Merewether to Queens Wharf

Download & Print Map and Notes

1 hr 30 mins

4.4 km One way

104 m

Moderate track

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 Bogey Hole. The walk then takes you up to more panoramic views from the The Obelisk, before you stroll through Newcastle CBD and mall to Queens Wharf. There are a few long hills, just take you time and enjoy the salt air.

Waves crashing against rocks at Bogey Hole

Swell Cafe

Swell cafe is located right on the beach[1] (with the Merewether Surf Lifesaving Club[2] above it) and just off John Parade in Merewether. Swell cafe offers fresh juices, cafe food, a toilet[3] and water. More info.

(0km) Swell Cafe → Dixon Park SLSC

560 m

10 mins

-6m Very easy

From the Swell cafÃ©[4], this walk heads up to 'John Pde' and turns right. The walk follows the footpath alongside 'John Parade'[5] (keeping the beach to your right) for 300m to continue straght into 'Dixon Park'[6]. Contune up past the 'Bathers Way' sign[7] along the footpath for another 200m (to pass alongside the carpark[8]) and come to the picnic shelter[9] outside the 'Dixon Park SLSC'[10].

Dixon Park and Dixon Park SLSC

Dixon Park and the Dixon Park SLSC are located in the middle of Bar beach in Merewether. Dixon Park has a large open grassed area[11], sheltered picnic tables[12], barbeques, a children's playground[13], toilets[14] and tap water. The open space of Dixon Park is often used for hangliding or kite flying. More info.

(1km) Dixon Park SLSC → Bar Beach car park

880 m

16 mins

21m

-15m Easy track

Continue straight: From 'Dixon Park SLSC'[15], this walk follows the footpath moderately steeply uphill[16], keeping the ocean on your right for just over 100m to find Ocean St. Here the walk turns right and continues beyond the end of Ocean St heading downhill[17] for 160m past the end of 'Kilgour Ave' to a small car park[18]. The walk veers left across the car park and follows the footpath, past the playing fields (on the left) and alongside the beach for 350m to the 'Cooks Hill SLSC' building[19] (on the right). The walk continues straight, beside the road and car park[20] before climbing up some concrete stairs[21], to find the large Bar Beach car park[22] (opposite the end of Parkway Ave). There are wide ocean views at the end of the car park, on your right[23] .

(1km) Bar Beach car park → Strzelecki Lookout

950 m

20 mins

58m

-4m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the large Bar Beach car park[24] (opposite the end of Parkway Ave), this walk heads moderately steeply uphill[25] across the car park then up the footpath beside Memorial Dr, keeping the ocean on your right. 200m past the car park, this walk comes to an intersection with a set of stairs (on your right) at a gap in the fence (these stairs lead up to an old trig point[26] and stunning coastal views[27]). Here, the walk continues up along the footpath beside Memorial Dr for almost 500m (past a picnic shelter and bubbler) to an intersection with High St. 'Strzelecki Lookout'[28] is a short distance to your right, on the other side of the car park.

Strzelecki Lookout

Strzelecki Lookout, atop the hill, is named in honor of the Polish geologist and explorer[29] whose chemical analyses and research into coal deposits from 1839-45 influenced the development of the region. Wonderful views of the coastline south are available here and if you are lucky, you will see a hanglider taking off. More info.

(2km) Strzelecki Lookout → King Edward Park (southern entrance)

160 m

3 mins

-1m Very easy

Continue straight: From the intersection (near Strzelecki Lookout), this walk follows the GNW arrow post across High St[31] then gently uphill alongside 'Cliff St'. After passing a few houses, the road bends, becoming 'The Terrace'[32] (with views to the right). The walk follows 'The Terrace' for about 60m, past 'Shepherds Hill'[33] (and the Marine Rescue Building) gently downhill to the signposted southern entrance of 'King Edward Park'[34].

Shepherds Hill

Shepherds Hill is located just south of King Edward Park (off The Terrace in Newcastle). Shepherds Hill is an exposed headland with wonderful views along the coastline[35]. During World War Two, Shepherds Hill was home to gun emplacements, pits[36], a 100 metre-long tunnel and observation posts[37]. The gun was designed to be a discrete, hard-to-spot weapon which would contract downwards, below its parapet to be reloaded. Shepherds Hill also housed a World War Two radar station[38]. Shepherds Hill is named after a survey report that called it ‘Sheep Pasture Hill’ after its resemblance to English countryside. Hang-gliding[41] is also very common from the hilltop[42]. More info.

(3km) King Edward Park (southern entrance) → King Edward Park barbeque area

260 m

5 mins

-24m Moderate track

Veer right: From the southern entrance of 'King Edward Park'[43], this walk enters the park following the driveway (York Dr) through the usually open gate. The driveway leads downhill[44], alongside a car park for about 80m, to veer left onto a footpath marked with a GNW arrow post[45]. This walk follows this footpath moderately steeply downhill[46] for about 150m, among the large pine trees, down some concrete stairs[47], past the toilet block[48] to find the barbeque area[49] beside York Dr and the 'King Edward Park Fountain'[50].

King Edward Park

King Edward Park is a large hilly park with established trees[51], abutting the ocean[52] just 500m from the centre of Newcastle. King Edward Park has toilets[53], barbeques[54], a children’s playground[55], an historic water fountain[56] and flower gardens. King Edward Park was once referred to as the ‘lungs of Newcastle’ as it supplied a natural parkland in contrast to the increasing urbanization of the nineteenth century[57]. More info.

(3km) King Edward Park barbeque area → Bogey Hole

460 m

9 mins

-44m Easy track

Turn sharp right: From the King Edward Park barbeque area[58], this walk follows York Drive gently downhill[59], while keeping toilets[60] on your right. The walk follows York Drive for about 100m, to turn left moderately steeply downhill[61] to Shortland Esplanade. Then the walk follows Shortland Esplanade[62] gently downhill for about 240m, to come to a three-way intersection[63] with Bogie Hole Rd (on the right). The walk turns right at Bogey Hole Rd and continues gently downhill[64] for about 60m, until coming to a three-way intersection[65], with a track[66] (on the right).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows Bogey Hole Rd[67] gently downhill, while keeping Bogey Hole track on your right and the ocean on your left. The walk continues for about 60m, until coming to concrete steps[68] and the Bogey Hole[69]. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Veer left.

Bogey Hole

The Bogey Hole on Shortland Esplanade is a bathing pool that is open to the ocean[70]. The Bogey Hole was built by convict labour for the personal pleasure of Major James T. Morriset, the military commandant from 1819-1822 who did much to improve the breakwater, roads and barracks in the settlement. Over the years, the Bogey Hole was enlarged to its present size. The name "Bogey Hole" came from the Aboriginal word meaning "to bathe". The Bogey Hole can be dangerous during high tides or times of rough seas[73]. For more information, contact the City of Newcastle on 02 4974 2000. More info.

(3km) King Edward Park barbeque area → Int of Wolfe Street AND the Obelisk steps

290 m

5 mins

12m

-2m Easy track

Turn left: From the barbeque area[74], this walk follows the GNW arrow post[75] up along the footpath heading between the BBQ[76] and fountain[77], away from York Dr. The footpath leads up among the large pine trees[78] for 80m, to Reserve Rd[79]. Here the walk follows the GNW arrow post[80] across the road at the safety island[81] to the footpath on the other side, beside the intersection of 'Reserve Rd' and 'The Terrace'.[82]
Turn right: From the intersection[83], this walk follows the GNW arrow post along the footpath beside 'Reserve Rd' keeping the white timber fence[84] on your left. After 30m this walk turns left into 'Wolfe St'[85] then after about 110m, this walk crosses 'Wolfe St'[86], just before 'Ordnance St' to come to a set of concrete steps[87] marked with a GNW arrow post[88].

(3km) Int of Wolfe Street AND the Obelisk steps → The Obelisk

70 m

1 mins

0m Easy track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[89] up the concrete stairs[90] with metal hand railing[91]. At the top of the stairs this walk follows the sealed footpath[92] for about 25m to the tall white stone Obelisk[93] and monument[94].

The Obelisk

This white stone monument[95] sits above the city of Newcastle, on a green grassy knoll. The Obelisk Park is popular and gives views across the Lower Hunter Plains. The Obelisk was first erected in 1850, to replace the windmill that had stood there before it. The Obelisk was erected to act as a navigational aid for ships. On the grassy knoll[96] is a water fountain[97] and a large sundial[98].

(3km) The Obelisk → Int of Newcomen AND Ordnance Streets

150 m

3 mins

-15m Moderate track

Turn right: From the Obelisk[99], this walk heads across the grass to follows the GNW arrow post[100] east down the gravel footpath[101] towards the clear ocean views. This walk soon leads down the series of concrete stairs[102] for about 120m, to find the intersection[103] of 'Ordnance' and 'Newcomen' streets.

(3km) Int of Newcomen AND Ordnance Streets → Int of Hunter AND Bolton Streets

690 m

12 mins

-37m Very easy

Veer left: From the intersection[104], this walk follows the GNW arrow post, across 'Ordinance St' then gently downhill along the footpath beside 'Newcomen St'[105]. After about 250m, this walk turn right, crossing the road using the pedestrian crossing[106] to then follow 'Church St'[107] gently downhill[108] for another 110m, to use cross the road using another pediestian crossing turning left into 'Bolton St'[109]. Here the walk follows the footpath beside 'Bolton St' (past 'The Grand Hotel'[110]) and continues gently downhill[111] for just over 250m, crossing 'King St'[112] then 'Hunter St'[113] (both with pedestrian crossings). Here the walk comes to the intersection of 'Bolton' and 'Hunter' streets[114], marked with a GNW arrow post[115].

Hunter Street Mall

The Hunter Street Mall offers an open air shopping experience[116], with a variety of shops, cafÃ©s[117] and services. Trading hours are Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri: 9am-5.30pm, Thurs:9am-9pm, Sat:9am-4pm, Sun:10am-4pm. For further information please contact the Hunter Street Mall Office on 02 4926 3477. More info.

(4km) Int of Hunter AND Bolton Streets → Int of Hunter AND Market Streets

220 m

3 mins

-2m Very easy

Turn left: From the intersection[118], this walk crosses 'Bolton St' (using the crossing) and follows the footpath[119] beside 'Hunter St' past the 'ANZ' bank building. The walk continues for 100m, to cross 'Newcomen St' then walk through the Hunter St pedestrian mall[120] for another 100m to an intersection[121] in the middle of the mall, just past the 'Sanity' store[122], marked with a GNW arrow post and a yellow pedestrian bridge[123] (on the right).

(4km) Int of Hunter AND Market Streets → Queens Wharf

180 m

3 mins

-5m Easy track

Turn right: From the intersection[124], this walk leaves the main mall and heads north up the yellow pedestrian footbridge[125]. The walk crosses the 130m long footbridge (passing over Scott St, the train line then Wharf St), before heading down the metal spiral staircase[126] and coming to 'The Great North Walk - Queens Wharf Trackhead' sign[127] on a large concrete pillar[128], at Queens Wharf[129].

Queens Wharf

Queens Wharf is on the Newcastle harbour, just minutes from the centre of Newcastle. The Queens Wharf Tower[130] is over 40m in height and open to the public. From the top of the tower, you are able to see up to 20km in all directions, particularly up and down the coastline (Note that the tower is closed in bad weather). Queens Wharf Tower, was built in 1988 and opened by Queen Elizabeth II to mark the Australian Bicentenary[131]. The Tower was built to mark the spot where the city meets the park and the sea. Queens Wharf is home to a number of restaurants and a bar, and there is a raised pedestrian footbridge from the tower into Hunter Street Mall shops. There is a ferry service across the harbour to Stockton, which gives good views back to across the water to Newcastle City. For more information contact the Newcastle Visitor Information Centre on 02 4974 2999. More info.

Maps for the Merewether to Queens Wharf 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.

Newcastle	1:25 000 Map Series	92322S NEWCASTLE	NSW-92322S
Newcastle	1:100 000 Map Series	9232 NEWCASTLE	9232

Cross sectional view of the Merewether to Queens Wharf bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Merewether to Queens Wharf

Altitude analysis for Merewether to Queens Wharf

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	4.4 km
		Time	1 hr 30 mins
		.
Grade 3/6 Moderate track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		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

1.8km of this walk is flat with no steps and another 1.4km has short steep hills. The remaining (1.2km) has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track

This whole walk, 4.4km follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

This whole walk, 4.4km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 4.4km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 4.4km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 4.4km 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 Merewether to Queens Wharf walk.

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 Merewether to Queens Wharf 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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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