Great North Walk: Charlestown Park track head to Merewether
Awabakal Country

2 h 45 min, 5 h 30 min to 2 days

9.4 km
oneway

↑ 142 m
↓ -237 m

Hard track
Starting from a small park in Charlestown you will follow the Great North Walk through a few reserves and along 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 the track leads down past the edge of the lagoon then along the sandy beach, past Merewether ocean pools. This walk describes a side trip to the scout campsite beside the lagoon for those who have organised to camp there. Let us begin by acknowledging the Awabakal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. 
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Charlestown Park Track head sign. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Charlestown Park. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Charlestown Park aka Aniversery Grove. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Crossing road near Charlestown Park. | Photo by admin, 2010.
GNW beside the Pacific Hwy Charlestown. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Walking along Charles at Charlestown. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Caltex Servo in Charlestown. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Looking into Mulbinga Street. | Photo by admin, 2010.
End of Milson St. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Bridge at the end of Milson Street. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Board walk winding through the bush. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Boardwalk winding along Flaggy creek. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Flaggy Creek Bridge. | Photo by admin, 2010.
GNW track near Flaggy Creek. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Bee Hive in tree. | Photo by admin, 2010.
GNW just west of Guna St. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Crossing Guna St. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Flaggy Creek on The Great North Walk. | Photo by admin, 2010.
GNW near Flaggy Creek. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Enjoying the tall forest. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Bridge and boardwalk near the junction of Flaggy and Tin Hate Creeks. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Great North Walk in Kahibah. | Photo by admin, 2010.
A black Land Mullet on the Great North Walk. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Fernleigh Track. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Old Kahibah Train station sign. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Crossing Burwood Rd. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Great North walk beside Burwood Rd. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Walking into Yuelarbah car park. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Information sign at Yuelarbah car park. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Welcome to Yuelarbah Walking Track. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Top of the Yuelarbah Walking Track. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Tall Boardwalk. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Yuelarbah tree top board walk. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Nice picnic area beside Yuelarbah Walking Track. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Bridge over Flaggy Creek. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Flaggy Creek from Yuelarbah Walking Track. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Flaggy Creek Bridge. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Nice place to rest beside Flaggy Creek on the Yuelarbah Walking Track. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Nice rocks formations on the Yuelarbah Walking Track. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Bridge over Little Flaggy Creek on the Yuelarbah Walking Track. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Crossing Little Flaggy Creek. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Leichhardts Lookout. | Photo by admin, 2010.
View from Leichhardts Lookout . | Photo by admin, 2010.
Steps near Leichhardts Lookout. | Photo by admin, 2010.
step track below Leichhardts Lookout. | Photo by admin, 2010.
One of several bridges on the GNW beside Glenrock Lagoon. | Photo by admin, 2010.
View of Glenrock Lagoon. | Photo by admin, 2010.
GNW sign beside the ocean. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Where Glenrcok Lagoon meets the ocean. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Looing towards Dudley from Glenrock Lagoon. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Puffer fish on beach. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Coal seam on Burwood Beach. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Rock Platform at Merewether. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Rock fishing at Merewether. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Walking below the headland at Merewether. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Walking around to Merewether. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Merewether Baths changing room. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Merewether Baths. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Merewether Baths. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Looking north from near Merewether Baths. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Looking north along Bar Beach. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Swells Cafe. | Photo by admin, 2010.
looking North along Bar Beach. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Downloads GPX PDF

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Safer Bushwalks
Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
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Getting There
Transport options and directions
Full Journey Great North Walk
Start From the Ferris Street (-32.9677968,151.6944058)
Mode Bus Car (There is free parking available.)
DirectionsFrom George Street, North Lambton.
  • Turn on to Newcastle Road, A15, A37 then drive for 175 m
  • Turn right onto Croudace Street, A37 and drive for another 4.7 km
  • Keep left onto Charlestown Road and drive for another 150 m
  • At roundabout, take exit 3 onto Charlestown Road and drive for another 1.1 km
  • Keep left onto Charlestown Road and drive for another 50 m
  • Turn slight left onto Charlestown Road, B57 and drive for another 810 m
  • At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Charlestown Road, B57 and drive for another 260 m
  • Turn right onto Pacific Highway, A43 and drive for another 780 m
  • Turn right onto Ferris Street and drive for another 25 m
Finish (-32.945757,151.7596906)
Mode (end) Car Shuttle   Bus   Car   (There is free parking available.)
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started
From Charlestown Park, this walk follows the 'Newcastle' sign across the Pacific Highway at the traffic lights. The walk then turns left to cross 'Dudley Road' and follow the GNW arrow post along the foot path towards the service station on the Pacific Highway. Just before the service station, this walk turns right to following Charles Street gently downhill.....
Turn map Directions & comments
From the Ferris Street Start (a footpath).
Find the Anniversary Grove at the start.
After 30 m pass the "Charlestown Oval" (on your left).
After another 120 m (from the Charles Street) turn right, to head along Charles Street (a residential road).
After another 115 m (at the intersection of Smith Street & Charles Street) turn right, to head along Smith Street.
After another 40 m (at the intersection of Mulbinga Street & Smith Street) turn left, to head along Mulbinga Street.
After another 600 m (at the intersection of Moto Street & Mulbinga Street) turn left, to head along Moto Street (a highway|tertiary).
After another 85 m (at the intersection of Milson Street & Moto Street) turn right, to head along Milson Street (a residential road).
After another 260 m continue straight.
After another 30 m cross the bridge (about 5 m long)
After another 510 m (from the Guna Street) continue straight.
After another 260 m cross the ford.
After another 125 m veer right.
After another 55 m cross the ford.
Continue straight.
After another 95 m continue straight.
After another 45 m cross the ford.
After another 20 m continue straight.
After another 420 m continue straight.
After another 65 m (from the Whitebridge Main Track) continue straight.
After another 20 m cross the bridge (about 5 m long)
After another 6 m continue straight.
After another 160 m cross the ford.
After another 35 m continue straight.
After another 120 m continue straight.
After another 45 m (from the Fernleigh Track) veer left, to head along Fernleigh Track (a highway|cycleway).
After another 85 m head through the bicycle barrier.
After another 10 m (from the Fernleigh Track) veer right, to head along Fernleigh Track.
After another 10 m (at the intersection of Burwood Road & Fernleigh Track) turn right, to head along Burwood Road (a road).
After another 15 m pass a seat (9 m on your right).
After another 120 m pass the waterfall (20 m on your left).
From the Burwood Road turn left (a service road).
After another 85 m find the "Yuelarbah car park" (on your right).
Yuelarbah car park
Yuelarbah car park

Yuelarbah car park on Burwood Rd, Kahibah is the starting point to a number of walking and MTB tracks within the Glenrock State Conservation Area. There is a sheltered information sign with historical and natural heritage information. There are about 25 parking bays, and a mobility parking bay.
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Yuelarbah car park on Burwood Rd, Kahibah is the starting point to a number of walking and MTB tracks within the Glenrock State Conservation Area. There is a sheltered information sign with historical and natural heritage information. There are about 25 parking bays, and a mobility parking bay.

After another 20 m head through/around the gate.
Then pass the "NPWS Cycling Noticeboard" (5 m on your right).
After another 7 m (at the intersection of Yuelarbah Walking Track & De Luge) turn left, to head along Yuelarbah Walking Track (a walking track).
After another 20 m cross the bridge (about 35 m long)
After another 60 m find the "Trip Hazard" (on your right).
Trip Hazard
Trip Hazard

Between the gravel path and timber boardwalk is a 5cm step, 1.5m wide.
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Between the gravel path and timber boardwalk is a 5cm step, 1.5m wide.

After another 120 m find the "Picnic Table" (8 m on your left).
Picnic Table
Picnic Table

A timber slat picnic table and bench seat. The table is 85cm high, 75cm deep and 2.1m wide. The seats are 54cm high, 29cm deep and 2.1m wide (no backrest). The seat is found about 10m down a rough track (with 13cm step), from the main path.
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A timber slat picnic table and bench seat. The table is 85cm high, 75cm deep and 2.1m wide. The seats are 54cm high, 29cm deep and 2.1m wide (no backrest). The seat is found about 10m down a rough track (with 13cm step), from the main path.

After another 690 m find the "Flaggy Creek picnic area" (40 m on your left).
Flaggy Creek picnic area
Flaggy Creek picnic area

The Flaggy Creek picnic area, is an unsignposted picnic area on the northern side of Flaggy Creek, near the suspension bridge. There are two picnic tables on a large concrete slab. There is a rough track that leads down to the cascades on the creek. There is also a warning sign saying that the creek water may be contaminated from sewerage overflow and swimming is not advised.. It is, however, a very pleasant spot to enjoy the quiet and peacefull valley.
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The Flaggy Creek picnic area, is an unsignposted picnic area on the northern side of Flaggy Creek, near the suspension bridge. There are two picnic tables on a large concrete slab. There is a rough track that leads down to the cascades on the creek. There is also a warning sign saying that the creek water may be contaminated from sewerage overflow and swimming is not advised.. It is, however, a very pleasant spot to enjoy the quiet and peacefull valley.

Then find the "Picnic Table" (25 m on your left).
Picnic Table
Picnic Table

Two timber slat picnic tables with bench seats. The tables are 79cm high, 93cm deep and 2.1m wide. The seats are 44cm high, 30cm deep and 2.1m wide (no backrest). The tables are on a large paved flat area.
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Two timber slat picnic tables with bench seats. The tables are 79cm high, 93cm deep and 2.1m wide. The seats are 44cm high, 30cm deep and 2.1m wide (no backrest). The tables are on a large paved flat area.
After another 35 m (from the Yuelarbah Walking Track) turn right, to head along Yuelarbah Walking Track.
After another 245 m (at the intersection of Yuelarbah Walking Track & Yuelarbah Trail) continue straight, to head along Yuelarbah Walking Track.
After another 85 m pass the waterfall (7 m on your right).
After another 110 m cross the bridge (about 10 m long)
Then pass the waterfall (10 m on your right).
After another 75 m (from the Yuelarbah Walking Track) continue straight, to head along Yuelarbah Walking Track.
After another 15 m find the "Leichhardts Lookout" (5 m on your right).
Leichhardts Lookout
Leichhardts Lookout

Leichhardts Lookout is within the Glenrock State Conservation Area. This lookout is a timber platform, looking east across Glenrock Lagoon and out to the ocean. Leichhardts Lookout is named after Ludwig Leichhardt a Prussian naturalist and explorer who, in 1842, described the view down into Glenrock Lagoon as well as other important geological sightings in the area.
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Leichhardts Lookout is within the Glenrock State Conservation Area. This lookout is a timber platform, looking east across Glenrock Lagoon and out to the ocean. Leichhardts Lookout is named after Ludwig Leichhardt a Prussian naturalist and explorer who, in 1842, described the view down into Glenrock Lagoon as well as other important geological sightings in the area.
After another 1.3 km continue straight.
After another 40 m find the "Glenrock Lagoon & Reserve" (on your left).
Glenrock Lagoon & Reserve
Glenrock Lagoon & Reserve

The Glenrock Lagoon is within the Glenrock State Conservation Area and has a rich history. It was named for 'Glen' meaning narrow valley and 'rock' because of the rocky nature of the valley. The site was first occupied by the local aboriginals of the Awabakal Tribe, who were known to roam and hunt in the Glenrock Lagoon, with evidence near the mouth of the lagoon. The Awabakal Tribe had a large sacred cave, which was filled with paintings, however, these paintings are now gone. Glenrock was the site of the first coal deposits found in Australia. Deep in the valley, there are remnants of the early Colliery. Coal was mined at Glenrock for over 100 years - a good example of this is Smelters Beach, just north of the lagoon exit, which contains historic rail tracks in the cliff side. The Scout camp was established here in 1932, with a 99 year lease and continues today.
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The Glenrock Lagoon is within the Glenrock State Conservation Area and has a rich history. It was named for 'Glen' meaning narrow valley and 'rock' because of the rocky nature of the valley. The site was first occupied by the local aboriginals of the Awabakal Tribe, who were known to roam and hunt in the Glenrock Lagoon, with evidence near the mouth of the lagoon. The Awabakal Tribe had a large sacred cave, which was filled with paintings, however, these paintings are now gone. Glenrock was the site of the first coal deposits found in Australia. Deep in the valley, there are remnants of the early Colliery. Coal was mined at Glenrock for over 100 years - a good example of this is Smelters Beach, just north of the lagoon exit, which contains historic rail tracks in the cliff side. The Scout camp was established here in 1932, with a 99 year lease and continues today.
After another 1 km turn left.
After another 75 m pass the sign (about 20 m ahead).

From the Oyster Hill boardwalk continue straight (a walking track).
After another 35 m turn left.
After another 1.2 km pass the car park (40 m on your left).
From the Great North Walk Bathers Way continue straight, to head along Great North Walk Bathers Way.
After another 20 m pass the picnic table (8 m on your left).
After another 5 m pass a seat (30 m on your right).
After another 65 m (at the intersection of Bathers Way & Great North Walk Bathers Way) continue straight, to head along Bathers Way.
After another 20 m pass a seat (35 m on your right).
After another 15 m pass the shelter (7 m on your left).
From the Bathers Way continue straight, to head along Bathers Way.
After another 65 m (from the Bathers Way) continue straight, to head along Bathers Way.
After another 85 m (from the Bathers Way) continue straight, to head along Bathers Way.
After another 3 m (from the Bathers Way) continue straight, to head along Bathers Way.
After another 50 m (from the Bathers Way) continue straight, to head along Bathers Way.
After another 210 m (from the Bathers Way) continue straight, to head along Bathers Way.
After another 10 m (from the Bathers Way) continue straight, to head along Bathers Way.
After another 25 m pass the "Juicy Beans Cafe" (7 m on your left).
This cafe is wheelchair accessible.
W:www.juicybeanscafe.com.au T:+61 2 49633407
After another 5 m (from the Bathers Way) continue straight, to head along Bathers Way.
After another 325 m (from the Bathers Way) continue straight, to head along Bathers Way.
After another 40 m pass the picnic table (5 m on your left).
After another 20 m (from the Bathers Way) continue straight, to head along Bathers Way.
After another 2 m (from the Bathers Way) turn left (a service road).
About 55 m past the end is a shelter.
About 55 m past the end is a BBQ.
The end.

Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
After another 285 m continue straight.
After another 65 m cross the ford.
After another 25 m head through/around the gate.
After another 310 m come to the end.
About 20 m past the end is "Glenrock Scout Camp".
Glenrock Scout Camp
Glenrock Scout Camp

Glenrock Scout Camp, off Burwood road and within the Glenrock State Conservation Area is owned and operated by the Scouting Association of Australia. The scout camp is located by a beautiful lagoon and is close to the ocean. The scout camp is a great place to stop and relax, with self guided walks and nature trails available close by. At the scout camp there is a public telephone, locked toilets (available upon request), water and sheltered picnic tables. The scout camp has indoor accommodation available. The Overman's Cottage is a large simple cottage, with sleeping on mattress's on the floor and costs $80/day plus $8/person. Also available is the Mac Crumb Room, which is for adults only, has 8 bunks and has a self contained kitchen and toilet. The Mac Crumb Room costs $80/day plus $10/person. Camping is for Scouts only. Please contact the Hunter and Coastal Regional Office (02 4929 1760) for information and to make a booking. The on site resident is also available (02 49447303).
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Glenrock Scout Camp, off Burwood road and within the Glenrock State Conservation Area is owned and operated by the Scouting Association of Australia. The scout camp is located by a beautiful lagoon and is close to the ocean. The scout camp is a great place to stop and relax, with self guided walks and nature trails available close by. At the scout camp there is a public telephone, locked toilets (available upon request), water and sheltered picnic tables. The scout camp has indoor accommodation available. The Overman's Cottage is a large simple cottage, with sleeping on mattress's on the floor and costs $80/day plus $8/person. Also available is the Mac Crumb Room, which is for adults only, has 8 bunks and has a self contained kitchen and toilet. The Mac Crumb Room costs $80/day plus $10/person. Camping is for Scouts only. Please contact the Hunter and Coastal Regional Office (02 4929 1760) for information and to make a booking. The on site resident is also available (02 49447303).

Turn around and retrace your steps back the 680 m to the main route.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Great North Walk: Charlestown Park track head to Merewether


Grading
Class 4/6
Hard track
Length 9.4 km
Time 2 h 45 min, 5 h 30 min to 2 days
Quality of track Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
Gradient Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
Weather Foretasted & unexpected storms and severe weather may impact on navigation and safety (4/6)

Some facilities on route
Campsite: There is one 6.4 km (plus an extra 690 m along side route) from the start.

Shelter: There are 2 on route, on average they are 3.1 km apart with the largest gap of 8.6 km.

Seat: There are 3 on route, on average they are 2.4 km apart with the largest gap of 5.1 km.


Order of key facilities on route
ItemFrom StartName & link to notes
Seat
3.4 km[seat]
Campsite
6.4 km + 690 mGlenrock Scout Camp
Seat
8.5 km[seat]
Seat
8.6 km[seat]
Shelter
8.6 km[shelter]
Shelter
9.4 km[shelter]
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Articles
Discover more details to thrive on track
Charlestown Park
'Charlestown Park', by the Pacific Highway in Charlestown, offers a picnic table, shelter, barbeque and war memorial. Charlestown Park is also known and signposted as 'Anniversary Grove'.
Yuelarbah car park
Yuelarbah car park on Burwood Rd, Kahibah is the starting point to a number of walking and MTB tracks within the Glenrock State Conservation Area. There is a sheltered information sign with historical and natural heritage information. There are about 25 parking bays, and a mobility parking bay.
Leichhardts Lookout
Leichhardts Lookout is within the Glenrock State Conservation Area. This lookout is a timber platform, looking east across Glenrock Lagoon and out to the ocean. Leichhardts Lookout is named after Ludwig Leichhardt a Prussian naturalist and explorer who, in 1842, described the view down into Glenrock Lagoon as well as other important geological sightings in the area.
Glenrock Lagoon & Reserve
The Glenrock Lagoon is within the Glenrock State Conservation Area and has a rich history. It was named for 'Glen' meaning narrow valley and 'rock' because of the rocky nature of the valley. The site was first occupied by the local aboriginals of the Awabakal Tribe, who were known to roam and hunt in the Glenrock Lagoon, with evidence near the mouth of the lagoon. The Awabakal Tribe had a large sacred cave, which was filled with paintings, however, these paintings are now gone. Glenrock was the site of the first coal deposits found in Australia. Deep in the valley, there are remnants of the early Colliery. Coal was mined at Glenrock for over 100 years - a good example of this is Smelters Beach, just north of the lagoon exit, which contains historic rail tracks in the cliff side. The Scout camp was established here in 1932, with a 99 year lease and continues today.
Glenrock Scout Camp
Glenrock Scout Camp, off Burwood road and within the Glenrock State Conservation Area is owned and operated by the Scouting Association of Australia. The scout camp is located by a beautiful lagoon and is close to the ocean. The scout camp is a great place to stop and relax, with self guided walks and nature trails available close by. At the scout camp there is a public telephone, locked toilets (available upon request), water and sheltered picnic tables. The scout camp has indoor accommodation available. The Overman's Cottage is a large simple cottage, with sleeping on mattress's on the floor and costs $80/day plus $8/person. Also available is the Mac Crumb Room, which is for adults only, has 8 bunks and has a self contained kitchen and toilet. The Mac Crumb Room costs $80/day plus $10/person. Camping is for Scouts only. Please contact the Hunter and Coastal Regional Office (02 4929 1760) for information and to make a booking. The on site resident is also available (02 49447303).
Merewether Baths
Merewether Baths, located off Henderson Parade in Merewether, have a long history of swimming for the people of Newcastle. The baths are open to the ocean and therefore conditions will be variable. There are toilets, some shelter and seats available here. The baths are open year round (subject to maintenance and cleaning) and are patrolled from 9am to 5pm from 25 September 2010 to 25 April 2011. The current baths were opened in 1935 , to replace the original baths just to the north. Both the original and newer baths are used year round.
Swell Cafe
Swell cafe is located right on the beach (with the Merewether Surf Lifesaving Club above it) and just off John Parade in Merewether. Swell cafe offers fresh juices, cafe food, a toilet and water.
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