Merewether to Queens Wharf
Download & Print Map and Notes
1 hr 30 mins
4.4 km One way
104 m
Moderate track
Swell Cafe
Swell cafe is located right on the beach[1] (with the Merewether Surf Lifesaving Club[2] above it) and just off John Parade in Merewether. Swell cafe offers fresh juices, cafe food, a toilet[3] and water. More info.
(0km) Swell Cafe → Dixon Park SLSC
560 m
10 mins
8m
-6m
Very easy
From the Swell café[4], this walk heads up to ‘John Pde’ and turns right. The walk follows the footpath alongside ‘John Parade’[5] (keeping the beach to your right) for 300m to continue straght into ‘Dixon Park’[6]. Contune up past the ‘Bathers Way’ sign[7] along the footpath for another 200m (to pass alongside the carpark[8]) and come to the picnic shelter[9] outside the ‘Dixon Park SLSC’[10].
Dixon Park and Dixon Park SLSC
Dixon Park and the Dixon Park SLSC are located in the middle of Bar beach in Merewether. Dixon Park has a large open grassed area[11], sheltered picnic tables[12], barbeques, a children’s playground[13], toilets[14] and tap water. The open space of Dixon Park is often used for hangliding or kite flying. More info.
(0.56km) Dixon Park SLSC → Bar Beach car park
880 m
16 mins
21m
-15m
Easy track
Continue straight: From ‘Dixon Park SLSC’[15], this walk follows the footpath moderately steeply uphill[16], keeping the ocean on your right for just over 100m to find Ocean St. Here the walk turns right and continues beyond the end of Ocean St heading downhill[17] for 160m past the end of ‘Kilgour Ave’ to a small car park[18]. The walk veers left across the car park and follows the footpath, past the playing fields (on the left) and alongside the beach for 350m to the ‘Cooks Hill SLSC’ building[19] (on the right). The walk continues straight, beside the road and car park[20] before climbing up some concrete stairs[21], to find the large Bar Beach car park[22] (opposite the end of Parkway Ave). There are wide ocean views at the end of the car park, on your right[23] .
(1.45km) Bar Beach car park → Strzelecki Lookout
950 m
20 mins
58m
-4m
Moderate track
Continue straight: From the large Bar Beach car park[24] (opposite the end of Parkway Ave), this walk heads moderately steeply uphill[25] across the car park then up the footpath beside Memorial Dr, keeping the ocean on your right. 200m past the car park, this walk comes to an intersection with a set of stairs (on your right) at a gap in the fence (these stairs lead up to an old trig point[26] and stunning coastal views[27]). Here, the walk continues up along the footpath beside Memorial Dr for almost 500m (past a picnic shelter and bubbler) to an intersection with High St. ‘Strzelecki Lookout’[28] is a short distance to your right, on the other side of the car park.
Strzelecki Lookout
Strzelecki Lookout, atop the hill, is named in honor of the Polish geologist and explorer[29] whose chemical analyses and research into coal deposits from 1839-45 influenced the development of the region. Wonderful views of the coastline south are available here and if you are lucky, you will see a hanglider taking off. More info.
(2.39km) Strzelecki Lookout → King Edward Park (southern entrance)
160 m
3 mins
1m
-1m
Very easy
Continue straight: From the intersection (near Strzelecki Lookout), this walk follows the GNW arrow post across High St[31] then gently uphill alongside ‘Cliff St’. After passing a few houses, the road bends, becoming ‘The Terrace’[32] (with views to the right). The walk follows ‘The Terrace’ for about 60m, past ‘Shepherds Hill’[33] (and the Marine Rescue Building) gently downhill to the signposted southern entrance of ‘King Edward Park’[34].
Shepherds Hill
Shepherds Hill is located just south of King Edward Park (off The Terrace in Newcastle). Shepherds Hill is an exposed headland with wonderful views along the coastline[35]. During World War Two, Shepherds Hill was home to gun emplacements, pits[36], a 100 metre-long tunnel and observation posts[37]. The gun was designed to be a discrete, hard-to-spot weapon which would contract downwards, below its parapet to be reloaded. Shepherds Hill also housed a World War Two radar station[38]. Shepherds Hill is named after a survey report that called it ‘Sheep Pasture Hill’ after its resemblance to English countryside. Hang-gliding[41] is also very common from the hilltop[42]. More info.
(2.55km) King Edward Park (southern entrance) → King Edward Park barbeque area
260 m
5 mins
1m
-24m
Moderate track
Veer right: From the southern entrance of ‘King Edward Park’[43], this walk enters the park following the driveway (York Dr) through the usually open gate. The driveway leads downhill[44], alongside a car park for about 80m, to veer left onto a footpath marked with a GNW arrow post[45]. This walk follows this footpath moderately steeply downhill[46] for about 150m, among the large pine trees, down some concrete stairs[47], past the toilet block[48] to find the barbeque area[49] beside York Dr and the ‘King Edward Park Fountain’[50].
King Edward Park
King Edward Park is a large hilly park with established trees[51], abutting the ocean[52] just 500m from the centre of Newcastle. King Edward Park has toilets[53], barbeques[54], a children’s playground[55], an historic water fountain[56] and flower gardens. King Edward Park was once referred to as the ‘lungs of Newcastle’ as it supplied a natural parkland in contrast to the increasing urbanization of the nineteenth century[57]. More info.
(2.81km) King Edward Park barbeque area → Bogey Hole
460 m
9 mins
1m
-44m
Easy track
Turn sharp right: From the King Edward Park barbeque area[58], this walk follows York Drive gently downhill[59], while keeping toilets[60] on your right. The walk follows York Drive for about 100m, to turn left moderately steeply downhill[61] to Shortland Esplanade. Then the walk follows Shortland Esplanade[62] gently downhill for about 240m, to come to a three-way intersection[63] with Bogie Hole Rd (on the right). The walk turns right at Bogey Hole Rd and continues gently downhill[64] for about 60m, until coming to a three-way intersection[65], with a track[66] (on the right).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows Bogey Hole Rd[67] gently downhill, while keeping Bogey Hole track on your right and the ocean on your left. The walk continues for about 60m, until coming to concrete steps[68] and the Bogey Hole[69]. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Veer left.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows Bogey Hole Rd[67] gently downhill, while keeping Bogey Hole track on your right and the ocean on your left. The walk continues for about 60m, until coming to concrete steps[68] and the Bogey Hole[69]. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Veer left.
Bogey Hole
The Bogey Hole on Shortland Esplanade is a bathing pool that is open to the ocean[70]. The Bogey Hole was built by convict labour for the personal pleasure of Major James T. Morriset, the military commandant from 1819-1822 who did much to improve the breakwater, roads and barracks in the settlement. Over the years, the Bogey Hole was enlarged to its present size. The name “Bogey Hole” came from the Aboriginal word meaning “to bathe”. The Bogey Hole can be dangerous during high tides or times of rough seas[73]. For more information, contact the City of Newcastle on 02 4974 2000. More info.
(2.81km) King Edward Park barbeque area → Int of Wolfe Street AND the Obelisk steps
290 m
5 mins
12m
-2m
Easy track
Turn left: From the barbeque area[74], this walk follows the GNW arrow post[75] up along the footpath heading between the BBQ[76] and fountain[77], away from York Dr. The footpath leads up among the large pine trees[78] for 80m, to Reserve Rd[79]. Here the walk follows the GNW arrow post[80] across the road at the safety island[81] to the footpath on the other side, beside the intersection of ‘Reserve Rd’ and ‘The Terrace’.[82]
Turn right: From the intersection[83], this walk follows the GNW arrow post along the footpath beside ‘Reserve Rd’ keeping the white timber fence[84] on your left. After 30m this walk turns left into ‘Wolfe St’[85] then after about 110m, this walk crosses ‘Wolfe St’[86], just before ‘Ordnance St’ to come to a set of concrete steps[87] marked with a GNW arrow post[88].
Turn right: From the intersection[83], this walk follows the GNW arrow post along the footpath beside ‘Reserve Rd’ keeping the white timber fence[84] on your left. After 30m this walk turns left into ‘Wolfe St’[85] then after about 110m, this walk crosses ‘Wolfe St’[86], just before ‘Ordnance St’ to come to a set of concrete steps[87] marked with a GNW arrow post[88].
(3.1km) Int of Wolfe Street AND the Obelisk steps → The Obelisk
70 m
1 mins
2m
0m
Easy track
The Obelisk
This white stone monument[95] sits above the city of Newcastle, on a green grassy knoll. The Obelisk Park is popular and gives views across the Lower Hunter Plains. The Obelisk was first erected in 1850, to replace the windmill that had stood there before it. The Obelisk was erected to act as a navigational aid for ships. On the grassy knoll[96] is a water fountain[97] and a large sundial[98].
(3.17km) The Obelisk → Int of Newcomen AND Ordnance Streets
150 m
3 mins
0m
-15m
Moderate track
Turn right: From the Obelisk[99], this walk heads across the grass to follows the GNW arrow post[100] east down the gravel footpath[101] towards the clear ocean views. This walk soon leads down the series of concrete stairs[102] for about 120m, to find the intersection[103] of ‘Ordnance’ and ‘Newcomen’ streets.
(3.32km) Int of Newcomen AND Ordnance Streets → Int of Hunter AND Bolton Streets
690 m
12 mins
0m
-37m
Very easy
Veer left: From the intersection[104], this walk follows the GNW arrow post, across ‘Ordinance St’ then gently downhill along the footpath beside ‘Newcomen St’[105]. After about 250m, this walk turn right, crossing the road using the pedestrian crossing[106] to then follow ‘Church St’[107] gently downhill[108] for another 110m, to use cross the road using another pediestian crossing turning left into ‘Bolton St’[109]. Here the walk follows the footpath beside ‘Bolton St’ (past ‘The Grand Hotel’[110]) and continues gently downhill[111] for just over 250m, crossing ‘King St’[112] then ‘Hunter St’[113] (both with pedestrian crossings). Here the walk comes to the intersection of ‘Bolton’ and ‘Hunter’ streets[114], marked with a GNW arrow post[115].
Hunter Street Mall
The Hunter Street Mall offers an open air shopping experience[116], with a variety of shops, cafés[117] and services. Trading hours are Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri: 9am-5.30pm, Thurs:9am-9pm, Sat:9am-4pm, Sun:10am-4pm. For further information please contact the Hunter Street Mall Office on 02 4926 3477. More info.
(4.01km) Int of Hunter AND Bolton Streets → Int of Hunter AND Market Streets
220 m
3 mins
1m
-2m
Very easy
Turn left: From the intersection[118], this walk crosses ‘Bolton St’ (using the crossing) and follows the footpath[119] beside ‘Hunter St’ past the ‘ANZ’ bank building. The walk continues for 100m, to cross ‘Newcomen St’ then walk through the Hunter St pedestrian mall[120] for another 100m to an intersection[121] in the middle of the mall, just past the ‘Sanity’ store[122], marked with a GNW arrow post and a yellow pedestrian bridge[123] (on the right).
(4.23km) Int of Hunter AND Market Streets → Queens Wharf
180 m
3 mins
0m
-5m
Easy track
Turn right: From the intersection[124], this walk leaves the main mall and heads north up the yellow pedestrian footbridge[125]. The walk crosses the 130m long footbridge (passing over Scott St, the train line then Wharf St), before heading down the metal spiral staircase[126] and coming to ‘The Great North Walk – Queens Wharf Trackhead’ sign[127] on a large concrete pillar[128], at Queens Wharf[129].
Queens Wharf
Queens Wharf is on the Newcastle harbour, just minutes from the centre of Newcastle. The Queens Wharf Tower[130] is over 40m in height and open to the public. From the top of the tower, you are able to see up to 20km in all directions, particularly up and down the coastline (Note that the tower is closed in bad weather). Queens Wharf Tower, was built in 1988 and opened by Queen Elizabeth II to mark the Australian Bicentenary[131]. The Tower was built to mark the spot where the city meets the park and the sea. Queens Wharf is home to a number of restaurants and a bar, and there is a raised pedestrian footbridge from the tower into Hunter Street Mall shops. There is a ferry service across the harbour to Stockton, which gives good views back to across the water to Newcastle City. For more information contact the Newcastle Visitor Information Centre on 02 4974 2999. More info.
Maps for the Merewether to Queens Wharf 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.
| Newcastle | 1:25 000 Map Series | 92322S NEWCASTLE | NSW-92322S |
| Newcastle | 1:100 000 Map Series | 9232 NEWCASTLE | 9232 |
Cross sectional view of the Merewether to Queens Wharf bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Merewether to Queens Wharf
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 | 4.4 km | ||
| Time | 1 hr 30 mins | ||
| . | |||
| Grade 3/6 Moderate track |
AS 2156.1 | Gradient | Short steep hills (3/6) |
| Quality of track | Smooth and hardened path (1/6) | ||
| Signs | Clearly signposted (1/6) | ||
| Experience Required | No experience required (1/6) | ||
| Weather | Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6) | ||
| Infrastructure | Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6) |
Some more details of this walks Grading
Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk
Gradient
1.8km of this walk is flat with no steps and another 1.4km has short steep hills. The remaining (1.2km) has gentle hills with occasional steps.
Quality of track
This whole walk, 4.4km follows a smooth and hardened path.
Signs
This whole walk, 4.4km is clearly signposted.
Experience Required
This whole walk, 4.4km requires no previous bushwalking experience.
weather
This whole walk, 4.4km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).
Infrastructure
This whole walk, 4.4km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).
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Plan your trip to and from the walk here
The Merewether to Queens Wharf walk starts at the Swell Cafe (gps: -32.948307, 151.75681)Your transport options to Swell Cafe are by;
Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.(get details)
Ferry. (get details)The Merewether to Queens Wharf ends at the Queens Wharf (gps: -32.925766, 151.78145)
Your transport options to Queens Wharf are by;
Bus. (get details) Car. There is free parking available.(get details)
Short URL = http://wild.tl/mtqw
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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