Mt Sugarloaf Northern Track

Download & Print Map and Notes

1 hr 45 mins

3.8 km Circuit

195 m

Moderate track

This walk takes you away from the Mt Sugarloaf summit, to visit a quieter viewpoint. This longer walk initially visits the western viewpoint, before traversing northward to eventually arrive at the northern viewpoint. From here, the walk gradually descends to the Lower Mt Sugarloaf car park and then gradually ascends back up to the Mt Sugarloaf car park. A walk for those with a little bit more time or wanting to find a quieter corner of Mt Sugarloaf.

Pond at Mt Sugarloaf car park near Newcastle

Information sign and map of Mt Sugarloaf near Newcastle

Picnic table at Mt Sugarloaf car park near Newcastle

Toilet block near the Mt Sugarloaf car park

Northern Road near Mt Sugarloaf car park

Locked gate and green track marker near Mt Sugarloaf car park

Green metal track markers near Mt Sugarloaf

Green track on Mt Sugarloaf near Newcastle

View through trees on the Green track walk near Mt Sugarloaf

Flowers near the western viewpoint close to Newcastle

View from the western viewpoint near Mt Sugarloaf

Forest and views behind near Mt Sugarloaf

Track to the northern viewpoint near Mt Sugarloaf

Norther viewpoint view near Mt Sugarloaf

Lower Mt Sugarloaf car park and concrete post

Mt Sugarloaf road and Mt Sugarloaft picnic area beyond

Grassy slopes through the Mt Sugarloaf picnic area

Yellow stone monument near Mt Sugarloaf car park

Mount Sugarloaf Car Park

Mount Sugarloaf car park is located in West Wallsend (25km west of Newcastle) and offers fabulous views[1] of the surrounding countryside. This car park is the starting point for many walks around Mount Sugarloaf. There is a pond[2], information sign[3] and great views to the east. More info.

(0km) Mt Sugarloaf Carpark → Yellow Stone Monument

30 m

1 mins

0m Easy track

From the car park[4], this walk follows the road gently downhill out of the car park, while keeping the pond on your left. The road is followed for about 35m, until coming to a four-way intersection[5], with a yellow stone monument[6] (on your right).

(0km) Int of Mt Sugarloaf Rd & Yellow Stone Monument → Int of Sugarloaf & Northern Rd

120 m

2 mins

-12m Easy track

Continue straight: From the yellow stone monument[7], this walk follows the road gently downhill and directly away from the car park. The walk continues along the road (passing a toilet block[8] on the right) and after about 100m, comes to a three-way intersection[9] with a road[10] (on the left).

(0km) Int of Sugarloaf & Northern Rd → Int of Northern Rd & Green Track

60 m

1 mins

-5m Easy track

Turn sharp left: From the intersection[11], this walk follows the road gently downhill[12], keeping the valley on your right. After about 70m, the walk comes to a three-way intersection[13], with a locked gate[14] and green-headed metal track markers[15] (on the left).

(0km) Int of Northern Rd & Green Track → Int of Green & Blue Tracks

520 m

11 mins

18m

-26m Moderate track

Turn left : From the intersection[16], this walk passes between green metal posts[17] and follows the track gently uphill[18] (passing a 'Sugarloaf Conservation Area' sign[19] after 20m). After about 100m, the track descends gently[20] into a dry creek. The track continues gently uphill[21] (although it is initially moderately steep[22]) through regrowth forest[23] (ignoring side tracks[24]) for about 400m, until coming to a flat three-way intersection[25] and views directly ahead.

(1km) Int of Green & Blue Tracks → Western Viewpoint

80 m

2 mins

-12m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection[26], this walk follows the track gently downhill[27], with the valley on your left. After about 60m, the walk comes to the partially-fenced western lookout[28] (with metal posts but missing railings[29]).

Western viewpoint

The western viewpoint at Mt Sugarloaf offers good views out to the surrounding inland plains and in the distance, to the Watagans on the Great Dividing range. This viewpoint is unfenced, although it has metal posts which are missing cable. This would be a great place to watch a sunset.

(1km) Western Viewpoint → Int of Blue & Northern Picnic Area Tracks

610 m

13 mins

22m

-26m Moderate track

Turn right: From the western lookout[30], this walk follows the track[31], while keeping the hill on your right and the valley on your left. The track undulates gently along a narrow rocky track[32] through forest, until coming to a three-way intersection[33], with a stepped track[34] (on the right).

(1km) Int of Blue & Northern Picnic Area Tracks → Int of Blue AND Purple Tracks

360 m

7 mins

-31m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection[35], this walk follows the track[36], while keeping the hill on your right and the valley on your left. The track continues (undulating gently) for about 90m, to a viewpoint[37] (on the left). The track heads north[38] (past the viewpoint) and after about 45m comes to a narrow track[39] with a white metal track marker[40] (on the left).
Continue straight: From the white metal track marker[41], this walk follows the track[42] gently downhill (passing a 'cliff warning' sign[43] on your left after about 10m). The wide track is followed for about 190m, until coming to a three-way intersection[44], with a track[45] (on the left).

(2km) Int of Blue & Purple Tracks → Northern Viewpoint

60 m

2 mins

-15m Hard track

Veer left: From the intersection[46], this walk follows the track north and steeply down the ridge[47]. The track continues (with occasional timber step[48]) for about 60m, until coming to the northern viewpoint[49]. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Veer left.

Northern viewpoint

The northern viewpoint is located on a steep rocky ridge (750m north of Mt Sugarloaf), where the ground drops away to the north. This is a quieter viewpoint than those closer to the Mount Sugarloaf summit.

(2km) Int of Blue AND Purple Tracks → Int of Purple AND Lower Mt Sugarloaf Carpark Tracks

1.2 km

31 mins

80m

-80m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection[50], this walk follows the wide track gently downhill[51], while keeping the valley on your left. The track is followed through regrowth forest (crossing over two dry creeks[52] and one culverted creek) for about 1.1km, until coming to a three-way intersection[53], with a track[54] (on the right).

(3km) Int of Purple AND Lower Mt Sugarloaf Carpark Tracks → Int of Purple Track AND Lower Mt Sugarloaf Carpark

70 m

2 mins

-1m Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection[55], this walk follows the track up a moderately steep hill, towards stone bollards (on the horizon). This walk continues up for about 20m, to pass between stone bollards and into the Lower Mt Sugarloaf car park. This walk continues across the car park for about 30m, until coming to Mt Sugarloaf Rd.

(3km) Int of Mt Sugarloaf Rd & Lower Mt Sugarloaf Carpark → Int of Mt Sugarloaf & Sugarloaf Range Rd

520 m

11 mins

36m

-1m Easy track

Turn right: From the Lower Mt Sugarloaf Car park[56] (on Mt Sugarloaf Rd), this walk follows the road gently uphill[57], while keeping the car park on your right. The walk continues along the road (the road goes gently downhill[58] at one stage) for about 400m, until coming to a three-way intersection[59], with Sugarloaf Range Rd (on the left).

(4km) Int of Mt Sugarloaf AND Sugarloaf Range Rd → Int of Mt Sugarloaf Rd AND Mt Sugarloaf Picnic Area Track

60 m

2 mins

0m Easy track

Continue straight: From the intersection[60], this walk follows the road gently uphill[61], keeping Sugarloaf Range Rd on your left. Then this walk continues along the road for about 60m, until coming to a stepped track[62] into a picnic area[63] (just as the road bends to the right[64] and about 30m before a 'Mt Sugarloaf Lookout' sign[65]).

(4km) Int of Mt Sugarloaf Rd AND Mt Sugarloaf Picnic Area Track → Yellow Stone Monument

140 m

4 mins

23m

0m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection[66], this walk follows grassy slopes gently uphill[67] (initially up some steps) and directly away from Mt Sugarloaf Rd. Then this walk follows the grassy slopes through trees[68] and picnic tables[69] for about 140m, until coming to the yellow stone monument[70] (near the Mt Sugarloaf car park[71]).

(4km) Yellow Stone Monument → Mt Sugarloaf Carpark

30 m

1 mins

-1m Easy track

Turn left: From the intersection[72] and yellow stone monument, this walk follows the road gently uphill, keeping the yellow stone monument on your left. The road is followed for about 35m to the Mt Sugarloaf car park[73].

Maps for the Mt Sugarloaf Northern Track 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
Newcastle	1:100 000 Map Series	9232 NEWCASTLE	9232

Cross sectional view of the Mt Sugarloaf Northern Track bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Mt Sugarloaf Northern Track

Altitude analysis for Mt Sugarloaf Northern Track

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	3.8 km
		Time	1 hr 45 mins
		.
Grade 3/6 Moderate track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		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

Around 3.7km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps, whilst the remaining 140m has short steep hills.

Quality of track

Around 2.3km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail, whilst the remaining 1.5km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.

Signs

Around 3km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 820m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 2.7km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 1.1km requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 3.8km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 2.1km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 1.8km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Mt Sugarloaf Northern Track walk.

Mt Sugarloaf Summit

534 m Return, 30 mins

This summit walk to Mt Sugarloaf offers fabulous 360 degree views and is highly recommended. This short but steep walk follows a wide trail, which narrows to become fenced steps directly to the summit. From the summit, you can see across the surrounding plains, with the views of Newcastle, Lake Ma

Total climbing: 48m

Moderate track

Mt Sugarloaf Red Track

800 m Circuit, 1 Hr

A must do if you’re in the area, this walk travels through particularly attractive forest as it circumnavigates the summit of Mt Sugarloaf. The side trip to the summit of Mt Sugarloaf would best be done first, followed by a leisurely walk along the track. There are many picnic options, either duri

Total climbing: 43m

Moderate track

Mt Sugarloaf Green Track

1.8 km Circuit, 1 hr 30 mins

This longer walk travels though gentle forest, with many opportunities for picnics. Primarily in forest, this walk occasionally offers views out to the surrounding plains. The side trip to the western viewpoint (unfenced) is particularly recommended as the views are fabulous. This walk is mostl

Total climbing: 73m

Moderate track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Mt Sugarloaf Northern Track walk.

Teralba to Charlestown Park track head

13.3 km One way, 4 hrs 30 mins

This section of the Great North Walk starts from the Teralba train station and winds down and around the edge of Lake Macquarie. The walk passes through the Cockle reserve, and continues to Warners bay and up along the roads, before cutting through the bush to Charlestown, where it winds around the

Total climbing: 220m

Moderate 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

Heaton Gap to Teralba station

14.8 km One way, 6 hrs

This section of the Great North Walk starts from Heaton Gap near the Watagan Forest Motel, and winds east, towards Newcastle. The walk passes through the Awaba State Forest and past the Sugarloaf range, down into Wakefield and on to Teralba, a pleasant town on the edge of Lake Macquarie. Accommodati

Total climbing: 460m

Hard 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

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

Mangrove Boardwalk to Schoolmasters House

1.2 km Return, 30 mins

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

Very easy

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

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Mt Sugarloaf Northern Track walk starts and ends at the Mt Sugarloaf Carpark (gps: -32.890649, 151.53942)

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

Weather Forecast

This walk starts in the Hunter weather district.

Current Alerts

Park Information

Heaton State Forest

Boardering Watagan national Park, Heaton State forest is home to many great lookouts. There sre many highpoints with cliff edges giving great views across the Hunter valley and Lake Macquarie.

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