Riverside Park to Scotts Point

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Time 45 mins
Return 2.5 km Return
Climb 0 m
Grade 2 Easy track
Car
wheelchair no_pets
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 forest and beside the wetlands. A great walk for enjoying the birdlife and varied forest along the way. There are a series of picnic tables along the way and a sheltered seating area at Scotts Point. Once you are ready, retrace your steps back to the car.

(0km) Riverside Park car park → Riverside Park car park int

distance 20 m time climb 0m descent 0m Easy track
From the Riverside Park car park[1] at the end of The Lane, Kooragang, this walk heads over the grassy and gravel area through timber bollards
[Pinch Point]Pinch Point

Plastic bollard pinch points around the edge of the carpark. The largest gap between the bollard is 1.3m, 90cm high.
[2] for less than 10m to come to an intersection just before the river, marked by a 'Riverside Park' sign[3].

(0km) Riverside Park car park int → City Farm jetty

distance 100 m time 1 mins climb 0m descent -1m Easy track
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the gravel track to cross the short fibreglass bridge, keeping the river to the left. After about 10m this walk comes to a 3-way intersection with a gravel footpath, marked by an arrow post sign[4].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Jetty' arrow[5] along the gravel path[6] keeping the river to the left. After about 40m the path leads past a sheltered picnic area
[Picnic Shelter]Picnic Shelter

A timber slat picnic table and bench seat under roof. The table is 79cm high, 73cm deep and 2.1m wide. The seats are 46cm high, 44cm deep and 2.1m wide (no backrest). The table is on a (6x6m) concrete slab.
and water tap
[Potable Water]Potable Water

Water tank beside picnic sheter. Treat water before use. Tap 60cm high on concrete slab.
(on the right) then continues for about 30m to come to a 'Hunter Wetlands National Park' information sign[7] (on the right). Here the walk leads onto the floating jetty ramp[8] with 1m metal fence that leads to the City Farm jetty[9] (there is an 8cm step[10] to access the actual jetty platform[11]. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Continue straight.

Riverside Park

Riverside Park
Riverside Park is found near the end of 'The Lane', Kooragang within Hunter Wetlands National Park. There is the City Farm jetty[12] on the banks of the north arm of the Hunter River[13]. You will also find two picnic shelters[14]
[Picnic Shelter]Picnic Shelter

A timber slat picnic table and bench seat under roof. The table is 79cm high, 73cm deep and 2.1m wide. The seats are 46cm high, 44cm deep and 2.1m wide (no backrest). The table is on a (6x6m) concrete slab.
[Picnic Shelter]Picnic Shelter

A timber slat picnic table and bench seat under roof. The table is 79cm high, 92cm deep and 2.1m wide. The seats are 46cm high, 28cm deep and 2.1m wide (no backrest). The table is on a (6x6m) concrete slab. There is a second similar table opposite not in a shelter.
, each with a water tank
[Potable Water]Potable Water

Water tank beside picnic sheter. Treat water before use. Tap 60cm high on concrete slab.
[Potable Water]Potable Water

Water tank beside picnic sheter. Treat water before use. Tap 60cm high on concrete slab.
. There is also an accessible toilet[15]
[Toilet Accessible]Toilet Accessible

Shared male/female accessible toilet. Entrance is 85cm wide, no hand basin, toilet seat 47cm high with a 87cm high handrail, in a 3x2m room.
at the back of the grassy area. There are a few walks that leave from the area and it is also a popular fishing and bird watching area.

(0km) Riverside Park car park int → Mid way pincic area

distance 530 m time 8 mins climb 0m descent 0m Easy track
Turn left : From the intersection, this walk leads over the grassy section[16] between the car park and river, keeping the river to the right. At the far end of the car park the walk leads past the stone seats
[Seat]Seat

Three sandstone bench seats, 57cm high, 40cm deep and 2.05m wide with no arm or backrest.
then follows the 'Scotts Point' arrow[17] under the power lines, turning right at the intersection and following the asphalt trail for about 210m to pass a timber seat
[Seat]Seat

A timber bench seat, 53cm high, 19cm deep and 1.9m wide with no arm or backrest.
(on the left). The walk continues along the trail for another 90m to pass a single picnic table
[Picnic Table]Picnic Table

A timber slat picnic table and bench seat. The table is 86cm high, 70cm deep and 1.8m wide. The seats are 47cm high, 22cm deep and 1.8m wide (no backrest). With some shade from a tree, on a (4.2x4.2m) concrete slab 4m from trail.
. The walk continues along the trail beside the river for another 180m to find the mid way picnic area with 2 picnic tables
[Picnic Table]Picnic Table

Two timber slat picnic tables and bench seats. The tables are 86cm high, 70cm deep and 1.8m wide. The seats are 47cm high, 22cm deep and 1.8m wide (no backrest). With some shade from a tree, on a (4.2x4.2m) concrete slab 4m from trail.
[18] (on the left), just before the timber bridge[19].

Mid way pincic area

Mid way pincic area
This relaxed picnic area is found on the banks of the north arm of the Hunter River nestled among She Oaks[20] and the wetlands. There are two picnic tables[21][22]
[Picnic Table]Picnic Table

Two timber slat picnic tables and bench seats. The tables are 86cm high, 70cm deep and 1.8m wide. The seats are 47cm high, 22cm deep and 1.8m wide (no backrest). With some shade from a tree, on a (4.2x4.2m) concrete slab 4m from trail.
on concrete slabs beside the trail. The grassy area around the tables can become boggy[23] after rain or very high tides. A pleasant naturally shaded area with some protection from light winds.

(1km) Mid way pincic area → Scotts Point

distance 700 m time 11 mins climb 0m descent 0m Easy track
Continue straight: From the picnic area, this walk follows the old road over the 2.7m wide timber bridge[24], keeping the river to the right. Over the next 200m the walk leads past a series of large orange triangle boat navigation markers[25] with lovely views over the river[26]. The walk continues along the old road for another 250m to pass a 'Scotts Point Way' sign[27] where there are more views of the wetlands[28] (to the left) The walk continues for another 220m to come to the open grassy area and Scotts Point picnic area, marked with 3 signs[29] (close to the water on the right), a picnic table
[Picnic Table]Picnic Table

A timber slat picnic table and bench seat. The table is 86cm high, 70cm deep and 1.8m wide. The seats are 47cm high, 22cm deep and 1.8m wide (no backrest). With some shade from a tree, on a (4.2x4.2m) concrete slab beside trail.
(on the left) and a sheltered sitting area
[Seat]Seat

Three timber slat bench seats in a roofed shelter (4x4m), seats are 44cm high, 29cm deep and 2m wide with 40cm high fence as backrest. Entrance is 1.7m wide with a 7cm step.
with a water tap
[Potable Water]Potable Water

Tank water (treating water is recommended before use). Tap is 60cm high with gap of 1m between tap and shelter, there is a 9cm step to access the concrete slab.
. There are beautiful views of the confluence of two water ways with a view across a shipping area and a bridge and distant views of the mountains.

Scotts Point

Scotts Point
Scotts Point is home to a water tank
[Potable Water]Potable Water

Tank water (treating water is recommended before use). Tap is 60cm high with gap of 1m between tap and shelter, there is a 9cm step to access the concrete slab.
, picnic table
[Picnic Table]Picnic Table

A timber slat picnic table and bench seat. The table is 86cm high, 70cm deep and 1.8m wide. The seats are 47cm high, 22cm deep and 1.8m wide (no backrest). With some shade from a tree, on a (4.2x4.2m) concrete slab beside trail.
and seating shelter
[Seat]Seat

Three timber slat bench seats in a roofed shelter (4x4m), seats are 44cm high, 29cm deep and 2m wide with 40cm high fence as backrest. Entrance is 1.7m wide with a 7cm step.
beside an open grassy area at the confluence of the north and south arms of the Hunter River[30]. There are views down the river to Hexham bridge and past some shipping areas[31]. There are a series of signs [32][33][34] to explain more about the local area. This is a lovely spot to rest and enjoy the river and the wetlands.

Maps for the Riverside Park to Scotts Point 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.

Beresfield1:25 000 Map Series92323N BERESFIELDNSW-92323N
Newcastle1:100 000 Map Series9232 NEWCASTLE9232

Cross sectional view of the Riverside Park to Scotts Point bushwalking track

Terrain profile for Riverside Park to Scotts Point

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Riverside Park to Scotts Point

Altitude analysis for Riverside Park to Scotts Point

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.

Length2.5 km
Time45 mins
.




Grade 2/6



Easy track		AS 2156.1GradientGentle hills with occasional steps (2/6)
Quality of trackClear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
SignsClearly signposted (1/6)
Experience RequiredNo experience required (1/6)
WeatherWeather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
InfrastructureGenerally 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 720m of this walk is flat with no steps, whilst the remaining 530m has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track

This whole walk, 1.2km follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

This whole walk, 1.2km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 1.2km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 1.2km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 1.2km 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 Riverside Park to Scotts Point walk.

City Farm walk to Milhams Farmhouse Ruin

1.3 km Return, 30 mins

City Farm walk to Milhams Farmhouse Ruin

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

Grade 2
  • Car

Easy track

Scots Point Way to Riverside Park Trail

1.9 km One way, 45 mins

Scots Point Way to Riverside Park Trail

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

Grade 2
  • Car

Easy track

Rainforest walk to Riverside Park

2 km One way, 45 mins

Rainforest walk to Riverside Park

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

Grade 3
  • Car

Moderate track

Scotts Point circuit

3.9 km Circuit, 1 hr 15 mins

Scotts Point circuit

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

Grade 3
  • Car

Moderate track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Riverside Park to Scotts Point walk.

Mangrove Boardwalk to Schoolmasters House

1.2 km Return, 30 mins

Mangrove Boardwalk to Schoolmasters House

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

Total climbing: 4m

Grade 1 Wheelchair accessible
  • Car

Very easy

The Welcome walk

945 m One way, 30 mins

The Welcome walk

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

Grade 2
  • Car

Easy track

Forestway Circuit Walk

2.7 km Circuit, 1 Hr

Forestway Circuit Walk

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

Grade 3
  • Car
  • Bus

Moderate track

Richley Reserve to Carnley Reserve Circuit

2.9 km Circuit, 1 hr 15 mins

Richley Reserve to Carnley Reserve Circuit

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

Grade 3
  • Car
  • Bus

Moderate track

Blackbutt Circuit Walk

6.5 km Circuit, 2 hrs 30 mins

Blackbutt Circuit Walk

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

Grade 3
  • Car
  • Bus

Moderate track

Tall Trees Circuit Walk

2.8 km Circuit, 1 hr 15 mins

Tall Trees Circuit Walk

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

Grade 3
  • Car
  • Bus

Moderate track

Blackbutt Explorer

6 km Circuit, 2 hrs 30 mins

Blackbutt Explorer

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

Grade 3
  • Car
  • Bus

Moderate track

Richley Reserve Circuit

731 m Circuit, 30 mins

Richley Reserve Circuit

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

Grade 1 Wheelchair accessible
  • Car
  • Bus

Very easy

Black Duck Creek Circuit Walk

2.1 km Circuit, 1 Hr

Black Duck Creek Circuit Walk

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

Grade 3
  • Car
  • Bus

Moderate track

Rod Earp Rain Forest Circuit (from Lookout Rd)

1.9 km Circuit, 1 Hr

Rod Earp Rain Forest Circuit (from Lookout Rd)

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

Grade 3
  • Car
  • Bus

Moderate track

Main Ridge Circuit Walk

2.5 km Circuit, 1 Hr

Main Ridge Circuit Walk

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

Grade 3
  • Car
  • Bus

Moderate track

Rod Earp Rainforest Circuit (from Carnley Ave)

2 km Circuit, 1 Hr

Rod Earp Rainforest Circuit (from Carnley Ave)

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

Grade 3
  • Car
  • Bus

Moderate track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Riverside Park to Scotts Point walk starts and ends at the Riverside Park car park (gps: -32.833948, 151.70896)

car 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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