Mangrove Boardwalk to Schoolmasters House

Download & Print Map and Notes

30 mins

1.2 km Return

4 m

Very easy

Wander among the mangroves to step back in time to explore the old Schoolmaster's House that was part of a once vibrant community in the area. Following devastating floods in 1955, the people moved from the area with the area still being leased as farmland. Now, these wetlands are protected as part of the national park ensuring the survival of the endangered ecological community of saltmarsh and all the fish, birds and other animals that rely on them for survival. Bring a picnic lunch and settle under a tree or bring binoculars and a bird guide. Take your time to enjoy all this area has on offer.

(0km) Mangrove Boardwalk car park → Boardwalk seating area

350 m

5 mins

0m Very easy

From the Mangrove Boardwalk car park

[Pinch Point]

[1] on Millams Rd Kooragang, (with the large 'Welcome to Kooragang Wetlands' sign[2]) this walk follows the 'Mangrove Boardwalk' arrow[3] along the timber boardwalk directly away from the road. This walk gently meanders along the boardwalk for about 80m to cross a bridge with (90cm high) hand railings[4], to come to a seat

[Seat]

about 50m later. This walk then continues for the next 160m, passing a few information signs[5][6][7] to find another seat

[Seat]

. The walk continues along the boardwalk through the open wetlands for another 60m to come to a third seat

[Seat]

(on the left).

Mangroves

Mangroves are a type of resistant, salt tolerant and pretty cool tree. They are are a type of halophyte, a plant that grows in salty water. They are perfectly adapted for life in harsh coastal conditions and salt marshes like this one. The plants contain systems to manage the salt levels and root system to anchor in different areas from deep mud to rocky coastlines. The roots also have aerial shoots to help deal with the particular low oxygen levels of mud. The mangroves are great and environmentaly critical to the survival of many animals like crabs and birds.

(0km) Boardwalk seating area → Mangrove Boardwalk int.

190 m

3 mins

-2m Very easy

Continue straight: From the seat, this walk follows the timber boardwalk south initially keeping the seat to the left and past the 'Mangroves' information sign[9]. This walk continues for about 180m, passing a few more information signs[10][11] to come to a 3-way intersection[12][13].

(1km) Mangrove Boardwalk int. → Cobbans Track int.

160 m

2 mins

-1m Very easy

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows 'Cobbans Creek' arrow sign[14] along the timber boardwalk keeping the open area to the left. After about 40m the boardwalk ends and this walk heads along an asphalt path[15], for about 10m to a seat

[Seat]

and the 'Sue's Garden' sign[16] (both on the left). From here this walk continues along the asphalt path for about 110m, passing two more seats

[Seat]

and a picnic table

[Picnic Table]

(on the left) to cross a short timber bridge and come to the Cobbans Track T-intersection[17], marked by the 'Cobbans Creek' sign[18]. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.

(1km) Mangrove Boardwalk int. → Schoolmasters House

60 m

1 mins

0m Very easy

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows 'schoolmasters house' sign[19] gently uphill along the concrete path[20]. After about 20m the path leads past a picnic table

[Picnic Table]

(on the left) and continues for about 30m to come to the front of the 'School Masters House'[21] (on the right). Access to the old school house is either via smaller steps[22] or around the far side by heading through the car park where there are a few picnic tables

[Picnic Table]

Schoolmasters House

The schoolmaster’s house building is now used as the Kooragang Wetlands Information Centre. The building is open to the public (phone 02-4964 9308), with some interesting displays. In 1955 there were over 50 families and this school in the area, when the island was devastated by a massive flood. Following the flood, the area then was taken under state control and was leased for grazing. The school opened in 1873 and closed in 1968. There are two main entrances. The back entrance has 3 14cm steps to get inside[26]. More info.

Maps for the Mangrove Boardwalk to Schoolmasters House 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.

Beresfield	1:25 000 Map Series	92323N BERESFIELD	NSW-92323N
Newcastle	1:100 000 Map Series	9232 NEWCASTLE	9232

Cross sectional view of the Mangrove Boardwalk to Schoolmasters House bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Mangrove Boardwalk to Schoolmasters House

Altitude analysis for Mangrove Boardwalk to Schoolmasters House

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	1.2 km
		Time	30 mins
		.
Grade 1/6 Very easy	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Flat, no steps (1/6)
		Quality of track	Smooth and hardened path (1/6)
		Signs	Clearly signposted (1/6)
		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

This whole walk, 590m is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

This whole walk, 590m follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

This whole walk, 590m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 590m requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 590m is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 590m 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 Mangrove Boardwalk to Schoolmasters House walk.

The Welcome walk

945 m One way, 30 mins

Come and meander at your own pace through this unique saltmarsh ecosystem. The timber boardwalk guides you among the mangroves as you keep an eye out for baby fish and crabs while also enjoy the birdlife. There are seats along the way making it easy to stop and just watch. There are information sign

Total climbing: 3m

Easy track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Mangrove Boardwalk to Schoolmasters House walk.

Rainforest walk to Riverside Park

2 km One way, 45 mins

This walk leads through the heart of Hunter Wetlands National Park allowing you to explore this area rich in history and nature. The boardwalk takes you through a wetland with great water bird viewing opportunities, the rainforest walk leads you through a diverse forest with information signs about

Moderate track

Scots Point Way to Riverside Park Trail

1.9 km One way, 45 mins

On this walk you follow a trail nestled between the Hunter River and the glistening wetlands. You will enjoy an abundance of water birds, water views and plenty of places to sit to take it all in. The walk starts with an optional side trip along a boardwalk before following the old road (now closed

Easy track

City Farm walk to Milhams Farmhouse Ruin

1.3 km Return, 30 mins

Step back in time on this short easy walk that guides you from Riverside Park picnic area to the ruins of the Milham's family farmhouse. The farm was once a vibrant dairy and today you will still see cattle grazing in the fenced paddocks alongside the walk. From the banks of the north arm of the Hun

Easy track

Riverside Park to Scotts Point

2.5 km Return, 45 mins

Explore the bank of the north arm of the Hunter River by following an old road from one picnic area to another. Starting from the well established Riverside Park picnic area, you wander along the mostly flat walk following the asphalt and gravel trail along the banks of the river, through a She Oak

Easy track

Scotts Point circuit

3.9 km Circuit, 1 hr 15 mins

This walk guides you around, then through the wetlands via Scott Point. You first walk along an old closed road on the banks of the Hunter River (north and south arms) then you meander along the lovely boardwalk through the heart of the wetlands then along the rainforest track to see a greater diver

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

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

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

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

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Mangrove Boardwalk to Schoolmasters House walk starts and ends at the Mangrove Boardwalk car park (gps: -32.844726, 151.69741)

Car. There is free parking available.<br /> (get details)

Weather Forecast

This walk starts in the Hunter weather district.

A detailed forecast for this walk isn't available yet.

Current Alerts

Live alerts aren't available for this walk. Check the NPWS website for closures and the RFS for current fire danger.

Park Information

Hunter Wetlands National Park

Hunter Wetlands National Park is in Kooragang north of Newcastle. The island national park is based around a the Kooragang Wetlands is home to interesting historic and natural features. Enjoy boardwalks, river views, bike riding and picnicking.

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