Green Point Circuit Walk
Download & Print Map and Notes
3 hrs
7.7 km Circuit
269 m
Hard track
Green Point Foreshore Reserve on Lake Macquarie
The Green Point Foreshore Reserve on Lake Macquarie is a great place for a bush walk, bicycle or picnic. The Green Point Foreshore reserve offers many historical and environmentally interpretative signs along its multi use pathways. There is an unformed foreshore pathway beside Lake Macquarie, or more physically demanding walks away from the lake foreshore and into rainforest.
Historically, the Green Point area was involved in a coal rush from the 1860’s. This coal rush was spearheaded by the Cardiff Coal Company. Coal was proposed to be transported by barge to Threlkeld’s old wharf at Reid’s Mistake (Swansea Heads) for shipping to Sydney. However, the coal was poor quality ‘boiler coal’ and used mostly for steamer boilers. This coal rush finished in 1870. Timber was also milled on site after the coal rush. The Lake Macquarie Council is undergoing extensive rehabilitation works to improve the area for recreation. For more information contact the Lake Macquarie Visitor Information Centre on (02) 4921 0740 More info.
The Car Park (off The Shores Way, Green Point)
The Shores Way park entrance[1] and car park[2] is a great place to start a walk within the Green Point Foreshore Reserve on Lake Macquarie. The park entrance offers a toilet[3], a water tap[4], seating and plenty of car parking. There are attractive grass slopes here dropping into the water, that make a fine spot to have a picnic.
(0km) The Shores Way Car Park → Int of Foreshore Track AND Jetty Picnic Area
550 m
10 mins
10m
-13m
Moderate track
From the car park[5](on The Shores Way, Green Point), this walk heads towards the lake[6] past the toilet block[7] and along the footpath for 25m, to a four-way intersection[8] with a ‘Welcome to Green Point Foreshore Reserve’ sign[9] (on the right).
Turn right: From the intersection[10], this walk follows the shared concrete cycle/footpath gently downhill, while keeping the Shores Way car park[11] on your right and the water[12] on your left. This walk continues, undulating[13] for about 500m, until coming to the Jetty picnic area[14] on the right and jetty[15] on your left.
Turn right: From the intersection[10], this walk follows the shared concrete cycle/footpath gently downhill, while keeping the Shores Way car park[11] on your right and the water[12] on your left. This walk continues, undulating[13] for about 500m, until coming to the Jetty picnic area[14] on the right and jetty[15] on your left.
Jetty Picnic Area
The Jetty Picnic area[16] in the Green Point Foreshore Reserve on Lake Macquarie offers a public jetty[17], a sheltered picnic table[18], seating[19][20], a drinking fountain[21] and historical interpretative signs[22]. The historical signs detail the ‘timber getting’ period of Green Point from 1860, with the timber used to build jetty’s, pit prop for coal mining, ships and boats. There is also an historical sign detailing ‘The Cardiff Coal Company’, which mined coal out of Green Point during a minor coal rush.
(0.55km) Jetty Picnic Area (Green Point Foreshore Reserve) → Int of Foreshore Track & Sea Eagle Park
260 m
5 mins
9m
-6m
Easy track
Sea Eagle Park
Sea Eagle Park in Green Point Foreshore Reserve on Lake Macquarie is a large grassed picnic area[27], with a toilet[28], sheltered picnic tables[29], water from a tap[30][31] and gas/electric barbeque’s[32]. This picnic area is particularly good for larger family group, for there is room to play ball games or just sit and look at the views. The short walk up to the Sea Eagle Lookouts is recommended for the commanding views south towards Swansea.
(0.8km) Int of Foreshore Track & Sea Eagle Park → Int of Foreshore AND Green Point Drive Tracks
280 m
6 mins
17m
-4m
Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection[33], this walk follows the footpath gently uphill[34], while keeping Sea Eagle Park[35] on your right. This walk continues for about 70m, until coming to a three-way intersection[36] with a track and ‘Lookout’ sign on your right and a ‘Getting about at Green Point’ sign[37] on your left.
Continue straight: From the intersection[38][39], this walk follows the ‘Rainforest Boardwalk 1130m’ sign[40] and footpath gently downhill and keeping the ‘Getting about at Green Point’ sign[41] on your left. This walk continues, undulating for about 180m, until coming to a three-way intersection[42], with a gently downhill gravel track[43] on the right and the concrete footpath[44] continuing to the right.
Continue straight: From the intersection[38][39], this walk follows the ‘Rainforest Boardwalk 1130m’ sign[40] and footpath gently downhill and keeping the ‘Getting about at Green Point’ sign[41] on your left. This walk continues, undulating for about 180m, until coming to a three-way intersection[42], with a gently downhill gravel track[43] on the right and the concrete footpath[44] continuing to the right.
(1.08km) Int of Foreshore & Green Point Drive Tracks → Green Point
750 m
14 mins
8m
-32m
Moderate track
Turn left: From the intersection[45][46], this walk follows the gently downhill gravel track and timber steps, while leaving behind the concrete footpath[47] and ‘Green Point Drive’ sign[48]. This walk continues, undulating moderately steeply[49] (ignoring side tracks[50]) through open eucalyptus forest and with occasional short sections of timber boardwalk[51], for about 600m, until crossing over a timber footbridge[52] by the lake[53] and coming to the open grassy area[54] of Green Point[55].
Turn left: From the intersection[56], this walk follows the track towards Green Point[57] (and the water), while leaving the forest[58] directly behind you. This walk continues for about 60m, passing across grasslands[59] and towards a small clump of She Oak trees[60], until coming to the lake edge[61] and Green Point.
Turn left: From the intersection[56], this walk follows the track towards Green Point[57] (and the water), while leaving the forest[58] directly behind you. This walk continues for about 60m, passing across grasslands[59] and towards a small clump of She Oak trees[60], until coming to the lake edge[61] and Green Point.
Green Point (on Lake Macquarie)
Green Point in the Green Point Foreshore Reserve on Lake Macquarie is a large grassed area[62] which looks out over Lake Macquarie. From the vantage point of Green Point, a walker can see up and down Lake Macquarie[63]. There are often boats passing by this low headland. This is a fabulous place to have a picnic and there is even a clump of She Oak trees[64] by the water for shade. There are no facilities here, other than the open grassed area.
(1.83km) Green Point → Int of Fore Shore & Coast Tracks
630 m
13 mins
22m
-15m
Hard track
Turn around: From Green Point (by the lake[65] and small clump of She Oak trees[66][67]), this walk follows the track across grasslands and towards the forest. This walk continues for about 60m, until coming to a four-way intersection[68][69] with a track and forest ahead.
Turn left: From the intersection[70], this walk follows the track[71], while keeping the lake and water on your left. This walk continues for about 210m, then passes over a timber boardwalk[72] and bridge (with good views over the lake). Then this walk continues for about 160m through forest[73] before climbing gently up and down timber steps[74]. After a further 60m, this walk climbs gently up eroded timber steps[75], then after another 60m, comes to a track[76][77] (on the right) as you are walking down timber steps.
Turn left: From the intersection[70], this walk follows the track[71], while keeping the lake and water on your left. This walk continues for about 210m, then passes over a timber boardwalk[72] and bridge (with good views over the lake). Then this walk continues for about 160m through forest[73] before climbing gently up and down timber steps[74]. After a further 60m, this walk climbs gently up eroded timber steps[75], then after another 60m, comes to a track[76][77] (on the right) as you are walking down timber steps.
(2.46km) Int of Fore Shore & Coast Tracks → Int of Fore Shore & Short Cut Tracks
90 m
2 mins
1m
-5m
Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection[78][79], this walk follows the timber steps[80] gently downhill, while keeping the lake on your left. This walk continues through forest for about 35m, to find a timber boardwalk[81] and bridge[82] (with views of the lake). Then this walk continues for about 20m, climbing up timber steps[83] and following a track for a further about 50m, until coming to a three-way intersection[84], with a track and ‘mangrove seed symbol’ signed[85] timber post (on the right).
(2.55km) Int of Fore Shore AND Short Cut Tracks → Rockyhigh Viewpoint
120 m
2 mins
6m
-1m
Moderate track
Veer left: From the intersection[86], this walk follows the track while initially keeping the ‘mangrove seed symbol’ signed[87] timber post on the right and lake on the left. This walk continues for about 90m, undulating gently, to climb moderately steeply up timber steps[88] (with a metal ring fence[89]). This walk continues for 20m until coming to Rockyhigh Viewpoint[90], with a bench seat[91] (on the right) and views[92] over the lake (on the left).
(2.66km) Rockyhigh Viewpoint → Int of Foreshore Track & Dilkera Ave Reserve Entrance
210 m
4 mins
8m
-7m
Moderate track
Continue straight: From Rockyhigh Viewpoint[95][96], this walk follows the track[97] moderately steeply downhill (beside a metal ring fence[98]), while keeping the water on your left. This walk continues for about 190m, undulating gently through forest[99], until coming to a T-intersection[100] with a concrete footpath and ‘Welcome to Green Point Fore Shore Reserve’ sign[101] (on the right)(Dilkera Ave[102] is visible directly ahead).
Green Point Reserve Entrance (Dilkera Avenue, Valentine)
The Dilkera Avenue entrance (in Valentine) to Green Point Foreshore Reserve offers access to both walking and bicycling paths. There is car parking and a large grassed park overlooking Lake Macquarie, a great spot to sit or have a picnic. A short walk away in the Green Point Reserve is Rockyhigh Viewpoint over Lake Macquarie, which is fabulous at sunset.
(2.87km) Int of Foreshore Track & Dilkera Ave Reserve Entrance → Int of Fore Shore & Short Cut Tracks
340 m
9 mins
13m
-19m
Moderate track
Turn sharp right: From the intersection[103], this walk follows the footpath gently uphill, while initially keeping the ‘Welcome to Green Point Fore Shore Reserve’ sign[104][105] on your right. This walk continues (with houses[106] initially on the left) through forest for about 140m, until coming to a track[107] (on the right and just before a ‘steep bike riding’ sign[108].
Turn right: From the intersection[109], this walk follows the track gently downhill[110], while leaving the concrete foot path and initially leaving the ‘steep bike riding’ sign[111] (on your left). This walk continues through forest[112] for about 180m, until coming to a three-way intersection[113] with a track and ‘Mangrove Seed Symbol’ timber posted sign[114] (on the right).
Turn right: From the intersection[109], this walk follows the track gently downhill[110], while leaving the concrete foot path and initially leaving the ‘steep bike riding’ sign[111] (on your left). This walk continues through forest[112] for about 180m, until coming to a three-way intersection[113] with a track and ‘Mangrove Seed Symbol’ timber posted sign[114] (on the right).
(3.21km) Int of Fore Shore & Short Cut Tracks → Int of Fore Shore & Coast Tracks
90 m
2 mins
5m
-1m
Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection[115][116], this walk follows the track through forest, while keeping the lake on your right. This walk continues through forest for about 50m, to descend timber steps[117] and then continues for a further 20m, to find a timber boardwalk[118] and bridge[119] (with views of the lake). Then this walk continues for about 35m, until climbing gently up timber steps[120][121] and coming to a track[122][123] (on the left) midway up the steps.
(3.3km) Int of Fore Shore and Coast Tracks → Int of Leichhardt Trail & Coast Track
300 m
6 mins
30m
-3m
Hard track
Turn left : From the intersection[124][125], this walk follows the track[126] gently uphill into forest, while leaving the timber steps[127] and Lake Macquarie directly behind you. This walk continues for about 300m (ignoring side tracks[128]), becoming moderately steeply uphill, until coming to a three-way intersection[129][130] with a trail and fenced houses directly ahead.
(3.61km) Int of Leichhardt Trail & Coast Track → Int of Leichhardt Trail & Roma Track
130 m
3 mins
7m
-8m
Easy track
Turn right: From the intersection[131][132], this walk follows the trail gently uphill, while initially keeping the track[133] (into the forest) on your right and the houses[134] on your left. This walk continues through forest (becoming moderately steeply uphill) for about 140m, until coming to a three-way intersection[135][136], with a locked gate (on the left) and a ‘Green Point Fire Trail’ sign[137] (on the right).
(3.73km) Int of Leichhardt Trail & Roma Track → Int of Leichhardt Trail & Upper Leichhardt Track
440 m
9 mins
31m
-6m
Moderate track
Veer right: From the intersection[138][139], this walk follows the trail moderately steeply downhill, while initially keeping the concrete foot path and locked gate[140] (on the left) and the valley (on the right). This walk continues for about 400m, undulating moderately steeply with houses on the left, until coming to a three-way intersection[141][142][143] (where the trail turns right) with a gently uphill track.
(4.17km) Int of Leichhardt Trail & Upper Leichhardt Track → Int of Green Point Track & Leichhardt Trai
380 m
8 mins
7m
-24m
Easy track
Turn right: From the intersection[144][145], this walk follows the trail gently uphill, while initially leaving the gently uphill track[146] on your left and keeping the houses[147] on your left. This walk continues, undulating for 300m, until coming to a three-way intersection[148], with a concrete foot path[149] between houses (on the left) and ‘Green Point Fire Trail’ sign[150] (on the right).
Continue straight: From the intersection[151], this walk follows the ‘Green Point Fire Trail’ sign[152] and concrete footpath gently downhill. This walk then continues, with houses on the left, for about 70m until coming to a three-way intersection[153] with a trail[154] (on the left) and footpath[155] continuing into forest (on the right).
Continue straight: From the intersection[151], this walk follows the ‘Green Point Fire Trail’ sign[152] and concrete footpath gently downhill. This walk then continues, with houses on the left, for about 70m until coming to a three-way intersection[153] with a trail[154] (on the left) and footpath[155] continuing into forest (on the right).
(4.55km) Int of Green Point Track & Leichhardt Trail → Int of Green Point & Zig Zag Tracks
840 m
18 mins
13m
-44m
Moderate track
Turn right: From the intersection[156], this walk follows the concrete footpath[157] moderately steeply downhill, while initially keeping the trail[158] on your left and houses[159] directly behind you. This walk continues, zigzagging[160] for about 130m (passing a metal seat[161]) to come to a small heath clearing[162] (on the right). Then this walk continues gently downhill through forest for about 400m (ignoring side tracks[163]), until coming to a three-way intersection[164] with a track and ‘Walk Safe/Cycle Safe’ sign[165] (on the right).
(5.39km) Int of Green Point & Zig Zag Tracks → Int of Green Point Drive & Green Point Tracks
840 m
16 mins
47m
-10m
Very easy
Continue straight: From the intersection[166], this walk follows the footpath gently uphill, while initially keeping the track and ‘Walk Safe/Cycle Safe’ sign[167] on your right. This walk continues for about 600m, (ignoring side tracks[168]) to find the footpath bend to the right and grasslands[169] open up (on the left). Then this walk continues for about 230m, with grasslands[170] opening up on both sides, until coming to a three-way intersection[171], with a ‘Green Point Drive Entry’ sign[172] (on the left) and metal seat[173] (directly ahead).
(6.23km) Int of Green Point Drive & Green Point Tracks → Int of Lookout & Linkage Tracks
240 m
5 mins
9m
-9m
Easy track
Turn right: From the intersection[174], this walk follows the ‘Sea Eagle Lookout & Picnic Area’ sign[175] gently downhill across grasslands, while keeping the views[176] on your right. This walk continues for about 60m and then enters forest[177]. Then this walk continues for about 100m until coming to a three-way intersection[178][179] with a ‘Lookout’ sign (on the right).
Turn left: From the intersection[180][181], this walk follows the ‘Lookout’ sign[182] and footpath gently uphill. This walk continues through forest for about 80m to pass a picnic table[183] (on the right), until coming to a three-way intersection[184][185] with a track[186] (on the left and just before metal fencing[187].
Turn left: From the intersection[180][181], this walk follows the ‘Lookout’ sign[182] and footpath gently uphill. This walk continues through forest for about 80m to pass a picnic table[183] (on the right), until coming to a three-way intersection[184][185] with a track[186] (on the left and just before metal fencing[187].
(6.48km) Int of Lookout Track and Lookout Footpath → Upper Lookout (Sea Eagle Park)
50 m
1 mins
2m
-8m
Very easy
Sea Eagle Park Lookouts (lower, middle & upper)
These three lookouts (lower, middle and upper lookouts) are above Sea Eagle Park in Green Point Foreshore Reserve on Lake Macquarie and give great views[193][194] across Lake Macquarie towards Swansea. The upper lookout has a picnic table[195] in the shade behind the lookout, which gives relief on a hot day. The upper lookout also a picnic table[196] at the lookout, offering fabulous views to the south. Each of these lookouts has a bench seat and interpretative signs[197]. White Bellied Sea Eagles have been known to nest nearby and are often seen flying in the area.
(6.48km) Int of Lookout & Linkage Tracks → Int of The Shores Way & Crown St
870 m
17 mins
26m
-32m
Moderate track
Turn left : From the intersection[198][199][200], this walk follows the gravel track gently uphill, while leaving the concrete foot path and keeping the viewpoint directly behind you. This walk continues through forest for about 60m, to veer right at a open gravel clearing[201] (with vandalized timber post). Then this walk continues, undulating along a forest[202] covered ridge (ignoring side tracks) and passing vandalized timber posts[203] for about 700m, until coming to a three-way intersection[204][205][206], with a faint track (into grassland[207] on the left).
Continue straight: From the intersection[208][209], this walk follows the track gently downhill, while initially keeping the faint track[210] (into grassland) on your left. This walk continues through forest (passing a leaf symbol post[211]) for about 100m, until coming down timber steps and coming to a four-way intersection[212][213], with Crown St and The Shores Way.
Continue straight: From the intersection[208][209], this walk follows the track gently downhill, while initially keeping the faint track[210] (into grassland) on your left. This walk continues through forest (passing a leaf symbol post[211]) for about 100m, until coming down timber steps and coming to a four-way intersection[212][213], with Crown St and The Shores Way.
(7.35km) Int of The Shores Way AND Crown St → The Car Park (off The Shores Way, Green Point)
320 m
8 mins
0m
-29m
Very easy
Turn right: From the corner of The Shores Way and Crown Street, [214], this walk follows The Shores Way moderately steeply downhill, while initially keeping the timber steps and ‘Lake Macquarie’ sign[215] on the right. This walk continues (passing The Capstan and The Mainsail streets) for 250m, to turn left into the Green Point Foreshore Reserve car park[216]. Then this walk continues gently downhill for 90m, until coming to the toilet block[217][218].
Maps for the Green Point Circuit 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.
| Swansea | 1:25 000 Map Series | 92314N SWANSEA | NSW-92314N |
| Lake Macquarie | 1:100 000 Map Series | 9231 LAKE MACQUARIE | 9231 |
Cross sectional view of the Green Point Circuit Walk bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Green Point Circuit 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 | 7.7 km | ||
| Time | 3 hrs | ||
| . | |||
| Grade 4/6 Hard track |
AS 2156.1 | Gradient | Short steep hills (3/6) |
| Quality of track | Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6) | ||
| 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 (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6) |
Some more details of this walks Grading
Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk
Gradient
3.2km of this walk has short steep hills and another 2.9km has gentle hills with occasional steps. The remaining (1.6km) is flat with no steps.
Quality of track
3.3km of this walk follows a smooth and hardened path and another 3.1km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. The remaining (1.3km) follows a clear and well formed track or trail.
Signs
3.7km of this walk is clearly signposted and another 3.2km has directional signs at most intersection. The remaining (850m) has minimal directional signs.
Experience Required
Around 7km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 970m requires some bushwalking experience.
weather
This whole walk, 8km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).
Infrastructure
4.8km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) and another 2.6km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced). The remaining (300m) has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged).
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Plan your trip to and from the walk here
The Green Point Circuit Walk walk starts and ends at the The Shores Way Car Park (gps: -33.029923, 151.64209)Your transport options to The Shores Way Car Park are by;
Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.(get details)
Short URL = http://wild.tl/gpcw
Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)
Special Maps/ brochures
* A3 topo maps
* PDF with Lands Topo map base
* PDF with arial image (and map overlay)
I wanted to get the main site live first, this extra stuff will come in time.
Happy walking
Matt 🙂
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