost 200m to pass 'The Barbara Lowes Conservation area' sign[57]. Here, the walk climbs over the fence using the stile[58] beside the vehicular gate[59]. There are filtered valley views to your left[60].
Continue straight: From the locked gate[61], this walk follows the trail gently downhill[62], while keeping the views on your left (and ignoring the trail on your left). This walk undulates gently up and down the side of the hill for about 1 km, until coming to a saddle[63], with views on the left and dam[64] on the right.

Saddle Rest Area

Saddle Rest Area
This rest area consists of a clearing[65] on a saddle, with a small dam nearby[66]. There is space for a number of tents and access to water after rain (treat before use).

(6km) Saddle Rest Area → Int of Georges Rd AND Watagans National Park boundary gate

distance 730 m time 17 mins climb 36m descent -57m Moderate track
Continue straight: From the saddle, this walk follows the trail gently uphill, initially keeping the views on your left and fire dam on your right. The walk continues with the cliffs[67] on your right for just shy of 300m then after another 400m, just past the 'Private Property/Walkers Only' sign[68], this walk heads over the fence using a stile[69] beside the gate. There are wide valley views[70] from here, and a clearing on the left[71].

Great North Walk Rest Area

Great North Walk Rest Area
Located on George Road, this rest area is situated by a steep, unfenced drop[72] with spectacular views[73]. There is space for a few tents and a small campfire[74], there are no facilities or water here.

(7km) Int of Georges Rd AND Watagans National Park boundary gate → Top of the 125r Lookout trail

distance 1.3 km time 33 mins climb 99m descent -53m Hard track
Continue straight: From the locked gate[75], this walk follows the dirt Georges Road moderately steeply downhill[76] at first, keeping the views[77] on your left. The walk undulates, moderately steeply in a couple of places, winding around the side of a few hills for about 1km, and then heads around a sharp left-hand bend (passing a faint roadside clearing[78], on the right). The walk continues for another 500m along the dirt road to come to a three-way intersection, with 125r trail and '125r Lookout' sign[79] (on the right).

(8km) Top of the 125r Lookout trail → 125r Lookout Rest Area

distance 860 m time 17 mins climb 15m descent -50m Moderate track
Veer right: From the intersection[80], this walk follows the '125r Lookout' sign[81] south gently downhill[82] along the grassy trail. The walk continues through forest[83] for about 900m, until coming to the end of the road[84] and an unfenced lookout with wide valley views[85]. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.

125r Lookout

125r Lookout
The 125r Lookout, in the Watagan National Park, is located on a track off Georges Road[86]. This unfenced clearing[87] is on a cliff edge and has broad views o over the surrounding valleys[88][89]. This small clearing has been used as a campsite[90].

(8km) Top of the 125r Lookout trail → Northern rest area

distance 1.3 km time 31 mins climb 76m descent -68m Moderate track
Veer left: From the intersection[91], this walk follows the GNW arrow marker east along Georges Road as it first bends left, initially keeping the 125r Lookout track on your right. After about 400m, the road leads down and across a flat saddle, then leads moderately steeply up[92] for about 400m, where the trail mostly flattens out then comes to the top of the hill. There are views[93] from the unfenced cliff here, on the left.

Great North Walk Rest Area

Great North Walk Rest Area
This is a small rest area on the side of Georges Road, providing room to rest up and for a small campfire. There are also some nice views through the trees but be careful as this rest area is near a steep drop.

(10km) Northern rest area → Narrow Place Lookout

distance 1.5 km time 33 mins climb 57m descent -90m Moderate track
Continue straight: From the rest area, this walk follows the dirt George Road east, initially keeping the views on your left. The road gently undulates along the ridge for about 1.5km, coming to the unsignposted Narrow Place Lookout[94], where there is a short metal post fence[95] and wide valley (on the left).

Narrow Place Lookout

Narrow Place Lookout
Narrow Place Lookout is perched high on an partially-fenced[96] cliff and provides great views north over the farmland and bush towards Cessnock[97]. The lookout is beside a dirt road and a fairly large clearing[98].

(11km) Narrow Place Lookout → Int of Georges Road & Congewai Creek track

distance 1.9 km time 37 mins climb 67m descent -53m Moderate track
Continue straight: From the Narrow Place lookout[99], this walk follows Georges Road east gently downhill[100], initially keeping the views to your left. The road leads through forest for about 1.8km, ignoring a few smaller side trails until coming to a three-way intersection[101] (with the Congewai Creek track, on the right), marked with a GNW arrow post[102].

(13km) Int of Georges Road AND Congewai Creek track → Int of Georges AND Heaton Rds

distance 2.9 km time 55 mins climb 67m descent -100m Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection[103][104], this walk follows the GNW arrow post east along the dirt Georges Road as it leads gently downhill[105], initially keeping the main valley to your left. The road leads along the ridge among the tall trees, past a few small clearings and side tracks for about 2.2km to pass a gate and timber fence[106] (on your left). The walk continues along this main road for another 600m, coming to a T-intersection[107] with the dirt Heaton Road, marked with a 'Watagans National Park' sign[108].

(16km) Int of Georges & Heaton Rds → Forestry H.Q campsite

distance 1.2 km time 25 mins climb 60m descent -7m Moderate track
Veer right: From the intersection[109], this walk follows the 'The Great North Walk' sign gently uphill along the dirt Heaton Rd[110]. The road leads up along the ridge through the tall forest for about 1.1km, until coming to a Y-intersection[111] with Bakers Rd and a large sign with many names[112].
Veer left: From the intersection[113], this walk follows the 'Hunters Lookout' sign[114] gently uphill along Bakers Road[115]. The walk continues along this road for a bit over 150m, coming to a three-way intersection[116], just in front of the signposted 'Watagan Headquarters' campsite[117].

Watagan Headquarters

Watagan Headquarters
Watagan Headsquarters campsite[118] (aka Forestry HQ) is located in the Heaton State Forest, beside Bakers Rd, near Heaton Rd. This campsite has wood fired barbecues[119], picnic tables[120] and a garbage bin[121]. The large, flat, cleared area[122] allows plenty of room to pitch a tent. In 2010, a series of vandalism attacks occurred on the water tank, so there is no longer water available.

End of day 1

This is the planned overnight stay for the end of day 1, happy camping.

(17km) Forestry H.Q campsite → Hunter Lookout picnic area

distance 1.6 km time 27 mins climb 21m descent -38m Moderate track
Turn left : From the intersection (Forestry H.Q. campsite)[123], this walk follows Bakers Road gently downhill[124], while keeping the GNW arrow marker on your right[125] and the large 'Great North Walk' sign[126] on your left. The walk continues, undulating gently for about 900m until coming to a three-way intersection with Rocky Creek Road[127] (on the right).
Continue straight: From the intersection[128], this walk follows Bakers Road north and gently uphill, while keeping Rocky Creek Road (no signpost) on your right. The walk continues, undulating gently for about 400m until coming to a three-way intersection with Glen Road[129] (on the right).
Continue straight: From the intersection[130], this walk follows Bakers Road gently uphill[131], while keeping Glen Road on your right. The walk continues, undulating gently for about 250m until coming to Hunter Lookout picnic area[132] (on the left).
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads off the road and up the hill following the Hunter Lookout picnic area sign, past the wooden gate and the public toilet, to the picnic area area and the lookout.

Hunter Lookout

Hunter Lookout
Hunter Lookout[133] can be found on Bakers Road, along the Great North Walk. This fenced lookout has everything you will need snack-stop, including toilets[134], picnic tables, chairs and wood-fired barbecues[135]. This lookout has fantastic views[136] over much of the Hunter region[137]. In 2010, a series of vandalism attacks occurred on the water tank, so water is no longer available at Hunter Lookout.

(19km) Hunter Lookout picnic area → Macleans Lookout

distance 700 m time 16 mins climb 39m descent -38m Moderate track
Continue straight: From the picnic area, this walk heads north, past the metal gate to the intersection of Bakers Road.
Veer left: From the Hunter Lookout picnic area[138] (on Bakers Road), this walk follows Bakers Road north and gently downhill[139], while keeping Hunter Lookout on your left. The walk continues for about 400m until coming to a Y-intersection[140] (Bakers Road loop).
Continue straight: From the intersection[141] (Bakers Road Loop), this walk follows the track gently uphill[142], while keeping the other end of Bakers Road Loop to your right, gently downhill. The walk follows the road for about 130m until coming to Macleans Lookout[143].

Mcleans Lookout

Mcleans Lookout
McLeans Lookout[144] offers magnificent views of the valleys[145] in Heaton State Forest. Located on Bakers Road, this fenced lookout also has picnic facilities including tables with seats[146] and open grassy areas.

(19km) Maclean Lookout → Int of GNW track & a wide track

distance 490 m time 12 mins climb 7m descent -74m Hard track
Veer right: From Mcleans Lookout[147], this walk follows Bakers Road gently downhill, while keeping Macleans Lookout behind you on your left. The walk continues for about 80m until coming to a three-way intersection[148] with a wide track and GNW arrow marker (on the left).
Continue straight: From the intersection[149], this walk follows the trail gently downhill[150], while keeping the 'Heaton Lookout' sign on your right. The walk continues (becoming moderately steep downhill) for about 280m until coming to a three-way intersection[151] with a track on the left.

(20km) Int of GNW track AND a wide track → Int of GNW track AND Glen Road

distance 170 m time 5 mins climb 19m descent -12m Hard track
Turn sharp right: From the intersection[152], this walk follows the track moderately steeply downhill[153], while keeping the GNW arrow marker on your left. The walk continues (descending moderately steeply into[154] and out[155] of a gully) for about 150m, until coming to a three-way intersection, Glen Road[156].

(20km) Int of GNW track & Glen Road → Int of GNW track & a wide bushtrack

distance 130 m time 4 mins climb 12m descent -8m Hard track
Turn left: From the intersection[157], this walk follows the track gently downhill[158], while keeping the 'Glenn Rd' sign[159] on your right. The walk continues through forest[160] for about 120m, until coming to a three-way intersection[161] with a track and GNW arrow marker (on the left).

(20km) Int of GNW track & a wide bushtrack → Int of GNW track & a narrow road

distance 720 m time 21 mins climb 75m descent -59m Hard track
Turn left : From the intersection[162], this walk follows the GNW arrow marker[163] moderately steeply down along the track[164]. The walk continues for about 100m, to find a forested mossy creek[165] where the track bend right and continues close to the creek[166] for about 70m to then bend left and crossing the creek. The walk now follows the track undulating gently for about 280m before finding a large rock overhang[167]. The walk then continues moderately steeply uphill[168] for about 200m until coming to a T-intersection[169] with a wide trail and GNW arrow marker[170].

(21km) Int of GNW track & a wide track → Int of GNW track and Fosters Road south

distance 340 m time 8 mins climb 30m descent -17m Moderate track
Turn right: From the intersection[171], this walk follows 'Watagan Forest Road' sign[172] uphill[173] along the trail for about 200m to a three-way intersection[174], with another 'Watagan Forest Road' sign[175] (on your left).
Continue straight: From the intersection[176], this walk follows the wide track gently downhill, while keeping the 'Macleans Lookout 2km' sign[177] on your right. The walk continues for about 140m to a three-way intersection[178], with Fosters Road on your right and 'Fosters Road' sign[179] on your left.

(21km) Int of GNW track and Fosters Road south → Int of GNW track and Wallis Creek

distance 1.9 km time 1 Hr climb 172m descent -282m Hard track
Continue straight: From the intersection[180], this walk follows the GNW arrow post down along the wide old trail[181], passing the 'Fosters Road' sign[182] on your left. The walk continues for about 100m, where the wide track then leads moderately steeply downhill[183] for about 150m more. The walk then crosses a gully[184] and heads up[185] over another rise for about 70m to where the track narrows then bends left at a GNW arrow post. About 180m past the post, the walk crosses a gully[186] then heads up the other side, past a termite mound[187] to an unfenced cliff with distance valley views[188]. Here the track bends right and leads up a short distance to a dirt road[189]. The walk turns left and follows the road down for just a few metres to the 'Hammonds Road' sign, where the 'MacLean Lookout' arrow[190] points back along the road.
Continue straight: From the intersection[191], this walk follows the 'Heaton Lookout' sign[192] downhill along the road a few metres, then veers left to follow the GNW arrow down the old trail[193]. The walk leads fairly steeply down for about 180m then passes around a timber barrier[194]. Here the track narrows and continues more steeply downhill[195] through forest for about 250m to a gully and creek crossing[196] (with many fallen dead trees[197]).
Continue straight: This walk crosses the creek[198] and follows the track, while keeping the valley on your left. The walk follows the track steeply up for a short distance, then follows along the base of a cliff[199] for about 120m to pass through a long sandstone cave[200]. The rocky track leads steeply down through the dense rainforest for 700m, following a series of GNW arrow posts to the bottom of the gully beside Wallis Creek[201].

(23km) Int of GNW track and Wallis Creek → Int of GNW track and Heaton Lookout

distance 2.2 km time 59 mins climb 201m descent -115m Hard track
Continue straight: From here, the walk crosses Wallis Creek[202], and follows the GNW arrows south gently uphill along the track. The walk continues (crossing over a tree trunk[203] with carved steps) and after about 500m, comes to a creek and a tree trunk with a directional arrow carving[204]. Then the walk follows the track[205] for about 130m (crossing the creek a number[206] of times) to find the track leaving the creek[207]. The track is followed moderately steeply uphill[208] through forest for about 400m, until coming to a level four-way intersection[209] with a 'Barniers Road/Mt Faulk Road' sign on your right.
Continue straight: From the intersection[210], this walk follows the GNW arrow east, directly away from the face of the 'Barniers Road' sign[211]. The walk continues along the old trail for about 450m to find an intersection[212] with a track (on the right). Here the walk turns right, following the 'The Great North Walk' sign[213] moderately steeply down the narrow track[214] for about 220m and then crosses a creek[215]. The walk continues moderately steeply uphill[216] around another gully and after about 500m, comes to a T-intersection[217] with Heaton trail and Heaton Lookout[218] directly ahead.

Heaton Lookout

Heaton Lookout
Heaton Lookout[219] is one of the larger lookouts located on Heaton Road. This fenced lookout faces south-east. There are wood fired barbecues[220], picnic tables[221] and a pit toilet[222]. Heaton Lookout is a great place to stop for a snack, and the amazing view[223] feels like a bonus. This lookout was named after Richard Heaton, a timber cutter who came to Australia as a convict. There is a water tank here, due to vandalism in the area this is not a reliable water source.

(25km) Heaton Lookout. → Heaton Communications Tower

distance 2.4 km time 54 mins climb 144m descent -54m Moderate track
Turn left: From 'Heaton Lookout'[225], this walk follows the 'Heaton Gap' sign[226] gently uphill along the dirt Heaton Rd[227], past the toilet[228]. After about 250m, the road leads past the 'Heaton Loop Trail' side track[229], then about 250m later (staying left at the Y-intersection) the road passes another section of the same signposted track[230] as the road bends left, enjoying the views over the clearing (on your right). The road now leads gently uphill[231] for about 1.7km, ignoring a series of side tracks until coming to a clear three-way intersection[232] just past the brick building[233] and fenced communication tower[234] (on the right, and a small dam on the left).

(28km) Heaton Communications Tower → Heaton Gap Lookout

distance 620 m time 13 mins climb 3m descent -69m Moderate track
Turn right: From the intersection[235], this walk follows the GNW arrow marker[236] off the main road, heading east along the wide trail, initially keeping the fenced tower[237] on your right. The trail follows the power lines[238]. The unsignposted and unfenced clearing[239] has wide, uninterrupted views to the south.

Heaton Gap Lookout

Heaton Gap Lookout
Heaton Gap lookout is a fantastic spot to stop and catch your breath in Heaton State Forest. This unfenced lookout[240] offers exhilarating views over the valleys towards Tuggerah Lake and Lake Macquarie[241]. this unsignposted view, as with many features in the area, was named after Richard Heaton, a timber cutter who came to Australia as a convict. More info.

(28km) Heaton Gap Lookout → Heaton Gap Track Head

distance 1.2 km time 32 mins climb 6m descent -272m Hard track
Continue straight: From Heaton Gap Lookout[243], this walk follows the track east, moderately steeply downhill, initially keeping the view from Heaton Gap Lookout[244] on your right. After about 60m, the track leads to a timber platform with more views[245], underneath the power lines. The walk continues past some handrailing for about 20m to come to the 'Great North Walk Walker Register' post[246]. After noting your intentions, the walk continues steeply downhill[247] with stone and timber steps[248] and sections for handrail for about 200m, past the rock boulders and grass trees where the track widens into a narrow grassy trail. Here the walk follows this trail and the power lines downhill, steeply[249] in places, for about 600m, until coming to a level unsignposted three-way intersection[250] with the Freemans Drive trail[251] (on the right).
Veer left: From the intersection[252], this walk follows the GNW arrow post and power lines[253] steeply downhill[254] along the trail. The walk continues for about 180m to find a three-way intersection[255], with a GNW arrow marker on the right (where the power line trail bends left). The walk turns right, leaving the power lines and following the GNW arrow marker steeply down a narrower forested track[256]. The track winds down some timber steps, towards the sound of traffic for about 160m then down a timber staircase[257] to the edge of Freemans Drive. Here the walk crosses Freemans Drive[258] (busy road, please be careful to look and listen for traffic) and comes to the Watagan Forest Motel[259], petrol station (on the left), picnic area[260] and signposted 'Heaton Gap Track Head'[261] (on the right).

Watagan Forest Motel

Watagan Forest Motel
Watagan Forest Motel[262] is located on Branxton-Toronto Road. This retro-style motel is located right on the Great North Walk. The motel offers six rooms[263] for around $99 per night - each with a double bed[264] (four rooms also have twin singles), a television[265], bathroom with shower[266], air conditioning[267], and breakfast included. Room service is available. Adjoining the motel is a service station[268], which also offers dining room meals as well as a small grocery selection (bread, milk, bottled water, rice, pasta, etc), open until 8:30pm daily. A rest area is situated next to the motel, with covered picnic tables and garbage bins[269]. For further information, phone (02)4938 0149.

Maps for the Congewai East Track Head to Watagan Forest Motel via Forestry HQ Campsite 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.

Quorrobolong1:25 000 Map Series91322S QUORROBOLONGNSW-91322S
Cessnock1:50 000 Map Series91322 CESSNOCKCW-91322
Cessnock1:100 000 Map Series9132 CESSNOCK9132

Cross sectional view of the Congewai East Track Head to Watagan Forest Motel via Forestry HQ Campsite bushwalking track

Terrain profile for Congewai East Track Head to Watagan Forest Motel via Forestry HQ Campsite

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Congewai East Track Head to Watagan Forest Motel via Forestry HQ Campsite

Altitude analysis for Congewai East Track Head to Watagan Forest Motel via Forestry HQ Campsite

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.

Length29.7 km
Time2 Days
.




Grade 4/6



Hard track
AS 2156.1GradientVery steep (4/6)
Quality of trackRough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
SignsMinimal directional signs (4/6)
Experience RequiredModerate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
WeatherStorms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
InfrastructureLimited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

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

Gradient

12km of this walk has short steep hills and another 10km is very steep. The remaining (8km) has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track

16km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 9km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. The remaining (4.5km) follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely.

Signs

26km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection and another 3.7km has minimal directional signs. The remaining (170m) is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

15km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience and another 12km requires some bushwalking experience. The remaining (2.6km) requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 28km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 1.7km is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

20km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced) and another 6km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats). The remaining (3.9km) has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Congewai East Track Head to Watagan Forest Motel via Forestry HQ Campsite walk.

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Congewai East Track Head to Watagan Forest Motel via Forestry HQ Campsite walk.

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Congewai East Track Head to Watagan Forest Motel via Forestry HQ Campsite walk starts at the Congewai Valley east trackhead (gps: -32.995219, 151.30044)

The Congewai East Track Head to Watagan Forest Motel via Forestry HQ Campsite ends at the Heaton Gap Track Head (gps: -32.965275, 151.47939)

Weather Forecast

This walk starts in the Hunter weather district.

Current Alerts

Park Information

Watagans National Park

Heaton State Forest

Boardering Watagan national Park, Heaton State forest is home to many great lookouts. There sre many highpoints with cliff edges giving great views across the Hunter valley and Lake Macquarie.

Awaba State Forest

A large parcel of land west of the northern end of lake Macquarie, Awaba state forest lines the side of part of the Sydney - newcastle freeway. The park is home to mostly native forest

Comments