Watagan Creek Road to Congewai Valley East Track Head

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7 hrs

17.8 km One way

720 m

Hard track

This section of the Great North Walk starts from Watagan Creek Road and heads north, up the side of the valley then along the dirt roads to the Congewai communications tower. From the tower, you follow a bush track and wind down into the valley, through some farmland and along to the Congewai west track head. From here, the walk follows the road winding south through rural farmland, past the school, to the Congewai east track head.

Crossing paddock from Watagan Creek Road

Watagan Creek valley to the north-east Flat Rock Lookout

using the stile to cross the farms fence

following the road winding through farmland

walking from the congewai east track head

(0km) Int of GNW track & Watagan Creek Road(eastside) → Int of GNW track & Watagan Creek Road (westside)

40 m

1 mins

-2m Easy track

From the intersection[1], this walk follows the GNW arrow along the dirt Watagans Creek Road over the small rise[2], while keeping the main valley to your right. The road soon come to an intersection[3], marked with a GNW arrowpost with a track and paddock gate[4] (with 'Laguna' sign[5]) on the right.

(0km) Int of GNW track & Watagan Creek Road (westside) → Back Paddock Gate

410 m

8 mins

-33m Hard track

Veer right: From the intersection[6], this walk follows the GNW arrow post down the short but steep road embankment, and passes through the paddock gate[7] (with a 'Laguna' sign[8] on it). The walk continues gently downhill[9] across farmland for about 200m, until coming to, and heading through, a paddock gate[10] with a 'Great North Walk' sign (and a yellow electric fence box[11]).
Continue straight: From the paddock gate[12] (with the yellow electric fence box[13]), this walk follows GNW arrow down the moderately steep grassy bank[14] towards the creek. After about 10m, the walk crosses the creek[15], usually just over ankle deep. This creek maybe impassible after rain. The walk continues following GNW arrow markers[16] along the fence for about 100m, passing through two more paddock gates[17]), until heading through another paddock gate[18] with a 'Please Shut Gate' sign[19], just before the forest.

(0km) Back Paddock Gate → End of Langans Road

1.1 km

40 mins

241m

-8m Hard track

Continue straight: From the paddock gate[20] in the Watagan Valley[21], this walk follows the track moderately steeply uphill[22]. The walk heads through the wooded forest, up a series of timber[23] and rock steps[24] as the track winds up the hill. About 1km after leaving the open farmland, this track leads to an intersection with the turning area at the end of the dirt Langans Road[25].

(2km) End of Langans Rd → Int of Langans Rd & Cabans Road

840 m

21 mins

83m

-8m Moderate track

Turn right: From the turning area at the end of Langans Road[26], this walk follows the GNW arrow post[27] gently uphill along the dirt road[28]. The walk continues generally uphill for about 800m and comes to a three-way intersection[29] with the signposted 'Cabans Road'[30] (on the right).

(2km) Int of Langans Rd & Cabans Road → Walkers Rest Area

1.4 km

26 mins

46m

-20m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection[31], this walk follows the GNW arrow post north-west along the dirt[32] road, initially keeping Cabans Road[33] on your right. The walk continues, gently undulating up along the top of the ridge for about 1.4km, until coming to the signposted 'Walkers Rest Area'[34].

Great North Walk Campsite

This neat little signposted[35] campsite consists of a brick fireplace[36] with a couple of basic wooden seats[37] and some room for a few tents. There is no water available at this campsite.

(4km) Walkers Rest Area → Flat Rock Lookout

350 m

8 mins

12m

-25m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the 'Walkers Rest Area'[38], this walk follows the trail west, initially keeping the rest area on your left. The walk continues to gently undulate for about 250m, until coming to the unfenced signposted 'Flat Rock Lookout'[39] (on your right).

Flat Rock Lookout

Flat Rock Lookout is a natural rock platform that offers magnificent views across the Congewai Valley to the east and north. There are, however, no fences or safety railings at the lookout, so walkers will need to exercise extra caution.

(4km) Flat Rock Lookout → Congewai Communications Tower

4 km

1 hr 25 mins climb

182m

-142m Moderate track

Continue straight: From 'Flat Rock Lookout'[40], this walk follows the trail north west, initially keeping the lookout[41] on your right. The walk continues, undulating gently for about 800m, to find a three-way intersection[42] with 'Langans Road'[43] (on the left). Here, this walk turns right and continues for about 3km (ignoring many side trails) to find a significant and wide intersection[44] with 'Cedar Ridge Road'[45]. The walk veers right to walk along the dirt road for about 40m to find a large 'The Great North Walk' sign pointing back to 'Sydney Cove'[46].

(8km) Congewai Communications Tower Management Trail → Paddock Gate

3 km

1 hr 11 mins climb

71m

-373m Hard track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Congewai Valley' arrow on the large 'Great North Walk' sign up hill along the trail, following the ridge line for about 100m to the end of the trail, beisde the Congewai Communication Tower[47]. This walk now follows the track and GNW arrow marker[48], keeping the tower and metal fence on your left. Near the end of the fence, this walk follows the GNW arrow right and steeply downhill[49]. Then the walk continues steeply downhill (rocky[50] and eroded[51] in places) for about 900m, to find a level section[52] of track (where the track[53] bends right). The walk then continues undulating moderately steeply (mostley downhill) for about 1.5km, to find an intersection[54] with a GNW arrow post[55]. The walk then continues, gently uphill for about 150m, across the open farm land to a paddock gate[56] (with a fence[57] on your right).

(11km) Paddock Gate → Int of GNW track AND sealed rd

690 m

13 mins

-48m Hard track

Continue straight: From here, walk through the paddock gate[58], this walk follows the trail gently uphill, while following the fence on your right. The walk continues, undulating gently for about 450m, then crosses a small creek[59]. Then the walk continues for about 60m and crosses a stile[60] at a closed gate[61]. The walk then continues for about 200m until coming to an intersection[62] with a sealed road.

(12km) Int of GNW AND Eglinford La → Lonely Goat Olives

930 m

22 mins

76m

-18m Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads steeply uphill following the sealed Eglinford La to the west. The road leads steeply uphill[63] for about 180m to the top of the rise, where the road becomes dirt[64]. Over the next 500m, this walk stays on the dirt road as it leads down across a gully[65] beside farmland to head uphill again to the timber fence[66] and signposted entrance to 'Ffynnon Garw' AND 'Lonely Goat Olives'[67]. Turn left here and follow the driveway[68] for almost 300m to find the large workshop building[69]. There is a bell to attract your hosts' attention. The accommodation is over the small rise on the left. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Veer left.

Lonely Goat Olives

Lonely Goat Olives is a tranquil country cottage in Congewai Valley, about 900m from the GNW. The cottage has two separate bedrooms[70][71], both with en-suites[72]. The bedrooms open on to a veranda[73] with views over the gorgeous valley and the Tuscan style olive groves[74]. The cottage has an outdoor BBQ kitchen[75] and both rooms have a satellite TV, Wi-Fi Internet access, bar fridge[76], toaster and kettle. Rooms are from $202 a night including breakfast, meal packs are also available. A two night min. stay is normal, but chat with Keith about mid-week and other options. Your friendly host is also happy to pick you up or drop you off at Watagan Creek Rd for about $75. Ph 02 4998 1693

(12km) Int of GNW track & sealed road → Congewai Valley west trackhead

930 m

16 mins

-30m Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection[77], follows the GNW arrow marker[78] gently downhill along the sealed road[79]. The road becomes unsealed after about 50m as the dirt road then undulates gently through farmland[80] for about 900m to a T-intersection[81] with Congewai Valley Road[82] at the Congewai Valley west trackhead[83], just past the cattle grate.

(13km) Congewai Valley west trackhead → Congewai Valley east trackhead

5.2 km

1 hr 28 mins climb

71m

-60m Easy track

Turn right: From the Congewai Valley west trackhead[84], this walk follows 'Barraba Trig' sign south along the unsealed road[85]. The walk continues (undulating gently) for about 4.4km (part of the road is sealed[86]), to cross a timber bridge[87]. Here the walk continues through farmland[88] for about 500m, to a signposted intersection[89], at the Congewai Valley east trackhead, where a sign points back to 'Congewai Valley'[90] and where there is a stile[91] (on the left) (and some wetlands on the right).

Maps for the Watagan Creek Road to Congewai Valley East Track Head 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.

Wollombi	1:25 000 Map Series	91323S WOLLOMBI	NSW-91323S
Quorrobolong	1:25 000 Map Series	91322S QUORROBOLONG	NSW-91322S
Murrays Run	1:25 000 Map Series	91314N MURRAYS RUN	NSW-91314N
Morisset	1:25 000 Map Series	91311N MORISSET	NSW-91311N
Wollombi	1:50 000 Map Series	91323 WOLLOMBI	CW-91323
Cessnock	1:50 000 Map Series	91322 CESSNOCK	CW-91322
Cessnock	1:100 000 Map Series	9132 CESSNOCK	9132
Gosford	1:100 000 Map Series	9131 GOSFORD	9131

Cross sectional view of the Watagan Creek Road to Congewai Valley East Track Head bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Watagan Creek Road to Congewai Valley East Track Head

Altitude analysis for Watagan Creek Road to Congewai Valley East Track Head

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	17.8 km
		Time	7 hrs
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		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	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
		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

8km of this walk has short steep hills and another 5km has gentle hills with occasional steps. Whilst another 4.7km is very steep and the remaining 40m is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

7km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 6km follows a smooth and hardened path. Whilst another 4.9km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and the remaining 230m follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely.

Signs

Around 13km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 5km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 12km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 6km requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 18km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 230m is affected by forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather events that may impact on navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

Around 10km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 8km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Watagan Creek Road to Congewai Valley East Track Head walk.

Watagan Creek Road to Flat Rock

4.1 km One way, 2 hrs

This walk starts on Watagan Creek Road and soon crosses the lovely Watagan Creek. From this point, the walk leaves the Watagan valley and climbs steeply up the bush track through forest. The walk then travels on dirt road, passing a campsite and rest area, before arriving soon afterwards at the un

Total climbing: 384m

Hard track

Watagan Creek Road to Congewai Valley Track Head (West)

12.6 km One way, 5 hrs 30 mins

This section of the Great North Walk starts from the Watagan Creek Road and winds north across the valley and up into the Watagan State Forest, following the ridge lines around the Flatrock Lookout and down into the Congewai Valley before finishing at the track head at Congewai Valley Road. There ar

Total climbing: 649m

Hard track

Flat Rock to Congewai Valley East Track Head

13.8 km One way, 5 hrs

Starting from the grand views of Flat Rock Lookout high on the range, you will walk down into the Congewai Valley below. On the first section of this walk, you will explore a little used dirt road to the Congewai Communication Tower. From here you follow a series of tracks that wind down, steeply i

Total climbing: 336m

Hard track

The Basin Campsite to Heaton Gap

60.5 km One way, 4 Days

This four day walk starts at the Basin Campsite, in the Olney State Forest, and follows the Great North Walk, heading north. The walk passes through to the Watagan State Forest and into the Congewai Valley, continuing east into the Watagan National Park and all the way through to Heaton Gap. The thr

Total climbing: 3206m

Hard track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Watagan Creek Road to Congewai Valley East Track Head walk.

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

29.7 km One way, 2 Days

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 continue

Total climbing: 1702m

Hard track

Congewai Track Head (East) to Watagan Headquarters

17.2 km One way, 7 hrs

This full day walk starts from the Congewai valley trackhead (east) and follows the Great North Walk up into the Watagan National Park. Winding east along Georges road for the most part, this walk also passes many great lookouts and gives the option of a side trip down to the 125r lookout, which pro

Total climbing: 973m

Hard track

Abbotts Falls Walking Track

7.3 km Circuit, 3 hrs

This circuit takes you through both dry and moist forest, using a combination of walking trails and wider tracks. The side trip to the dammed pool is recommended, to see the deep Aboriginal carved grooves by the pool. This walk travels through open forest with wild flowers (in season) to descend i

Total climbing: 329m

Hard track

Pines Circuit Walk

1.7 km Circuit, 45 mins

This short walk takes you into the moist forest around Dora Creek and is recommended. The walk visits a small waterfall and dammed pool then travels through forest, visiting the large open Pines picnic area before returning to the starting point. The section of this walk near Dora Creek is particu

Total climbing: 56m

Moderate track

Monkey Face Cliff Walk

406 m Return, 30 mins

This short but steep walk to the base of an attractive cliff is worthwhile. The walk travels through open forest with gum trees and Xanthorhoea trees to eventually follow timber steps steeply to the base of the Monkey Face cliff. This cliff is used by rock climbers and abseiling parties, so be awa

Total climbing: 65m

Hard track

Monkey Face Circuit

1.3 km Circuit, 45 mins

This short and scenic walk offers two lookouts and a forest walk. Gap Creek viewpoint gives views of dense forest, while the Monkey Face viewpoint gives views of forested farmland in the Gap Creek valley. The short forest walk between these two viewpoints is amongst large rocks and offers views of

Total climbing: 74m

Moderate track

Georges Road Rest Area to 125r Lookout

4.4 km Return, 3 hrs 30 mins

This return walk starts from a nice rest area on Georges Road and follows the road along the ridge, passing several great lookout points across the valley, to the quiet little 125r lookout, which provides a nice open clearing that just screams lunch time. Please note that Watagan and Georges Roads a

Total climbing: 209m

Moderate track

Gap Creek Falls Walk

1.5 km Return, 1 Hr

This walk leads to one of the best waterfalls in the Hunter area and is highly recommended. The walk travels through dense rainforest, before descending to an inspiring amphitheatre of rock with the dramatic Gap Creek Falls. Spend some time looking around the base of the falls, particularly behind

Total climbing: 162m

Moderate track

Gap Creek Rainforest Walk

1.7 km Return, 1 Hr

This walk takes you deep into moist rainforest and is well worthwhile. The walk is mostly flat and travels through a varied and healthy rainforest, with strangler fig vines, large older trees and lots of wildlife. If you are lucky, you could find the protected yabbies in the creek at the end of the

Total climbing: 111m

Hard track

Boarding House Dam Circuit

718 m Circuit, 30 mins

This a cool walk on a on a hot day. Take your time exploring the rock formations along the creek, before finding the moss wall. Walk alongside the moss wall to its end, and then follow a track through moist rainforest back to the dam. A pleasant relaxed walk starting and finishing from the Boardi

Total climbing: 36m

Moderate track

Moss Wall Walk

516 m Return, 15 mins

A gentle walk past the Boarding House dam and through moist rainforest to a long straight moss covered wall. Spend some time exploring the creek and pools beside the moss wall before retracing your steps back to the Boarding House dam picnic area and car park. A cool sheltered spot to relax, parti

Total climbing: 22m

Moderate track

Basin Campsite to Watagan Creek Road

13 km One way, 6 hrs

This section of the Great North Walk starts from the Basin campsite in the Olney State Forest and winds north into the Watagans, via the Warrawolong Flora Reserve. This walk also offers a side trip from Turners Road up to the top of Mt Warrawolong, which is the highest point along the Great North Wa

Total climbing: 784m

Hard track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Watagan Creek Road to Congewai Valley East Track Head walk starts at the Int of GNW track & Watagan Creek Road(eastside) (gps: -33.028600, 151.27391)