On this walk you follow a trail nestled between the Hunter River and the glistening wetlands. You will enjoy an abundance of water birds, water views and plenty of places to sit to take it all in. The walk starts with an optional side trip along a boardwalk before following the old road (now closed to traffic) along side the Green and Golden Bell Frog habitat to the delightful picnic area at Scotts Point. Then the trail leads you along the northern arm of the Hunter River to the car park at Riverside Park. Maybe pack a fishing rod, camera, binoculars or a picnic lunch taking the extra time to enjoy this unique historical and environmentally sensitive area.

Total climbing: 0m

This walk leads through the heart of Hunter Wetlands National Park allowing you to explore this area rich in history and nature. The boardwalk takes you through a wetland with great water bird viewing opportunities, the rainforest walk leads you through a diverse forest with information signs about the plants. The walk then finishes with a road walk through open areas to the well-established Riverside picnic area on the banks of the Hunter River.

Total climbing: 0m

Explore the bank of the north arm of the Hunter River by following an old road from one picnic area to another. Starting from the well established Riverside Park picnic area, you wander along the mostly flat walk following the asphalt and gravel trail along the banks of the river, through a She Oak forest and beside the wetlands. A great walk for enjoying the birdlife and varied forest along the way. There are a series of picnic tables along the way and a sheltered seating area at Scotts Point. Once you are ready, retrace your steps back to the car.

Total climbing: 0m

This walk guides you around, then through the wetlands via Scott Point. You first walk along an old closed road on the banks of the Hunter River (north and south arms) then you meander along the lovely boardwalk through the heart of the wetlands then along the rainforest track to see a greater diversity of plants. You then return to the start by walking along a few roads giving you the sense of a stroll through rural farmlands. This lovely circuit walk gives you the sense of the variety of life in the precious ecosystem.

Total climbing: 0m

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 of the national park ensuring the survival of the endangered ecological community of saltmarsh and all the fish, birds and other animals that rely on them for survival. Bring a picnic lunch and settle under a tree or bring binoculars and a bird guide. Take your time to enjoy all this area has on offer.

Total climbing: 4m

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 signs so you can get a deeper understanding of how precious this ecosystem is. Take the short side trip to the old Schoolmaster’s House and step back in time exploring the historic artefacts and displays. The walk finishes with a stroll through Sue’s Garden then along Cobbans Track to the car park. If you don’t organise a lift from the end, allow extra time and retrace your steps or return along the road.

Total climbing: 3m

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 the extra facilities there. A recommended walk that doesn’t attract the crowds.

Total climbing: 91m

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 who want to stay on the wider trails. An excellent walk.

Total climbing: 96m

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 Exhibits at Carnley Reserve. This enjoyable walk is highly recommended.

Total climbing: 245m

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 these trail. This is a good walk which is made all the more pleasant by using the excellent facilities of Richley Reserve in Blackbutt Reserve.

Total climbing: 90m

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 along the way or at one of the established picnic areas. A recommended classic.

Total climbing: 225m

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 makes this walk particularly attractive. This walk is recommended.

Total climbing: 21m

This walk circumnavigates Black Duck Creek by following the shady Blueberry Ash trail. The walk then returns to Carnley Reserve using the Main Ridge Walking Trail. This relatively short walk has a good combination of shady moist forest and more exposed ridge forest. Make sure you visit the Wildlife Exhibit while at Carnley Reserve. A recommended walk.

Total climbing: 89m

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 park, this walk escapes the crowds well. A recommended walk, particularly on a hot day.

Total climbing: 104m

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, this walk is recommended for everybody, on all but the hottest days of summer.

Total climbing: 92m

This walk takes the walker into a dense cool rainforest that seems a world away from the hustle and bustle of Newcastle city. You’re likely to see flying foxes in the trees and, if you’re lucky, a Powerful Owl. Starting and finishing at the Carnley Ave Reserve, this walk can easily be combined with a visit to the Wildlife Exhibits and/or a picnic at Carnley Ave Reserve. A recommended walk.

Total climbing: 99m