Heritage walking track
Blue Gum Hills Regional Park
Overview
Join the Heritage walking track for a glimpse into the park’s mining history. This short walk follows the old rail embankment to a ventilation shaft from the 1870s.
- Where
- Blue Gum Hills Regional Park in North Coast
- Distance
- 3km loop
- Time suggested
- 30min - 1hr
- Grade
- Grade 4
- What to
bring - Hat, sunscreen, drinking water
- Please note
Walkers, cyclists and horse riders should remain on recognised tracks and trails as there are areas in the park that are subject to mine subsidence.
The Heritage walking track begins at the remains of an 1870's stone bridge abutments. This short walk takes you along the original Minmi Back Creek rail embankment to Brown’s Colliery No. 2 mine, ending at the large brick tower of an original ventilation shaft from the old mine. The return walk to the carpark along Blue Gum Road passes by the dam constructed to wash coal before transportation.
As you wind through dry eucalypt forest you may see goannas basking in patches of sunlight, hear the hum of cicadas and glimpse birds flitting through the trees. Look out for the grey goshawk, you'll be able to tell it from its powerful yellow legs and talons. This walk offers a wonderful blend of history and nature; everchanging as the bush reclaims the landscape.
Subscribe to Naturescapes
Subscribe to our Naturescapes e-newsletter which is packed with the latest information, experiences and events in NSW national parks. Your next park adventure starts here.
Saving Our Species program
Australia is home to more than 500,000 animal and plant species, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. Saving our Species is a statewide conservation program that addresses the growing number of Australian animals and Australian native plants facing extinction.
General enquiries
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Operated by
- Newcastle office
- Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm.
- 02 4946 4100
- npws.lowerhunter@environment.nsw.gov.au
- 1 Wetlands Place, Shortland NSW 2307
Park info
- in Blue Gum Hills Regional Park in the North Coast region
Blue Gum Hills Regional Park is open 7.30am to 8pm during daylight savings (7.30am to 5pm at other times), but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
What's nearby:
Things to do (25)
- Aboriginal culture (1)
- Adventure sports (1)
- Beach (1)
- Birdwatching and wildlife encounters (6)
- Canoeing/paddling (1)
- Cycling (5)
- Environmental appreciation/study (3)
- Fishing (3)
- Historic heritage (2)
- Other experiences (2)
- Picnics and barbecues (4)
- Sightseeing (4)
- Surfing (1)
- Walking (12)
- Waterfalls (1)