Awabakal Coastal Walk

Download & Print Map and Notes

45 mins

1.9 km One way

21 m

Hard track

This walk traverses the Awabakal Nature Reserve. Starting from Dudley in the north, this walk travels south through coastal heath and forest, until coming to Redhead. The vegetation throughout this walk is particularly attractive during the wildflower season of July to October. The side trip out to the Awabakal Viewpoint gives great views to the north along the coastline. A car shuffle would be ideal for this one-way walk. The walking tracks are a little overgrown, but if you like native forest and heath, or simply flowers, then this is the walk for you.

Awabakal car park near Dudley in the Awabakal Nature Reserve

Locked gate at the Awabakal Car Park near Dudley

Metal gate and timber fence at the Awabakal car park in the Awabakal Nature Reserve

Narrow trail through forest near the Awabakal car park

Attractive forest near the Awabakal car park

Open area with large tree and picnic table in Awabakal Nature Reserve

Tree and picnic table in Awabakal Nature Reserve

A Picnic table and tree near the Awabakal Nature Reserve

Uphill trail in the Awabakal Nature Reserve

Sandy trail in the Awabakal Nature Reserve

Sandy trail near the Awabakal Viewpoint in the Awabakal Nature Reserve

Intersection near the Awabakal Viewpoint in the Awabakal Nature Reserve

Sandy intersection near the Awabakal Viewpoint

Narrow track near the Awabakal Viewpoint

Narrow track in the Awabakal Nature Reserve

Track through forest on the Awabakal Coastal Walk

Views across the Awabakal Nature Reserve

Intersection of track in the Awabakal Nature Reserve

Sandy track on the Awabakal Coastal Walk

Fringe Lilly on the Awabakal Nature Reserve

Ant in sand on the Awabakal Nature Reserve

Overgrown track on the Awabakal Coastal Walk in the Awabakal Nature Reserve

Mountain Devil flower on the Awabakal Coastal Walk

Ant on sand in the Awabakal Nature Reserve

Sandy track through heath on the Awabakal Coastal Walk

Sandy track in the Awabakal Nature Reserve

Track through vegetation in the Awabakal Nature Reserve

Uphill sandy track on the Awabakal Coastal Walk

Views over heath in the Awabakal Nature Reserve

Sandy and eroded track on the Awabakal Coastal Walk

Views on the Awabakal Coastal Walk in the Awabakal Nature Reserve

Sandy track intersection near Redhead in the Awabakal Nature Reserve

Leafy track near Collier St in Redhead in the Awabakal Nature Reserve

Looking at Collier St Redhead from the Awabakal Nature Reserve

Awabakal Nature Reserve

Awabakal Nature Reserve covers 227 hectares of coastal heath between Dudley and Redhead. The Awabakal Reserve contains a wide range of habitats including one of the largest remaining coastal heath communities, and also perched lagoons, creek catchments, dry and wet sclerophyll forest[1] and remnants of rainforest. This park was created in January 1978. The coastal viewpoints from the reserve are also great for whale watching, bird watching and wildflower[2] photography. More info.

Awabakal Car Park

The Awabakal car park[3] at the end of Ocean Street, Dudley is a good spot to start a walk within the Awabakal Nature Reserve. The car park[4] contains a turning circle[5] and is fenced amongst open forest[6]. No other facilities exist here. Please do not leave valuables in your vehicle.

(0km) Awabakal Car Park (end of Ocean St, Dudley) → Int of Awabakal Walk & Viewpoint Track

320 m

5 mins

-3m Hard track

From the Awabakal car park[7][8] (end of Ocean St, Dudley), this walk passes around the locked metal gate[9] and follows the track gently downhill. The walk continues through native forest[10] for about 110m until coming to a three-way intersection[11], with a large stand-alone tree[12] and picnic table[13].
Turn right: From the intersection[14], this walk follows the track gently uphill[15], while leaving the stand-alone tree[16] directly behind you and keeping the ocean on your left. This walk continues, undulating through coastal vegetation for about 160m, until coming to a level three-way intersection[17] with a smaller track[18] on the right.

(0km) Int of Awabakal Walk & Lookout Track → Awabakal Viewpoint

160 m

3 mins

-2m Hard track

Veer left: From the intersection[19], this walk follows the wider track[20] gently uphill, while initially passing the narrower, overgrown track[21][22] on the right. This walk continues through attractive natural vegetation[23] for about 150m, to find the end of the wide track[24] and a number of small tracks[25] ahead. Then this walk follows the left-hand track for about 30m, until coming to the Awabakal Viewpoint[26]. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn left.

Awabakal Viewpoint

The Awabakal Viewpoint[27] offers excellent views[28] out over the ocean from its elevated viewpoint. This viewpoint[29] is unfenced and care should therefore be taken. The views are paricular good to the north towards Newcastle. Please stay on the tracks already created to reduce the erosion of the cliff top.

(0km) Int of Awabakal Walk & Lookout Track → Int of Awabakal Walk & Collier St, Redhead

1.6 km

28 mins

18m

-47m Hard track

Veer right: From the intersection[30][31], this walk follows the narrow and overgrown (but well defined) track[32][33], while leaving the wide track behind and keeping the ocean to your left. This walk continues on the overgrown track[34][35][36], undulating gently through attractive native forest and heath[37][38] (with occasional views across the landscape[39][40])(ignoring side tracks[41][42]) for about 1.6km, until coming out of the bush to Collier St[43], Redhead, with a 'No Pets Allowed' sign[44] (on the right).

Maps for the Awabakal Coastal Walk 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.

Wallsend	1:25 000 Map Series	92323S WALLSEND	NSW-92323S
Swansea	1:25 000 Map Series	92314N SWANSEA	NSW-92314N
Newcastle	1:100 000 Map Series	9232 NEWCASTLE	9232
Lake Macquarie	1:100 000 Map Series	9231 LAKE MACQUARIE	9231

Cross sectional view of the Awabakal Coastal Walk bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Awabakal Coastal Walk

Altitude analysis for Awabakal Coastal Walk

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	1.9 km
		Time	45 mins
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Gentle hills with occasional steps (2/6)
		Quality of track	Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
		Signs	Minimal directional signs (4/6)
		Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		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

This whole walk, 1.9km has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track

Around 1.6km of this walk follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely, whilst the remaining 320m follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.

Signs

Around 1.8km of this walk has minimal directional signs, whilst the remaining 140m has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 1.9km requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 1.9km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 1.9km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Awabakal Coastal Walk walk.

Awabakal Viewpoint Walk

948 m Return, 30 mins

This short walk from the Awabakal car park out to the Awabakal Viewpoint offers a relaxing walk through native forest, with a quiet and secluded viewpoint at the end. The native heath throughout this walk is particularly attractive when in flower (July to October). Why not take a blanket and enjoy

Total climbing: 10m

Hard track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Awabakal Coastal Walk walk.

Northern Redhead Beach Walk

1.2 km Circuit, 30 mins

This circuit walk starts at Webb Park and briefly travels on the Owens Walkway, before walking along the beautiful Redhead Beach to the Redhead SLSC. The rock cliffs at the northern end of Redhead Beach are inspiring and attractive to walk underneath. The walk returns to Webb Park via the SLSC car

Total climbing: 15m

Hard track

The Ken and Audrey Owens Walkway

2.4 km Return, 1 Hr

This walk follows a series of concrete and timber footpaths through the pleasant coastal area. This walk starts and finishes at the Webb Park Picnic Area, which has good facilities and shops nearby. The Owens Walkway has been made in conjunction with the Redhead Landcare group. This walk is great

Total climbing: 20m

Very easy

Cain's Timber Bridge Viewpoint Walk

1.3 km Return, 30 mins

This walk takes you beside the Owens wetland and then finishes at a lovely timber bridge over the Owens Creek. You are likely to see many birds on this walk, particularly if you do the walk in the early morning or late afternoon when the birds are most active. This walk is wheelchair accessible an

Total climbing: 4m

Very easy

The Redhead Owens Walkway Circuit

3.2 km Circuit, 1 Hr

This walk visits the Owens Wetland on the Owens Walkway, before entering Redhead Beach and walking north to the Redhead SLSC. The cliffs to the north are worth a closer look. The walk then returns via the Redhead Beach car park, crossing a creek (your feet will get wet) and following the Owens Wal

Total climbing: 26m

Hard track

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

Charlestown Park track head to Merewether

7.9 km One way, 2 hrs 45 mins

Starting from a small park in Charlestown you will follow the Great North Walk through a few reserves and along a Burwood Beach, past the heads to Merewether Beach. Exploring bush around Glenrock lagoon on the Yuelarbah Track, including the Leichhardt’s Lookout are highlights. From this lookout th

Total climbing: 183m

Hard track

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

Merewether to Queens Wharf

4.4 km One way, 1 hr 30 mins

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

Total climbing: 104m

Moderate track

Northern Green Point Circuit

3.8 km Circuit, 1 hr 30 mins

This walk visits two lovely foreshore locations on Lake Macquarie, before gaining height and traveling through eucalyptus forest and then finally descending again to the foreshore. The forest walking is mostly along fire trails adjacent to houses and it is possible to shorten the walk by exiting on

Total climbing: 140m

Hard track

Rocky-high Circuit Walk

666 m Circuit, 30 mins

This short circuit walk offers elevated views over Lake Macquarie from Rocky-high Viewpoint. This walk offers pleasant walking beside Lake Macquarie, as well as on a quiet track inland through eucalyptus forest. If possible, complete this walk close to sunset to take advantage of the views across

Total climbing: 27m

Moderate track

Leichhardt's Green Point Walk

2.4 km Return, 1 Hr

This walk offers the shortest way of walking to Green Point. Starting from the elevated Leichhardt Road in Valentine, the walk descends through eucalyptus forest with some pleasant clearings on the way. Green Point is a great place for picnics and feels as if you can see the entire Lake Macquarie

Total climbing: 84m

Moderate 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